Can I be a member here if I am trying to cut back?

[Peregrine Took]

Just trying to break the "cocktails at 6 syndrome" I've been into for a long time. Not sure its an addiction but a real strong habit and I definitely want to break it.
Thanks.

[tfsoccer]

1. I'm in the same kind of boat-mild but weighing me down.

best wishes to all of us!

[NMDemDist2]

2. Every one is welcome

but there is no just 'cutting back' in addiction. But we'll talk to you and encourage you and answer questions if we can

[get the red out]

3. I don't see why not

People need to do what works for them. Just my opinion.

[Taverner]

4. Welcome to the club!

I'm in the process of the same thing...

If you're like me, you do it out of boredom

I have found making my drinks at half strength helps

[Peregrine Took]

5. The idea of quitting altogether is not "do-able" right now.

I have had a life long problem with anxiety which I try to handle (sometimes I win, sometimes it wins) with running, meditation, prayer and positive thinking.

All that is well and good but rather exhausting and by sunset I really just like to kick back and enjoy a martini or a scotch which allows me to relax for about 4 or 5 hours. Right now I'm on an "every other day" thing which I can just accept but I'm not happy about it!

The older I get the harder it is to manage.

Thanks for your kind responses.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

P.S. My abstemious brother (runs in the family via dad) says drinking is just a habit. That's what I keep telling myself!

[MH1]

7. as someone with anxiety issues ...

have you talked to a doctor? My doc prescribed a beta blocker for situational anxiety and it has worked well for me. If you can treat the anxiety medically, maybe you can stop using alcohol for that, and that will make you more free to choose not to drink some days.

[BeHereNow]

8. Yes- a doctor can help a great deal. I'd be lost without my doctor.

I currently take Wellbutrin and Ativan, a very mild sedative.
It does wonders for my anxiety which I have had all my life.
I know I was self medicating the anxiety for years prior to getting help.
I did the AA thing but it did nothing for my anxiety condition, it actually made it worse.
Wellbutrin works wonders as a mood elevator and also can be helpful
in reducing the "Craving" for a drink or cigarettes.

Talk to your doctor, be honest about your condition and concerns.
Modern medicine has come a long way in helping people like us.

BHN

[BeHereNow]

9. What beta blocker did your doctor prescribe, if I may ask?

I'm interested in learning more about that treatment.
Thanks in advance,
BHN

[MH1]

10. Propranolol 10 mg

I think that's a fairly low dose but it works for me. I was getting panic attacks due to situational anxiety, and this seems to take the edge off just enough.

[demosincebirth]

12. Tell you brother smoking is also a habit (some say), till they try quiting.

[Lisa0825]

6. Here is a site I have found very helpful...

http://www.moderation.org

[demosincebirth]

13. Not for many of us who frequent this site. nt

[demosincebirth]

11. Does it affect your life in any negative way or anyone else s?