I would like whatever information anyone has on addiction or alcohol abuse. I dont think I'm an outright alcoholic, but it seems as though I feel the need to have at least 2-3 drinks at night before bedtime in order to go to sleep. I'm talking about 2 beers, or maybe 2-3 glasses of wine. Does anyone think that's a chronic problem. I only ask because I seem to almost "need it" every night. I want to seek some help or advice on it, I shouldn't have the urge to drink, but I honestly do not go overboard. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi -- Welcome. Lots of great people here.

The amount of alcohol that we consume isn't as important as what it does to us when we drink. You say that you "need" the alcohol to sleep. Do you think about it during the day?? Do you have cravings for it??? Only YOU can decide if you're a problem drinker.

Two or 3 drinks per night isn't really excessive, but it's the fact that it's every night and you NEED it. You may not have crossed that invisible line yet, but you sound like you may be close.

Can you make a committment to NOT drink before bed? Sure, you may have a couple of sleepless nights, but you need to convince yourself that you DON'T need it to sleep. I would also suggest AA meetings --- it's not full of trenchcoat-wearing, brown-bottle carrying winos. There are people like you and I, who have the disease of alcoholism.

I'm more concerned about your determination that you can't sleep without it. That is an alcoholic's thinking. We drink because we can't cope. We drink for the feeling that "all is well." We drink to escape, to stuff emotions, to not have to face life on life's terms. Please, be careful. And try it for a week without drinking, please??? Peace, Lee

Lee,
Thank you for those very sound "sensible" words. I appreciate a response like yours and will try my best to adhere to your suggestions, they sound like they come from experience. I think I do have a problem with "coping" and use alcohol to fill some voids. Thanks so much.

hi,
try ibuprophen (spelling???) for sleep if you are really stuck. i don't know of any IBU addicts. it's not too strong, but a couple tablets help w/ the muscle pain of my palsy. i have noticed that it makes me very sleepy and mellow. but not altered. plus, its everywhere.