AboutDruideck Expertise All questions are important,
I have over 22 years of personal experience with alcoholism and recovery issues.
Advanced Counsellor Training / Experience with treatment and AA.
Experience Over 22 years of recovery from alcoholism.
Counsellor in an alcohol outpatient office.
Experience as client and as counsellor in treatment center.
Education/Credentials Advanced counsellor certificate,
Melbourne ORYGEN Research Centre volunteer consultant
Question I was wondering if you could help me or at least give me an idea of what is going on. I am twenty years old and not a heavy drinker. I go out to the bar maybe once or twice a month if I do drink it is at home with my boyfriend and friends and only on weekends. Most of the time when we go out we have an awesome time. But ever 2-3 months (I have started to chart them to see if I can find a pattern) I freak out when I am drunk. I become a crazy psycho person and take my rage out on my boyfriend. And it is only when I am drinking with my boyfriend. I usually don’t remember it happening or just small details. I have no control over myself when this happens and my boyfriend and friends have told me that I become incredibly strong and violent during these rages. The morning after I feel terrible; I hate myself. I am ashamed, guilty and embarrassed. I just feel so badly after because that isn’t me when I am in these rages it is so out of my character to be violent. Alcoholism doesn’t run in my family as far as I know. And I wouldn’t say I am an alcoholic. In no way do I depend upon. I drink when we go out with our friends. I don’t want to stop drinking completely because I am so young and I still want to be able to have a good time. If I have to stop drinking though then I will. Please if you could offer me any insight or advice on how I can stop these it would be extremely welcomed.
Answer Shea,
there is something wrong if you blackout
during drinking. This is a sign of
problem drinking and closer to an alcoholic
reaction. Alcoholics often can't
remember what they did or
where they went while drinking.
A common misconception people have
is that you need to be older or
drink alot to be an alcoholic.
Alcoholism is an illness that
can affect young or old and
is more about how you react
to alcohol than how much you
drink or how often.
Many alcoholics in recovery
only drank once a week or every two weeks
but when they drank it caused them
much trouble. The trouble may
be behaviour problems,
mental confusion, blackouts,
fights, or legal difficulties.
If you feel anger or fear or
hurt or rage these things
need to be addressed with relaxation,
meditation and possibly therapy.
Drinking only brings out
the hurt, fear and rage that
is already inside you.
Drinking may seem like fun
and a good time but when
it starts to embarass or
make you feel shame or guilt
the good times are gone.
These blackouts can be very
dangerous and cause much
self hatred which often leads
to more drinking to sooth
the hurt.
This is not the path you want to
take to heal your emotions.
There is no record I know
of where a person has stopped
drinking blackouts once you
have them.
Try to limit your drinking
to a safe amount and if
it doesn't work, you may
have to make the decision
you think is best for
your health and future.
