Is this a problem? (Alcohol)

[michaelxlife]

A couple months ago, a friend introduced me to alcohol. I haven't gotten drunk, and I'm not planning on it (except for once (and only once), when I'm older, to see what it's like), but I can't seem to go for a day without craving it. I don't drink much of it, usually just a shot of something mixed with soda or juice, but I have these cravings for it all the time. Is this a problem? What can I do about it?

[Shawn K.]

Originally Posted by michaelxlife

A couple months ago, a friend introduced me to alcohol. I haven't gotten drunk, and I'm not planning on it (except for once (and only once), when I'm older, to see what it's like), but I can't seem to go for a day without craving it. I don't drink much of it, usually just a shot of something mixed with soda or juice, but I have these cravings for it all the time. Is this a problem? What can I do about it?

Hey Michael. My Peer Mediation class has talked about this a couple of times. We have lots of drinking at my school. (Drugs too to be honest). Our advisor always questions kids that say they are craving the "taste" of Alchohol. She says its more likely that the taste is related to the "effect" the alchohol has on the drinker, so they are craving the effect. When I asked her about your post, she said it is a "potential" problem, espeially because you are young. She said some people become dependent VERY EASILY and with little alchohol to start.

As for what to do about it, she said that if you've just started and recognize it as a problem, stop drinking. She said if you stop acting on the craving, and are not physically dependent on the alchohol, the cravings should subside. She suggested that physiccal activity, or some form or recreation would help distract the mind from the craving.

If you are becoming physically or psychologically dependent on the effects of the alchohol, she strongly suggested counseling to help you stop drinking. Regardless, she says, and from what I see around my school I agree, regular use of alchohol by kids is not a good thing.

Hope this helps.

[Chris.]

Just to get straight to the point - yes, this is a problem. I wouldn't say you are 'addicted' per say but you do have a problem that can lead to more serious issues like getting drunk. Is it ok to drink a few times a month? I think that it is ok to do that - but everyday is not good (unless its a glass of wine - proved fact).

Try to resit the urge to drink - and if you can not do that than you need to seek help before the problem leads to a bad situation.





Best wishes,
Chris

[TheCrowing]

Even though you aren't drinking to get drunk, you want to take a shot or two every now and then.. and then lets say it becomes a daily thing.. and then maybe it becomes more.. People in my school, including myself, drink every now and then. My one friend gets drunk at least once a week, but we know when enough is enough. If you think it's a problem, or it might be a problem, then it definitely is a problem. You have control over what you do, and honestly, what you do with that control is up to you.