drinking

Question
Hello!



My Name is Sarah and I have a few questions.

I'm probably the biggest worrier in the world to begin with but I always think of ways that I could mess up. Recently, I have this fear of becoming an alchoholic. It does not stem from me actually thinking I drink too much(In a college setting, I probably drink a lot less then most people)  I just have this fear of loosing control. I think the only reason why I'm feeling this way is because I'm turning 21 in 4 days. I have simple rules in place for myself which I will never break.



* I Never drink because I'm upset.

* If I start to gain weight, I know exactly what to cut out of my diet

* I drink probably 2-3 times a month Ranging from 3-5 drinks each time. I know 5 is technically binge drinking- ( I feel like its a lot less, I know people who drink at school wednesday-saturday)

* The moment I start to feel a little too tipsy - I switch to water. I can't remember the last time I've vomited probably my freshman year of college and now I'm a junior

* I always remember what happens. I hate when people tell me "I can't remember what happened last night" I never get to the point where I black out or even not remember somthing



I like to drink to- Go out and have fun with my girls and dress up and DANCE. I like to drink yes, But If i have a test or somthing important to do I can just stay in on the weekend.



NOW, I know this is probably a stupid email, But since I do have OCD I'm always afraid of these types of things. All I need to know is that are my behaviors typical for a college student?  I probably have a lower chance of being an alchoholic because I think my OCD would stop me before I could be.  



-Thannnnk you have a happy holiday

sarah


Answer
Hi Sarah,



It's good to see you are taking a very deliberate approach to drinking and the potential risks of excessive consumption.  You seem able to distinguish a casual, social, or light drinking pattern from a problematic one.  There are very significant differences in the two.



A person drinks alcohol because he or she likes the taste, effect, or the way it can be a nice ritual in sharing a social occasion with others.  As an addiction counselor, I work with people who have developed an abnormal and risky pattern of substance abuse, with alcohol or other drugs.  They all vary in the extent to which their use of substances has impacted their lives.



Out of ten individuals, it is said, about 1 or 2 will develop substance abuse or dependence.  Many people believe there are a number of factors that will generally predict susceptibility to addiction.  Some of these are teen risk factors like peer pressure, truancy, early sexual experiences, mental health issues, delinquency, and dysfunctional family relationships.  Others talk about genetics, citing evidence there is a gene that passes along in alcoholic families, changing how someone metabolizes alcohol in a way that delivers more "reward."  



I think there are probably a combination of elements that predict addictive behavior.  You say you like to go out with friends, dance, and drink.  Nothing necessarily wrong with that.  It all depends on how much you consume and how often you do it.  Whereas some will have only a drink or two and never exceed that no matter the event, others will seek more of that "feeling" of being intoxicated any time they can get it.  You will have to monitor your use and see where you fit in.  Keep in mind that even occasional alcohol abuse can have consequences.  We're not talking here about actual addiction or dependence to a substance, but rather just drinking too much and then driving (DWI), losing control of one's decision-making, increased risk for falls, injuries, violence, sexual assault.  



If you ever feel you are not able to specifically limit the amount of alcohol you drink, or find yourself craving the next drinking event, your relationship with alcohol may be becoming stronger and leading you to problems.  It will then be incumbent upon you to act, and either stop drinking altogether, or seek counseling to shed light on why you are willing to put yourself at risk for the alcohol "feeling."  



Thanks for your question, and I hope this helps.



Happy (safe) Holidays!