I hoped to find a thread started by someone else that I could bring this to, but I didn't find one. So, now, I have to have my name down as having started a thread under the addictions forum. I enjoy drinking. I'm not an alcoholic.

I would like to share with others who drink, but have never been considered alcoholics.

I'm interested in hearing from members who continue to drink socially, or even by themselves, recreationally, despite their status as psych patients who take psych meds. I can't be the only one. I understand it's a touchy subject. But come on, lets be bold and tell it like it is. Sometimes, there is nothing like a cold glass of beer, or a frozen margarita, or - choose your poison.

For me - it also is a form of occasional self-soothing. Yes, that can be a slippery slope to be on. Still, I've been on it for a very long time and have never gotten real deeply involved with alcohol, as the organizing principle of my life - which is how I would define alcoholism.

I will admit that, sometimes, drinking has been counter-productive. I've recognized that, which may be why I never got really ETOH-dependent. On the other hand, I think that, sometimes, it has made life bearable. I wonder does anyone have thoughts on this that they would like to share?

As for myself, I find that I don't drink at all when I'm very depressed. I am inclined to drink more that usual when I feel very hurt by someone. In social settings, where everyone is drinking, I drink much less than when I was younger.