4 ms·

I recently stopped drinking (it's been ~4 months) because I drank >1 bottle of wine every day for the last 3 to 4 years and I was worried I'll end up being an a

I recently stopped drinking (it's been ~4 months) because I drank >1 bottle of wine every day for the last 3 to 4 years and I was worried I'll end up being an alcoholic or damage my liver. I'll be honest: alcohol is an amazing drug. I know that it's very harmful but no other drug gives me the enjoyment and calmness alcohol gives. Anyway, I stopped drinking now. When I hang out with my friends and they're drunk I usually try to get high so I'm not sober. I don't like weed as much as getting drunk so I can't get very intoxicated, just a little buzz. But yeah, the social aspect of intoxication is huge! Since weed is legal where I live (MA) I use it as a "social lubricant" which I suppose is a safe way to use drugs in general. My problem with alcohol was that I liked it too much and basically spent most of my time outside of work drunk since it was fun. I don't think I was addicted because when I stopped drinking cold turkey, I didn't experience anything bad...

teekert 8y ago
I've seen 1 person really losing her family to alcohol, become completely apathetic and I almost lost another. It's strange that it so normal, imagine someone invented it today "Look, what I have, yeah messes with DNA (it's a registered CMR in some countries), but man it's a nice social lubricant." That said, I enjoy alcohol too and would be offended by regulation (but I'm also "offended" by most drugs being regulated).
WhompingWindows 8y ago
The Eleven Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder -Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended. -There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use. -A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects. -Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol. -Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home. -Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol. -Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use. -Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous. -Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol. -Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: a) A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect b) A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to criteria A and B of the criteria set for alcohol withdrawal) b) Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. The presence of at least 2 of these symptoms indicates an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The severity of an AUD is graded mild, moderate, or severe: Mild: The presence of 2 to 3 symptoms. Moderate: The presence of 4 to 5 symptoms. Severe: The presence of 6 or more symptoms. Conclusion: If You Meet 2 of the 11 Criteria for AUD, Reach Out and Ask for Help
- gnulinux 8y ago
  Not sure if this comment was intended for a larger audience, or just me? I mean as my original comment suggests, I haven't drunk any alcohol last ~4 months, and even before that I don't think I had any of these symptoms. Anyway, thanks for the heads up!

teekert 8y ago

I've seen 1 person really losing her family to alcohol, become completely apathetic and I almost lost another. It's strange that it so normal, imagine someone invented it today "Look, what I have, yeah messes with DNA (it's a registered CMR in some countries), but man it's a nice social lubricant." That said, I enjoy alcohol too and would be offended by regulation (but I'm also "offended" by most drugs being regulated).

WhompingWindows 8y ago

The Eleven Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder -Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended. -There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use. -A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects. -Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol. -Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home. -Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol. -Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use. -Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous. -Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol. -Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: a) A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect b) A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: a) The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to criteria A and B of the criteria set for alcohol withdrawal) b) Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. The presence of at least 2 of these symptoms indicates an alcohol use disorder (AUD). The severity of an AUD is graded mild, moderate, or severe: Mild: The presence of 2 to 3 symptoms. Moderate: The presence of 4 to 5 symptoms. Severe: The presence of 6 or more symptoms. Conclusion: If You Meet 2 of the 11 Criteria for AUD, Reach Out and Ask for Help

gnulinux 8y ago
Not sure if this comment was intended for a larger audience, or just me? I mean as my original comment suggests, I haven't drunk any alcohol last ~4 months, and even before that I don't think I had any of these symptoms. Anyway, thanks for the heads up!