Alcolism

[Chris208]

Hello there everyone,

My name is Chris and I have some concerns with my drinking and health.   I'm 35 years old and worry I may have done some damage to my liver due to drinking.  I've been a binge drinker most of the last 13 years partying with friends and mostly on weekends.  I recently opened up my own business about 20 months ago and I have realized that my drinking habits have changed.  For the last 20 months I'm averaging about 24 beers per week.    Does that make me an alcoholic?   Last year I was concerned with my liver and got and endoscopy, ultrasound, and liver panel done and everything was normal except some chronic gastritis and a fatty liver which can be a poor diet and /or drinking.   Like an idiot that I'm I continued to drink until about 3 weeks ago, I suddenly developed a pain on my right upper abdomen and I'm afraid it could be my liver.  I haven't drank in 3 weeks and I don't feel any withdrawal.  I just enjoyed having 7-8 beers per sitting about 3 times per week.   Mostly at my desk while I worked on the computer.   I would appreciated anyone's input on my drinking habits.  I don't think that I need to seek help in order to quit..My biggest concern is cirrhosis of the liver.   Thanks in advanced guy!!!!!

[Gettingalifeagain]

I understand that it doesn't matter how much you drink, but what the consequences are when you DO drink.
A social drinker never asks, or wonders if they are an alcoholic.  One has to be brutally honest with oneself....

[CML2014]

Hi Chris,

I hear ya!. That is around the time I did all of my "Party Damage". I would have never been able to give it up for 3 weeks and not feel the affects of not having alcohol in my body.

You are the one who is asking the question. They say if you are concerned enough to ask if your an alcoholic, then you probably are. I could go thru all of the obvious signs but since you have been alcohol free for 3 weeks with no ill effects--I am going to assume you are now in recovery.

So here is the deal, you have 3 weeks under your belt, If you stop drinking now.. That means NEVER again, even a couple, you have a wonderful chance of Never having to EVER ask that question again, and will not have to worry yourself with health concerns regarding your liver.

You have a clean bill of health today! Let's keep it that way!
You have come to the right place and many others will chime in with their help and experience.
Congratulations on 3 Weeks! You do not know how many people would love to have 3 weeks clean, but just can't do it.

Sincerely,
CML

P.S. You might want to check a few books out of the library for a better idea of Alcoholism. It will be excellent knowledge to have for the future.
CML