Developing a drink problem

Legacy_user

Hey folks.

I'm not someone who goes out every weekend or parties too hard. Yes maybe 7/8 years ago I did. However now when I go out I often drink to I almost cant stand. I dont feel it coming on its like I go from tipsey to full drunk at the flick of a switch.

When I go out it tends to be all or nothing so I often end up drunk and can hardly remember things. My legs also seem to give up on me.

Anyone else decide to give up alcohol cause of these things. It's happening more regularly when I was younger I went out didn't feel I drank anymore than now but I was ok. Now I'm falling.

Im starting to get worried that I may be developing a drink problem. This looks like a sign?

[Deleted User]

I think you’ve seen the light! Go tee total.

Pollycat

frannyj543 wrote: »

Hey folks.

I'm not someone who goes out every weekend or parties too hard. Yes maybe 7/8 years ago I did. However now when I go out I often drink to I almost cant stand. I dont feel it coming on its like I go from tipsey to full drunk at the flick of a switch.

When I go out it tends to be all or nothing so I often end up drunk and can hardly remember things. My legs also seem to give up on me.

Anyone else decide to give up alcohol cause of these things. It's happening more regularly when I was younger I went out didn't feel I drank anymore than now but I was ok. Now I'm falling.

Im starting to get worried that I may be developing a drink problem. This looks like a sign?

If you drink until you fall down and can't remember things, I'd say you already have a drink problem.

Sephs

I have experienced this a few times and it's been enough to really frighten me into rethinking my actions.

I have considered going teetotal but instead I'm going to try to slow down on my drinks and drink plenty of water in between alcoholic drinks. Certain conditions can make you more sensitive to alcohol and I've found that's the case with me. I just can't drink like I used to! Plus I have multiple chronic conditions and a hangover only exacerbates my symptoms.

Are you on any medications or do you have any health conditions that could be to blame for the sudden drunkenness?

Soph1988

As I've got older my tolerance for drinking has lowered. I'm not sure if its age or just because it happens less often now, but if I haven't had a big meal midday and have a pint, half way through the pint I'll be tipsy.

I would suggest you maybe go for far weaker drinks if you HAVE to drink - spritzers? Shandy?
If you really feel you need to get so drunk you can't keep yourself safe and don't remember what you did, I'd suggest you get some help as to why you feel the need to do this. Talk to your GP.

System

Thanks for the replies. No not on any medication. I would classify myself as a fit young male. Run 5km in around 20 mins.

It seems more frequently now. It's probably a combination of factors.

I dont drink anywhere near the amount I used to when early 20s. So my body isnt used to the volumes anymore.

I live abroad so the measures are bigger here.

I also live in a country where a speak a little of the language so when everyone's talking I'm drinking.

However I do believe I use alcohol to feel happier in my surroundings and I dont seem to have a warning sign limit. I remember being tipsey during the night but the rest after tipsey is a blackout. It's worrying.

I'm going to give drink this Christmas a wide berth as I'm worried I may blackout after 5-6 beers. My problem is I can have 3 beer and stop and go home however if it passes 4 or 5 that's me wanting to stay out for the night

It's a sad way to be with alcohol. I also have family that had drink problems and depression issues so I fear i could be next.

Shrimply

frannyj543 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. No not on any medication. I would classify myself as a fit young male. Run 5km in around 20 mins.

Are you working out and exercising more than you used to? This might also play a factor.

Sephs

I think moderation is key, so why not have a soft drink between each alcoholic drink and see how you go? I've found this works really well for me. I drink brandy and coke so nobody is aware that I'm drinking a soft drink in between, and it stops any awkward pressure.

jenniewb

OP it's only you that will be able to tell if you've got a problem with alcohol, weather it's depending on it to get through the day or not knowing how to stop (it should just be reducing your intake but if you are struggling to do this because you feel compelled to drink or you "forget" to cut back or whatever) or if it's not being able to stop once you start...if it feels like more of the alcohol than you in your actions to drink/cut back then you know that alcohol is a problem.


If you need support, it is there- various charities and also via your GP (though the latter will have a waiting list), if you've tried to stop, cut back or deal with the side effects of having too much to drink repeatedly, I'd strongly advise you get help and also get support, weather that be via a support group or alcohol support counsellor, I head too much about people who think they've got things under control but on the outside it looks like anything but. Help is available, if you need it, get it whilst it is still available.

System

No I'm not working out anymore. I have no urges to drink mid week and it wouldn't bother me to go a month without it.

My problem is the 4th or 5th beer I want more. I want to stay out and nothing triggers to say.... wow your drunk here get a shandy instead or a vodka.

I'm going to just give it a miss for a while. I'm starting to not trust myself with it. I dont fight or act bad I just end up staggering home and the odd time falling and waking up with a bump or bruise.

jenniewb

frannyj543 wrote: »

No I'm not working out anymore. I have no urges to drink mid week and it wouldn't bother me to go a month without it.

My problem is the 4th or 5th beer I want more. I want to stay out and nothing triggers to say.... wow your drunk here get a shandy instead or a vodka.

I'm going to just give it a miss for a while. I'm starting to not trust myself with it. I dont fight or act bad I just end up staggering home and the odd time falling and waking up with a bump or bruise.

I hope you're right and you got this, but I worry that it may feel harder than you think, but it's good that you can recognise something isn't quite right.


Maybe cut back/cut out for a few weeks, see how it feels. But don't expect it to have made you good as new- IME of others, you can stop but once you start again, even if it's been years, it can feel like you've just picked up where you stopped before so bare it in mind it may be something you always need to watch.


It can feel harder when there is an emotional need to escape or forget about things. If you think this is happening, look at what you are otherwise struggling with so it doesn't pose a risk in the future.