I was wondering if there are any other nurses, etc. on here that are struggling with an addiction or overcome an addiction. Any sort. Please no names, I am looking for some help. I have a problem with alcohol. A long family history of it and I should have known not to ever start because I think I have a very addictive personality. I drink almost daily. I don't get drunk alot but I have a few glasses of wine or a few beers when I get home, just to wind down from the day. I hate myself for it and everytime I even think about quiting I get this tightness in my chest, that I can't explain any other way than anxiety. I have a short fuse temper wise sometimes too and it goes away when I drink. I NEVER let it interfere with my professional life, like I don't call in cause I stayed up late drinking, I don't got to work hungover, I always pay my bills and buy neccesities before I buy alcohol, but I still think that drinking almost daily counts as being an alcoholic right? Please help!

I used to drink just like you... I finally got fed up and checked into a 28 day treatment center. I first got sober when I was 26 and stayed sober for 10 years, then I had a relapse and went back to drinking after the death of my father. I was totally functional, worked and always paid bills etc... The myth about alcoholism is that you have to live on the streets.. That is not true, however if you truely have an addiction, it will progress over time and will get worse. It will effect you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

I went back to treatment a year ago and have now been sober again for over a year. I can not tell you how much better life is, how much happier I am, healthier,  a better nurse, wife, mother, friend, daughter etc...You do not realize the effects it REALLY has until you stop. Until we stop we rationalize, justify our drinking and most importantly minimize.

Anyhow, there is help for you. I support you going to the Alcoholic Annonomous web site and finding and then going  to a meeting. Just listen, you do not have to talk, You will find out if you go for awhile whether or not you belong there. Just do not be affraid, you will find the nicest people of all walks of life, Dr's, Lawyer's, nurses, teachers etc... Do not buy the myth that you have to loose it to qualify. There are pamphlets there that have a test in them you can take. Answer it as honeslty as you can.

Best of luck, and more importantly to a sober and healthy future....

Drinking like you daily, I would say yes, you are an alcoholic.  There is plenty of help out there, try AA for starters.  You need to want to do this or its not going to work.

Good luck, you can achieve sobriety.  We are also here for you.

Here is only one prime example of why we need this anonymous zone