TW: I think I have an alcohol problem and seeing if anyone has tips or tricks to help themselves
Hey there,
Im new to here but also I have considered recently that I really do have a problem with my drinking. Im probably labelled a binge drinker as every other time I will drink to excess before vomitting for hours and passing out......Then next morning have a pile of loathing and hatred for myself as i have once again embarrassed myself while out and just wish i had healthy drinking habits.
This may affect my current relationship aswell as my partner does not like drinking with me anymore and i dont want to be that person that gets carried out of bars vomitting on the side walk anymore. I want a safe and healthy relationship with alcohol and not at the cost to my physical and mental health.
Does anyone have any tips of tricks to stay focused while out and how they recognise if getting carried away and how to not end up on the floor of the bathroom 😞
Comments
Hi @Sharnaayheey! Welcome to the forums!
Alcohol can affect so many aspects of our lives, especially if drinking is a regular habit. 😞 It sounds like you're feeling trapped right now. But I really admire you for wanting to have a healthier relationship with alcohol. So many people don't even get to that stage. 🙂
How would you feel about using coping cards as a strategy for times when you go out drinking? You could include warning signs that you're going to drink, your reasons not to drink, things that you can do to distract yourself and people you can talk to.
Here are some other resources that you might find helpful:
A BeyondBlue factsheet
Counselling Online
Welcome to the ReachOut forums!
One of the first stages in withdrawing from an unhealthy habit is acknowledging and recognising that it's a problem! So well done, it's incredible that you have identified how drinking is affecting your life. From what you've described, it sounds as though the drinking is making you feel guilty and maybe a little anxious about your behaviour whilst intoxicated? So I'm sorry it's making you feel that way!
Perhaps you could talk to your partner about setting a limit on the number of drinks you have each day/week? That way you can both monitor your intake to a point where you are no longer binge drinking. I also know a few people who only go out drinking with a certain amount of cash. They leave their credit card at home so that once they've spent the cash amount they can't keep buying drinks. You could also try that out!
I'd also suggest seeking help from a GP/psychologist as @Taylor-RO mentioned! That way you'll be able identify the reason behind your poor drinking habits which will ultimately help to resolve the issue.
Hi @Sharnaayheey , thanks for posting.
I second everything @Taylor-RO said. In addition, I just wanted to gently remind you that posting here is a great first step in acknowledging and addressing the issue- a massive achievement in and of itself. Secondly, remember to have self-compassion and self-care throughout all aspects of your journey. What might that look like for you? Thirdly, I encourage you to make this a collaborative process- you aren't alone here. You have reached out to us which is great- there are heaps of resources around this by and for young people. Would you perhaps like us to help you navigate them? You can of course Google them yourself too.
Hope this helps!
Hi @Sharnaayheey, what you are going through sounds incredibly tough. I think it is amazing that you have reached out for some support today. It isn't easy to recognise or admit the impact that drinking can have on your life. It sounds like it is causing you to feel quite embarrassed and hateful towards yourself the next day which must be a really horrible way to feel 
We have a lot of articles here about alcohol use that you can have a read through. There are some resources for support services but also tips on how to limit alcohol while out. It sounds like some of these may be what you are looking for 
I am also wondering if you have thought about talking to a GP or psychologist about this? They can sit down with you and explore your relationship with alcohol.
Just so you know, I moved your post to the tough times section of our forum and added a trigger warning as this topic may be distressing to others.
