Alcoholism Support Group

Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.

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Should I Give up Alcohol for LENT

JimmyYyz
JimmyYyz
Ok so many family think I have a problem with the bottle. I don't drink everyday- but 4-5 out of a week. I have had a steady 6 figure job doing well for over 15 years. Recently moved to a new City (same job) but I notice I'm drinking more. Never been to AA but have LIKED to drink for as long as I can remember.(I'm mid 40's) and can't remember a Saturday in probably -IDK- 15 years or more when I/we (wife) did not consume.
So I'm pondering giving up alcohol for Lent. My whole family (NOT MY WIFE) ~brothers,sis and Mom are too(I think~ in an effort to help ME)I dont know if I can do it-!
My family will NOT see me (they are all in different states) and my wife, who consumes as much as me, says--uh-uh..'Im not stopping'-
My GOAL is to cut down- NOT permanently quit- so Will quiting for 40 days (46)with a wife who WONT quit- help ? or could THIS just be a futile attempt. ?
thxs-
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think it's a good idea to see if you can stop for 40 days. It'll give you a much needed break, and it'll also give you a chance to see if you can do it without major discomfort. Keep an eye on yourself for the first 10 days or so. If you're agitated and craving a drink, then you know you've developed a physical addiction (at minimum).

And if you make it for 40 days, you should monitor yourself when you go back to drinking. Will you get blind drunk on that first night out as a celebration? Will you fall back into your old habits immediately? Both of these are warning signals

I run my own business and do quite well, but it didn't stop me from drinking myself into alcoholism. Only you can decide if you're an alcoholic, and this will be a good test for you.

One more thing- be accountable. Come back here once in awhile and tell us how you're doing. You may catch some heat, but I think it would be a good place to keep yourself honest.....even if it's only for 40 days.

Good luck!
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you are not an alcoholic you will be able to stop with no problem, if you can't stop then you probably have a problem. A non alcoholic doesn't have a problem with thinking of quitting or not, it's just not an issue with them. Only to us alcoholics it is an issue.
JimmyYyz
JimmyYyz
Well yes im here & thXs for all the
Comments IAM going to STOP === for LENT
( in my Minds eye)__ Hard Liqour- AT THE VERY best I WILL give up that ?
beer wine-- ? EASY? but DOES THAT COUNT??
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't know but let us know how it goes, good luck!
Community LeaderExJerseyGirl2
ExJerseyGirl2
Hey Jimmy,

If I was going to give up alcohol for Lent, I would give up all alcoholic beverages, not just hard liquor but beer and wine too. Just like if I was giving up chocolate, I wouldn't just give up Hersey Bars, I'd also forgo hot chocolate and chocolate ice cream.

That's just how I view Lent -- iI say that f you are going to give something up, go for it.

Whatever you decide, good luck, and keep us posted!
AnneL
AnneL
Jimmy, I do want you to know that I can't judge whether or not you have a drinking problem. You could quite possibly do the 40 days and be just fine. Like jackthedipster said, it's a chance to take a break and reevaluate the situation. Best
Taradactyl
Taradactyl
Jimmy,
Read "Here are some things we have tried" - Mindlight's post. It might make some sense to you.
gjm
gjm
Jimmy welcome. You ask the question if beer or wine counts on giving up drinking. I suggest you get educated on the disease of alcoholism and you will find your answers

Just a thought here its not what you drink, or when you drink, it what happens when you drink..

There is a reason your asking theses questions so I would suggest seeking out the answers like I mentioned before.
donttread
donttread
I can't tell you weather you're an alcoholic or not. But I can tell you that a 40 year old man drinking 4-5 days a week and having family on his back about it ain't normal.
JimmyYyz
JimmyYyz
Well, I cant tell you how helpful you all have been. I learned alot from you all even through the helpful hints, lighthearted jokes and (what appears to be)unfriendy straight forward pokes-.(but i guess thats what its comes down to)
I think I may have found new friens. I just have to lose MY OLD friend.........some how.(it seems)
I'm confused/abit overwhelmed still
but working on it.
Some of you have made great sense- thankyou.
Keep it coming~ I have 6 days to decide if I get my Ashes next Wednesday(and mean it)
JimmyYyz
JimmyYyz
last six pack bought- ! IPA -
all other liquor is almost empty and will be by FAT TUESDAY-- And I'm planning on getting SHITFACED IN N'AWLINS.!!!!!
ha`` (kidding) NO reason for that--- IS THERE?