Hey all. I'm James, in my late 30s. I think I've come to a crossroads in my drinking life. I've been a typical weekend Binge Drinkers from about the age of 17 up until now. It's progressively gotten worse overtime, but if I'm being honest with myself I've never done well with Alcohol. Since Lockdown I've actualy had some periods of time completely sober and it's lent great perspective in that I always feel so much better about myself. In lockdown I actually didn't drink at all during the two 4.5 month periods because I never drink in the house and since the bars were closed it was easy. Since them I've had a week or two here and there and even a month or so sober, but I'm at a crossroads I think. I'm tired physically and mentally from it. The hangovers are getting horrendous th more I age and I don't recognise the person in the mirror the morning after and even hate the guy I see sometimes.
I've never slept rough or missed days off work because of my drinking - although I have gone to work hungover a few times. I currently work at a school and during term times I actually find it easier to avoid alcohol since I'm usually too tired by Friday evening to go to the bars and I typically won't drink on a Saturday because the hangovers last 2 - 3 days now and I don't want to feel like crap on Monday morning. My issue is when I'm off work. I'm coming to the end of the Summer Holidays now and I can't wait to get back to work and get into a routine again because that's when I feel like I have control in my life. These last few weeks have been not great to say the least. A lot of drinking which leads to social smoking and other substance uses. Alcohol has always been a gateway drug for me. I've not bothered going to the gym because of just constantly feeling lethargic and unmotivated.
I hope in this group I can share and find common ground with people. I'm ready to do it, but I think I need some support now at this stage in my life. I'm single and have been for quite some time and not having someone to talk to is becoming an issue I think. Having a group with a level of anonymity might help fill that a hole a bit - we'll see.
Anyway, thanks for listening.