Question
I’m 17 and I drink almost whenever I can. It’s not a physical need, but I don’t want to feel sober because otherwise my problems seem too heavy to bear. Can this be considered addiction? If not, at what point does it become one?
@reservedFarm2656
It can be classes an addiction if you need it not to feel 💛
It's important to process even difficult feelings.
You deserve to be happy and healthy and free 💛
Thanks
@reservedFarm2656
A pleasure 💜
@reservedFarm2656
Dear Reserved Farm,
Thank you so much for reaching out. This is an important first step for you.
Amanda provided some good information, but I would like to expand a bit more.
First, if you are drinking daily more than 5 ounces per day, please consult a health care professional who is knowledgeable about alcohol use disorder (AUD). Please let me know if you can do this or need support. It is not helpful to quit abruptly under this circumstance.
Secondly, there are several organizations that I would like to share with you in addition to this organization's options. The first is SMART Recovery. This is a free, international organization with in- person and online meeting options. Most of the facilitators have walked the walk themselves. If you do not find the first group " a fit" try another one. It can take checking out a few meetings to find the one that feels right. You can attend a different one every day. SMART Recovery also offers 24/7 support. All Recovery is another group for which I have heard good things, but do not have experience with it. Both of these options are non-religious. AA on the other hand, has been a good support for those who especially like the religious component.
Thirdly, you share you have heavy burdens. Are you able to expand a little more about these? And what else do you do? School? Job? Exercise? Family?
Finally, for now: your decision to reach out took strength and courage. I am here to support you through this journey.
Jack
Thank you very much. Since I still live with my parents, I can only drink in secret—sometimes in the morning before school or at night before bed. Otherwise, I take the opportunity to drink during pre-dinner drinks when my parents allow it, since I’m still a minor. I also take the chance to drink at parties whenever I can, without getting completely wasted. I’ve only ever gone to a party specifically to get drunk with friends once. I can't go to bars between classes because I don't really have the time, but mainly because I'm not of legal age, so I wouldn't be served.
Thanks for the information regarding SMART Recovery.
I generally feel bad; I’ve faced a lot of rejection and don't feel like I belong anywhere. I’m mentally exhausted.
Thank you.
@reservedFarm2656
Hello, Friend,
Thank you for your additional information. There is a lot to think about, but we can do this together.
It sounds like you are in a home where alcohol use is accepted, and therefore, alcohol is available. Given you are 17, have you tried to have a conversation with your parents about how you feel, and your use of alcohol? If you have not, I am wondering if this might be a place to start? If you are unsure how to start the conversation, we can think about this specifically.
Regarding how you feel: I promise you while alcohol may seem like the solution, it is not. And I believe deep down you are thinking the same. After a person drinks alcohol, it crosses into the brain in 30 minutes and starts to alter the chemicals we need for mental health...making things like depression and anxiety worse.
I am also wondering if part of the " high" you might get is the sneaking around: finding it, consuming it ....knowing you could get caught but feeling a sense of thrill when you do not? If this is accurate, let's think about how to replace that as this will be important for your recovery.
Besides being free from alcohol, what else are you hoping for? Are you a senior in HS? If yes, can you tell me about your school? Public, private, large, small, classes you are taking? Extracurricular activities? What subjects do you like? Dislike?
And now: Let's start with a few simple actions that can help you start to feel better:
1. Full spectrum light: Sunshine. It is free and usually available. In the morning, take off your sunglasses and allow the sun to shine on your face directly for 15-20 minutes. If you live in a cloudy area, consider a light bulb that is "full spectrum". I have one that I turn on first thing in the morning. Do not use it at night time, however. Low light at night before sleep.
2.Diet: protein is energizing. Try to consume protein sources in the morning, lunch, mid-afternoon, but avoid high protein meals at dinner time. Please let me know if you need more info about this.
3. Fluids: mostly water, but tea, coffee, juice all count. How much? About 6-8 cups per day throughout the day. I carry a 4 cup container which allows me to measure my intake.
There is an individual with a compelling story: Ben Tuff. He has made some public videos about his journey. Please check him out.
Lastly, I just want you to know I am new to 7 cups....just joined a few days ago actually so I am learning how it works. Not sure how the system came up with my name! I assure you I had nothing to do with it! Hence my nick name: Jack.
Please let me know if you have any questions....
And thank you....for answering back.
My best to you....
Jack
I once felt that way myself and it started at about your age, 2 years older in fact. I would reach out to whomever you feel safe with to get some help with this before it becomes a larger issue as it could (and did) with me.
Wishing you all the best and hoping things get easier
Thank you very much for sharing your experience and for your advice. Really.
