nervous about drinking less

[InChains]

Hi guys, unusual one for me but I'm going to a gig tomorrow nigth where drinking is going to be very limited. I've been drinking relatively heavily (for me) for a while now, especially since I had some bad news and am really concerned that a limtied supply of alcohol will affect how much fun I have, any tips for not letting it interfere with what I hope will be a great night? I don't want to be drunk for this one, but have been stuck in a rut with alcohol for a while now, averaging at least double what will be available to me tomorrow... any advice would help?

[42cat]

nervous about drinking less

Do you think you might experience some withdrawals? Or are you mostly concerned with the boredom factor? If boredom (vs "having fun"), it's been my experience that the fun happens anyway .. It surprized me - lol. Try not to be too focussed on that .. and let the occasion just unfold.

If withdrawals are your concern, then a different plan is in order. Not sure what exactly... Weigh your options (including not going at all) and have an exit plan lined up if it gets too uncomfortable. Maybe touch base with the doctor's office too .. which, of course, is always a good thing when you're coming off a high intake and expect to withdraw.

Just my two cents .. ... Have a good time!

[InChains]

nervous about drinking less

thanks, I don't get full on withdrawals, just easily distracted, irritable and suchlike, my only concern is losing focus on whats going on

[looking for peace]

nervous about drinking less

InChains, Thanks for this post . It is timely since there are many holiday parties coming up. Many of which are work related and I think we don't want to come across as the drunk at the office Xmas party.

Just try not to do what I always did, which was to have a few drinks at home beforehand to compensate. I'd turn out to be quite plastered at the event after only 2 glasses of wine. My husband would always mention what a lightweight I was. How stupid of me. I'd wind up not remembering much of the evening at all.

I don't have too many non drinking social events under my belt, but I have wound up having fun at them. I wound up remembering them. As far as the nerves, I really don't know what to tell you, but just give it a try . You will fare better than you think!

[Doggygirl]

nervous about drinking less

Inchy, I am really worried about you. I'm just being honest here. :l

Let me run this past you. According to my teacher in Addiction studies who has a Masters Degree and has been actively counseling people for over 30 years, here are the guidelines to what constitutes "heavy drinking."

More than 1 drink per day for women.
More than 2 drinks per day for men.

5 drinks on any occassion is a binge.

6 occassions per year of binge drinking = heavy drinker.

"A Drink" contains 1 oz. of alcohol. That is typically:

A 12 oz beer.
or
A 5 oz glass of wine.
or
1.5 oz. of 80 proof distilled liquor.

I'm not sure exactly how that translates to ml. But as you can see, for people like us this is NOTHING. We are heavy and dangerous drinkers. I used to be anyway. Heck, I had 7 binges per week on average. And usually way more than 5 drinks each time.

Inchy, please try to stop before something bad happens. If you are worried about how to get through an event where you have limited access to AL, THAT IS A PROBLEM. I know - been there done that. Lucky to have survived it.

You are a special young person Inchy - I would love to see you take a new direction in your life when you are ready - hope it's soon.

DG

[MyFreeWill]

nervous about drinking less

It sounds like anxiety from the addiction part of the drinking. Where you obsess if there will not be alcohol....you obsess if there will be enough alcohol...you obsess about drinking before....about drinking afterwards....you obsess about how fun it will be controlling your drinking...you obsess how it might be more fun to stay home and drink where there are no limitations...

I am so sorry. I remember those days well. I would pre-drink before and end up the first drunk ALWAYS.

Best of luck.....but it sounds like the moderation plan might not be working right now. Try to have fun!! Think of it as an experiment - you never know unless you try.

[available]

nervous about drinking less

MFW i was a pre drink drinker too so that i could say i was only drinking as much as everyone else. drunk due to not eating was my excuse. yeah right. i was a drunk pure and simple.

dg i love the 5 drinks on any occassion is a binge.

6 occassions per year of binge drinking = heavy drinker.
my god what classification do i come under drinking that plus more a day. As i have said before my glass was a bucket not a glass really.

Makes you think when in words DG, thanks for sharing that one

[InChains]

nervous about drinking less

wow... those figures are kinda crazy DG, 5 drinks a binge? thats like, 2 pints... insane levels of control right there

anyway ya'll, got through just fine, designated driver didn't mind if I wasn't quite as sober as he was, bless him xD Didn't get too out of it, comfortable, but sober enough to remember every second fo what was a truly beautiful and amazing night for me.

DG: I know this is a cliche, but believe me, I know what I'm doing, I make a choice to drink every day and when the time is right I will make the choice not to, I can't explain exactly why, or how, but I knwo for me, right now, I am doign the right thing.

xIC

[Doggygirl]

nervous about drinking less

OK Inchy. I won't worry. If you are in control, then there will be no problem if there is no AL, a little AL, or a lot of AL. Have fun!

DG

[InChains]

nervous about drinking less

haha, oh we all know I'm far from in control, its onyl when I'm drunk I can admit that though haha

[Doggygirl]

nervous about drinking less

InChains;1206031 wrote: haha, oh we all know I'm far from in control, its onyl when I'm drunk I can admit that though haha

I'm glad you are being honest. That is a very important part of this, whether you are in a mode to keep drinking or to stop.

DG