Hi.

I'm new here. I'm worried I may have a drinking problem. My mum and dad are both very bad alcoholics. My mum to the point she would often not even get out of bed and when she had a job she would sneak drink to work.

I'm now 21. I don't really like that many alcoholic drinks. My friends mostly drink alcopops but I can't stand them.

I really like wine though. I would normally only have about 3 glasses of wine one night a week at my friends house and there would often be weeks I wouldn't even have that.

I would binge drink maybe once every 4 or 5 months if I went clubbing and have only ever once had so much that I've been sick although I'm a lightwieght and often regret saying things when I've had a couple of glasses of wine. :dizzy:

Now I have a job in a wine shop. I don't know why but I have more of a craving for wine.Maybe it's because I see it all the time I just want to try it. Maybe it's no different to when I want chocolate or cheese on toast but I can't help but worry because I'm so afraid of ending up the way my parents did. Last week I had about 2.5 glasses of wine, 4 nights in a row. I hope it's like that time I really wanted beer and then after having a couple of pints, didn't drink again for quite a while but I'm so scared it's the start of addiction.

Well I know your young and want to go out and hang out with friends and have fun. You realize that this could end up as a problem and the thing you need to know about addiction is that it creeps right up on you and before you know it you cant stop. Very scary but very true. If you think this can become a problem I would stop now before its to late and you cant go to sleep until you have a whole to bottle of wine. Its a disease of progression and it only gets worse those 2-3 glasses of wine can double and triple and just get to the point of no turning back. I dont blame you for being scared I feel the same way come from a long line of alcoholics and its scary to watch someone just destroy themselves and not know how to stop. So I would really monitor your drinking and REALLY control it I would stop drinking 4 nights a week this can only lead to really bad things down the road and I would hate to see you on the same path as my dad and your parents its scary. Kim

hello worried,

from my own experience i can only say that if you're even thinking you MIGHT have a problem....you do....i kidded myself for a very long time before i figured that one out

please don't wait to get some help..there is lots of help out there and if you ignore your gut, you'll be the one who pays the piper in the end and it ain't pretty....

keep your chin up...you caught yourself in time to intervene before it turns tragic............................peace: angel:

Why don't you try going to Alanon 1st of all, this is for the family members of Alcohols, because it's very much recognised that the family members become "ill" and severly effected by the behaviour of living with the Alcoholic. I'm sure you have and know you’re so paranoid about every move you make. You may or may not be an Alcoholic, only you can tell; keep reading these boards, but in the meantime the number for Alanon in the UK is 020 7403 0888 (Helpline 10am - 10pm)

Best Wishes with all that, you can be sure there's a meeting near you and you will discover so much :-)