gordondaviesmoustache
Well-Known Member
I’m pretty much on the same page as you mate. I never sufffer from withdrawal from alcohol and can (and do) go without it for fairly sustained periods and I can certainly enjoy a night out without it, even in the company of others who are drinking. I’m going to Leicester but have decided not to drink, for example - but I am definitely what would be objectively be described as having a drink problem and quite possibly by some as a low level functioning alcoholic. Consume about 50 units in a normal week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. If I’m slightly the other side of the ‘alcoholic’ line it honestly makes no difference to me, and nor will it to my liver. I drink what I drink and my liver and my body more generally doesn’t care what label is ascribed to that drinking.I’m with you.
Ive drank every night, probably since around 25/02 this year, and tbf most days last year during Covid. I’ve gone through 2 personal losses this year and alcohol absolutely numbs the pain, and makes things feel better. With that being said I don’t see myself as an alcoholic, but I still see alcoholism as “alcohol dependent”, which I don’t feel I am - maybe I’m wrong.
I caught Covid in January so didn’t drink for 6-7 weeks, and I’ve not touched a drop since Saturday last week. I’ve had plenty of opportunities but always feel I can say no without issue; though I’m on an all dayer for the Leicester away game.
It feels great to feel great in the morning, I’ve never suffered from hangovers but I do feel the “I know I’ve had a drink” feeling. Not missed that.
Amongst everything else, it costs a fortune doesn’t it?!? I checked an app I use which tracks your spending (Open Banking), and it told me I spent £364 in my local last month, and £133 in wetherspoons, thats not including places I’ve had a beer elsewhere. AND it doesn’t include the bottles of JD or Rum from the supermarkets, the ice and everything in between
Get these red flags from time to time and I tend to heed them, although it generally takes a couple of weeks to stop, usually because I have social events that are planned in that I’m loath to compromise on. I know to some that statement would send some alarm bells about my ability to control my drinking but I’ll readily concede that my relationship with alcohol could reasonably be viewed as unhealthy. I’m aware of the risks and I carry on regardless because I enjoy it, the effect it has on me, the person I am when I’m drunk and the way it enhances social settings. I love being pissed and it actually makes me into a nicer person in the main, which is a blessing for me and those around me. I make no apologies for any of that, but I know I’ve got to manage the risk if I’m likely to last another 20 or so years. It’s about striking a balance, or at least trying to.