When someone repeatedly tries to quit drinking alcohol, but finds that he cannot simply stop, that is usually considered a good sign that their drinking has reached the level of alcohol dependence. When a visitor calling himself "ANewStart" posted in our Alcoholism / Substance Abuse Forum about his drinking patterns, he described the classic symptoms.
A New Start's Story
I really don't know where to start, but I figure that maybe doing this (posting a message here) will help me get started on the "road to recovery." I am an alcoholic. It hasn't been very easy for me to face or admit.The shame about my alcoholism has held a lot of power over me. But I am increasingly losing control over my drinking and I am beginning to recognize more and more that I need to get help.
I have found myself time after time telling myself that I will quit... then later in the evening as the day comes close to an end I find myself saying "what the heck, I'll have a beer or two." Of course, lately that always turns into 5 or 6.
I Will Go This Week
The last time I saw my doctor a couple months ago I spoke with him about this problem, so I was referred to a treatment program. I waited to hear back from them for quite a while. I finally heard back from them last week.I had family in town so it was hard to make time to go for the initial assessment. Then there was the weekend and I didn't want to pass up on some free time to drink. I am telling myself that I will go this week.
I feel sick, I look worn, I've got a huge beer belly, I've got tired looking eyes with dark circles beneath. It is hard for me to focus.
-- ANewStart
Do You Need Help Quitting?
If your drinking has reached the point that you have tried to stop on your own and failed to do so, it usually means that you will need help to quit drinking, whether it is pharmaceutical treatment, professional treatment or Alcoholics Anonymous. If you think that your drinking has become a problem, talk to your family physician or seek an evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider.
