by Autumn
Apparently, drinking alone is one of the signs of alcoholism, but I don’t feel the urge to drink, I haven’t had any in 3 weeks. I just prefer to drink at night, and I have no one to drink with. Does that make me an alcoholic?
REPLY
Drinking alone can be a sign of alcohol dependence but only if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
–Loss of control i.e. when you drink alone you drink a lot and don’t stop until you pass out or run out of alcohol.
–Self-loathing/guilt If the next day you chastise yourself for drinking or feel guilty about it then this may be a sign of a problem
–Tolerance If you need to drink more and more to get the same effect then you need to be concerned.
–Withdrawals If you suffer from withdrawals when you don’t drink then you are most definitely suffering from dependence.
For more symptoms of alcohol dependence read signs of alcoholism.
From what you have written above it seems to me that you have nothing to worry about, however, to be on the safe side you should visit your doctor/physician.
I am a Mental Health Counselor who is licensed in both New York (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I have been working in the Mental Health field since 2015. I have worked in a residential setting, an outpatient program and an inpatient addictions program. I began working in Long Island, NY and then in Guelph, Ontario after moving to Canada. I have since settled in North Carolina. I have experience working with various stages of addiction, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, stages of life concerns and relationship concerns.
I tend to use a person-centered approach which simply means that I meet you where you are and work collaboratively to help you identify and work towards accomplishing goals. I will often pull from CBT when appropriate. I do encourage use of mindfulness and meditation and practice these skills in my own life. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion.
I recognize that reaching out for help is hard and commend you for taking the first step. We have professionals available who would be happy to help you move closer to reaching your goals related to your drinking concerns. You may reach these professionals by calling 877-322-2694.
1 Comment. Leave new
Nov 24, 2012
EXCUSES
by: BONNIE
My mother was an alcoholic. Died from alcoholic symtoms at 56. She made life MISERABLE for me and my siblings…abuse. The last thing I want to be is an alcoholic. Yet, boy do I know how good that ESCAPE “from life that a drink offers” feels. Today, I’ve decided that I’m making excuses. I make rules…only drink on the weekend, stop drinking after so many drinks. ENOUGH…I’m posting this for you and saying it to myself…EXCUSES…what’s the harm….I like to drink alone….WHY? Why should we alter what we already have? Drinking only leads to more drinking. Drinking alone is dangerous. I now find myself counting the days so that I can have a drink and I don’t want ANYTHING to have that type of hold on me. Praying for myself and for anyone else that finds themselves making EXCUSES.