The giving up/cutting down alcohol support thread! Part 2

Needstochange

Know what you mean about the smoking FUAS I stopped and never went back although I remember it been a lot lot more difficult than the AFDs I have had so far. I wonder if it is because smoking is so socially unacceptable now and everyone seems to be wanting to stop at some point whereas drinking is a massive part of society and is still socially acceptable in fact it is almost socially unacceptable not to drink:eek: Almost all of our traditional occasions are accompanied by some alcohol or another and how many "role models" do you know who dont drink, or maybe thats just me:D

graemecarter

115K wrote: »

I just quickly wanted to check this thread before I turned off the computer tonight and I have to say graemecarter that not everyone on this thread is an alcoholic and has to therefore completely abstain so cutting back on alcohol should be applauded too in my book.
I know it is cold and depressing at this time of year and I'm just saying that some people find that they drink or eat too much at this time of year like animals in hibernation mode I always think.

Hope you guys are all okay anyway.:A

I didn't say that everyone is an alcoholic. I was just responding to someone who said that it is dark and cold, and I said it always is in January.

All reduction in intake should be applauded, I have never said otherwise, but most people should not kid themselves. We have a life-threatening condition, and by just cutting down for a period of time, one is not getting to grips as to WHY we seek solace in alcohol.

Admitting you are an alcoholic is very hard, and certainly very humbling. It is the start of the road to recovery. I didn't want to admit it to anyone, especially myself.

Though my theory is if you cannot stop drinking for a month or two, then alcohol obviously plays a much bigger part in your life than you choose to admit to, and you're an alcoholic.

biscotte

Morning all - at last the sun has come out here so it feels better even if it was minus 8 when I left this morning.

Happy Birthday MRC, enjoy yourself tonight whatever you choose re alcohol.

NTC, I think the fact that smoking has become so socially unacceptable and difficult (having to go outside to smoke except in your own home practically) HAS helped a lot of people to give up. Really you need to make quite an effort to have a fag nowadays so we are far more conscious of what we're doing. Drinking , even getting drunk, still considered the social norm and in fact if you don't drink you'r the wierd one. I wonder how long it will take for that culture to change (or will it ever?).

miamoo

Though my theory is if you cannot stop drinking for a month or two, then alcohol obviously plays a much bigger part in your life than you choose to admit to, and you're an alcoholic.[/quote]
WHAT? Im going before I say something I regret.

winebox

graemecarter wrote: »

Though my theory is if you cannot stop drinking for a month or two, then alcohol obviously plays a much bigger part in your life than you choose to admit to, and you're an alcoholic.

(Quote) miamoo: WHAT? Im going before I say something I regret.[/quote]

And I'm coming with you.......

winebox

polaroid wrote: »

i'll be honest i dont want to cut it from my life forever i just want to stop the drinking at home. i did it so successfully then it crept in again. i want to shut it out of home for good this time. i know some people think its all or nothing and maybe i am kidding myself but i find i feel quite "controlled" when i am out, its when i drink on my own that the problems start. ifykwim.

I know exactly what you mean hence my womo clause! When I'm in company a glass of wine - or more - is a part of the fun & the chat & having a laugh with mates; when I'm sat at home I just....drink. I've tried telling myself jokes but I've heard them all before (or I forget the punchline :rotfl: )

My wine glass must be feeling neglected...it hasn't been out of the cupboard yet this year.

Needstochange

miamoo wrote: »

Though my theory is if you cannot stop drinking for a month or two, then alcohol obviously plays a much bigger part in your life than you choose to admit to, and you're an alcoholic.

WHAT? Im going before I say something I regret.[/QUOTE]

:rotfl: :rotfl: yeah feel the same miamoo. Reckon GCs theory would make most of the UK alcoholics including everyone I know bar 2 who have given up alcohol completely, 1 because of health problems and her medication and the other because she was an alcoholic 30 years ago.In my opionion it is ridiculous to suggest everyone who wants to cut down and finds it difficult is an alcoholic but is does sound like an AA point of view. I love chocolate and would struggle to give it up for 2 months without thinking about it quite a lot, does that mean I have a serious addiction to chocolate? (:rotfl: come to think of it that could be true:rotfl: ) In addition to the physical dependance that some people have to alcohol there is a mental dependance or habit element. By changing your habits you can change your mental dependance (not the physical one of course that is very different) I think there is a thread somewhere on here that is very much about alcoholism and AA. When I was lurking around I chose this thread rather than that one as I believe cutting down is right for me rather than the essential giving up that AA insist on.

Totally waffling now and sorry if I have offended anyone but I would hate to see some of GCs broad comments putting people off posting here.

Ill close the door on the way out:o

jo1972

graemecarter wrote: »

Though my theory is if you cannot stop drinking for a month or two, then alcohol obviously plays a much bigger part in your life than you choose to admit to, and you're an alcoholic.

I can see a good argument coming on :rotfl:

GC, I agree whole heartedly with everything you say, purely cos of the counselling I've had in the past and things that I've had to address with my addiction, I can identify myself with the stuff you have been saying. Thank you for your support

ETA: everyone's opinions and experiences are different and should be. I think I can identify with GC's comments because I can not stop drinking for a month or two or indeed a day or two without having to question my every thought and action. This means that I am controlled by alcohol.

winebox

Needstochange wrote: »

WHAT? Im going before I say something I regret.

:rotfl: :rotfl: yeah feel the same miamoo.
Ill close the door on the way out:o[/quote]

It's getting crowded out here now. No doubt we're all "in denial".......(well known African river ouch)

winebox

jo1972 wrote: »

I can see a good argument coming on :rotfl:

.

bring it on!

Just joking! Good & fair post Jo, thanks.

We each know our own minds...(in my case, what passes for one)