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Original poster

Think I have a drink problem

8 replies

Huddlesthebunny · 20/07/2025 11:54

First of all please don’t judge I know I’m a bad person, I’m ashamed I just want some advice.

I used to drink just socially, nights out, holidays then it turned into a few drinks at home on the weekend. It’s now gotten to the point where I am drinking maybe every few/couple days. I never get really drunk, just enough to get a buzz. I can’t believe how often it has got. Having my first at 11:00 sometimes even 10:30. I’m so embarrassed and actually feel sick writing this out. My brother is a recovering alcoholic and seeing the disaster his behaviour caused for the family you’d think I’d know better.

I’m so sad I’m a genuinely nice person but I just think I’ve gotten into a horrendous bad habit😔

OP posts:
Bramblecrumb · 20/07/2025 11:56

Hi OP. You're not a bad person but alcoholism is a wicked thing for what it does to us. Can you take a look at the Alcohol Support forum? There's a lot of us over there who have the same problem and can support you if you want to get sober. I'm two and a half years sober and my life is better in every single way. It's hard sometimes but it's not as hard as drinking too much and having to live with the consequences was. I found Catherine Gray's book The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober was life-changing for me too.

Adultautismdiagnosis · 20/07/2025 11:57

You're not a bad person for having a bit of an addiction. You wouldn't think someone was bad for having food additions leading to obesity so don't be so hard on yourself. You've recognised it's a problem which is a bit step. The question is now,what will you do about it? You CAN solve this.

MiloMinderbinder925 · 20/07/2025 11:58

See your GP and get some help. Your GP should know what help is available locally.

It would also help to get therapy to get to the root of why you're drinking. You can find a therapist on BACP. SMART recovery and AA offer free support.

Buzyizzy217 · 20/07/2025 11:58

You are not a bad person at all. I would try to find something else to do though, go swimming, gym maybe. You’ll save a fortune too and feel a lot happier.
You sound lovely, just not in a happy place atm. Good luck. 🤗

runningonberocca · 20/07/2025 12:04

Echoing the previous 2 posters- please do not think of yourself as a bad person. Addiction is an illness with a strong genetic predisposition. You have taken the most important step by recognising that you have a problem.
Please do NOT stop suddenly- alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous. Slowly reduce the amount you drink.
Take a look on line for local AA meetings- you can attend online or in person and you may need to shop around for a group that suits you. Make an appointment with your GP so your physical health can be checked, for advise on safe withdrawal and for referral to your local alcohol service which will give you a key worker.
And really importantly- think of the things you enjoyed pre alcohol - even if you haven’t done them in ages - and start incorporating them back into your life.
Your life can be so much better without alcohol. You’ve got this!

Shar270 · 20/07/2025 12:19

At some point alcohol changes your brain so you start making poorer choices, it affects motivation, judgement and impulse control. When you get to that point you start lying to yourself and believing it - and then it's very hard to overcome.

I'm sure you're not near that yet OP, right now you can recognise you're drinking too much and that you need help. Go through with that, don't convince yourself you can do this by yourself if you can't though and don't let it get to the point where you're in denial about it. See your GP and see what's available to you.

Alcoholism might be in your genes as your brother is already an alcoholic. You're chasing that buzz OP and that's the danger, the longer you drink the more you're going to have to drink to get the buzz. The more you think you're a bad shameful person the more you'll drink to forget that. You're not either of those things so get the help you deserve.

Inthecafe · 20/07/2025 12:27

You can’t see it OP yet
But you have just made a GIANT leap forward in recovery but admitting this. And I really mean that

Missj25 · 20/07/2025 12:36

Huddlesthebunny · 20/07/2025 11:54

First of all please don’t judge I know I’m a bad person, I’m ashamed I just want some advice.

I used to drink just socially, nights out, holidays then it turned into a few drinks at home on the weekend. It’s now gotten to the point where I am drinking maybe every few/couple days. I never get really drunk, just enough to get a buzz. I can’t believe how often it has got. Having my first at 11:00 sometimes even 10:30. I’m so embarrassed and actually feel sick writing this out. My brother is a recovering alcoholic and seeing the disaster his behaviour caused for the family you’d think I’d know better.

I’m so sad I’m a genuinely nice person but I just think I’ve gotten into a horrendous bad habit😔

Ah OP , you’re not a bad person , just developed a bad habit …
You’ve recognised this, & now before it escalates anymore is the time to ask for help …
Jesus , it’s very easy there for that to happen to any of us … You need to see a professional though , we can only cheer you on , & encourage you on your way , They know what they’re talking about & are educated on it , they’re the only ones who can get you on top of this …
Wishing you well x

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