[rkba97]

Kind of a long story here, but I feel the need to get this out...

The day I went to college (at age 16) I had my first sip of alcohol, and many nights since then have been a blur. I'd been pretty much a nerd who kept to myself, but college changed that overnight. (Typical story? Probably...) Most of it has been a lot of fun, though, and I say that even after what happened recently. 2 weeks ago I passed out from not eating dinner and drinking too much beer. I haven't had a sip of alcohol since then. Somehow it really struck me this time that I am slowly killing myself with alcohol... may have to do with the fact that my fiance was right there when it happened, and it scared him a lot. Not to mention the fact that mood stabilizers and antidepressants tend to be not very effective when consumed along with alcohol. Anyway I think another thing that helped was to realize that at an engagement party a few weeks ago (in our honor), my brother and I wound up staying up til way after sunrise, and we talked for hours and hours, and neither of us can remember anything that was said. Such an awesome night and I don't remember a thing.

So maybe that indirectly, but as a direct result of passing out and almost breaking my head open on the gravel driveway of a friend-of-a-friend's house I'd never been to before, I've stopped drinking and so far it's been a breeze (although I'm sure there are difficult times ahead). There have been get-togethers since then, and even on July 4th I stayed sober and just watched everybody else get wasted. They acted like a bunch of fools and it was hilarious to me. Why haven't I realized it's just as much fun to not drink?....

I know it won't always be this easy so I am really loving this right now.

I guess this wound up being just a dissertation, and not really a question or plea for advice. I guess when it gets difficult to refrain from drinking.... that's when I'll be asking for support.

I should mention that that philosophy of mine is something my therapist is trying to show me is so counterproductive - saying that it's inevitable that I'll want to drink again. Well, I hope this time I'll be strong enough to not drink again, even when I want to. Turns out life is pretty great (and less expensive) without the alcohol.

Thanks for letting me share

[lynn P.]

Thanks for sharing ((rkba97)) and good for you in trying to stay away from alcohol. Personally I hate it because my brother passed from deliberate alcohol poisoning 2 yrs ago. Another brother of mine had bipolar illness and alcohol always made him much worse mentally and messed up his medication. My mother was a binge drinker - so this is why I can't stand it. It's truly a poison to your liver and brain - you're better off without it for sure. I pray you remain strong and don't hesitate to get support from groups like AA for reinforcement.

[BlackPup]

I had a similar drinking binge at uni, at first after I stopped, if I drank anything I wouldn't be able to stop, and sometimes the desire to drink myself into oblivion was really strong (and sometimes I gave in), but as time went on those times got less and I could have a drink or two with out a problem. Now coz of some of my meds, I tend not to drink at all...

Originally Posted by rkba97

Turns out life is pretty great (and less expensive) without the alcohol.

Less expensive *and* less calories! Gotta love that! (Big fan of bubbly water/seltzer, especially with lime or lemon. Much more refreshing and hydrating too!) Glad you had this revelation -- best wishes for you!

[BlackPup]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

Less expensive *and* less calories! Gotta love that!

Too true!

[sugahorse1]

I wonder if a drink or two (A glass of wine or a beer) per night is a problem for people on psych meds?
I used to be able to drink a fair amount (I'm quite small framed, so naturally I do drink less) but recently I'm battling with more than a drink or two per night. I get nauseous, sometimes throw up, and just feel full. Alcohol at the moment doesn't even taste that great (But maybe it was the bottle of wine we had that wasn't great).

Anyway, my question is: Is a glass or 2 per night acceptable when you are on psych meds, or is this even enough to render the meds ineffective?

[sugahorse1]

Kudos to you RKBA for stopping drinking. We're here to support you - you know the decision you're making is the right one!

[rkba97]

Thanks everybody, it really means a lot!

sugahorse... I'm no expert but maybe 1 or 2 drinks a night isn't bad? (Don't hold me to this, though)... the big concern with me is that I can't have just 1 or 2.... I did stay home last night when everyone else went out... and half of them don't even drink. Just best to avoid temptation altogether.

Thanks again, seriously, it is soooo great to have this encouragement!

[finlander#2]

Originally Posted by rkba97

Kind of a long story here, but I feel the need to get this out...

The day I went to college (at age 16) I had my first sip of alcohol, and many nights since then have been a blur. I'd been pretty much a nerd who kept to myself, but college changed that overnight. (Typical story? Probably...) Most of it has been a lot of fun, though, and I say that even after what happened recently. 2 weeks ago I passed out from not eating dinner and drinking too much beer. I haven't had a sip of alcohol since then. Somehow it really struck me this time that I am slowly killing myself with alcohol... may have to do with the fact that my fiance was right there when it happened, and it scared him a lot. Not to mention the fact that mood stabilizers and antidepressants tend to be not very effective when consumed along with alcohol. Anyway I think another thing that helped was to realize that at an engagement party a few weeks ago (in our honor), my brother and I wound up staying up til way after sunrise, and we talked for hours and hours, and neither of us can remember anything that was said. Such an awesome night and I don't remember a thing.

So maybe that indirectly, but as a direct result of passing out and almost breaking my head open on the gravel driveway of a friend-of-a-friend's house I'd never been to before, I've stopped drinking and so far it's been a breeze (although I'm sure there are difficult times ahead). There have been get-togethers since then, and even on July 4th I stayed sober and just watched everybody else get wasted. They acted like a bunch of fools and it was hilarious to me. Why haven't I realized it's just as much fun to not drink?....

I know it won't always be this easy so I am really loving this right now.

I guess this wound up being just a dissertation, and not really a question or plea for advice. I guess when it gets difficult to refrain from drinking.... that's when I'll be asking for support.

I should mention that that philosophy of mine is something my therapist is trying to show me is so counterproductive - saying that it's inevitable that I'll want to drink again. Well, I hope this time I'll be strong enough to not drink again, even when I want to. Turns out life is pretty great (and less expensive) without the alcohol.

Thanks for letting me share

Your story sounds a lot like mine. Im the "Manic depressive type of alcholic whos friends are at a loss to understand" described in the doctors opinion of the big book of AA. 17 years ago I received the the diagnosis of bi-polar after 7 years of illness. I also accepted my alcohlism at the same time. Im a different type of alcoholic but still one. I suggest you attend a few open AA meetings to see if you fit. Its great support on both levels.