Hi everybody, im new to this forum. Ill start off by explaining some things about me. Im 17 and i have this urge to drink all the time, i think about it all the time. Once i start drinking i dont stop till i either run out of alcohol or vomit. I feel so ****** the next day i have to start drinking again right away. I usually keep beer next to my bed so in the mornings ill have something to drink. I recently have developed some severe anxiety problems in school, i get nervous in class and start sweating and shaking. So lately ive been taking hard liquor in my water bottle and it seems to help during class. I find myself drunk at least 4-5 times a week. I try and keep it in control during school for obvious reasons. When i get home though i just cant stop. I cant sleep at all, i get maybe 3-4 hours a night. All ive had to eat in the past week is probly a bag of chips, and a couple sandwiches. My weight has gone from around 190 to 160 in 3 weeks. My relationships with everybody is starting to suffer, lost a girlfriend too. Lost my job just recently because i lost my license from a dui. i dont drive drunk anymore since that happened. Im worried because im falling into a depression and just cant seem to snap out of it. Ive turned to this forum for advice because i really have no one to talk about it with anywhere else. Your thoughts and opinions are deeply appreciated.

I can completely relate to what your going through. I have been there myself too. I didn't go to school though, I just dropped out and partied. Now because of my addiction, I am 20 years old and I have completed grade7 and 10. Nothing in between. Have you looked into AA or thought about maybe being an alcoholic? Trust me, your not too young! lol...I was 13 years old when my parents put me into a long term intensive drug rehab centre. I hope that sharing some of my experience with you can help you out a bit. I hope things get better for you and I will pray for you!

Well i know i have a problem. Everything is just going down the tube, and im pretty sure it all traces back to alcohol. My dad had an alcohol problem, he died when he was 39 from liver failure. Even my "wild friends" are trying to get me to quit drinking. I guess im just looking for some advice on how to quit, like i said before i dont have anybody to talk to about it and its sooo hard!

I can relate to your feelings. By the time I was 17 alcohol was controlling my every action. It seemed like I couldn't function without alcohol, unfortunatly I was another 14 years before I reached out for help. After a devestating weekend that almost ended my life I found AA with the help of a friend. That was October 23rd 1974 and I haven't looked back. I won't tell you that life was all roses since then but it sure is a lot better than it was.
Please give AA a good look, You are worth it, God doesn't make junk.

You know you have a problem, and if you really honestly want to quit, you can do it. It will probably be one of the hardest things that you do! I won't lie to you. For me it is also the best thing that I have done. I can honestly say that the best people to talk to would be in an AA meeting. They can all relate to you and what you are going through. They will give you a list of numbers of people to call 24-7 if you feel like drinking. They can also give you some information on a detox if thats what you will need to help you to sober up. I am also more than willing to talk to you on this thread if you would like. You can get the number for AA from your phone book. They can also connect you to someone to talk to anytime of the day. And they will tell you when a meeeting is in your area.

Sounds like you are reaching out for help NOW. So call AA...NOW....you are too young to have this happening. Your life is worth more than this. You should be having a ball at this age and not depressed. No one wants to live with an alcholic...and they won't..for any length of time. Your life will keep going down hill if you continue. it's your choice and only you can make the decision. Make the right one now!!! Call AA......they will give the support you need.

Where I live there are "Young Peoples AA" meetings as well as regular AA meetings. Check it out! :)

since im unknown i feel ok telling you this. i dont know if i drink because im depressed or im depressed because i drink. last night i had been drinking heavily and decided to take a walk. I found myself at a bridge. i must have stayed there at least 4 or 5 hours deciding whether to jump or not. i want to end it all but at the same time im too cowardly. i just cant pull the trigger. i know this is out of your hands but it helps me to at least write it down. you dont know me well enough to understand what ive gone through these past couple months. i know that, im just tired of dealing with it all and am looking for peace of mind. I want to thankyou for the help youve given me but im afraid i wont snap out of it. god bless

You really need to talk to someone ASAP can you talk to you mom or dad? Aunt or uncle? You dont want to end your life and your not a coward the cowards are the ones who actually do it and you didnt. Please talk to someone even your own Dr can help you and its confidential so they cant tell anyone because of your age. Maybe some therapy can be set up your regular Dr will be more than willing to point you in the right direction for help just be honest tell you what you told us. Find an AA meeting they have them online too. Do this for yourself. There might be some underlying anxiety that you feel goes away when you drink its still there just being masked! The shakes and everything your experience are more than likely w/d from alcohol which is why some wake up and have a beer to function to stop the shakes. I really hope you get the help you need to stop this before it stops you. Good Luck. Kim

Ive decided that alcohol makes me happy, not sad. It hides my depression. Ive decided to LIVE!!!! but im gonna continue drinking all the time, it makes me feel so good inside!!! i just love it, i wont ever quit, sometimes you just have to face the facts. I love alcohol, i would have killed myself without it.

You wont be thinking like that 5yrs from now I can guarantee that you really need to get help and figure out why your drinking what your affraid of and what is the cause of your depression. Alcohol can cause severe depression and it will only get worse. I would get help your too young to throw your life away like this. This board is for people who want to get help and get clean I sugest you try it. Man I thought at 17 I knew everything and could do everything shortly after getting out in the real world I realized how wrong I was. Alcohol wont make you happy for very long then what will you do? Alcohol will soon be your worst enemy and you wont be able to walk away from it and it will ruin your life. If I were you I would really try looking at your future. Most people that you work for wont let you be drunk on the job so what are you going to do then? I hope you find the happiness your looking for someday without the need for alcohol your on a dead end path of life and I hope you decide to turn around and get help. Good luck. Kim

My my my . . . that was not a thread I expected to see . . . I'm guessing maybe you were under the influence when you posted that. I'm not going to tell you anything that you haven't already been told. You know what's right. I can't imagine at 17 already having an addiction. You have to stop NOW. You're father made a grave mistake and continued drinking. I'm sure he's looking down on you and thinking "WHY?" . . . why would you want to go down the same path. Your family, your friends . . . people who love you, it hurts them when you drink, and throw your life away. And drinking in school, if you get caught, you're GONE . . . don't be a fool. You originally posted because you know that you have a problem. Problems don't go away on their own, you have to work on them. And you've already taken the first step . . . Admitting. You just seem to think that "well, yeah I know I drink a lot but oh well" . . . Wait until you're out in the real world and you have bills to pay but your check sucks because you didn't make it to work because you were "sick" . . . with a hangover . . . I am in no way trying to make you feel bad, but at the same time I would like you to think why you even came to this board in the first place. Hope your Dad gives you a heavenly kick in the booty . . . a kick in a better direction. Good Luck . . . . I hope you realize that you don't need a drink to function through the day

um.. ya sorry about that last post, i had been drinking but what else is new. i mean theres really no time that im not drinking, it just depends on how much. the good news is ive quit thinking about suicide. that was my original problem anyways, i just didnt want to start off my post like that. Ive decided that theres no point in ending my life, nobody would care anyways. And i figured out that what i really wanted was attention. i hear it all the time too by the way, "you dont want to end up like your dad". He passed away 2 years ago, so its not like i didnt know him. He was a kind, honest, hard working man. I guess i just dont know how there is any correlation between his drinking and mine, it cant be genetic, can it??? you know what has helped the most though, is just posting my feelings and having people respond to them. it really does help to just talk to someone about it. ive told you before i dont really have anybody, i live with a roomate whos 27. long story short, hes going nowhere with his life. my mom suffered a stroke after my dads death and is now a permanent resident at the mental health institute. i dont want to tell her about this, she has enough of her own problems. And im sure you guys out there have your own **** to worry about, but i thank you for wanting to help me. For example right now ive just drank a bottle of wine by myself but i dont even feel buzzed, it just keeps taking more and more to get the calming and relaxation effects. another quick question in case anybody knows, ive been getting really sharp pains in my chest lately, its getting worse. it happens especially after drinking heavily, is this normal from drinking? sorry ive just been rattling on but again thanks for your concern and advice.

Okay, first of all, NO NEED for thanks . . . that's what we're here for . . . and second of all, those pains in your chest are not normal. Please go to a doctor, maybe you don't drink just beer, liquor may affect you more intensely but either way, I wouldn't imagine that you would experience pains like that if there wasn't something wrong. Remember, you're the most important person in your life, if you really love someone . . . they love you too and expect you to take care of yourself . . . so you can be there for them and vice versa . . . Your health is the most important part of your life . . . and family . . . Good Luck . . . Please keep us updated!!

Man all I can say is PLEASE go get some help!
I watched my brother after he came home from Vietnam turn into a drunk & drug addict. (Like Me!) He got so desperate one time that he drank wood alcohol. It made him a vegatable. He layed in a nursing home for ten years before he finally (thank god) died!
You sure don't want to end up like that. I'll tell ya, thats not living!
No matter if you don't think that there is anyone out there that really cares, there probably is.
I know I do!

Ok im going to start asking some logical questions then, what is the appropriate amount to drink? i know im underage but just take me as an adult. I know a couple beers and a bottle of wine everynight is too much. I know for a fact i cant cold turkey it. ive just had my cheap bottle of white wine and im still craving alcohol. Even after i start to feel naucious(sp?) from drinking, i still want more. Its gonna have to be baby steps. I know i have a problem, thats the first step. The second step is wanting to do something about it, im getting there. I dont want to end up as a "vegtable" or like my dad. So my next question to you is: how can i slowly wean myself off? lets just say i drink 10 beers a day.

P.S) I found out i have a heart murmur, nothing serious but when alcohol gets involved it thins your blood and causes complications. I dont know the specifics on it but, alcohol + heart murmur = not good.

Sounds like you might need to get professional help to quit drinking. alcohol is one of the hardest things to quit. Yes alcohilism is totally inherited you carry a gene that could make you an alcoholic, I think you might have that. Anyway if you can ween yourself off I would do it just fight the cravings keep yourself bz come and talk to us when you feel the urge you really have your whole life ahead of you and there are people who care about you. You can do this you have youth on your side you might bounce back a little quicker than us "old" people do. Please try to stop it will save your life.!!! Kim

in dont think you are aware of the seriousness of the disease you have. its very deadly. i know right now alcohol is enjoyable other than these pains your getting and the nausea. but i garauntee you wont be laughing when you are sitting in the docs office getting the news that you have done permament damage to yourself. not only will you no be able to drink anymore but you could end up on a special diet and medications indefinately. you dont want that, you dont want someone telling you what and when to eat and having to take pills. please consider going to you doctor and asking for help or even attending an aa meeting. seeing real people who have been drinking for longer than you and have a life of regrets to share may change your mindset.

Hey,

It's good to hear you asking for help. Good on ya!! It is hard and sucks at first but its well worth it!! That I promise you! If you can't do it cold turkey, look into some kind of a detox or a rehab centre where you live, there are lots of places that will be able to help you. As great of advice the people here have given you and as supportive as they are, my honest opinion is that you need actual people there with you physically to help you get through this! It is up to you and I wish you the best!!

I am sorry to hear about your parents. That is very sad. And yes, your dad's drinking and your drinking can be connected. Alcoholism is genetic. It sucks I know, lol....it is never to late to quit though! Some one once told me that when drinking starts to look good again, it is just my disease talking to me and trying to control me again. I am too stubborn to be controlled and that mentality helped me out a lot when I first sobered up, No way was I going to let some stupid thing in my head tell me what to do! Good luck, and we are always here to support and help you!! ;)

My lovely daughter who is 20 just confessed to me and her dad that she thought she had a drinking problem. She had been to a party and was driving home, when she had a flat tire. She finally called a friend to help her but she was drunk and really didn't know where she was. When she got home, I was horrified that she had been driving that way. We put her to bed, but the next morning we all had a very serious talk. My father was an alcoholic and my husband's mom was one also. So I know very well about how it affects people's lives. We had decided that we would not seek professional intervention at that time, but 3 weeks went by and it happened again. This time she went to a friend's house to sleep a little before coming home and she fell off of her sofa and hit her head pretty hard. She later confessed that her friend told her she took a nasty fall and bled pretty bad. So today I have called a close MD friend of ours for a little consultation about what to do next. I know he will have information about "young" alcoholics. I'm not even sure if she is an alcoholic. But she has told me that she can't just have one; all I know is that I want to get her help now when she is still in the very early stages. She is 20 now, but has felt she's had a problem since she was 18. Shortly after graduating from high school she moved out of our home and moved in with a friend. She told me she drank every day!! I am surprised she never got stopped as I'm sure she drove during that time. I told her she cannot, under ANY circumstances drive if she does drink. I told her not to drink at all, BUT if she did to please call us or a friend. We will not yell at her. I am just horrified that this burden is on her! Do you think that the susceptability to become an alcoholic is hereditary? The other night she just cried and cried saying I don't understand her need for a drink. As her mother I am heartbroken and of course want to get her the best help possible. What are our options - AA? My father went to AA and it didn't help him; he died of a heart attack at age 48. But he didn't want help. I know you have to want it. My Megan has such a great life; tons of friends, parents who love her and support her - a very stable life. I just don't understand. I'm sure I have a lot to learn about all of this. I hope the other poster can give me some information about what to expect in the future. And the other young man with the drinking problem - I pray all the best for you!
Cindy

Hey everybody, thanks for your own personal stories and advice. it helps to know there are people out there feeling what your feeling. You said to keep you updated so ive got good news and some bad. the good news is school is over with and ive graduated! Ive also been cutting back on the alcohol intake slowly, i didnt drink till about 2'oclock yesterday. and was able to stop drinking after about 4-5 beers when usually im just getting started. the bad news is i feel terrible, cold, clammy, shaky. no energy whatsoever, and i havent eaten ANYTHING in 4 days. will this go away? even though im in a much better mental state than that night at the bridge, i still think about suicide all the time.

hey!!! so good to hear from you. oh that feeling will definately pass. i am also beginning withdrawal and ive decided to accept the pain in as a sign that my body is getting better. i know about not being able to eat. i cant believe drugs had taken so much control of my life that i cant even eat w/out them. i vomit, have diarrea and constantly feel cold and nautious, but eating? no way! im just trying to stay hydrated and nourished w/fruits and vegs when my body is able to accept a little something. but im not afraid. im excited about this pain i am going through because i know im on the road to recovery. hang in there hun! btw, i attended my first aa meeting yesterday and loved it! it was nothing like i thought it would be and it gave me a heap of strength. i cant wait to go back.

Hey congrats on being a grad! Do me a favor though, If you really are to the point of suicide, call a crisis center immediately. Your way to young to go out that way. You still have your whole life ahead of you. It may seem like your going nowhere now, but you did accomplish getting through school, & thats a big step! Besides thats the chicken way out. Get some food in your system, I know you may not feel hungry, but you need something besides alcohol in your system. When I was in withdrawls, coming of of narcotics, I didn't eat for three days. I finnaly forced a cookie down, & a bowl of soup a few hours later. It will help. The shakes, being cold-clammy, & no energy are part of being in withdrawls. It does go away with time. One other thing you need to worry about is D/T's. If you've been drinking heavy for a long time, you could go into them. Read up on it, so you know the symptoms. Good luck to you, & know that there are people here who care, & are willing to talk to you anytime you need it.

Hey you,

Congrats on graduating that is awesome!! :bouncing: Yes, like others have said, all your shakes and what not will pass with some time. Eating may not be appealing to you now, but it is a good idea. When I was commin off drugs and heavy drinking, I would eat things that wouldn't be so gross and painfull to throw up later if and when I did. That helped for me at least. Thats great to hear that you are slowly lowering your alcohol intake!! It is hard but I know you can get through it and that you can do it!! I have a ton of faith in the program of AA and you seem to be pretty serious and I have faith in you! Keep it up no matter how hard it gets! Another saying that helped me out sometimes was that my worst day sober was still better than my best day drinking! Good luck and keep going, trudge the road to happy destiny, you are not alone, that I promise you!!

There are meds out there that help cut the cravings I am currently taking campral, look it up, discuss it with your doctor. I have no side effects from this med I am also taking an anti anxiety med to take the edge off ask your dr. You don't have to do this without help, these meds that I take are not addiciting. I was afraid to tell my dr about my drinking but I finally did I have been drinking since 16 I am now 39 and have a fatty liver this is a long hard battle but there is support out there.

How is it going getting any better? Well thinking about you and hope all is well. Kim

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youre too young to drink, alcoholism is a serious problem. Starting at a young age can lead to alcoholism. Are you an alcoholic, at the age of 17?