Binge drinking is alcoholism too
Many people looking for help on this site do not consider themselves to be alcoholics. They are not drinking all day, every day. But they are regularly binge drinking alcohol to excess, such that they are damaging their health, their relationships and their self esteem.
It is easier to convince yourself that you haven’t got an alcohol problem if you can regularly have days where you don’t drink at all. You think you’ve got control of your drinking again, so you’re not so concerned any more.
Then it happens again – you binge, and wake up feeling awful. Maybe you carry on drinking heavily for a couple of days to deal with how guilty you feel about it all. But this type of binge drinking can have serious negative consequences which you need to do something about.
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I hope someone will help me. I live in the UK but am originally from the US. When I was 25 I joined AA for binge drinking and sobered up. Since then (Iam 55 now) I have been sober for periods of 2 years, 5 years, 8 years, and six months, six months, a year and so on. I had to stop going to AA meetings about 15 years ago because they were triggering for me as gossip from an AA meeting caused me to actually lose my job—my career—and ruined my reputation in the small town I live in. There was no choice of meetings. It was an unhealthy meeting and the gossip did me in. Against all the traditions but IT HAPPENED. Plus I don’t do the God-thing. And hate the righteousness and superiority of those who manage continuous sobriety. Also, they called me unclean when I took my medicines for bipolar, actually was told there is no such thing as bipolar and it was just another excuse to “use”. Rubbish—I have been diagnosed bipolar, with psychotic episodes of mania and depression, ever since I was a teenager. I have a severe case of bipolar which is controlled well with medicines. Also I have social anxiety disorder and it makes going to meetings, which are very social, too overstimulating and confusing for me. My psychiatrists also believe I was born with some form of autistic disorder and social situations are trying for me to say the least, though through use of medicines and/or alcohol I can manage better. People don’t normally tell that I’ve been drinking, I have a hollow leg.
So how does a person handle it when almost ALL recovered addicts/alkies say, Go To A Meeting (12-step) as if that is the ONLY way to stay sober? It’s either AA, they say, or “jails, institutions or death”. Grim stuff indeed.
Also, just for the record, I am a woman, 5’7, 200 lbs, and I eat before drinking. My most recent binge I drank 10 shots of vodka and did not throw up or black out. But could it have killed me? Is it in that range?
Thank you if any one comments.
GumboC’s post probably doesnt apply to you. You seem to be more concerned about software compatibility;))
Hi!
This is an amazing site! It should be both marketed and publicised more. I believe it will give strength to both those who are going through it themselves as well as those who loves someone who is going through it. I fall into the category of the latter.
Almost everything thats been said from both sides, I’ve seen happen to the man I love and experienced all the emotions as his girlfriend for over 2 years now. I have also been through my own turmoil.. denial, confusion, disbelief, frustration, anger, sadness, disappointment, hurt, lost, lonely, even emotionless.
Bottom line is, I believe in him and his desire and commitment to get to a place where this is managed and in control. After reading this site my own feelings have changed to a positive.. understanding, empathy and determination. I have no idea what tomorrow brings, but know now that I want to do everything in my power to ensure he goes to the right places and gets the right kind of support to see this through. So, I don’t plan to go anywhere. Step one, sending him this thread, which I have done after spending 4 hours reading and re-reading it.
So, just to say Thank You. You helped a lot, just by your openness and honesty.
Take care. I know you all can and will make it through. xxx
Your boyfriend is so so blessed to have such great support from you …. it helps tremendously when someone u love like that doesn’t give up and believes in you it makes all the difference. God bless you !!
Sarah