NewbieJr 541 Posted May 5, 2006 It's an individual decision. There are really no quantified criteria. I agree. One man can enjoy ten beers every night and think it's fine, while another man can have eight beers a night and consider himself an alcoholic. Same with fences. Some guys paint or water seal them and think it's fine, and others let nature beat the crap out of it until it's an eyesore and a splinter-threat to all neighborhood children, and they think that's fine. Po-tA- to, po- tah-to Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
What is the deal? 1 Posted May 5, 2006 AA sucks. I was forced into an outpatient treatment program after my 2nd DUI. They made me point out all my faults, problems, issues, and it caused me to be depressed w/ some psychotic tendencies. I would lay in bed, not being able to sleep, and worry about the smallest issues in my life because it seemed like they mattered a lot. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Of course, I am not really an alcoholic and drink about once a week. I guess when I do go out and have some beers, I usually get pretty wasted. Alcohol has caused some problems in my life, but I always got good grades, got what needed be done-done, and was successful in college wrestling (All-American) while going through all of the above non-sense. Now, my only problems associated with alcohol seem to be that I can't find a better job because all of the petty misdemeanors on my record. Although, if it works for you guys, congrats . It just wasn't for me, I don't need anyone to tell me I need to be harder on myself than I already am. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brinett9 0 Posted May 5, 2006 Same with fences. Some guys paint or water seal them and think it's fine, and others let nature beat the crap out of it until it's an eyesore and a splinter-threat to all neighborhood children, and they think that's fine. Yeah, it's just like the way some guys slather their fences with expensive, toxic chemicals every single year thinking they're somehow doing something good. Some things you just can't figure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toro 1 Posted May 5, 2006 If your wife thinks you have a problem, you probably do. My wife thinks anyone who drinks has insecurity issues. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
atllaw06 0 Posted May 5, 2006 My wife thinks anyone who drinks has insecurity issues. Are you insecure about what your wife thinks? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brinett9 0 Posted May 5, 2006 My wife thinks anyone who drinks has insecurity issues. Show her what insecurity is. Give her a surprise facial. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Giants Fan 85 Posted May 5, 2006 AA sucks. I was forced into an outpatient treatment program after my 2nd DUI. They made me point out all my faults, problems, issues, and it caused me to be depressed w/ some psychotic tendencies. I would lay in bed, not being able to sleep, and worry about the smallest issues in my life because it seemed like they mattered a lot. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Of course, I am not really an alcoholic and drink about once a week. I guess when I do go out and have some beers, I usually get pretty wasted. Alcohol has caused some problems in my life, but I always got good grades, got what needed be done-done, and was successful in college wrestling (All-American) while going through all of the above non-sense. Now, my only problems associated with alcohol seem to be that I can't find a better job because all of the petty misdemeanors on my record. Although, if it works for you guys, congrats . It just wasn't for me, I don't need anyone to tell me I need to be harder on myself than I already am. Well I don't drink anymore (like John Daly ... just beer ... does that count?) ... and I got a DUI once ... like 11 years ago. Scotch. Wrecked my car. And there are a thousand coulda, shoulda, woulda's that night ... but the fact remains I went to jail for 24 hours ... and that was enough for me. I'd kill myself before I'd do real time. I'll never be in jail again. Ever. And the easiest way to make sure that doesn't happen, is to not break the law. It all makes a lot more sense as you get older. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
parrot 789 Posted May 5, 2006 AA sucks. I was forced into an outpatient treatment program after my 2nd DUI. They made me point out all my faults, problems, issues, and it caused me to be depressed w/ some psychotic tendencies. I would lay in bed, not being able to sleep, and worry about the smallest issues in my life because it seemed like they mattered a lot. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Of course, I am not really an alcoholic and drink about once a week. I guess when I do go out and have some beers, I usually get pretty wasted. Alcohol has caused some problems in my life, but I always got good grades, got what needed be done-done, and was successful in college wrestling (All-American) while going through all of the above non-sense. Now, my only problems associated with alcohol seem to be that I can't find a better job because all of the petty misdemeanors on my record. Although, if it works for you guys, congrats . It just wasn't for me, I don't need anyone to tell me I need to be harder on myself than I already am. AA seems to help a lot people, but it's too cultish for my taste. Not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic and not everyone who is an alcoholic needs their steps to quit. I got a DUI in my twenties and went through the court-mandated treatment, where the ex-drunk therapist diagnosed me as alcoholic based on a twenty question quiz. She forced me to come in for extra personal sessions (not coincidentally I was the only person in the class able to pay her fee up front in full) and told me if I didn't join AA I'd be dead by the time I'm forty. I argued with her for a while that I wasn't an alcoholic and drank because I chose to drank, but she wasn't able to even comprehend such a novel concept, so after a while I just sat there and listened to her bullshit until my time was up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rusty Syringes 478 Posted May 5, 2006 I'd become an alcoholic if my wife refused to wash towels. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Giants Fan 85 Posted May 5, 2006 AA seems to help a lot people, but it's too cultish for my taste. Not everyone who drinks is an alcoholic and not everyone who is an alcoholic needs their steps to quit. I got a DUI in my twenties and went through the court-mandated treatment, where the ex-drunk therapist diagnosed me as alcoholic based on a twenty question quiz. She forced me to come in for extra personal sessions (not coincidentally I was the only person in the class able to pay her fee up front in full) and told me if I didn't join AA I'd be dead by the time I'm forty. I argued with her for a while that I wasn't an alcoholic and drank because I chose to drank, but she wasn't able to even comprehend such a novel concept, so after a while I just sat there and listened to her bullshit until my time was up. Denile isn't just a river ... of beer. But that would be cool ... a RIVER of beer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fervid Ro 0 Posted May 5, 2006 Glad AA helped you sawilson. You did a wonderful thing for your family and yourself by sobering up. My three closet friends here don't drink at all. We have a great time. good clean fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rusty Syringes 478 Posted May 5, 2006 Glad AA helped you sawilson. You did a wonderful thing for your family and yourself by sobering up. My three closet friends here don't drink at all. We have a great time. good clean fun. I imagine that living with torridjoe would make a colonoscopy look like a trip to the amusement park. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brinett9 0 Posted May 5, 2006 My three closet friends here don't drink at all. Freudian slip? A little extracurricular carpet-munching going on? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
What is the deal? 1 Posted May 5, 2006 Well I don't drink anymore (like John Daly ... just beer ... does that count?) ... and I got a DUI once ... like 11 years ago. Scotch. Wrecked my car. And there are a thousand coulda, shoulda, woulda's that night ... but the fact remains I went to jail for 24 hours ... and that was enough for me. I'd kill myself before I'd do real time. I'll never be in jail again. Ever. And the easiest way to make sure that doesn't happen, is to not break the law. It all makes a lot more sense as you get older. 24 hrs? I spent a few weekends and 10 days in jail at different times. I also spent 22 days in a work release center for my last DUI. I had learned my lesson and was not breaking the law (or my version of it). I left my car at the bar and was having a "party pig" take me home because I was willing to take one for the team to not risk a DUI. On the way home this byatch's car breaks down. I think, well I can get it started and jump in the driver's seat, It doesn't start. Next thing you know, she's attacking and then giving me head, all of a sudden I see the cherry lights from the cop car. She had just got off probation for a DUI, so we decided the keys weren't in the ignition and the car wasn't moving we just wouldn't say that anyone was driving. When the cops started questioning us (of course they didn't want to just help a stalled motorist), I said I plead the 5th and she did too. They immediately started questioning me and giving me the sobriety tests. On the way to the station, I asked the cop if he felt he was doing his job for soceity by arresting someone who wasn't even driving a car for a DUI. It wasn't my car and I wasn't driving. I told him he was wasting tax payers $$ and that I was going to beat this in court. I hired the best attorney I could find. Paid the $3K and he told me I would probably get off. On the day before the trial he told me he had been studying the precedents for my state and that someone got convicted of a DUI in a car with a dead battery. That I was guilty because I was in possession of the vehicle (even though it didn't run and the keys weren't in the ignition). I had to take a plea bargain to get charged with a 2nd offense. This is just the typical non-sense type laws that have haunted me in the past. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toro 1 Posted May 5, 2006 Are you insecure about what your wife thinks? Not necessarily. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CurlyNight 0 Posted May 5, 2006 Here's another one who doesn't drink. Alcohol just never agreed with my stomach. You go girl! You know I'm one of your fans, and am proud of where you've been and what you've done with your life since Dec 5 of 04- more than just with this... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fervid Ro 0 Posted May 5, 2006 Freudian slip? A little extracurricular carpet-munching going on? yeah, and in front of our kids too . closest Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rusty Syringes 478 Posted May 5, 2006 24 hrs? I spent a few weekends and 10 days in jail at different times. I also spent 22 days in a work release center for my last DUI. I had learned my lesson and was not breaking the law (or my version of it). I left my car at the bar and was having a "party pig" take me home because I was willing to take one for the team to not risk a DUI. On the way home this byatch's car breaks down. I think, well I can get it started and jump in the driver's seat, It doesn't start. Next thing you know, she's attacking and then giving me head, all of a sudden I see the cherry lights from the cop car. She had just got off probation for a DUI, so we decided the keys weren't in the ignition and the car wasn't moving we just wouldn't say that anyone was driving. When the cops started questioning us (of course they didn't want to just help a stalled motorist), I said I plead the 5th and she did too. They immediately started questioning me and giving me the sobriety tests. On the way to the station, I asked the cop if he felt he was doing his job for soceity by arresting someone who wasn't even driving a car for a DUI. It wasn't my car and I wasn't driving. I told him he was wasting tax payers $$ and that I was going to beat this in court. I hired the best attorney I could find. Paid the $3K and he told me I would probably get off. On the day before the trial he told me he had been studying the precedents for my state and that someone got convicted of a DUI in a car with a dead battery. That I was guilty because I was in possession of the vehicle (even though it didn't run and the keys weren't in the ignition). I had to take a plea bargain to get charged with a 2nd offense. This is just the typical non-sense type laws that have haunted me in the past. Yes, it's utter nonsense to not go after irresponsible drunks who engage in roadside blowjobs with obese girls and make the world an unsafer place to drive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brinett9 0 Posted May 5, 2006 Yes, it's utter nonsense to not go after irresponsible drunks who engage in roadside blowjobs with obese girls and make the world an unsafer place to drive. I was okay with everything until I got to 'obese girls'. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlackClouds 24 Posted May 5, 2006 AA sucks. I was forced into an outpatient treatment program after my 2nd DUI. They made me point out all my faults, problems, issues, and it caused me to be depressed w/ some psychotic tendencies. I would lay in bed, not being able to sleep, and worry about the smallest issues in my life because it seemed like they mattered a lot. It was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Of course, I am not really an alcoholic and drink about once a week. I guess when I do go out and have some beers, I usually get pretty wasted. Alcohol has caused some problems in my life, but I always got good grades, got what needed be done-done, and was successful in college wrestling (All-American) while going through all of the above non-sense. Now, my only problems associated with alcohol seem to be that I can't find a better job because all of the petty misdemeanors on my record. Although, if it works for you guys, congrats . It just wasn't for me, I don't need anyone to tell me I need to be harder on myself than I already am. I was also forced to go to AA meetings after a DUI (20 years ago). I dreaded going and felt very uncomfortable when I sat down for the meeting. To make matters worse, the guy next to me asks how long I've been sober. I proceeded to tell him that I had a 12-pack last night and I'm not here for myself, the court made me. Needless to say, he wasn't thrilled with my response. He promptly got up and moved to another seat, far away from the devil person. At the end of the meeting I went up to have my card initialed and pleaded with the guy to mark off all 12 meetings. He wouldn't do it so I forged them and got away with it. God, how I hated that. I know AA has certainly saved many a person from the living hell of alcoholism, but it has it's place. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
What is the deal? 1 Posted May 5, 2006 Yes, it's utter nonsense to not go after irresponsible drunks who engage in roadside blowjobs with obese girls and make the world an unsafer place to drive. Hey man, I left my car at the bar to specifically not drive. The cop didn't see me getting head either, all he was thinking was I get another DUI and that court appearance bonus. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Giants Fan 85 Posted May 5, 2006 I was not even in the car ..... when the train hit it. Nothing got damaged .... besides my car of course and I stayed at the scene and cried like a little girl until the cops got there. Lucky the train didn't derail, lucky nobody got hurt. First and only offense. Was honest ... took responsability. Dumb move, but I was just trying to do the right thing. Paid my fine, did my day in jail and got $50 for my car at the junkyard. Friggin hydraulics for the power top cost me $300, and it was a PIA to put in too. I still have dreams of that car. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sawilson 1 Posted May 5, 2006 Here's another one who doesn't drink. Alcohol just never agreed with my stomach. You go girl! You know I'm one of your fans, and am proud of where you've been and what you've done with your life since Dec 5 of 04- more than just with this... Thanks CN!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fervid Ro 0 Posted May 5, 2006 I imagine that living with torridjoe would make a colonoscopy look like a trip to the amusement park. living with Torridjoe is amusement park like fun! It's true. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sawilson 1 Posted May 5, 2006 How do you know you are an alcoholic? I mean, there are so many different standards out there and I am wondering what the tell tale signs are. For example, I never black out. I rarely pass out. But when I drink, it's usually a lot (10 - 12 beers). I know some people who never get super drunk but come home every day and drink a sixer or a bottle of wine. Is it frequentcy or is it volume during the drinking? If you keep the drinking in the appropriate times and it doesn't cause issues with jobs or relationships, could you still be an alcoholic? I don't know. I just like to drink. Sometimes my favorite nights is coming home, cracking some beers and working in the garage or developing some side software projects. My wife rarely drinks and she is sometimes because I will come home and drink some beer. She tells me it's not right to drink alone, but then I tell her "hey, grab a beer then or do you want me to go to the bar?". BTW: I drink maybe 3 nights a week. Fri, Sat, and usually a sixer on Thursday or Weds. Some weeks none. Some weeks more. 36 C. Its different for everybody. The first step is "we admitted we were alcoholics and our lives had become unmanageable". Now the definition of unmanageable is different for everyone as well. I remember people used to say "if you drink x amount a week, you are an alcoholic" or "if you drink alone, you are an alcoholic" and on and on. Then there are others like myself whom it was absolutely apparent that I was even before I openly admitted it. Like saying to myself "Dang, I have to either stop drinking so much or hide it better. Cuz if I don't, they are going to send my arse to some stupid place like AA and then I won't be able to drink at all." Now THAT is a clue. But for others, it isn't as apparent - although we all have similar stories, they are not always the same. Why don't you try going say a month without drinking. If you can't do this, find it difficulat to do, or alcohol becomes the only thing you can think of during this time, you may have a problem. HTH Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brown Eyed Girl 1 Posted May 5, 2006 At the end of the meeting I went up to have my card initialed and pleaded with the guy to mark off all 12 meetings. He wouldn't do it so I forged them and got away with it. Cheater Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sawilson 1 Posted May 5, 2006 Cheater People do this all the time. The entire basis of AA is around anonymity so no judge could ever call and verify that you had in fact attended this meeting with the person who signed the slip. And, there is a whole schedule out there of AA meetings in every area so if you wanted to cheat, you would look up different meetings, go to friends and have them sign the meeting day, time, location and thier intials or names and you'd be good to go. Again, because of anonymity, no one can ever verify anything. Sucks for those who actually need the help, but chances are, if they honestly do have a problem, they will be back and next time, might actually want the help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Giants Fan 85 Posted May 5, 2006 Can you have a "moment of clarity" ... pissing out your ass and dry heaving towards the tub ... and still not have a problem ... because you know better, and you aren't gonna do it again? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toro 1 Posted May 5, 2006 Why don't you try going say a month without drinking. If you can't do this, find it difficulat to do, or alcohol becomes the only thing you can think of during this time, you may have a problem. :handsshaking: Ok, I will. Month of June. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMoney 0 Posted May 5, 2006 i usually go to AA meetings to take the beer that people hand over and give up.... my dad was/is a drunk..that was enough to tell me where the line is.. hats off to you SA on doing this! and anyone else for that matter...i lost an 18 year old cousin to a drunk driver..it doesnt need to happen.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DuckStupid 40 Posted May 5, 2006 I mix 64 oz drinks so I can say I only had 2 drinks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Isotopes 1 Posted May 5, 2006 I wish I had a problem but I have a hard time finding the time to drink Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
What is the deal? 1 Posted May 5, 2006 I was also forced to go to AA meetings after a DUI (20 years ago). I dreaded going and felt very uncomfortable when I sat down for the meeting. To make matters worse, the guy next to me asks how long I've been sober. I proceeded to tell him that I had a 12-pack last night and I'm not here for myself, the court made me. Needless to say, he wasn't thrilled with my response. He promptly got up and moved to another seat, far away from the devil person. At the end of the meeting I went up to have my card initialed and pleaded with the guy to mark off all 12 meetings. He wouldn't do it so I forged them and got away with it. God, how I hated that. I know AA has certainly saved many a person from the living hell of alcoholism, but it has it's place. Forced AA is not good for the group or the person that is forced to be there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sawilson 1 Posted May 5, 2006 :handsshaking: Ok, I will. Month of June. Why not month of May? I always used to say "Monday I will cut down on my drinking." That Monday never came. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toro 1 Posted May 5, 2006 Why not month of May? I always used to say "Monday I will cut down on my drinking." That Monday never came. I already have specific plans that will involve drunkeness. June I don't have anything. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Slruc 0 Posted May 5, 2006 You're all crazy. Drinking is the casue of and solution to all of life's problems. Not to mention delicious. WTG Sawlison! Glad things are still on the upward climb. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phillybear 366 Posted May 5, 2006 In honor of this thread, I will now drink twice as much tonight as I was initially planning. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dick Hertz 1 Posted May 5, 2006 I thought this thread was going to be about the type of batteries that lend power to vibrating d1ldos. I thought it was about a Philly get together for an Eagle's game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
What is the deal? 1 Posted May 5, 2006 In honor of this thread, I will now drink twice as much tonight as I was initially planning. definitely going to have to by a round of Liquid IQ's for me and my buddies. BlackHaus and 180 (energy drink), mmmm June I don't have anything. oh you'll find an excuse in June On a serious note, after I figured out I was going to be convicted of the DUI mentioned earlier, I quit drinking for 3 months while I was awaiting my sentence thinking I was going to get probation anyways. I would seriously recommend taking a few months off. It helps you clear your head slightly and also makes for cheaper bar tabs later Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sawilson 1 Posted May 5, 2006 I already have specific plans that will involve drunkeness. June I don't have anything. OK - it's a deal. June then! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites