Expert: Beverley Glazer - 2/8/2009

Question
recently i have to realize that most times i succomb to the urge has been times that i have been bored. also a few of the video games i play have LOTS of big, shiny, delicious looking bottles of whiskey, vodka or wine and i know that certainly doesn't help.

i DON'T like the effects on my body the next day, even though i can now drink almost an entire 750ml (fifth) without serious hangovers.

i DON'T like the 23 pounds i've gained since 21 yo ( i gained all of 5 pounds from 18 to 21)

and i know that i have more fun when i NOT drunk, at least when i am around people. but when i am alone in the evening the urge is sometimes so hard that i spend hours looking at the clock and pacing, knowing that the ABC closes at 9 pm.

considering that i haven't been a believer and will never go back ( i used to be southern baptist for all my life) what the heck can i do?

thanks for your time and i hope to hear from you soon.


Answer
Hi Richard,

I think that you got it. For you, boredom is a trigger for drinking and those video games are also a problem. Try playing games that don't give you drinking cravings. Alcohol is a depressant, and so you also don't feel like doing much - other than drink.

Here's a self-test that you may find useful. By taking this test you can evaluate if you have a drinking problem, and if you do check out the AA meetings in your area.

Http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/alcohol-addiction.html

The AA members can also become your friends and they can be incorporated into your social life.

The goal also has to be to develop non-baptist friends. Find out what's going on in your community, join clubs, take courses, the gym, lift weights, jog etc. The idea is to get out and participate in life. When you create your new life, you'll incorporated new people in it.

I hope this is helpful.Thank you for writing All Experts,

All the best,

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