I'm not going to drink today...

[Java Cafe]

Today I've been sober for one week, and I have approached each day of it exactly as you said:

I can't say at this point that I want to give up alcohol forever. I think what I am trying to accomplish is to prove to myself that I am in control of my drinking. I want to be able to stick to my guns when I tell myself I'm not going to drink, or only have one when I say I'll only have one. I've thought about it a lot over the last week though, and maybe for me, as with so many others, the only way to stay in control is to not even have one.

Congratulations! Well done.

Just make urge you create *realistic* boundaries for yourself. I understand you don't want to give up drinking altogether. Neither do I. So, I tell myself, I will let myself have a few drinks this Saturday. Now, what does "few" mean. I ensure that the calories I drink in are balanced by an equal amount of calories that are NOT eaten earlier in the day. That way, I still remain "in charge." Surrendering to my weaker (darker) self, I found, is the biggest peril . . . that's what often starts a downward slide. So far, over ten months now, I have resisted that foe reasonably effectively.

 

[surfsatwerk]

People that don't have drinking problems don't ever worry about controlling their drinking. People with drinking problems should probably just quit drinking.

 

[rga]

People that don't have drinking problems don't ever worry about controlling their drinking. People with drinking problems should probably just quit drinking.

I think that's what I meant when I said:

I've thought about it a lot over the last week though, and maybe for me, as with so many others, the only way to stay in control is to not even have one.

Maybe everything will be easier if I decide to just stop drinking instead of controlling it.

 

[rga]

Congratulations! Well done..

Thanks a lot!

 

[surfsatwerk]

I think that's what I meant when I said:



Maybe everything will be easier if I decide to just stop drinking instead of controlling it.

Sorry missed it.

 

[smackababy]

Maybe everything will be easier if I decide to just stop drinking instead of controlling it.

What I would do, if you are worried about that, is try a long period and see how it ends up. Say, a month. At the end of that month, go for 3 months; then 6; then a year. Next Oct, if you even feel like you want a drink, maybe have one.


And regardless of what people think, if you can stop for a week, you didn't have a real problem. If my father goes a day, he has withdrawals.

 

[KlokWyze]

I control my drinking as well. My wife & I decided to not drink on work nights. Been like that for about 3 weeks. Have more energy, easier to get up in the morning, less grouchy @ work, etc.

Although last night I did get plastered..........

 

[KlokWyze]

People that don't have drinking problems don't ever worry about controlling their drinking. People with drinking problems should probably just quit drinking.

This sounds like something a smoker (cannibas) would say. If you have an alternative reality bender this line of thinking makes sense, but most people ONLY drink. More limited options.

 

[rga]

The streak isn't over yet, but it will be tonight. My wife and I are at an izakaya, and I am definitely going to have an ice cold Asahi.

ビ-ルを飲みたいよ！！

 

[surfsatwerk]

This sounds like something a smoker (cannibas) would say. If you have an alternative reality bender this line of thinking makes sense, but most people ONLY drink. More limited options.

My wife doesn't have a drinking problem, the volume or frequency of her drinking is never a cause for concern.

I'm making the observation that if your drinking/drug use causes you problems such that you're consciously trying to control the amount you consume, then you potentially have a problem. And people with a drinking/drug problem that continue to drink/use will typically see that problem get worse over time. I'm just trying to encourage the OP to take his drinking seriously and not dismiss it.

It's your life, I'm random guy on the internet #145505323 and I'm not an advocate for pot nor am I opposed to it.

 

[evident]

it's very difficult for me to limit my drinking to the two nights on the weekend. i feel your pain!

 

[TallBill]

Been down the path of destruction and I'm sure I will again some day. I'm a weird alcoholic though because I don't really see addiction.

Had about 15-30+ drinks a day, 95% of the days for about 2 years straight. Blacked out multiple times a week and often for hours on end. Toss in some other substances as well and its amazing that I survived.

Nothing really happened to stop that streak, I just did. Now I'm lucky to finish a six pack every other week.