[Rose76]

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.

[Gr3tta]

I hope no one will be upset by this topic, because I am personally glad you brought it up.
If an adult person who does not have a psych diagnosis or psych meds wants to have a drink or two after a rough day at work, no one questions it. It's normal. But if you do have a psych diagnosis or meds, suddenly your drinking anything is called into question.
Sometimes, I do worry that others might disapprove of my drinking a little, but sometimes I know that's just me imagining they disapprove, when there's really no one thinking anything bad about it.
Medically, there are some medications that it's better not to mix with alcohol. That's a question anyone ought to be able to ask their prescribing doctor or pharmacist without worrying about negative consequences.
Otherwise, deciding to drink alcohol is no different than any other adult decision that people taking psych meds make everyday. We manage our finances, make decisions at work, raise children.
If we can do all these things, we can certainly decide whether or not to have a beer if we want one.
That's my opinion.

My understanding is that this forum is for people who think they have an addiction problem; it is not the "I like the occasional cold one, how about you?" forum. We are all trying to stop our addictions so it is hardly helpful for you to be rubbing a drink in our faces. There are any number of other forums where you can introduce the subject, I just don't think it's helpful or appropriate here and maybe the mods will weigh in on this one. The General Social Chat forum currently has a thread entitled, "Does anyone love tea here?". Why not float your question there..."Does anyone like to have a drink while on meds?"

On the other hand, if you think you have a drinking problem you probably do. Those of us who are addicted drank or drugged for any reason under the sun-because we were happy, because we were sad, because the Red Sox lost the pennant, because we were thirsty.
Lastly, there is a reason that some meds come with warning that say not to consume alcohol with them but if you choose to ignore the warnings, have at it. We're trying to quit here, you're not.

[Rose76]

Having looked again closely at the title of the forum, I think I am off-topic. I really did not know where else to go, but that did not mean I had a right to come here. I hope those who are seriously pursuing recovery will forgive the intrusion. Also, I apologize for my tone.

[Gr3tta]

Yup, I see too how, while I think it's a valid topic, it's maybe in the wrong place. Thanks for pointing this out all. Sorry if I upset anyone, certainly not my intent.