Giving up Alcohol

[bookboo]

Until a couple of years ago I was teetotal when it came to alcohol. Then, during a flight to Ireland my mother introduced me to Brandy and Coke in order to alleviate my fear of flying.

Up until about 3 months ago I only drank in moderation. Since then I have been drinking once or twice a week but only ever at home in the presence of my husband (who is an absolute teetotal). During each session I drink at least 5, 35ml shots with Coke Cola. In the days following these binges I have a strong aversion to brandy but by day 3 I find myself craving it again.

Most recently on the 4th day following a binge I felt extreme anxiety which lasted through to the 5th day which was then accompanied by a strong craving for brandy. Needless to say, last night (the 5th day) I had about 6 shots and became rather drunk. Today I feel so ashamed. Am I becoming dependent on alcohol? My Grandmother was an alcoholic so clearly I am more susceptible.

[sandyRoe]

There's an old Asian saying: First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man.
The anxiety you describe is common amongst drinkers who feel they need a drink to settle their nerves.
I I was you I'd give some serious thought to stopping altogether.

[islasmum]

I think that if you are starting to feel like that about brandy then it would be a good idea for you to give up alcohol - it's easier to do so at this stage before you rally do get addicted - not easy, I know, but worth it for your health.

[madmaggot]

I think that perhaps you already know the answer Bookboo; you're worrying about the drinking and you're feeling ashamed. Don't buy any for home (should be easy if your hubby is teatotal) then you won't have the temptation in the house. Try to keep yourself busy so you don't sit with nothing to think about but having a drink.

[cazzz1975]

give it up now, dont buy anymore, the cravings initially will be strong but it will get easier, in the long term its the best for your health x

[Hymie]

Are you guys for real?

5 shots of 35ml alcohol at 40% strength equals 70ml of alcohol.

If bokboo were to drink this amount of alcohol via 5% (strong) beer/lager, she would be drinking just under 2½ pints. And she is drinking this once or twice a week – and you all think she has a drinking problem.

I’d best sign up to Alcoholics Anonymous now.

[cazzz1975]

I didnt work out her units, I replied more on the basis of her worry about becoming alcohol dependent and her health issues caused by her drinking episodes.

[Anlyn]

Shortplanks, the question is am I becoming dependent?
Worst case then, twice a week (heaven forbid)
175ml of Brandy at 40% = 7 units x 2 = 14 units per week. That's the recommended weekly limit. (conservative and not very practical limit!)
Dependency? When you wake up is the first thing you do to check your cupboards or fridge for alcohol? do you then plan your day as to when and how you will buy more whilst avoiding other people so you can drink without criticism?
Can you physically and or mentally function without a drink?
You have nothing to worry about.

[Anlyn]

Oh, I see your point..no history prior to the last 2 years. I agree, once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. If that's the case then I misread the question or it wasn't immediately apparent... total abstinence is the only answer bookboo, be brave, be strong, believe in yourself. xx

[Anlyn]

shortplanks, bookboo has stated that she is NOT an alcoholic.

[bookboo]

Thanks for all of the responses. I poured the remaining brandy down the sink yesterday and I've decided to give it up altogether. I should think that in a day or so I'll probably get some cravings for it but as some of you have said at least I wasn't at an advanced stage of dependency so I'm sure it will get easier as time goes on x