Expert: Beverley Glazer - 3/11/2009

Question
Hi, I am a young female that drinks about every weekend. I black out 9 out of 10 times that I drink. It's almost as if once I start, I can never get drunk enough. I have drank this way since I was young. I don't drink nearly as often as I used to...yet I began blacking out a year ago. I could never figure out why I started blacking out after no change in my drinking pattern. I become a angry horrid person when I black out & I simply don't want it to be a part of my life anymore. I wish I could just cut down but have failed too many times. I don't have anyone that can help me recover so I am asking you. I want out of this routine but I need a little guidance. I have not drank for the last 2 weekends...but the urge is getting stronger.

Answer
Hi Dayna,

It sounds like you are a binge drinker, and binge drinkers are often in denial longer than daily drinkers because the problem is less obvious - it's only on the weekend - so the drinking gets worse

Drinking is somewhat different in women:  http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/women-drinkers.htm

There are many pages on the site that may be helpful:
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/sitemap.html

I'm glad that you're trying to stop because your alcohol consumption is way too high. You can't do this alone. Find the AA meetings in your area and go.

You said that you're young. There are also meetings for younger people. Check them out. When you get comfortable with the members, you're encouraged to get a sponsor so you can reach out to someone - particularly during those cravings.

This is the first step for immediate help. Let me know how you're doing and if you need more information, just let me know.

Thanks for writing All Experts

Best of luck

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