drinks ruining things...tips to stop?

[xsecretsx]

My drinkings got way out of control. I'm drinking around 4 times a week, and very heavily.

This generally results in me passing out, forgetting most my nights, causing bad school work, and also making me look really stupid. I've started drunkenly sleeping with people, lost my purses, and generally costs a lot of money

Tuesday was a real eye opener as i did some really stupid things.

I need to stop. But i don't know how. Partially drinking is such a big part of uni culture. But it's not just going out, i use it to get me through when i'm feeling sad/angry or depressed.

I just need some help on how to stop. Please.

[taylalatbh.]

Have you tried speaking to a doctor about your problem with alcohol? I'm sure at uni you might have a counsellor you could speak to if you're feeling like your alcohol is getting too bad.

It's really good that you've noticed this before it's gotten too bad. I hope things go well, take care.

[concealment]

Speaking to someone is a great idea and it's great you're realizing now that you might have a problem. I started drinking when I got with my boyfriend when I was 19. It started out the way you say you are now. It's progressed over the last 5 years to me drinking every night and sometimes during the day when I get upset. I didn't realize my problem in the beginning and it's turned into a huge problem now. I miss a lot of work because I'm either too hungover to get out of bed or still drunk from the night before.

Any step you take right now to stop will be extremely helpful. Whenever you're tempted by a drink, stop and think about that last time you passed out and have no idea what happened for all those hours. It's a huge eye opener when you actually think about what you may have done.

[xsecretsx]

i've tried talking to my friends for a bit of support. Just said that new years resolution is to cut out getting drunk. But they just laugh and are like yeh give it 3 days then offer me wine/drink.

Just kinda feel like i'm on my own. I know that logically it's just self-control. Plus only bringing a little money out with me, But it just seems really daunting

[Synaestheasiaen]

The problem here is that you seem to think drinking is getting you through your issues when it so obviously isn't. If you can't remember the things you've been doing while drinking...well think of what could've happened. I'm not saying it has happened to you, but many times when people, especially young girls are out getting black out drunk they end up making fools of themselves, get raped, or ruin their lives and have no recollection of any of it. Yes, drinking is a major part of our culture, but that doesn't automatically mean you should take part in it and at that, getting so drunk that you don't remember your actions. You need to evaluate how important it is for you to drink and weigh out the pros and cons and if you can step back and see the overwhelming amount of bad things alcohol has done to you, you should slow down and leave the alcohol behind for a while. Hell i'm 21 and have only set foot in about a handful of bars. Do I care that it's supposed to be in my nature to go out and get blasted? No. I'd rather sit home and toke then make an ass out of myself infront of others and misplace all my belongings.

[Pants]

As has been said, it's very good that you're acknowledging that you have a problem. That's the first step, and I'm really proud of you for reaching out and looking to get help.

The next step is to cut off your accessibility. If it's not around, you can't drink it. Don't keep alcohol stored in your room, so you have to go out to get it. And find ways to pass your time. Instead of going out so frequently, find something to do at home, or hang out at a friend's place, without alcohol. It's very easy to find ways to pass the time without alcohol - now that you're trying to slow down, look for them. If your friends want to go out all the time, maybe hang out with someone who isn't in your immediate circle of friends who doesn't go out all the time.

As has been suggested, I also think you could find it very helpful to talk to a counselor if you have access to one. They will be non-judgmental and will help you figure out other ways to stop drinking so much.

You've already decided to fight this battle, so make sure to commit to it! You can do this. I believe in you.

[Nightmare]

I'd cut off your access to alcohol AND cash for a little while, that way you can't go out and get alcohol without really really trying, and hopefully you can stop yourself before that point. I'd also consider staying in for a while, even though it's a lot less fun you'll be able to get things done and avoid alcohol. 2 birds, one stone.
Good luck, and take care (: Happy holidays!

[Elizabeth]

I don't know if this will work or not, but my friend in college had a drinking problem. The biggest part was going to parties were drinking was involved. He wanted to go to the parties, but not drink. So he told everyone he was going to be the designated driver. This gave him an incentive to stop and think before drinking. It also gave some positive peer pressure because they were now depending on him not to drink. I don't know how you respond to pressure, but it might work for you.
I also think that talking to someone, like everyone suggested, is a good idea.
It also might help to put yourself in social situations where you are not around alcohol. You don't want to be isolating yourself while trying to recover. Find a work out buddy and hit the gym instead. Form a study group. Be in positive social circles.