21 And Addicted To Alcohol

Bee1998 · ‎21-10-2019

I am 21 and addicted to alcohol.

I guess it’s my way of coping with day to day stress, but I can see that it’s becoming an issue. I am spending around $100 a week on drinks, so financially it’s not great for me.

As soon as I’ve finished work for the day, my first reaction is to buy drinks and come home and get drunk.

The worst part is, I don’t want to stop. When I feel this buzz from drinking, it’s the only time I ever feel happy. I know most people say it’s a temporary fix, but for me, it genuinely makes me forget about all the crap in my life , and I really do feel happy.

I guess the main reason why I feel bad about drinking is because my partner doesn’t drink at all. And I feel like I’m letting him down every time I have a drink.

I also feel like I’m the only person my age who has an alcohol addiction...

Is there anyone else my age who is going through the same struggle??

white knight · ‎21-10-2019

Hi Bee, welcome

I have never been an alcoholic. I've known many though.

I did however drink a lot in the Air Force back in the mid 1970's as a young man 17-21yo because it made me and my antics popular- the more they laughed the more I drank. It didn't mean I had to buy much to get tipsy so that's what I did. When I left the RAAF I stopped drinking and at 63yo haven't gotten drunk since.

I did smoke though 18yo-31yo. I tried many times to quit then at 31yo I was falsely told I suffered a heart attack (it was a pannick attack) and gave it up in fear I would die. By the time I had a proper fitness test on my heart I'd well and truly given up which proved to me that we can give addictions the flick under ideal conditions.

My ex girlfriend was a closet alcoholic and it was a catalyst for us breaking up after 10 years. She would get violent and I was the recipient of many a slapped face. I'm not suggesting you are like that but I have learned over the years that there is a price to pay in the end whether it's a partner that leaves, friends that don't like the changes or the cost stopping you from being more well off. Not to mention the internal damage.

My suggestions to you might not fit in with the motivation you require. That depends on you. But here goes-

Join AA. Yep, Ive known workmates that have and it truly assists you.
Stop drinking for one week, use the $100 you've saved on a reward, jewelery, clothes, a gift for your partner for encouragement. Then half- put $50 in savings and $50 reward and continue on like that.
You can do it.
Try non alcoholic drinks. No, don't try- do it!
Join an evening sport- volleyball, table tennis etc
Visit your GP, get a check up, tell him/her of your addiction. Brainstorm people.
Share your problem with friends and tell them you need their help eg not to bring alcohol to your BBQ's until you have recovered.

I hope that helps a little. I'm sorry that we cannot do anything practical for you.

Read-

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/switching-mindsets

TonyWK

Soberlicious96 · ‎21-10-2019

Dear Bee1998,

I too drank every day for about 11 years - from 15 to 26 - and I too drank to "forget all the crap in my life", but the problem with alcohol is that it changes your brain chemistry and will trick you into thinking it's doing the job you want it to do ....... but alcohol is not your friend. A real friend will help you to face the crap and to rise above it.

I have now been sober for almost 23 years (with the help of AA) and I can tell you getting sober and dealing with the crap that happens in life, is the best decision I have ever made. Ever. Above all.

Yes I did miss the booze at first. Quite a bit in fact. But what I don't miss is the constant letting people down, and the constant search for 'okay' reasons to drink. I don't miss the hangovers, or the lying, or the cost ..... there are many, MANY things I do NOT miss about drinking, and a whole myriad of things that I LOVE about being sober!

If you want to know more about AA, go to www.aa.org.au .... and for information as to where and when meetings are go to www.aameetings.org.au You can turn up to any meeting at any time, there is no need to book in or call beforehand. Alternatively though, if you would like to speak to someone before you go to a meeting, just call 1300 22 22 22.

I hope that helps at least a little bit. Take care. I'll be thinking of you. xo

monkey_magic · ‎22-10-2019

Hi Bee1998,

I too used to drink to forget past memories and just feel typsy, or mellow, depending on what I drank. It was how I coped.

I tried AA it worked, stopped AA drank a bit again, went back to AA, stopped going and now I might drink once a fortnight which I'm fine with.

I doubt you're the only person your age thay has an alcohol addiction - there will be many.

Youre feeling like youre letting down your partner- i felt guilt and shame and like I was letting down my family.

The great news is there is plenty of help out there.

White Knight & Soberlicious96 have given u fantastic ideas and resources.

♡☆♡☆♡☆~~

Always here for a chat

MM