About me… I’m 36 years old, male. I live alone and have no children. I drink basically every night of the week except Sunday. That’s the day I give my insides a break. I always start drinking around 6-7 pm and stop before 10 pm so I can function the next day.
My drink of choice is Vodka and diet coke and I always drink on an empty stomach to intensify the effect. Usually between 8-10 drinks in just a few hour window. I always drink alone. Weekends can be 10-15 drinks or more. I can go without drinking a day or two, only issue I have is trouble falling asleep without the alcohol in my bloodstream.
The funny thing is I have been doing this same routine for over 12 years and actually in fairly good health. I body-build and hit the gym 4-5 times a week, after work and before I start the drinking procedure. I eat a better diet than most Americans and I’m not overweight. I had a CT scan of my liver a couple of years ago to see how destroyed it is and to my surprise it was perfect, not even showing fatty liver. I have, however developed very high blood pressure and have gastritis often.
I am also very successful at my job of 15 years as I now run the company I work for. I am financially secure but don’t quite have enough to retire just yet. I’m contemplating resigning to enjoy life more, but I know in my heart if I do that I’ll just become a full time drunk.
I guess I’m at the precipice and know it’s time to stop but have not found the means.
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.