Expert: Rebos - 1/11/2006

Question
hello, I started drinking this year, my freshman year in college.  When I drink it feels good, relieves stress etc.  I started keeping a log on my labtop since I thought I drank to much.  My dad took my labtop yesterday and saw the file, read it and deleted it.  I am so scared.  what do I do?

Answer
Good morning Alison:

Thank you for your question.

I'm not sure of what you are scared of...that your father found your record of drinking, or that you are scared because you think that you are drinking too much?

However, if your drinking is causing you problems then your drinking is a problem!

Below I have listed 12 quesions that can generally tell you if you are having a problem with drinking. They should be answered honestly.  

1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?

2. Do you wish that people would mind their own business about your drinking and stop telling you what to do?

3. Have you ever switched from one drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?

4. Have you ever had an eye-opener upon wakening during the past year?

5.Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?

6. Have you had any problems connected with drinking during the past year?

7. Has your drinking caused trouble at home?

8. Do you ever try to get extra drinks at a party because you do not get enough?

9. Do you tell yourself that you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to?

10. Have you missed days at work or school because of drinking?

11. Do you have "blackouts"? A blackout is when you have been drinking there are periods of time that you can't remember.

12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

IF YOU ANSWER YES TO 4 OR MORE QUESTIONS then you are probably in trouble with alcohol.

If you still have a question in your mind it may be well for you to go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Remember that there is no shame in being an alcoholic, the shame is in doing nothing about it if you are one.

I hope that I have given you the information that you needed, if not please feel free to contact me again through Allexperts. Thank you Rebos70.