... and his may not be the place ... but here goes.

... I believe I am an alcoholic.

I don't drink often .... but when I do .... WHEW !!!

There I went and said it ...

.... does anyone out there really understand where I'm coming from?

i drink ..i get drunk....i fall down ....

no problum

Slim... I do know where you are coming from. If you feel more comfortable talking about this via email shoot me one at:

cigar at 702com.net

I have been sober for over 10 years. I'm not bragging about that but I might be able to help...

yea yea, I be the same way. DON'T DO IT AGAIN...

My best friend is a binge drinker....he only drinks on the weekends...but then he drinks and drinks and drinks and then he does stupid things. Long story short, he is beginning to lose his friends, his girlfriend and his freedom. There are very few of us left who are willing to continue providing help and support to him when he refuses to get any help....you are very brave by even considering it a problem and I would be very willing to talk if ya need me....

joely8 at hotmail dot com

The first step is admitting it. I admitted it a long time ago and are admitting it today. As we speak...

I'm admitting it. I'm on my 4th admittance this evening. Glad I'm not driving or I might be admitted.

Slim, is this a cry for help? Or is this just another funny thread? We love you.

Bill W.

I have friends that seem to slip into another state of conciousness after a few beers.....and then they can't stop.

That sort of thing can cause big problems. I was blessed (I believe) with the ability (I believe) to stop whenever I start getting a little too tipsy. Perhaps my wife would disagree.

But anyway.....whats the point in doing something that causes anguish??? Listen to the good advice these other guys have to offer. The stuff is bad for you anyways.

Thanks guys ... not a funny thread, just reaching out to those barve enough to offer words of wisdom.

.

Then, let me say this.

Stop while you're behind.

If this is a touchy issue, then we won't be funny. My brother struggles with alcohol. He's been pinched twice for DUI. Not pretty the first time around, and even WAAAAAYYYYY uglier the 2nd time. They forced him into a program to protect the citizens of the county he lives in.

If you think it may be time to ask for help, then it probably is. Like I said before, and this time I'm in the serious mode....

Admit it. Take responsibility. Then...set a goal of one day at a time. Your phone book will have support numbers in it. We on this board have seen just about everything, but can only give you support. The rest is up to you.

We wish you luck man.

You know ... it is not really an easy thing for me to do ...

... to be as open and honest to the 'thousands' out there ... about something that I feel I need to deal with.

But it is something I need to do.

I was worided about what others would think ... but you know what?

Those who who are my friends .... will still be my friends ... as I try to figure this thing out.

Slim...

my offer still stands... today, tomorrow, even next year. If you wanna talk just shoot an email.

Those who are your friends will respect you for dealing with it. And anyone worthy enough to call themselves your friend will understand this is not an easy process. They need to give you time to figure it all out and never attempt to influence you but in a positive way. They will be supportive all the way and respect your choice.

And...

Never worry about the folks on this board. BOTL will always have your back.

My God herfsnipe ...

... you just don't know how much your words made me feel right now ... :^)

Admitting is half the solution. If you feel it is a problem then it is. Find a counselor, a friend, or whomever that is local for you and ask for help.

You are a truely brave man. One that many can look up to.

Lance

Welcome to my world slimster!!

I too am not one that drinks very often. I'd say, on average, twice a month. (that's not too often to me)

When I DO drink... actually say to myself, "It's on today"... I put away at least 12 beers. Sometimes shots to go with them.

But I almost NEVER do it if it will affect my workday. Meaning, if I have to work the next day... uh-uh. So it is usually a friday or saturday for me. In my mind, it hasn't affected my relationship (my wife doesn't mind if I get tore up once in a while), it hasn't affected my work (I don't show up hung over or reeking of booze) and I haven't ever been arrested as a result of my drinking (unless you count that time in the Philippines), so I don't consider myself an alcoholic.

I've gone months at a time without drinking and it hasn't bothered me in the least and I can drink a couple and call it quits. But sometimes I get that feeling and I just gotta tie one on!

If you think that you have a problem then you just might have a problem. Whether it is alcoholism isn't for me/us to say. Look in yourself and seek professional help. You aren't alone. Hang tough and remember that you and you alone have the power to change. You will get through this and be better for it.

This is 'all good' ... and taking to heart to what all have to say ...

... at one time, I use to be a whole lot worse.

A whole lot worse.

I've toned it down a bit ... but I think it is now time to give it up completely.

BTW Buckwheat ... I've been in a professional progam for a couple of years now ... and it has helped. believe me.

It is really amazing to me righ now ...

... that I decided to deal with this personal issue ...

at a 'global' scale.

I'm really stunned ...

To quote Joel's buddy in the movie 'Risky Business':

Sometimes you just gotta say; what the f**k. If you can't say it, you can't do it Joel... (or slim in this case)