When does it become a problem?

First of all, it's not that I am addicted - But I class it more as 'substance abuse' linked with some other issues I have going on - I drink alcohol only once every week or two max and have my regular times that I do it. Thing is, I only drink when I am by myself. When I do it, my plan is to do it as a form of escapism and basically to drink and be a bit giddy along the way and end up in bed, crash the whole night and that's that.

I've been doing this since living alone several months ago and until last week, I felt that it was under control. Then last week I drank during the week when I was meant to get up in the morning for work. I ended up drinking enough that I fell asleep feeling sick, woke up feeling sick, ended up vomiting, feeling really bad and not going to work.

I guess, that's when things become a problem!?

At least since then, the thought of drinking turns my stomach, so I hope that it will stay that way!

What is a replacement or an answer to this? Don't we all want to 'let our hair down' sometimes and escape reality or just day-to-day life?

Katie, it's good you have noticed that your attitude about drinking changed and that it's not in your best interest to drink and skip out on work.

I almost always preferred to drink alone. Like you I would escape by drinking until I passed out. It made the real world just go away for a awhile.

I think most people have a need to sometimes take a break from reality. People escape with tv or other hobbies like art or something. Do you have something else that would "take you away" for awhile? Like I said everybody needs a break but how we take the break is important. What about a new hobby or something. I can get lost when I paint because I get so into the art that I don't think about the world.

You mentioned that you have just started living alone--are you isolating yourself too much? Are you able to get enough time with people in your life?

KatieUR, have you talked to the therapist about the drinking?

Katie, I had almost the exact same pattern in my 20's, similar living situation and the missing work a time or two. As DePressMe suggests, if I could live that period again, I would get out and try to meet more people, do more with others.

I think you answered your own question.

It appears to be a problem for you, now.

Good on you to notice, and admit it ... you can verify it's not a problem/addiction for you by stopping the behavior now. No excuses, no slips, nothing ... quit doing this and see how you feel about it, see if you truly can just stop taking those drinks. There are other ways of coping, much much better ways ... can you find them with your therapist? I wish you well.

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

I'm OK with this, (not just convincing myself) - I have no desire to drink or anything... makes me feel sick just thinking about it!

Spoke to my therapist about it and it's fine..

TY.

Good luck, KatieUR.