Need to Ask A Question

I'll just come out and ask it. Do you think that someone that may be a alcoholic can self treat without going to AA meetings? Can someone that is for lack of a better term "borderline" alcoholic be able to cut back on drinking without having to give it up completely? Yes, I am asking for myself. It seems in the last recent months I have increased my intake considerably. Sometimes I "let myself go" and others I keep a tight reighn. Last night I had two drinks while sitting on the porch with my husband. The night before nothing. But last Sunday I don't remember how many. And the other day I thought a cold beer was just what I wanted but then had my husband fini**** I would like as many opinions as possible. And please speak the truth. I have been going thru alot of stress which is just a excuse. I do find when I am busy I just don't have the desire. Lol..probably why I have cut way back in the last week. I am seriously thinking of getting a part time job nights and weekends. A to help pay some debts and school tuition and B to fill my time so I won't have that desire. It seems we give up one vice (food) only to find another (alcohol)

You sound like I did before I came to AA. For me, it was not just the amount of alcohol, but why I felt it necessary to, now and then, tie one on. Alcoholism is more than just the amount of alcohol a person drinks. It is a spiritual, emotional and physical problem. Since it is tri-fold in nature, it requires a tri-fold recovery program. If you think you don't have a problem, try drinking a controlled amount indefinitely. If you are able to do that, then, you probably are not an alcoholic. If you find you drink too much on occassion, you probably qualify for a seat at an AA meeting. As for recovery options, there are plenty of options. AA is most available. There are Christian recovery programs, like Celebrate Recovery. Most people find it easier to recover in a fellowship of people who are supportive and understand. Good luck, trish

Thanks so much for your input. Have a blessed weekend.

Good advice from Patricia. I go to NA. It was the first meeting I attended and as my addiction is so multifacited it is a good fit. I tried for years to do it myself and rarely was the amount I drank a serious issue. The why and how it surfaced in other areas was the issue. I can deal with things much better with support. Laurie

Hi Rita It can be done but it is not easy without a support system.I used to drink every day morning noon and night.I would drink at work and no matter where I was I would be drinking.I hit rock bottem 12 years ago and decided that I was not going to drink anymore.I still don't know how I did it but I stopped.I found myself alone and the friends I thought I had stopped comming around once the drinking stopped.I realized that they where not friends at all.I didn't drin****il I moved to maryland 1 year after wls.I can now have 1 or 2 beers and stop.Back then I felt like crap and lost so much because of my drinking.The last time I had a drink was New years eve so yes I have beat the demon and I hope you can as well.Good luck steve