Expert: Beverley Glazer - 11/10/2008

Question
I drink probably once every month or 2, sometimes I go longer without drinking, but when I do, many times I experience blackouts, do things that I would NEVER do if I were sober, and cant remember most or all the next day. I just dont know when to stop, I get carried away and want more..Am I an alcoholic? What should I do? Is the solution to stop drinking? Do I feel insecure, that I can;t go out and have fun without ruining it all? Help me please.

Answer
Hi Diana,

What you're describing is binge drinking. As you've discovered, binge drinking is very confusing because unlike an alcoholic who drinks every day, you don't - but because you can't stop drinking, you too are a substance abuser.

Many people have this problem, but for women, binge drinking can be dangerous. I have a page on my site which will be helpful. Check out: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/women_addiction.html

It would also help you to go to AA meetings or get some private counseling to give you other strategies to stop drinking. And yes, you must stop - but that doesn't mean that you can't go out with your friends - you just can't party with them. You can order a soft drink, dance, have fun. When you think about it, blackouts etc are not very much fun any way you look at it.

Think of this problem as a disease. If you were a diabetic, or on medication, you too wouldn't be able to take a drink.

I hope this is helpful.
All the best

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com