Expert: Beverley Glazer - 7/7/2009

Question
I do not think I am an alcoholic but I love getting drunk.  I live in a drink culture and most people I know do not think I have a problem.  I am drinking more from I stopped smoking.  I take a drink in the evenings now instead of a cigarette.  I don't get drunk unless I go out.  When I do go out, which is not often as I am a full time mature student and need to study, and I have two young kids, I love getting out of my face.  Everyone thinks it's funny and doesn't think it's a problem.  If someone told me I could never drink again I would be disappointed and would miss it.  But I would not be deviated and would think it was no big deal.  A friend asked me to stay off drink for three weeks because I was really tired.  I said 'no problem' and stayed off it.  I did feel better and once I was off drink for a while found I did not want to drink once  I got used to doing without it.  My problem is guilt.  When I get drunk I feel so guilty and I'm a bad mother. Drink to me is a habit and an escape from stress.  I never miss lectures because of drink.  I have no financial problems because of drink.  When I have no 'extra' money I do without.  More important things to pay for.  I gave up smoking because I don't want my kids to smoke but I drink more often now.  When I smoked I didn't care if I had a drink as long as I had cigarettes.  Should I be worried or am I just a student which involves a drink lifestyle and compensating for nicotine?

Answer
Hi Dawn,

Alcoholism creeps in slowly and many people don't believe that they have a problem because they're still functional.

A way you can judge is to measure how drinking is affecting your life.

Here a test that can help you:
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/alcohol-addiction.html

There's also another test on the site.

This is strictly to determine if you should get help or simply cut back. Many students are heavy drinkers and also binge drinkers, so you might simply have to cut back on the party scene. You may not have to completely stop drinking alcohol.

The good thing, is that you've noticed your drinking pattern and that you're trying to do something about it before serious problems arise.

I hope this information is helpful,

Thank you for contacting AllExperts,

All the best,

Beverley Glazer MA, ICCAC