Expert: Druideck - 3/25/2009

Question
Hi, over the past several months my boyfriend and I have noticed that when I drink I tend to become very stubborn and argumentative which leads to anger, yelling, and crying. I tried not drinking for a few weeks however we both enjoy going out together for a drink or two. So, we agreed no liquor, only beer. Well, it seems to be only liquor that makes me get so upset and paranoid and angry and emotional. We have noticed I can not have more than one shot of liquor. I can drink any amount of beer and I can be just fine. But once liquor is in me I become this horrible monster. I start seeing people like they are trying to trick me, or secretly being mean, or trying to dupe me or all kinds of stuff and become offensive. Is there any way to fix this?Or any cause that may have started it? Thank you so much for taking you time out of your day, Sara

Answer
Sara,

it is not a good sign when alcohol
starts to affect you emotionally,
mentally and/or spiritually in a
bad way.

It may be a sign of a growing dependence
on alcohol. This is evidenced by a
lack of control when drinking
and also the paranoia is something
many alcoholics experience.
Changing types or brands of liquor
to control the situation is also
an alcoholic trait.

If you are reacting badly to alcohol
then why use it at all?
If you are already unwilling
to stop after experiencing these
problems then there is a good
chance you are developing an alcohol
dpendence or addiction.

I would suggest doing some of the
tests for alcohol problems that
are online.
Alcohol is a drug and a chemical
so it can affect people differently.

Another symptom of a drinking problem
is denial. If you find yourself
wanting to ignore my warnings
so you can continue to drink
unhindered then you likely
are already in the first stage
of alcoholism and it's
mind trick of denial.

People do end up in mental wards
from drinking and that is
only the beginning.
If you want to avoid the terrible
results of being alcoholic
I also suggest talking to an alcohol
counsellor.
They can guide you in finding out
early if you are headed for
disaster with your drinking.

Just the fact that you wrote to me
is a sign of a drinking problem
and a few more strikes you will
be out if you continue ignoring
the warning signs.

I know you want to have fun but
drinking problems and
the emotional pain they induce
are no fun at all.
Many of your friends may disagree
with me but they are drinkers right?