To think I don’t have a alcohol problem

[Boingyboingy]

So I do tend to drink everyday. Never to the point of not being able to walk, being sick etc. I don’t wake up and crave it, I just crave the feeling of being chilled out and being able to deal with stress better. DH thinks I am an alcoholic and has been going mad at me

Well good luck to you then

admitting is the first step

yes 8 cans is a lot every day

go to AA.

seek help

dont lie if you drink. It was the lies that annoyed me more about ex then the drinking it’s ok

OP, ignore the unsupportive posts. Alcohol is so normalised that it's all too easy to blur the lines. You've now recognised that you have a problem, and that crucial first step is so important. I lost my husband and my mother to alcohol, but I also know people who have successfully recovered. If you want it and you put the work in, so can you. You'll end up equipped with strategies for coping with stress and a lot of wisdom you can use to help others when you have found your new path. I wish you well.

She knew she had a problem when she wrote the post

And?

She has made huge progress in recognising she has a problem. She doesn’t need to be given a hard time.

OP please don't stop drinking completely cold turkey. That is well over the threshold of units that could cause significant withdrawal symptoms.

I would advise professional help. Alcohol services from the NHS are usually self referral so no need to wait for a GP appointment.
These services are there for good reason. If it were easy, they wouldn't exist!

If you don't see anyone, there are guidelines you can find on the web but basically boil down to drink a bit less each couple of days or some recommend continuing to drink the same amount but switching to a brand with a lower alcohol content - fruit ciders are often 4.5% but a quick google shows that brothers ciders are only 3.4. After this reduction in alcohol content, the volume could be reduced or it could be further diluted (? I don't know if you could dilute it with lemonade say)

You definitely need to write yourself a plan if going it alone but as I said, please go for professional help.

Good luck

It's really brave to seek help even when you know it will come with some judgement. I'm really glad you've made the decision to contact your GP! It's really not an easy thing to do and some people will just not understand that. Wishing you all the best for whatever comes next ❤️

Good luck op. You shouldn't go cold turkey as that's very dangerous. The bowel issues are likely related. I can barely drink (especially wine) without having this happen. Need to stop at one personally.

Well done!
The first step is the hardest.
I would be asking for your blood sugars to be checked too as that's a whole lot of calories in fruit ciders.

You'll be okay, OP. 💐
Small steps.
The first step is admitting and quitting.
I admitted addiction to myself for years before quitting.

A blood sugar check won’t reveal anything but OPs blood sugar at the time the finger prick test is taken. For diabetes and pre diabetes an HbA1c test is required but they’re not done as routine unless there are other signs that blood glucose is a problem.

Yep, this is a problem OP. A 440ml of fruit cider contains on average 4% alcohol so is just under two units of alcohol per can. So you’re drinking two units above the recommended weekly maximum every day. The equivalent of around 96 units of alcohol every week. You’re drinking to damaging levels.

It’s great that you’ve recognised the problem and are going to do something about it. I would echo a previous posters’ advice though. You should take medical advice before you cut down on drinking because at those levels you’re likely to experience significant side effects if you just stop cold turkey or cut down drastically. Your GP should be able to refer you to get help and support to cut down safely. I wish you well.

That's what I meant :)

Good luck with the gp op and keep us updated there are lots of cutting down on alcohol threads here that might help you. It makes sense to go via gp and cold turkey might be trickier than cutting down slowly but they can advise

@Boingyboingy how long have you been drinking at this level?
Cider, not least due to the sugar levels, can play havoc with your digestive system so hopefully the diarrhoea is not due to problems with your liver.
Be as honest as possible with your doctor.
I hope you get good help and support xo

I wish you all the best and I hope you find a way to kick the alcohol, and become more healthy x

Good for you!! Good luck and well done on the eye opening!

You really need to quit, join AA, see your GP, throw yourself into it, the wake up call is the tip of the iceberg, it can get a lot worse, it's a progressive addiction, it never improves without stopping.
Have you cut back today?

Personally I get digestive problems from drinking, not due to a liver issue. OP is young and may not have that worry.

It’s only the last few weeks though, so it indicates something is going on, it’s not she always had this when she drinks, and she doesn’t say how long she’s been an alcoholic for. So she really needs to see a doctor urgently.

op, good luck, and well done admitting it,

can I ask gently, did you drink last night?

@Brightlittlecanary no not last night

Glad you’ve finally recognised you have a problem OP 🙄🤨

I think the issue re ‘alcoholic’ is people stereotypically think it’s some dirty, unkempt, lazy layabout … which is far from true. 8 cans of cider a day - you’re definitely an alcoholic.

My belated father was a (highly) functioning alcoholic. He ran his own very successful business, for many decades until we took it on, he had 5 kids, mum & himself had loads of great friends throughout their busy lives, he was involved in public life in our city, and overall he was a great man & father imho. However he was undoubtedly a chronic alcoholic, and though he did 12 steps & AA and quit for ~20+years , he still broke out regularly in his latter years again.

He used to tell a story against himself, he had a good sense of humour, that encapsulates an alcoholic's level of denial & is one of my favourite of his 'drinking' stories.

One Friday morning he was going out to work after having been out in the rugby club the night before drinking & he was feeling very under the weather. So he decided to call into a pub on the way to work about 10 in the am. He ordered a double vodka & tonic from the landlady who was sweeping the place out, to have a 'hair of the dog'. While there 'enjoying' his drink, he watched an old man come into the pub, and order a pint & a chaser of whiskey. Then he stayed there in the pub long enough to watch this guy order 2 or 3 more pairs of pints & chasers.

When finally my dad went to settle his bill with the landlady, he quietly shared with her that he thought this old man must surely be an alcoholic. According to dad the landlady looked at him like he had two head, and asked him back, what do you think you are? you've been drinking several drinks all this time watching him, and it's not yet 10 in the fuppin morning yet!!! 😀😃 😀

Good luck OP!!

This may be a funny story, but being an alcoholic is certainly no joke, sadly.
Even, my own late father, would have admitted that, God rest him.

You'll be okay, there is 1000s of people in your situation.
Hop on to an aa meeting on zoom. I know it might seem extreme. Hearing your own story helps you feel more supported.
Best of luck. 🥰

Hello from a former alcoholic. I haven't read the whole thread.
It's fantastic that you are now aware of your problem. Isn't it strange when you realise "I am an alcoholic"?
Wherever you turn for help - a support group, 12 step, your location's drug and alcohol service - you will (in my experience of a fair few!) meet wonderful non judgemental people from all walks of life.
Nurses, business execs, stay at home parents etc, all struggling with the same thing.
Sharing experience without shame is so important.
Good luck going forward. If in person support feels a bit full on, maybe check out online AA groups to get used to being in those environments. There are also specific women's groups.
AA is not for everyone (I'm no longer in it) but it is wonderfully supportive and hugely welcoming organisation filled with great, kind people.
Good luck OP!

Congratulations on not drinking last night. Sorry to be repetitive but going cold turkey can cause seizures depending on home severe the physical dependency is, just something to keep in mind.