[OT] Alcoholism. Willing to share your problem?

[sparklepuff]

What's that joke, "What's the difference between an alcoholic and a drunk? Alcoholics go to meetings."

I'm a drunk.

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[andydes]

Pubs and drinking are the very cornerstone of British social intercourse. Hundreds of thousands of people go drinking at the weekend, sometimes to excess, and feel bad about it the next day.

But they haven't done it because they are addicted, they've done it because it can be brilliant fun. Hilarious conversations, honesty and opening up, bonding with people - if everyone that drinks is an alcoholic, then its no more pubs. And then what are we all going to do? Have a coffee at Starbucks? Go ten pin bowling?

A pint and a cigarette in the pub was the last luxury for the British working classes. Now cigarettes are banned, will all drinkers now be tagged as alcoholics in denial? Who will save out great British pint??

If drinking causes you or someone else pain, then cut down or stop. If you can't stop then get professional help stopping. But I don't accept that ticking yes to three of those questions means you are "definitely an alcoholic". Because that would have at least half of British people in rehab tomorrow morning.

+1

Never mind having a drink problem, I'd rather be a smackhead than spend my fridays in a bowling alley.

[Gab]

Tired of pictures. Let's try quotes instead.

Major Strasser: What is your nationality?
Rick: I'm a drunkard.
Captain Renault: That makes Rick a citizen of the world.

From Casablanca, ofc!

[Big V]

Big V, your signature has made me feel weird.

Really? I hope in a positive way...

[leonard]

You seem to think you can restore that classic car in your garage by drinking beer while staring at it.

http://www.drunkard.com/md_youre_a_drunk.htm

[smutek]

My advice to the OP is to listen to the people here who have actually been through it. Opinions are like ass holes. If you want advice on how to build a house you can ask a hair stylist, but you might get better advice from someone who has actually built a house.

I've been through it myself and am now in my 10th year clean and sober. I don't think it is my place to pass judgment on anyone and, as mentioned earlier, a person has to decide/admit themselves whether or not they have a problem before anyone or anything will be able to help.

That said, my advice to anyone who thinks they might have a problem is this.

If you think you might have a problem you probably do. Try to stop. If you can't stop you have a problem.

Pretty simple. It's when we add all of our rationalization, justification, and other bullshit that it gets really complex.

Good luck.

[Sphinx]

I've been through it myself and am now in my 10th year clean and sober.

Congrats!

If you think you might have a problem you probably do.

I love that line...it's so fuckin' true! I can remember countless times saying to myself, "normal people do not act like this..."

[TITBAG]

Tired of pictures.

Big man! Big pompous French man!

[mkelly]

Try to stop. If you can't stop you have a problem.

I think this is the best piece of advice. I think most people can self diagnose themselves into having a drinking problem, but you'll never really know until try to change it. I know this was the position I was in.