How do i avoid falling off the wagon!?

Question

ok...im 26...ive drank hard for a good 10 years. I've accomplshed some good things but not nearly as much as my potential has allowed me....it isn't too late for me to excel and achieve the goals i want to achieve....however its NOW!...im finishing my mba and need to get serious and drinking has been my main problem cause it has slowed me down in a lot of ways...but im determined now to quit....but i find it super hard to avoid drinking at social occasions...so im thinking the only way is not to go to them...or even go out for dinner with a girl would be tough to avoid the bottle of wine....i've drank so much that i don't know how to be cool with the new me....which is someone who is getting in shape, being responsible, dedicated to work etc......i can't fall off now or maybe even ever....i wouldn't say im an alcoholic but definetly someone who drinks too much when they drink and acts wild.....yet is very quiet and thoughtful when sober

Answer 1

First of all....good for you for turning things around....and yes its never too late to make a difference in your life so keep moving forward and i would try to get support from AA or even Celebrate Recovery Meeting...i would most definately avoid drinking completely and if that means staying away from social events if you are not strong enough to NOT drink then take control and do whatever you have to do to remain sober...there are plenty of ladies out there that enjoy a date and dinner without drinking a bottle of wine so just keep looking forward and remember if you want a change in your life you can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results....sounds like you are heading in the right direction...so just believe in yourself and take it one day or even one minute at a time :)

Answer 2

It sounds like you are in need of support, to help curb this temptation.  Try surrounding yourself with people who are interested in your well-being, who are there to help you move forward and not look back.  If this means that you have to cut a few ties with people in your social groups who may be a negative influence to you (old drinking buddies) then so be it.

As far as social situations, try drinking a selzer with a twist instead of going for the alcohol.  And don't give into the pressure of feeling like you have to drink to have a good time.  Don't be afraid or feel like you are being antisocial if you remove yourself from a situation where you are uncomfortable.  And who says there's something wrong with being quiet and thoughtful.  Personally, I love strong, silent types...and there are so many of us out there who feel the same.  

I think the key to your problem is finding the balance between your wild and quiet side.  It's ok to have fun every now and then.  The key is to be able to control yourself, to know when you've had enough and not let this become a problem for you and others in your life.

Hope this helps.  I wish you the best going forward!

Answer 3

you might need to go to rehab. but go to aa meetings & get a sponsor. 90 meetings in 90 days. aa will work if you let it. the main thing is to get a sponsor. onse you have aa under your belt social events will come much easier. but aa won't work unless you are series about wanting to stop. i do'nt know wher you live but for boston go to wwwaaboston.org

Answer 4

Don't get on the wagon in the first place.

Answer 5

I'm 34 years old and I've had a problem with alcohol too.  I know how difficult it is.  You say you have drank hard for 10 years, you find it hard to avoid drinking, and you even say that you drink too much, but you wouldn't say you're an alcoholic.  It sounds like you're just fooling yourself.  I have told myself the same things in the past.  I think it would be a good idea to avoid occasions where you will be tempted to drink, unless you have the self discipline to just tell yourself no.  It sounds like you have a lot going for you.  Don't let alcohol ruin your future.

Answer 6

Have you thought about going to AA in order to stay off the wagon.  That would be my suggestion.  It is not easy--I have a friend who struggles.  But the longer you stay off, the easier it gets.  Give AA a try or another counseling method if you prefer.  And best wishes for you--I know you can do it because you sound like you have a good head on your shoulders and you want to try to make something of your life.

Answer 7

Sounds like you're already decided what you want to do. Most people who abuse drugs and alcohol do so around college age (whether or not they went to college), and the vast majority (around 80%) of them quit or learn to moderate on their own once faced with adult responsibilities.

"Problematic alcohol use—that is, heavy drinking, or drinking that is accompanied by unpleasant consequences—tends to increase as people go through late adolescence, peaking at about age 22 or so, and then decline as they grow older. Some researchers consider this decline, which has been studied for more than 70 years in many different countries and cultures (Fillmore 1988; Johnstone et al. 1996), a “maturing out” of problem drinking. This process is believed to result when people reach their twenties and take on the roles and responsibilities of adulthood (Bachman et al. 2002; Yamaguchi and Kandel 1985). (For information about alcohol use among young people in other cultures, see the article in this issue by Ahlström and Österberg.)"

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/a...

"Another estimate is that at least 50% of alcoholics eventually free themselves although only 10% are ever treated. One recent study found that 80% of all alcoholics who recover for a year or more do so on their own, some after being unsuccessfully treated. When a group of these self-treated alcoholics was interviewed, 57% said they simply decided that alcohol was bad for them. Twenty-nine percent said health problems, frightening experiences, accidents, or blackouts persuaded them to quit. Others used such phrases as "Things were building up" or "I was sick and tired of it." Support from a husband or wife was important in sustaining the resolution."

Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction -- Part III, The Harvard Mental Health Letter, October 1995.

Don't believe the horror stories that people NEED a group or outside help, that can lead to disaster. I believed it and spent almost 20 years trying to find something outside myself to fix me when I needed to realize that it was something that can only be done by the individual.

If you still feel you need more help, check out "Drink Too Much?":

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/DrinkTo...

or try reading some Jack Trimpey or Jim Christopher.

Answer 8

Go to AA and stay around those that dont/wont drink. Church groups are good too...a GREAT way to meet women and learn things that may convince you not to drink anymore.