binge drinking, how bad, and how to stop?

[jason74]

I have seen a doctor and have not been diagnosed with alcoholism. Normally I have no problems drinking a healthy amount and being able to easily stop myself, whether that be 1 beer for dinner or 6 beers at a party.

About one time every 6 months I get so drunk I black out. I normally don't do anything dangerous but have made a fool of myself in these instances.  A lot of times its when my girlfriend leaves town, almost getting drunk is my way of coping with boredom. I usually do this with friends and usually get too drunk and do not realize that I have passed into the black out phase.

Once every 6 months is not that often, but I am so immature when I do it that I often feel emotionally terrible sometimes for weeks after (guilt). My girlfriend hates it so much and has said "I can't take this happening 2 times a year."

So, I am really worried that in 6 months when the guilt has passed from the most recent incident and someone offers to get me wasted, I'll oblige and not only feel terribly guilty about myself, but I feel my girlfriend will be so mad that she could break up with me.

I am in my late 20s so I wonder if this is something I will grow out of? I hate the feeling of a hangover and am generally a very responsible drinker, but these instances really bring me down. Do you think this is terrible and I have a huge problem? Do you have any suggestions to help me curb these occurrences?

[BluCrystal]

Alright, I've got that lowdown on the 'periodic'/'binge'/'irregular'/'regualr' drinking.  I do, and have done all of the above.  In fact, I just drank last night, and today I feel like ****.  My family hates it when I drink because I become stupid, and I always feel bad about that.  I have been out of work of awhile, and have found myself lazy as well as bored, and so turned to the bottle.  But I have found the key to unlocking the hold alcohol has on me.  First of all, I know that I have a problem because I actively think about drinking.  People who don't even consider alcohol until they happen to be at an occasion where a drink or two might be acceptable are NOT alcoholic.  The first thing to do, which I am currently doing, is to GET BUSY.  Busy with paid work, housework, school work, yard work, and excersize.  EVERY DAY.  Keep busy until you are just too tired to move, all day long.  Then get a good night's rest, and begin again tomorrow.  I have just enrolled on online college, and have been actively persuing work.  I am fully aware that I cannot drink if I have to work or go to class.  In between, there is always something I can do to stay sober, and no, I do not always do these things yet.  But I am making more progress every day, and that's what counts.  I also make it a point to have three good meals every day, and drink alot of water.  Not only is this good for my body, but I have a much lessened desire to drink when I have a full belly.  I hope this can help.... - Blu

[bobdylan1958]

   Hi sorry but the first drink doe's the Damage.Please give AA a chance Take care .......Bob

[rod44]

I agree with the above responses, go back and read your post. Get honest with yourself, is this acceptable behaviour, Alcoholism is a broad term usually used to describe drinking that is detrimental of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing. You need to look at your behaviour around your drinking and look at how it is hurting you and those around you.

Like Sara said, get to a meeting. Only you can change and only if you wish to change but it sounds to me that you need to change. The third tradition of the AA twelve steps and traditions states that "the only requirement for membership (of AA) is a desire to stop drinking".  

[Phtartist]

Doctors don't diagnose alcoholism, they just rescue people from the death and despair it causes.
You are so lucky that you have only made a fool of yourself so far.
Do what Sarah suggested and read your post again.
I hear you doing the waiting game. Waiting to mature so you can drink right, waiting for the embarrassment passes so you can drink again, waiting for your girl to cool off and be alright with you drinking "normal". Waiting for a doctor to say you are an Alcoholic in order for you to stop.
That is way to much focus on drinking for it not to be an issue.
There is such a thing as a Periodic Alcoholic, which is someone who drinks on occasion and who has unacceptable results.

[dominosarah]

Go back and read your post.  Now does this sound like a responsible drinker?  You are dancing with the devil here and losing your gf wont be the only thing you will lose.  I hope you take a real hard look at what is going on here.  You dont have to drink everyday, all day to be an alcoholic.  Hit up an AA meeting and talk with those people.  You may be surprised at what you find out.  You are young and have the world at your feet, dont let the drinking take that away.    sara