Am I really an alcoholic, or am I something much worse?!


Question: Am I really an alcoholic, or am I something much worse?
I'm 25, and I drink constantly. I mean I drink every single day. I go to class here at UC Boulder drunk sometimes, and I got in trouble at my job for being drunk one day. I can't help it, I just feel like I need to drink constantly. When I start drinking, I don't know when to stop, and I end up blacking out. All of my clothes smell of alcohol usually. When I drink, I usually always order a double scotch or a double vodka when I'm at a bar. I end up drinking like one or two beers, but then I hit the hard liquor, and its hard to focus anymore. I don't think I've driven drunk, but I really don't remember a lot, I just hope I haven't. I can't help it, I drink constantly, and I think its ruining my life. I got out of the Marines last year, and I was in Afghanistan on several deployments as a machine gunner. I can't help it, ever since I got back I've been drinking constantly. It was that bad out there.

I don't think I'm an alcoholic though, but my girlfriend insists I am, and she told me she is leaving me if I don't get help soon. Some of my friends say I am too. They suggested AA, but I'm just scared of what people will think of me there. It hurts too that I got called a baby killer by this guy when he found out I was in the Marines. I'm not one though. The VA doesn't really help either. I just can't help it, I feel like I need alcohol, its the only thing that really makes me forget the things from Afghanistan and the Marines. It also is the only thing that helps me sleep without nightmares. Am I really an alcoholic, or am I something much worse? There are so many effed up things in my head now, and I just can't deal with this anymore. I feel like alcohol is the only way out though.

Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

I think what you described is alcoholism. I was treated for alcoholism brought on by depression, and I was as bad as you have described. When you need alcohol to cope with life then there is defiantly a dependence issue there. There is a test called the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test which asks questions designed to determine the level of your dependence and whether you need treatment.

It asks questions like:
Have you ever awakened the morning after some drinking the night before and found that you could not remember a part of the evening?
Does any near relative or close friend ever worry or complain about your drinking?
Can you stop drinking without difficulty after one or two drinks?
Have you ever gotten into trouble at work because of drinking?
Do you drink before noon fairly often?

I found it a useful self-diagnostic tool. It's hard to agree with family and friends that you're in trouble, but you can't argue with an independent test. You need help before you damage you body permanently.

The wider issue is why you are drinking in the first place. Many returning soldiers suffer from Post-traumatic stress, that is managed by self medicating with alcohol. There are other, more healthy, ways of managing PTSD but you will need to speak with a doctor.

Also, the people at AA are pretty non-judgemental. Everyone is there for alcoholism, and everyone there will have a variety of other problems that have impacted their lives. You are NOT alone, and you are not something 'much worse'; you are a normal man in a lot of pain.

personal experience with alcoholism and depression
part psychology degree



You just said you drink constantly, so yes, you are an alcoholic. If you don't have to drink for a three days, then you're good. There's no shame to going to support groups, we all are human and need help. Your girl friend will thank me, just trust me.



Seek help from a licensed professional ASAP. Yes, your drinking is too much and dangerous to both your physical and mental health. You need to address this problem in a safe and healthy way.



Just remember it was either them or you, so you had to mow them down.
Even though your government did invade their country.



You are using the alcohol to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You need treatment for PTSD, and then you may not feel the need to drink. Energy Psychology techniques are very effective at treating trauma, i.e;. EMDR and EFT. Research studies with EFT and Vets with PTSD are showing amazing positive results. I am a therapist and one of my specialties is in treating PTSD with EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) It is very effective and short-term. I can do sessions by Skype. My website is www.PositiveEnergyTrans.info



I am a recovering alcoholic and what you have said sounds to me like you are too. You are just in denial and that is what many alcoholics are too. The alcohol you are having is to self medicate, as i did for over 25 years. In the end it won't work, you will need more and more and this in turn will cause more problems, rather than solving them. Go to an AA meeting and just listen. I do. I was scared the 1st time i went but no one there will judge you or think that you are no good, but rather be glad that you are there.Also talk to a counsellor about your time in the marines, as this is afecing you today and let them help you deal with that. In the end it is up to you. You are the only person that can make changes in your llife. Best of luck and i hpoe this helps you.



It sounds like you are suffering from post-traumatic stress. I have heard from a soldier what it is like over there and I know you are forced to to things you don't want to. It does sound like you may be becoming dependent on alcohol. You are probably depressed from the war and self-medicating. There is help for post-traumatic stress and depression and there is special help for soldiers, because many of them suffer the same. And AA is not so bad I went to support a friend and the people were really nice.
Go to a counselor to help with your post-traumatic stress. Take care of yourself before something really bad happens. Most people wait until they are forced to take care of these problems and you could lose everything you have.



If the people who know you and care about you see this in you, it should be a huge red flag. I'm not understanding why their opinion is not valued by you, but what strangers think (as to your possible alcoholism) is going to be? How many times and in how many ways would you have to hear it?

There are tests out there to help someone see that he/she has a drinking problem (and therefore is an alcoholic).

You have all the essential elements of addiction-- affecting your personal life, your schoolwork, your memory, your inability to stop, your belief you "need it". But without your acceptance of the fact that you are an alcoholic, no treatment will help you.

I truly wish you the best and highly recommend AA or professional counseling.

RN



The majority of people would probably say that you are an alcoholic. AA groups are a really good place to go for help, they wont judge you, think negative things about you or anything, their job is to make you feel comfortable sharing what your problem is. And all the other people there at an AA are going to be havin trouble with alcohol like you. (As for the Marines part I just wanna say thank you for your service. I love the marines) what I'd suggest Would be to do a little research about AA and see if thats something you'd want to try. And for the thing that happened in afgan, maybe see a councilor or a doctor to get some medications to try and get your mind off it. Good luck to you my friend = ]




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