Am I or aren't I? (Alcoholism in General)

Member Name: Blurbubble

Product:	Alcoholism in General
Date:	07/06/01 (115 review reads)
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That I'm not sure off. Alcohol addiction, alcoholism, being a habitual drunk -call it what you will - is an ILLNESS. A DISEASE. It can happen to anyone, any age, any class, sex, whatever. Alcohol is a DRUG, a much under-estimated one.

I've always liked a drink. When I first left home at the age of 19 I spent every night and every weekend, both lunchtime and night, at the pub and I used to drink loads - pints and pints of lager or loads of vodka. I was scared of my landlord at my bedsit at the time and just went there to get away, meet friends and drink but I wouldn't go so far as to say I was addicted at the time.

Well, that was about 15 years ago, and up until now, I hardly drank at all between the ages of about 25 and 32 Christmas and the odd social occasions being the exception. But this last year or so has been different. Even as I type I am 'abusing' alcohol - drinking several classes of wine on top of strong painkillers and tranquilisers to help me get to sleep. Dangerous I know, but it helps. Having suffered serious depression for about 7 years and from M.E. for the last 18 months the booze is some solace - a recent 're-discovery' which helps dull reality and send me drifting off. Am I addicted yet? I don't know. But I do know that I rarely get through a day without at least a couple of glasses of wine so I guess I could be on my way there.

I consider myself an intelligent, sociable, fairly attractive and 'normal' person but I can see alcohol addiction on the horizon - just like those repulsive winos you see on your local park bench. But it could happen to anybody.

To all hard-drinking students, party animals and others out there I say - be careful. Know your limits, don't mix drink with drugs (hypocritical of me I know) and try to resist drinking EVERY day - it's an easy trap to fall into.

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