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Original poster

Could easily be an alcoholic (ADHD)

23 replies

Holidaywwyd · 19/03/2023 22:22

I don't know how to explain this really. I used to be a problem drinker but I don't drink much these days. However everytime I do I honestly think how lovely it would to just not stop and how easy it would be to become an alcoholic and forget all my responsibilities. Last 2 weekends have been drinking weekends and I'm sitting here tonight thinking how easily I could become an alcoholic.

Does anyone relate? I have ADHD (Diagnosed), and a responsible job in the NHS on 35k. Today I've only got stuff done because I've been drinking using the timer method. At work I'm great as I work fantastically under pressure, and work is all pressure

OP posts:
Aphrathestorm · 20/03/2023 07:37

Yes alcohol helps with some ND traits.

Sometimes I think how is that really any different from using other drugs for other conditions?

If alcohol had no bad side effects I'd drink every day.

It's just a balance you've got to find I suppose.

Brightstar84 · 20/03/2023 07:39

Think of the stinking hangovers and long term effects on your health

I’m ADHD too and find alcohol numbs my racing thoughts. Are you challenged enough in your job? How would you operate with bad, nauseating hangovers and a pounding head?

Plit · 20/03/2023 07:40

If you knew anyone who was an actual alcoholic who had had their health impacted by it then you probably wouldn't think this.

premicrois · 20/03/2023 07:43

Last 2 weekends have been drinking weekends and I'm sitting here tonight thinking how easily I could become an alcoholic.

I mean you could because you are using alcohol as a crutch. If you become dependent the only thing that will happen is you will always need a drink. It will affect your function negatively and before long you won't be able to do your job at all.

You are suggesting being an alcoholic is an answer when actually it just gives you a whole, much bigger, difficulty.

Plit · 20/03/2023 08:30

Today I've only got stuff done because I've been drinking using the timer method what's that @Holidaywwyd ?

Original poster
Holidaywwyd · 09/04/2023 15:15

3 weeks later I'm here again😔

I've seen alcoholism, I know what it does and at this point IDEC

I just feel like the struggle with been life would be easier if I could 'opt out ' into alcoholism.

I'm never going to be ok in the traditional sense and the col crisis has just meant that any relief I had is gone. I've been on NHS list for re- referral for over 2 years, no way of affording private

OP posts:
Wittow · 09/04/2023 15:19

Curious to know what you want when posting here?

Support? Advice? Sympathy? A good talking to?

eloquent · 09/04/2023 15:27

Holidaywwyd · 09/04/2023 15:15

3 weeks later I'm here again😔

I've seen alcoholism, I know what it does and at this point IDEC

I just feel like the struggle with been life would be easier if I could 'opt out ' into alcoholism.

I'm never going to be ok in the traditional sense and the col crisis has just meant that any relief I had is gone. I've been on NHS list for re- referral for over 2 years, no way of affording private

Have you looked into right to choose? Look at adhduk etc.

Their waiting lists areuch shorter and on the NHS. There's a few places who do it.

Although I understand (undiagnosed ADHD currently) alcohol isn't the answer. Please seek help from your GP.

Original poster
Holidaywwyd · 09/04/2023 15:31

I don't know what I want I guess someone to understand and tell me there is another way?

I'm already diagnosed but been discharged due to non compliance. This happened when COVID hit as I couldn't explain away the amount of virtual appointments I needed to have to work so I was discharged for DNAs

OP posts:
Original poster
Holidaywwyd · 09/04/2023 15:32

I just feel like if I was an alcoholic People would start trying to help me instead of ignoring the issues I have

OP posts:
Wittow · 09/04/2023 15:34

Go to AA. Help yourself rather than waiting for someone else to do so.

Original poster
Holidaywwyd · 09/04/2023 15:37

I'm not an alcoholic. Just very aware that I could be. AA is definitely not the answer

OP posts:
iliketobooogie · 09/04/2023 15:54

OP I totally get this, the feeling of relaxation and clarity from a drink or 2 really helps. It also massively lifts the mood.
I think I have traits of ADHD as well as ASD, I find I also feel it calms me in a way it doesn't other people. The problem I have is I can't just have 1 or 2, it has to be more than that or I'm just thinking about how to get the next drink.
I'm currently not drinking because I'm pregnant but I'm really looking forward to having one!

Findyourneutralspace · 09/04/2023 16:11

Have you considered referring yourself to the local drug and alcohol services? You don’t have to be ‘rock bottom’ but if you are struggling with your relationship with alcohol, and using it as a coping mechanism, you would benefit from some psychosocial intervention. The ADHD team may offer this too but it’s a long wait.

Try Change Grow Live. I think they are nationwide and accept self referrals.

Findyourneutralspace · 09/04/2023 16:13

Also - alcoholic isn’t a very useful term. It’s too definitive. There are lots of ‘grey area drinkers’ who could use a bit of support.

Original poster
Holidaywwyd · 09/04/2023 16:36

@iliketobooogie thank you. Good to hear someone that gets it. I don't often drink too maybe once a month but when I do that's it.

@Findyourneutralspace

Been there and done that. This has been on and off for years. I've had all the help I can get. Agree alcoholic not a helpful term but I feel don't have any alcohol issues in the reading sense

OP posts:
ADHDDDDDDDBOOM · 06/05/2023 13:49

OP I just did a post similar in AIBU.

I have ADHD (not diagnosed, my child is he's identical to me, as is my father), I'm a healthcare professional Band 6 and have a high stress job.

I was thinking the other day how great it would be to just drink coffee all day and wine in the evening and not die or have negative repercussions.
I wouldn't even need food, coffee does the job.

Original poster
Holidaywwyd · 07/05/2023 20:09

I did comment on your thread @ADHDDDDDDDBOOM . I'm ashamed to say I've been drinking today and feel the same as I did when I posted the OP. In the time I've been drinking I haven't picked my skin once. I hate the fact I can't be medicated. Alcohol is my medication

OP posts:
Original poster
Holidaywwyd · 07/05/2023 20:10

Is there a support thread for unmedicated ADHD or ADHD and alcohol?

OP posts:
ADHDchange · 07/05/2023 20:27

Hi OP, think we are in the same boat. These days, less of the self medication with booze, but I have a very long history of it (very different to dependency, ie alcoholism but no less unhealthy).

I don't like it for other reasons but Elvanse means I binge less frequently and at lower volumes.

Think of boozing as the thing that you did while looking for proper support.

Brightstar84 · 08/05/2023 07:51

I use alcohol to numb my racing brain too, drink too much and drink habitually but it rarely does any good and I really want to cut down

whatisforteamum · 08/05/2023 08:15

Hi OP I suspect I have hyperactive ADHD and have had bad diagnosed anxiety in the past.
I stopped drinking as I only had a drink afew nights a week to unwind from 12 hr shifts in a fast paced environment.Also I worked with guys who had some form of neuro divergence who heavily relied on alcohol to feel normal.One tried to stop and was told he would have to reduce slowly or he could have seizures.
Join the alcohol support group on here.
It worked for me.

LooseFit · 08/05/2023 08:18

Addiction and ADHD often go hand in hand for all sorts of reasons.

It’s good that you’re aware of what you are doing. You’re not in denial, and that’s huge.

Seek help. Alcohol abuse can so quickly get out of hand for us ADHD-ers.

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