What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

[_EndOfTheLine_]

Hi all, I was just curious as to when everybody knew that alcohol was a problem for them? For me, I was 19 and I have tried unsuccessfully to quit since (I'm almost 27 now). Where does it end...

[coalfire]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

27 for me.

[cymru]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

I was around 21 when I knew I drank differently to other ppl and needed to address the situation(im now 35, and still addressing it!) though I had been secretly drinking and drinking on my own from around the age of 16/17.

[_EndOfTheLine_]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

Its interesting the distinction between alcoholic and heavy drinker. I can't really see that distinction with me....maybe I'm not an alcoholic and just a heavy drinker? I don't know. I know that alcohol causes problems, thats it! If it doesn't cause problems for you,then you don't have a problem...maybe... whats an alcoholic? if this post doesn't make sense its because I'm tragically hungover.

[coalfire]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

I am sorry you are hungover. Are you having a rough time?

[Cinders]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

_EndOfTheLine_;1096184 wrote: Its interesting the distinction between alcoholic and heavy drinker. I can't really see that distinction with me....maybe I'm not an alcoholic and just a heavy drinker? I don't know. I know that alcohol causes problems, thats it! If it doesn't cause problems for you,then you don't have a problem...maybe... whats an alcoholic? if this post doesn't make sense its because I'm tragically hungover.

End,

Answer to your question: 48 - although I was a heavy drinker for years and years before that, I just thought drinking 4-5 drinks a night was "normal." However, after my gastric bypass, when I started drinking again, I knew within a couple of weeks something was seriously wrong. I could not quit drinking!! I could not go a couple days without. What a mess. It has only gotten worse despite my attempts. I still have faith I will beat this thing.

Very sorry about the hangover. Fluids, saltines if you can keep them down, rest. Take care and get well soon.

Cindi

[cymru]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

I think the name alcoholic can be used differently for each individual.
I am an alcoholic because I drink even though I know its going to cause pain to myself and others, I lose jobs because I am unable to stop at 1 day/evening. Any money I do have I spend on alcohol rather than paying bills or evening buying food. There are many other reasons why I define myself as an alcoholic.
But im comfortable with the definition. Because its what I am. Some ppl are chronic smokers, others chronic gamblers or cheats. These afflictions often get looked upon with sympathy. I am a chronic alcoholic, who today is not drinking and has no urge to do so. Im happy with that.

[Cinders]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

I am a chronic alcoholic, who today is not drinking and has no urge to do so. Im happy with that.

Now that, is awesome news!!

Love,
Cindi

[coalfire]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

Its amazing how quickly a GB could do that to someone. I could understand longterm how someone might be tempted to gradually replace food with alcohol but to have your off switch smashed in a few weeks..its odd and desperate bad luck.

[kitty72]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

I started to drink alone in the house on occasion from the age of 23 on and it got chronic when I was around 30/31. I am now 39.

[Cinders]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

I think between 20-30% of GB patients suffer some sort of cross addiction.

The thought is that GB attacked the weight issue physically, without attacking the underlying issue at all.

Cindi

[coalfire]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

I am an alcoholic because if you give me one drink some sort of massive craving ignites in me that would make me pick a padlock to get more...and my personality changes like jekyll and hyde.:nutso:

[Cinders]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

coalfire;1096207 wrote: I am an alcoholic because if you give me one drink some sort of massive craving ignites in me that would make me pick a padlock to get more...and my personality changes like jekyll and hyde.:nutso:

Boy oh boy do I know what you mean about Jekyll and Hyde!!

Hubby calls me "the evil Cindi" when I am drunk. He is absolutely right.

Cindi

[coalfire]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

You would hear a lot of people(usually normies) saying that drink only brings out what is in and that comment always upsets me.However I know that I am not a mean person. My OH says that he has never in his life seen anyone do such a turnaround between their drunk and sober selves. He tells me that I am one of the kindest and most easy going people that he has ever met sober(aw) and that I am satans spawn drunk. I don't know why I change so much....I have no idea.I wonder is it some biochemical allergic response or something. I would love an explanation for it some day before I die just so I could say "oh so thats why!!!". Anyway whatever the reason I just know that the stuff makes me nuts and I have to stay off it!

[kitty72]

What age were you when you discovered you had a problem?

Oh gosh yeah! I am a completely different person when I am drinking! I plot ways to piss people off that I would never dream of thinking up when I am sober!

Luckily I dont go through with them.... er, most of the time.