Binge drinking - how to stop?

[RescueMyself]

I would really appreciate some advice on this. I wouldn't class myself as an out and out alcoholic, however, I binge drink every 10 days or so and get absolutely wasted. So much so that I've made some foolish decisions - resulting in casual sex and losing property, falling down drunk on my way home from the pub.

I need to stop this right now, but I do not want to approach the GP.
I notice that since going on anti-depressants, I seem to be drinking more. I do wonder if I should lower the dose or wean off them. I am undertaking ongoing therapy for C-PTSD. I also wonder if my birth control is affecting my senses too.

I feel ashamed to show my face in public again... at the moment there is no chance of relocating.

How do I go about stopping drinking altogether? Please, I am my own worst critic, I know my behaviour has been shitty.

Most antidepressants warn you not to drink alcohol..you know your drinking is out of control,step one, admitting it. See if there is any help groups in your area, even by phone. Remove temptation, don't buy any alcohol. Do you drink alone,or have drinking buddies,? Do you work, have committments ie kids? It's highly likely you will need the help of your GP. Good luck.

I’m sorry you’re struggling OP, it does sound as though you will need GP help here.

Are you capable of not drinking at all? As in, are you able to say you won’t drink again & stick to it,
or are you someone who doesn’t want to say you won’t drink again but rather that you won’t drink TOO much again? If you’re not prepared to fully abstain you’re going to struggle.

If not the GP it may be worth reaching out to local or online services.

For many problem drinkers - The only drink you have any control over is the first one… sounds like you need a period of abstinence to evaluate what you want to do.

Thank you. I do realise it is out of control. I do not feel I should even have 'one drink' because I cannot ever stop at one.

I do have DC and work commitments. Which is why it is even more crucial that I find other ways to relax, socialise and get the buzz I think I get from alcohol.

I've put myself in quite a vulnerable position. I do feel that I would be to try reset this with appropriate support.

Be able to

This is where I need to begin. This is where I the most support is needed.

I can be honest with you as someone who doesn’t drink anything anymore, there isn’t anything I have found that feels the same. That said, I no longer have to deal with hangovers, shit sleep, shame, anxiety, fat stomach, health fears, no weekend, no money.

My mind is quiet, I don’t have to waste my energy thinking about alcohol or how much I’m drinking or is it too much or when is it ok to have another. That does bring a type of peace unlike any other.

Ok, thank you for your honesty. I agree with you completely, as those are the exact reasons I have for not wanting to drink anymore.

I am so angry at the pub for allowing one of their pub goers to buy me heavier alcohol just to get me properly drunk (recently). I'm angry and ashamed at myself for lack of judgement. I had been having a great time until that happened and I fear that I could very well have landed up dead after it..

It’s so hard though isn't it because alcohol affects everyone differently and one night you can have x amount and be fine and the next time it completely knocks you out. Plus people seem happy drinking until they are not and by then it’s too late.

I have some horror stories to tell from my younger days and the shame is awful. I am so grateful that social media wasn’t around then. Gosh for people to have photos would horrify me.

All that being said, once you stop for a while you learn to forgive yourself and move on. Making good decisions more consistently really does make a difference.

Hi OP

I am the same. My last bender was on Sunday and lasted until the Monday night. I speed up when drinking alcohol rather than slowing down.

I can go for months without any alcohol (did 5 months at the beginning of the year) but caved after a close family bereavement.

I think for people that binge the way we do, the only solution is to stop completely. I have no control after the 1st drink and never know how it will end.

I have always been like this since starting to drink as a teenager. I dread to think of the damage I’ve done to myself after 30 years of this behaviour.

I hope you’re feeling better.

Casual sex when you were too drunk to consent is rape, OP. And your update suggests the man was intentionally getting you drunk. You may or may not also have a drinking problem but if you were raped, drunk or not, it is not your fault.

Get help with the alcohol if you feel you need it, but also get rape counselling, because stopping drinking & processing trauma are both hard enough individually.