Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi,
This is first thing I've written here, please be gentle.
I have used alcohol to cope with my somewhat tumultuous life since I was 25. I'm now in my 30s.
I have never entertained the thought that I might be on the spectrum until recently (the past year) when, not only my friends suggested it, but also when I tentatively mentioned it and my own brother didn't bat an eye and said "yeah maybe".
I'm a little shocked and intrigued. I've since spoken to a specialist who just happened to be a friend of my friend - the conversation I had with her felt so relaxed and like a relief. She even said she'd gone through a period of drinking before she was diagnosed.
I'd really be interested to hear if anyone else has had issues with alcohol
It's not really about wanting to drink per se - it's the focus that it gives, and the relief from all the thoughts and feeling uncomfortable.
To level out this post, I'll also add that I'm a grown woman with values and good cognitive reasoning - I've also achieved good things in my life - but not as many as I intended!!
H x
i had a drink problem in my 20's and late teens, because i would use it to "function" in places i would otherwise 'shutdown" in, and surprise surprise, i always ended up all over the place mentally and emotionally, and one of those "you cant take him anywhere" people.
i managed to stop in early stages of alcoholism thankfully, and i know i need total abstinence from it because of what it does to me and one drinks never enough and impulse control problems
although, i have the odd moment of not caring anymore and getting drunk just to spite myself, but i do my best not to, a lot depends on that.
IF you MUST drink alcohol in quantity, a golden rule that seems to save my bacon is to switch immediately to a non alcoholic and caffeinated drink as soon as I realise that I am "feeling thirsty".
Later I might be able to resume drinking,alcohol, but whilst I am "thirsty" I know I should not be drinking alcohol, and a bit of caffeine will clear the excess quickly, before I do make a scene.
But I hardly ever drink past a single alcoholic beverage, selected for it's taste and general appropriateness. I found I liked pot better... I do wish they would get on with legalising the stuff. Although for biological reasons involving brain formation and chemistry I think it should be an over 21 thing ideally, and over 18 definitely (and then only with a doctors note). For some people alcohol, although less harmful legally, and socially, is physiologically or even psychologically just the wrong drug to be taking, especially regularly. They'd NEVER legalise it now...