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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Do I have a drink problem?

33 replies

Georgi202 · 07/06/2022 12:35

Ok, since having my DS 2 years ago I have been out twice and ended up getting really drunk on both occasions, I feel really sad about this and wondering if I should give up drinking completely, does this mean I have a drink problem? I was put on sertraline after Ds as I had really bad PND. I’m happy to never drink again but I just don’t understand why I ended up so drunk on both occasions?

OP posts:
Ugzbugz · 07/06/2022 12:38

I wouldn't say so but some will.
I can drink quite a bit but if I'm very tired, been upset etc can become drunk quicker.

You probably just let your hair down? Was excited to be out etc. This wouldn't even cross my mind to worry about.

Ugzbugz · 07/06/2022 12:39

And how drunk are we talking? It's really not uncommon, see the thread on drunk horror stories!

Buzzer3555 · 07/06/2022 12:39

Twice in 2 years doesn't sound like a problem. It obviously bothers you though so try alternating a alcoholic drink with a soft drink next time.

Original poster
Georgi202 · 07/06/2022 12:42

I was diagnosed with OCD so do tend to overthink 😂

OP posts:
lightunderthesea · 07/06/2022 12:42

I can't really understand what you mean by not knowing why you ended up so drunk?
Why as in why did you choose to drink so much as too get "too drunk" or literally why did the units you consumed make you drunk?
If it's the second then possibly because you haven't had alcohol for a while and a smaller alcohol content made you feel it quicker than usual?

Original poster
Georgi202 · 07/06/2022 12:44

Yes I will try alternating my drinks, I do love going our drinking with the girls/hubby etc but if it is because of these tablets or my tolerance is low I need to understand that I suppose. Unless it is the fact that I rarely go out anymore!

OP posts:
Cap89 · 07/06/2022 12:45

On this info alone I’d say no, definitely not a drinking problem. Much more likely is that with the freedoms of having some space from baby combined with tiredness and a really low tolerance if you barely ever drink means the booze has hit you quicker than it may once have done. I was similar the first few times after having dc! By all means don’t drink if you don’t want to, but if you do want to just try and be a bit more conscious of the amount your drinking, eat properly and combine with water. Could be good to ask a friend/partner to remind you if it would help you feel better?

Redouble · 07/06/2022 12:46

The issue is if you are unable to control yourself once you start drinking? My 'stop' switch is definitely faulty once I've had a drink, so I have instilled a non-negotiable golden rule of 2 drinks only, and book a taxi for 11/12pm if I'm seeing friends in town. This works perfectly for me!

It could just be that you wanted to let your hair down and if so, don't be hard on yourself.

minipie · 07/06/2022 12:46

I expect it is the fact you rarely drink so it has a bigger effect when you do.

Also possibly getting carried away because going out is rare!

Wouldn’t fret too much just make a mental note to watch it next time.

ValenciaOrange · 07/06/2022 12:47

Were you taking Sertraline when these two times occured? It's not advisable to drink alcohol with Sertraline and this might explain why you got so drunk

OneTC · 07/06/2022 12:48

You shouldn't drink on sertraline

OneTC · 07/06/2022 12:50

But yeah what you describe doesn't sound like problematic drinking in an obvious sense. It just sounds like you don't do it very often and have poor self control when you do. Which is pretty common when it comes to booze owing to the nature of intoxication

Comedycook · 07/06/2022 12:50

Why would you think you have a drinking problem because of two occasions in two years?

Or do you drink at other times?

namechange30455 · 07/06/2022 12:51

Sertraline really affected my tolerance for alcohol OP

Waxonwaxoff0 · 07/06/2022 12:57

I've been drunk more than twice this year and I don't have a drink problem so I think you're fine.

10HailMarys · 07/06/2022 13:01

If you have only been drunk twice in two years, you absolutely do not have a drink problem. If you're drinking excessively every day or can't get through a couple of days without a drink, that is a drink problem. Getting a bit pissed twice in two years is not.

@ValenciaOrange @OneTC NHS advice is that it is fine to drink alcohol while taking Sertraline, but to be aware that it might make you feel sleepy. They only suggest avoiding alcohol in the first few weeks of taking the medication while you're still adjusting to it.

(In America, they tell you not to drink while on sertraline, but that has nothing to do with clinical effects and everything to do with America being a notoriously litigious country with a private healthcare system.)

Kitten2 · 07/06/2022 13:04

No, sounds like you just let loose for a couple of evenings.

My partner has done this several times since having our 2yo (at least 5 times). It's not a problem. It's slightly annoying for me when he's out of action the next day! But I appreciate he's just letting off steam. Kids are hard work.

Jizzle · 07/06/2022 13:04

If you were going out getting drunk twice in a week I would suggest it is probably time to cut back a bit, but twice in 2 years?!

SemperIdem · 07/06/2022 13:16

Are you still on sertraline? It doesn’t mix with alcohol very well

PinkArt · 07/06/2022 14:23

Do you drink at home at all? If not and you've literally only drank twice in two years then your tolerance level will be incredibly low and you will get very drunk very quickly.
After something like dry January I feel pissed after one drink, when it would usually take considerably more if I was drinking (normal amounts before any pearl clutching starts) more regularly.

OneTC · 07/06/2022 14:27

NHS advice is that it is fine to drink alcohol while taking Sertraline, but to be aware that it might make you feel sleepy.

The pamphlet in with the meds says to avoid alcohol and that'll do me Smile

5128gap · 07/06/2022 14:40

Did being drunk suddenly take you by surprise, as in, you drank your normal amount but were suddenly very drunk? If so, combination of meds and low tolerance. Hormonal changes can also have an affect.
However, if you knew you were getting very drunk but didn't seem to have an off switch, that's a bit different. It could still be related to your meds as they alter the brain chemistry (as they're supposed to) so may have made you less likely to stop.
Personally I don't think ADs and drinking mix. For one thing alcohol is a depressant so they're working against each other.

Cakeandcardio · 07/06/2022 15:07

I'd say your tolerance has changed. Pre baby I used to enjoy a large glass of wine or two when eating out. Had one large glass of wine the other day and had to sleep it off. Haha.

motogirl · 07/06/2022 15:24

Dd couldn't drink on those, she was drunk after a glass of two of wine. She came off them after a year

Letsbekindplease · 07/06/2022 15:31

I was drunk 3 times last year and all 3 times ended up absolutely legless. I don’t have a drink problem, it just doesn’t take a lot for me to get drunk. I don’t think you do either or you would be drinking more than 2timea in the year