I Have A Problem With Alcohol.

[Lanfear]

And once again I am deeply grateful that too much alcohol just sends me into a deep sleep and not any kind of aggression but I am not an aggressive person in general so tha probably explains it.

I do not have any wise words beyond what was already said above but I wish you the best, You will need all the luck and self-discipline you can find now.

[Dean from Australia]

Originally Posted by Lanfear

You will need all the luck and self-discipline you can find now.

This weekend coming is shaping up to be somewhat of a first test. Going home to Victoria usually entails a drinking session with my brother and my Dad. Plus there's the party at the RSL on the Sunday...

My not drinking is, undoubtedly, going to attract a number of sideways glances and some pressure to not be such a pussy by old friends for whom drinking a lot is akin to a job requirement.

[BrianAlt]

Don't drink!

Yes, that simple. Don't drink!

If you can do that, you don't really have a problem. You just had a really bad night.

If you can't do that, you have a problem and you need help.

Drinking a little doesn't count. That will just give you the false impression you can handle it.

And I think you do have a problem with alcohol. I think you won't be able to just not drink.

[campy]

Dean, I kind of "get" the nervousness about not drinking in social settings...that is when the pressure to drink is at it's height.When I wasn't drinking (pregnancy) it felt like was out of the loop. I remember Chemda talking about it on the show, people are judgy when they are drinking and you aren't...like you're some kind of party pooper. It is a change in how you party I guess. I hope this weekend goes well for you and you stick to you guns. What night is it? maybe we can have a sober chat going that night in solidarity heheeh You can pop into the room when the pressure gets to be too much and we can cheer you on.

[Dean from Australia]

Originally Posted by campy

Dean, I kind of "get" the nervousness about not drinking in social settings...that is when the pressure to drink is at it's height.When I wasn't drinking (pregnancy) it felt like was out of the loop. I remember Chemda talking about it on the show, people are judgy when they are drinking and you aren't...like you're some kind of party pooper. It is a change in how you party I guess. I hope this weekend goes well for you and you stick to you guns. What night is it? maybe we can have a sober chat going that night in solidarity heheeh You can pop into the room when the pressure gets to be too much and we can cheer you on.

It's Sunday afternoon and into the evening Australian time, which will make it Saturday night US time.

I like the idea of me popping into a chat party but I don't think my ducking out to the toilet every 5 minutes to check in will go down well with the guests here ...but ya never know.

I listened to that episode where Chemda was talking about that very situation just last night actually. I've also been going through some of Jesse Joyce's back episodes too - I relistened to the RIP Greg Giraldo episode last night too (which was like the first episode Jesse guested on after Giraldo died). Jesse had some great things to say on that one.

[Keith]

If your friends are 18 years old, Scumhook had a great suggestion behind all the 'fuck yous' and 'your mothers.' Say you're on antibiotics.

I suggest you say for worms, but make it your own.

[Dean from Australia]

Originally Posted by Keith

If your friends are 18 years old, Scumhook had a great suggestion behind all the 'fuck yous' and 'your mothers.' Say you're on antibiotics.

I suggest you say for worms, but make it your own.

I'm your vintage Keith, less a few months. I don't know many 18 year olds per se, although I knew a few 35+ year olds who behave like 18 year olds, so it'll probably work.

I like your suggestion to palm it off to worms. That'll rule out several obligatory kisses from a few aunts.

[Keith]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[Dean from Australia]

Originally Posted by Lord of the Cock Rings

I've stayed out of this because I've had struggles of my own for years and basically go back and forth between being under control and out of control. I've done 12 step and found it to mostly be a thin veil for Christian indoctrination. I've gone cold turkey. I even did a stint of inpatient rehab. I sure as hell don't have the answers because everyone has to face their own demons.

Best of luck to you Dean, but you will never make it if you can't be honest with your friends and family.

I spoke to the local AA Chapter here in Adelaide and I found myself being put off by their overtly Christian slant on the whole 12 step thing. The thought of holding hands and engaging in prayer doesn't sit well with me and I think that it will drive me back to those bad habits. Not to mention that I have always had issues with group situations.

You nailed it of course - being totally honest with family and friends and myself, is the only right thing to do and I feel capable of saying no at this point, as I write this.

[Scumhook]

Originally Posted by Dean from Australia

This weekend coming is shaping up to be somewhat of a first test. Going home to Victoria usually entails a drinking session with my brother and my Dad. Plus there's the party at the RSL on the Sunday...

Country Victoria always has a priest or two ready to party...