Hi! I’m new here and looking for advice.
My name is Kennedy, I am 25 years old and from rural Ontario, Canada. I am looking to cut down on my drinking.
I don’t drink everyday, nor do I have the urge to drink everyday but I am finding that every time I do drink, I binge drink (5-6 beers, coolers. Always tall boys) and I hate the way I behave after a certain point. I always feel so embarrassed afterwards and will avoid the people I saw for weeks in hopes they forget the way I acted. Nothing serious, I just get very loud, obnoxious and overly affectionate (many, many hugs).
Another issue for me is nicotine. I have been nicotine free since December of 2023, with a few issues over the last month where I have bummed a vape or a cigarette once hitting a certain amount of drunk. Being nicotine free has been such an accomplishment for me, because it took me nearly 10 years to do it. I don’t beat myself up over the two slip ups, but I don’t ever want to make the mistake again.
Addiction runs in my family. We lost my uncle last year to drugs, and my mother and I have a very strained relationship because she is an alcoholic but will not admit to it. That’s her story to tell, but I worry when I see myself following in her footsteps.
I don’t feel it’s necessary for me to quit alcohol all together, but I’m not opposed to it if this sounds like the beginning of addiction. I would still like to have a drink when I go out for dinner, when I am camping, and when I get married in 2028 - I just want to learn to limit myself.
I am hoping you all may have some app suggestions or possibly something similar that has helped you in a situation like mine. Something that I can easily use to keep track and hold myself accountable.
Sorry for the long post, and thank you for reading this far. 🩵