Teens often try alcohol before they turn 21. They did this even back in the "olden days" when I was a teen. But day drinking and getting drunk aren't funny at all. They lead to addiction. This is especially true, when addiction runs in the family (your bio mom). So, instead of laughing when I see this picture of you sprawled on the ground, I feel sad. Not only is what you're doing dangerous, but it represents to me just how desperate you are not to feel anything.
As you know, there are ways for you to cope that don't involve drinking, and ways to party without getting drunk. If you haven't tried them already, I'd encourage you to do so. Pick one off of the list and go with it. If that doesn't work for you, then try another. Drinking may "help" in the moment, but it makes problems much bigger over time. I realize that you may not like what I'm saying - and perhaps you will disagree with me and ignore my advice. But, friends look out for friends, even when it means telling them something they don't want to hear.
I drank alot from 16-18 and then quit, until much later in life. but then I began to see many friends, family and coworkers dying from alcoholism. I didn't quit until I heard a voice asking me if I had enough yet? That was the first day of my sobriety....that was the first day of my awakening.... Please don't wait as long as I did to get sober, ask for help and you will get it....hugs
Like I just messaged Bob. I dont drink to escape reality. I drink because I like it. I am not an alcholic and I wont be. I can control myself. I only drink with my parents permission. And when I was "day drinking", me and my friend didnt like what we were drinking so we dumped it down the sink. I am fine. I dont like you thinking I am like every other teenger trying to run from their feeling! I am not them, I am me.
I'm relieved to hear you're doing fine, Shy. That wasn't the impression I had gathered - from your journal entries, from messaging with a couple of your friends, and even from your own words at one point, when you described drinking as a way to "not feel anything." You've indicated now that I've misunderstood, and for that, I apologize.
I view every teenager as a unique individual - each with their own hopes, dreams, fears, and inner battles. Over the years, I've had the honor of mentoring teens across a wide spectrum: some who have never touched substances, and others who have struggled profoundly with addiction. I've never believed in a one-size-fits-all approach, because every young person's path and purpose are distinct. Even though many of your comments are typical for teens with substance abuse issues - "I drink because I like it. I'm not an alcoholic and won't be. I can control myself." - you're absolutely right that you're you. I'm sorry that I made you feel unfairly categorized.
My only intention was to offer support through what I thought was a difficult time for you - not to offend. It appeared to me that you are spiraling, and I only wanted to do whatever I could from afar to prevent you from ending up hurt or dead. I'm very sorry that my words came across otherwise.
I wish you strength, clarity, and happiness on your journey.
Icr to your drinking. I drink when it's a party or when my friends have something going on. Not every time ofc but whenever it happens.
I do smoke weed. Its not necessary for a pain relief but it is in a way. I have smoked every day and I taken weeks off from it. Sometimes its because I like the feeling and sometimes it's because i need a mental break. My mind constantly runs. Its like a computer that won't shut off. Music, history, school work, my friends issues and so on. Im an empath so it just happens.
I don't think teen activities will become an issue. Most people stop doing things like this when they get older. Idk about statistics because I see the people do the things they publicly say they don't do. Im typically honest about what I do but if im asked if I smoke weed in a survey, im going to say no. Statistically, im one who is a non smoker. I dont trust statistics. Its a base to go on for forensics or other investigations for various reasons.
Replies
OMG!!!
Did you pass out? Lol
That's hilarious!!!!
No, I was just laughing and I lost my balance
Little tipsy? Lol
Teens often try alcohol before they turn 21. They did this even back in the "olden days" when I was a teen. But day drinking and getting drunk aren't funny at all. They lead to addiction. This is especially true, when addiction runs in the family (your bio mom). So, instead of laughing when I see this picture of you sprawled on the ground, I feel sad. Not only is what you're doing dangerous, but it represents to me just how desperate you are not to feel anything.
As you know, there are ways for you to cope that don't involve drinking, and ways to party without getting drunk. If you haven't tried them already, I'd encourage you to do so. Pick one off of the list and go with it. If that doesn't work for you, then try another. Drinking may "help" in the moment, but it makes problems much bigger over time. I realize that you may not like what I'm saying - and perhaps you will disagree with me and ignore my advice. But, friends look out for friends, even when it means telling them something they don't want to hear.
Hugs.
I drank alot from 16-18 and then quit, until much later in life. but then I began to see many friends, family and coworkers dying from alcoholism. I didn't quit until I heard a voice asking me if I had enough yet? That was the first day of my sobriety....that was the first day of my awakening.... Please don't wait as long as I did to get sober, ask for help and you will get it....hugs
Like I just messaged Bob. I dont drink to escape reality. I drink because I like it. I am not an alcholic and I wont be. I can control myself. I only drink with my parents permission. And when I was "day drinking", me and my friend didnt like what we were drinking so we dumped it down the sink. I am fine. I dont like you thinking I am like every other teenger trying to run from their feeling! I am not them, I am me.
I understand everyone's comments including yours.
Drinking can become a problem. Its addicting.
But in your case It was your brother's birthday and you were just celebrating it with him and your family. I get it.
Glad you had a good time.
Hugs and Love to you always. Xoxo
I'm relieved to hear you're doing fine, Shy. That wasn't the impression I had gathered - from your journal entries, from messaging with a couple of your friends, and even from your own words at one point, when you described drinking as a way to "not feel anything." You've indicated now that I've misunderstood, and for that, I apologize.
I view every teenager as a unique individual - each with their own hopes, dreams, fears, and inner battles. Over the years, I've had the honor of mentoring teens across a wide spectrum: some who have never touched substances, and others who have struggled profoundly with addiction. I've never believed in a one-size-fits-all approach, because every young person's path and purpose are distinct. Even though many of your comments are typical for teens with substance abuse issues - "I drink because I like it. I'm not an alcoholic and won't be. I can control myself." - you're absolutely right that you're you. I'm sorry that I made you feel unfairly categorized.
My only intention was to offer support through what I thought was a difficult time for you - not to offend. It appeared to me that you are spiraling, and I only wanted to do whatever I could from afar to prevent you from ending up hurt or dead. I'm very sorry that my words came across otherwise.
I wish you strength, clarity, and happiness on your journey.
Icr to your drinking. I drink when it's a party or when my friends have something going on. Not every time ofc but whenever it happens.
I do smoke weed. Its not necessary for a pain relief but it is in a way. I have smoked every day and I taken weeks off from it. Sometimes its because I like the feeling and sometimes it's because i need a mental break. My mind constantly runs. Its like a computer that won't shut off. Music, history, school work, my friends issues and so on. Im an empath so it just happens.
I don't think teen activities will become an issue. Most people stop doing things like this when they get older. Idk about statistics because I see the people do the things they publicly say they don't do. Im typically honest about what I do but if im asked if I smoke weed in a survey, im going to say no. Statistically, im one who is a non smoker. I dont trust statistics. Its a base to go on for forensics or other investigations for various reasons.