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[stufflikethat]

This forum was suggested to me by Rod44 after I posted on the neurology board.  I’ve been a heavy drinker off and on since I was about 16 (almost 30 years ago).  I usually only drink one day a week (on the weekend) and I definitely drink less now than when I was younger.  I can go weeks or months without any alcohol.  There are times when I drink more than I realize (and really regret it the next morning) but there are times that I can stop after one or two.  So although I don’t think I am a full-blown alcoholic with a physical addiction I do feel I have a drinking problem which is perhaps just semantics.  

I think the long-term heavy use is finally affecting my body.  I have many symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (I am also a vegetarian so what B12 I do get may not be getting absorbed).  So, before it gets worse I think it’s time to stop the drinking for good.  I am going to the doctor tomorrow and want her to check for vitamin deficiencies and any liver problems.

I am not shy but I am a bit of an introvert and I am much more friendly and outgoing when I drink.  I have been told that it is like I’m two different people and I am more fun to be around when I am drinking.  I want to learn how to be the fun, outgoing person I am after a drink or two.  When I am not drinking it’s as though I can’t think of a thing to talk about but when I am drinking I can’t stop :).  I am hoping over time, after my body has flushed out all the toxins I will have more energy and the mild depression (dysthymia) I have will go away and that will help.  I was wondering if anyone else on the board has been in a similar situation and if so, did you become happier/more energetic after you quit drinking and about how long was it before you noticed a difference?  I didn’t see much difference before when I hadn’t had any alcohol for three or four months at a time but maybe that is not long enough?

I was also hoping to find someone to be an “accountability” partner or if that is something this forum does as a whole.

Thanks.

[Punkinhead75]

Hi Stufflikethat,

I've been told I look mean or angry when I'm not smiling when I'm actually pretty happy on the inside.  It's kind of funny when my wife comes right out and asks because she just can't tell.   She used to avoid me cuz  she thought I was mad.  I thought she was avoiding me cuz she was mad at me.  That turned out to be pretty funny when we finally talked about it.  Hmmmmmm,  communication instead of thinking we know whats going on.....could be on to something here.  LOL!!!!!

[stufflikethat]

Thanks, rod:  It's ironic, I am very health concious in every other aspect and have even taken classes towards a doctor of naturopathy degree.  Even if this is determined to be caused by something else, it is something of a wake up call to me of taking care of my body in all aspects.

punkinhead:  Good point, that happiness and energy are related.  My husband keeps telling me I seem happier when I'm drinking, but I think it's just that I feel tired when I am not because alcohol is a depressant.  I am not unhappy, I am just not as outgoing (energetic) so it appears that way to him.

[Punkinhead75]

Hi and welcome!!!

A friend of mine once suggested I act like the type of person I want to be.  I spent a lot of time by myself growing up and I am very self sufficient.  Learning to be outgoing was and still can be a challenge for me.  I will say that I am more social than I had been in the past.  Since getting sober I have become more comfortable in my own skin which allows me to be more outgoing without fear of what others will think of me.  Sometimes it just comes down to making an effort.  I watch and listen to others as conversation just seems to flow.  For me it often seems like work.


Happiness and energy tend to go hand in hand.  When I'm happy I seem to have more energy.  I guess not carrying around the extra negative baggage pays off.  When I'm getting bogged down I take an honest look at myself and ask for help.  You may not be an alcoholic however the twelve steps may help.  Doing the stepwork has really helped out quite a bit.

I wish ya the best!!!

[rod44]

Hi & welcome :)

I am glad that you are going to see your Doctor about your symptoms.

To start with I would suggest that you think of the benefits of changing what is  an unhealthy problem. List the pros & cons of life without drink. The most obvious benefits are health related. Talk to friends and family about how your drinking impacts on them.

My worst day sober beats my best day drunk. Everyone here would agree that getting sober was one of the most important life changes they have made.

Recovery has to be deep-felt and honest.

Keep posting updates, there is also an addiction tracker on MedHelp, this can be found on your profile page :)