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-

* The moment I start to feel drunk, or sick- 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.



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.



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?  



-Thannnnk you have a happy holiday

sarah


Answer
Sarah, it seems unfair of me to answer that only you can tell if you are an alcoholic or not, however that is for the most part the truth.  I have reread your letter a few times and think that I might be able help you figure it out for yourself.  



First off, there are different types of alcoholics; there was a recent study done by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and your actions and concerns remind me of the "young adult subtype" see below for their description



The young adult subtype accounts for about 32 percent of U.S. alcoholics. They're young adults who rarely seek help for alcohol dependence. About 24 years old, they became alcoholics by age 20, on average. They drink less frequently than other alcoholics, but they tend to binge drink when they drink. This is the largest subtype.



At first glance you seem to have everything under control, though control and ocd are known to be alcoholic personality traits, this does not mean you are an alcoholic. I think that yes you are a college girl who wants to have fun and drinking sometimes makes things more fun but do you drink responsibly.  Do you drink and drive?  Even though you remember what you've done the night before have you any regrets from your actions?  Do you have to drink every time you go out?  When you're not drinking do you feel different from others?  Is drinking the only way you feel comfortable in your own skin?



These are important questions to help you ask yourself if you have a problem or not and may I suggest that you try to stop drinking for at least 30 days?  How about trying that to test yourself?  See how the thought of no alcohol for 30 days makes you feel and then attempt to live a month without it.  Is it effortless?  No big deal, I can live without it?  Or do you feel a bit stressed over it.



I also suggest you don't wait till after your birthday to start this no drinking for 30 days, if you must drink on your birthday ask yourself why?  If you have everything under control there shouldn't be a problem.



I am including a link to an AA questionnaire.  I am not pushing AA on you, though if you do find yourself believing you might be an alcoholic I definitely suggest you go to AA meetings, however the reason I'm posting the link is for you to answer the questions, they will give you food for thought.



http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cfm?page=71



I hope I have helped you answer your question and if you have any more please feel free to post more questions and I will do my best to answer them in a timely manner.



Happy Holidays and I wish you the best!

Robyn