Hello to all

[azmarktb68]

I am figuring I need some support to help stop my beer drinking problem. I drink 6-10 beers each day, sometimes early(very early some days), but most days after work. I drink alone at home since its safer, and cheaper for that matter.

I am not sure why I drink to be honest. I think its become a habit that is hard to break at t his point. I get off of work at 8 pm, come home, and literally pound 4-5 beers is less than 20 mins. Drinking beer makes me very tired and I will usually check my emails, etc. for another hour and have 3-4 more, then crash. I look forward to having my beers. I am "never" drunk(in my opinion), and in control 99.9% of the time. When I go out I am very responsible, only drinking 3-4 over the course of the night. However, when I am at home I seem to lose all control. I guess I don't like being alone.

I just need to find a way to control my drinking.

Mark

[serial_fails]

Hello to all

well I am just as new as you and have a similar pattern, its really hard to break it.

Loneliness is my biggest trigger.

[Zeppie2]

Hello to all

Welcome Mark - I started out just the same as you have described and then got way out of control. I had some success switching to low al beer it bloats you and you are quite happy after 2 or 3.

It's great you have acknowledged you might have a problem. Look around the site it's full of great info from both moders and those that have chosen to go Al. free.

Welcome

[LilBit]

Hello to all

Welcome Mark and Serial. Hopefully, this site can help with the loneliness, especially as you start battling the beast. We're worldwide, and there's almost always somebody online to talk with.

I used to do the "drinking at home" thing like you. I rationalized it as "better" because at least I wasn't driving, it was less expensive, etc. You're probably home for long hours at a stretch though, and likely to drink more over that time period. It's also easier to reach for another one when you're at home. But the worst is when you're using it to *satisfy* loneliness or boredom (which many of us do, and which it really doesn't).

There are many ways to change it, and I can only say what seems to be working for me. After 90 days AF, I set some pretty strict rules about drinking moderately and follow them uncompromisingly:

1. I never drink at home. Ever.
2. I never drink twice in a 30-day period.
3. I must already be feeling good/happy before drinking, and am consuming the AL only because it would add something to the dinner out, event, etc. for me.

The good news? I found that a lot of the perceived boredom and loneliness was actually an end result of my regular drinking habit. Once I got off the sauce, I found a lot more energy and interest for everything, including relationships. I wish you both very well. Please let us know how things are going -- often, if you like!

[savon19]

Hello to all

Azmark - do you want to "control" your drinking or... stop? It seems it's best to stop for a while before making that decision. Many here recommend stopping completely for 30 days, then decide if you want to (or can!) moderate.

It's a good feeling to prove to yourself that you CAN stop!

I'm alone a lot, too, so I relate to that... Makes it very easy to just escape into a bottle (and no one to complain!)...!!!

[Mstall]

Hello to all

Welcome Mark!

I am new to this sober business and KNOW that I have a problem from my past experiences.

I just want you to know that this is the best place i've found for support and help to get you on the road you want to be on, whatever that road may be, moderation or abstaining.

Best to you!