Alcoholic or Just Another Student?

[silasglow]

Ive been drinking so much since i started uni. I binge drink, and I find it realy hard to go out without drinking. Thats not the only problem, but Im such a rude and obnoxious person when im under the influence of alcohol. I find it so embaressing and theres only a certain amount of times I can say sorry to people. Thing is, ive started at a new uni and im doing it to myself again, I find it realy hard to make friends like this. I know I need to just stop drinking, but its so difficult when its around me all the time, and I seem to just love making people hate me. Thing is im not realy a bad person and i dont think bad of anyone else, its just drink makes me want to flatten peoples egos. Please help me. Do i need psycological therapy? Aswell as rehab? lol. Or is this just a common thing that most students go through?

[bcubed]

It's really almost impossible to diagnose sombody else's suspected alcoholism in a setting such as this, especially when one is somewhat inexperienced.

But, if your having problems or are not happy with drinking, there's no reason to do something that isn't making you happy. I don't think ANYONE here would advise masochistic drug use.

Here's an idea: take a break for a while. See how you find the pros and cons off alcohol. Then if you want to, add it in a little at a time until you get it where you want it.

If you consistently have trouble staying away from it or preventing use from escalating, then you might have issues, but I'd hold off on feeling forced to wear the scarlet (um...I mean bourbon-colored) "A" just yet.

[terrykwaters]

Alcohol can be a problem long before an individual becomes alcoholic. Sounds like you suspect yourself already. The only true diagnosis comes from within. Let us know how bcubed's suggestion works out. Give it a try.

[chillmeistergen]

Swim has been going through a similar problem. Though he has enjoyed drinking for years, while attending university (since september) he found that he was drinking way more than he used to. It's become a near every day thing, without any real decision for it to be so. Swim will drink while others aren't drinking, or on his own at times, as well.

Swim has not had a drink today, though thoughts of drinking are plaguing his mind. This addiction also goes hand in hand with somewhat of an eating disorder - Swim will avoid eating, whether hungry or not, it's not something he can in any way rationalise and it scares the shit out of Swim.

Around two months ago he vomited blood and had to go to A&E to seek advice, he was sent home without treatment. However, stomach pains continued, having today been to seek medical advice, the doctor told Swim that he may have a peptic ulcer or gastritis. But Swim is terrified that it could be something to do with his liver.

Any advice for Swim?

[chrissblack]

As a person in recovery, a suggestion that I have for you is that if you think you have a problem, then you probably do. No one but you can decide what to do about it. If you are at a university, chances are there are resources available on campus that could help you overcome any issues you have. I attend a lot of meetings, because I want to. If you don't want help, then you won't receive any... it's up to you.

If you don't know a lot about AA or similar programs, talk to a counselor about it, or call central service and ask. Trust me when I say, if it sucked, I wouldn't do it. It saved my life.