Hi Ayrton,
It's great to hear from you again! : )
Well, I'm not what you would consider an "alcoholic." I know this because I was court ordered to undergo an Alcohol Evaluation. I spoke to a professional who strung me through a barrage of lengthy questioning! The official diagnosis: Not an alcoholic, but has abused alcohol by her own admission.
So, I don't know what is considered "alcohol abuse" where you're from, but here it means to consume more than 1-2 drinks per sitting, and/or to have drank to acquire a "buzz." According to these, (and moral standards) I'm guilty with a capital G!
Ayrton, I've definitely had my own share of partying, and drinking to mask my sorrows. The only problem is that the heartaches still remain the following day- along with a b*=#@ of a hangover!
Uh, biker parties are notorious for substance abuse- involving quite a bit more than a 1-2 drink cutoff limit. Lol!
What is it you're dealing with? If you're looking for someone to talk with who's had some issues with alcohol, I believe I've earned that consideration.
Are you self-medicating? Are you drinking too much at once? And/or, a bit too often? Although, I'm not doing this right now, I can sure relate- no judgments, here!
My primary reasons for over-indulging were to feel relaxed in social situations. It served as a crutch for my anxiety issues.
It was also to have some fun, and an escape from boredom.
Thirdly, there were many times when that was my way of coping with the severe stress I've encountered much too often...
When I was much younger, I'd even lost an apartment for being behind on rent! Following a drinking binge that left me with less than enough to pay my bills, I wound up on the streets...
What did I do? Well, eventually I saved some money and found a new place. But, until then, I partied with the friends I'd stayed with to numb away the hell of my predicament.