I think about drinking a lot. I don’t drink daily, but I brown to black out once a week. Do I have a problem? Should I seek help? 27 YO Male (LA)

Wanting to drink is fine, and blacking out once a week isn’t good for your body but I don’t think it’s a problem.. sounds like freshman year of college.. I think it’s a problem when drinking is interfering with your day to day responsibilities and you can’t restrain yourself/find yourself making excuses for why it’s ok. However, if you’re concerned, I think that’s a valid reason to be a lot more aware/try to cut back. You know yourself better than anyone and if you think your drinking habit comes from intentions that aren’t healthy, it’s probably better to stop until you’re more confident in your mental/emotional health.

Op - there are lots of great advice and some really poor advice on this thread. 1) If you think you have a problem, see if you can cut back just like Audit Manager 1 suggested. A lot of people I know go dry for a month to test their self-control. 2) Create rules for yourself and follow them. I never drink by myself anymore. I only drink during those zoom calls when I’m meeting up with friends or coworkers for a virtual happy hour. Don’t drink when you’re sad. Alcohol is a depressant it is going to make you more sad. don’t drink around people I don’t trust. That should be pretty easy now but I think once things start to return to normal it’s a good rule of thumb not to put yourself in a vulnerable position around people who take advantage of it. 3) If you are going to drink, make sure it’s really good stuff. Then you’ll be drinking less because you’ll be trying to enjoy it more instead of simply trying to get drunk off of the cheapest liquor even find. If you’re going to be putting something in your body, make sure that it’s quality.

Yes and it is great that you recognize the problem.

Wait, blacking out once a week is a problem now? What is wrong with people? You’re fine. As long as you black out and end the night in a safe environment, like your home, your fine. Enjoy the drinking. This is COMPLETELY NORMAL. Everyone has just gotten soft, or don’t really enjoy drinking, so they don’t know what they’re saying. Just enjoy yourself and be safe. You are NORMAL.

Please seek help. You should not be having weekly black outs, nor should drinking occupy that much of your thoughts. Be kind to yourself and talk with someone, perhaps your doctor or maybe a therapist about your situation and get their input. Best of luck OP.

I think blacking out once a week is a little on the high side for someone in their late 20’s - are you doing this by yourself given the quarantine? You might want to talk to someone about it

You don’t need to be classified as an addict or confirm you have a ‘formal’ problem to recognize that drinking isn’t something good for you. Lots give it up bc they see it’s an unhealthy disruption to their lives, their health, their friendships and or their wallet. Start with AA, yeah, or a therapist (always a good idea). Brown outs and blackouts are a sign things could be better. Good luck to you

OP, check out any alcoholic definition, black out weekly 100% qualifies. Not everyone can admit he/she has the addiction, and it’s great that u initiate and face it.

“Advice is what you ask for when you know what to do but you don’t want to do it.” 😉

Is help AA? Or are there other avenues?

I get pretty deep into drinking every few years. Full disclosure, I have been through treatment for drinking in the past. Usually I know it’s become a problem when I wake up next to someone I would normally have no interest in. I will go to a couple of AA meetings and this really seems to center me.

How can you handle so many hangovers?

I was wondering if I had a problem so I took a few months off drinking. It was actually pretty easy. That’s why I think I don’t have a problem but it is a slippery slope. I read Russell Brands book Recovery. Super awesome summary of the 12 steps with some real, insightful commentary. Hope that helps, good luck!

OP - do you think you might have a problem with drinking? Because if you do, I’m 99% positive you do.. because folks who don’t have a problem.. don’t ever even think about it. alcoholism and drug addiction are self diagnosed diseases.. it doesn’t matter what I think or anyone else here for that matter.. But if you think you have an issue and aren’t sure what to do.. DM and I’ll tell you about what worked for me.

Imo, I don’t think that’s an issue. Under normal circumstances I would be doing the same in social settings. But if you are still doing that now alone, then yes problem.

Wanna grab a drink sometime?

There are functioning and non-functioning alcoholics- my cousin’s ex-husband was the former and died, my best friend’s sister was the latter and died. I’m glad you’re asking- I agree with those that say you should check out a meeting or do some more research to see if you are already or are becoming an alcoholic, bc it is no joke. Not trying to be alarmist, but saying this is “no big deal” is not correct either. Good luck to you, OP!

I’ve been to AA and am friends with non-drinkers who use other programs. My thought is if it’s causing you any anxiety at all (wondering if you have a problem, thinking about drinking a lot, or if it’s otherwise negatively impacting your life) then you’re doing yourself a huge favor by addressing it, even if you don’t meet the classic definition of an “alcoholic.” Your life will not get worse if you dry out for a second as the previous poster suggested! Then you can assess objectively. Good luck and feel free to message! It’s not fun to think you may have a problem :/

Just quit. I developed a problem due to quarantine, and after my wife caught me drinking at like 10am and shamed me, I tossed it all out. Haven't had a drop since. Mind over matter.