Hi ikers4, I used to drink for stress relief but it only increased the stress and became the source of more and more stress. Still my mind stayed deluded that a drink was a good idea or I "deserved" it no matter the consequences. As the drinking and direct consequences of it got worse I could not stay stopped and was caught in a downward spiral.

I did not want to realise that I was mentally ill in regard to my obsession with alcohol despite the obvious disaster in its wake for the longest time.

I cannot drink like other people - never could, never will. I'm an alcoholic but I don't need or want to drink today. I hope you find your solution too.

It sounds like you also need prayers. Whatever is wrong in your life that makes you feel you have to take a drink....is worthy of our utmost solemn prayers because drinking is not a good way to handle that problem.

I remember when I first started going to meetings people would speak of there need to drink when life became more then they thought they could handle. The old timers would each say that it's that emotional pain we feel that helps us grow and blocking it with a drink just delays that growth and sets us back.

One very good friend of mine said, "I started drinking when I was 15....I stopped drinking when I was 45, but I was still 15!"

You came to the right place when you came here but face to face meetings, where you can get alot more support to help you resolve those problems, would be much better.

We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!

God Bless!

A normal drinker doesn't wonder if his drinking is a problem.
If we're trying to control it, it's probably because it's already out of control.
The word "struggle" is the key.
Once you surrender to it your freedom will begin.

Like said previously, if you came here and went to all the signup process and everything because you think you have a problem - you most likelydo.
Self medicating to bury work stress is one thing I was really good at. At least until it all came crashing down around my ears.
The fellowship of AA and it's 12 steps got me out of that spiral. Today I have many sober and free weekends. Try it out, see what you think...

Hugs,
Dennis

Using alcohol as a stress reliever is common... What we dont realize while we are actively drinking is that alcohol isn't helping, only making things worse. Good luck to you. I hope you find your solution soon.

Welcome.
So... Do you think normal drinkers post questions about their binge drinking on an alcoholism forum?

You sound just like me......a "social drinker" who didn't really think she had a problem, yet every weekend my plans included alcohol (and sometimes during the week too if I was stressed). I came on this site asking myself the same question....do I have a problem? As others have stated & it's held true for me.....if I had to ask, then the answer is yes. I'm about 3 weeks in & have stumbled a couple times, but over all I feel better about myself. I'm keeping myself busy on the weekends so I don't think about drinking as much. Good luck to you....and we're always here if you need to vent =)

That was me a social drinker. A drink to have fun. it wasn't suddenly but it felt like it. I was not longer a social drinkers or drank for fun. I drink all the time for no reason and all reasons. It catches up with you. I thought I was drinking for stress relief, only to find out I drank when I wasn't stressed. I just drank because drank had a hold of me.

I feel your struggle so much like my own. of late, I have been drinking to combat loneliness and isolation and a distraction of household responsibilities. but I end up feeling more lonely, more sad, and more behind in my tasks. I came to this site a few days ago to admit that alcohol has become an issue for me in the past 6-9 months. I had weight loss surgery a year ago and I very quickly get buzzed on only a few drinks. before I know I know and with only 3 drinks in, I quite buzzed and cannot stop going for the next drink. I am ruining my health. and yet the loneliness and desperation call me to drink another. this is not the person God created me to be. and my children deserve more. yesterday a friend came for a visit. I had 1 drink with her. (she did not know that I feel beer has become an issue) I stopped at one drink. I wanted more, but I didn't have any and the kids were coming home from school. I choose to be the good mom. I didn't run to store as I would have in the past. small step, I guess. hugs. strength.

I can relate, the end of week stress relief was always alcohol for me! No matter what I would find some reason to drink. Whether I was celebrating, upset or passing the time I always turned to alcohol. Then...it became a weekday thing that continued for years and now I had a serious problem.

Vent all you want...but never give up. We are all here for you!

Its a vicious merry go round isn't it! the drinking compounds they anxiety and self hatred...leading me to drink more to escape.

Goggle Am I an alcoholic to take a quiz.....If you think you have a problem...you probably do.

Best wishes

You all have described my life so much more perfectly than I can. I drink to dampen the stress of my life, but in reality drinking multiplies the stress at home and at work. I know that when I take a drink, but I just want to numb the feelings and quiet the thoughts on my head. I have finally gotten to the point that I can go for 2or 3 days without drinking and not spend every moment obsessing over that next drink. But the day always comes when I convince myself that I deserve that drink - that vacation from the world around me. Wish I could afford a sober coach - someone to be responsible to each day.

Newwaze, have you thought of going to any type of recovery program for example AA? You wouldn't have anyone to be responsible to but you would get face to face support and people interested in your well being and sobriety.

ikers4,
Most of us dont remember a weekend (or day) sober. Thats why many of us are here. Many of us feel this way, or have family members that do. If you are actually thinking that it is a struggle, then you came to the right website. Dont worry, we all have them, & we are not here to judge anyone. Please feel free to talk.
~Trace