Hello all. Like others I find this thread very supportive. I have spent so many years covering up my drinking habits, and it is so liberating to be able to be honest on here, and to know that others understand and do not judge me for it. I also have found that same acceptance at the 2 AA meetings I have been to.
Wasindie, your story sounds so much like mine. Except that I had progressed another step. I didn't drink during the day until I found a couple of opportunities, and hey ho that became part of what I did as well
I would have described myself as a high-functioning alcoholic. I still run my own business, I function 'nomally' in society, I doubt that many of my acquaintances would classify me as an alcoholic. There would be the occassional missed deadline at work, and the occasional dinner-party disaster when I'd over done it, but in the main I was performing well and not losing it.
However, I think I now recognise that "high-functioning" is just an excuse for me. I am as much an alcoholic as any other. I read this recently about the myth of alcoholism: "We cling to stories about the true alcoholics - unstable, lunatic, destitute - because that is not us, we're in control, we're OK."
I also read that only 9% of all alcohoics conform to that stereotype, the rest of us are somewhere on the path.
I am here hoping that by coming to terms with my alcoholism now, I can stop that descent.
Today I intend not to have a drink.