Lost in Alcohol.....?
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
7 days in my "trial" so far no urges, gravings or moodswings. Have had litle trouble with replacing my daily shot(s) for a cup of tea.
Only thing I experienced is that I now find it hard to fall asleep without the usual nightcap.
I'll see how it goes, not to keen to try out any sedatives. Could be a matter of getting used to
kissmysquirrel best of luck (stop counting
), brianh I like your calendar idea.
Only thing I experienced is that I now find it hard to fall asleep without the usual nightcap.
I'll see how it goes, not to keen to try out any sedatives. Could be a matter of getting used to
kissmysquirrel best of luck (stop counting
), brianh I like your calendar idea.
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
LOC
Well done, I cannot in the circumstances offer you a cyber-beer!
The calendar is good because it is a daily reminder and an ongoing check that can be managed for those who want to average a certain number of AFD per week.
Sleep - there are some terrible herbal teas around and some rippers. I settled on (from USA) Celestial Seasons Sleepytime. First because it helps and second because it tastes and smells good. I have become addicted to it but at least no calendar needed re that. Try a herbal tea before bed.
Well done, I cannot in the circumstances offer you a cyber-beer!
The calendar is good because it is a daily reminder and an ongoing check that can be managed for those who want to average a certain number of AFD per week.
Sleep - there are some terrible herbal teas around and some rippers. I settled on (from USA) Celestial Seasons Sleepytime. First because it helps and second because it tastes and smells good. I have become addicted to it but at least no calendar needed re that. Try a herbal tea before bed.
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
That is good news LOC*
I'm off the booze for the month of January.........just trying to have a healthy month which I do a couple of times a year.
So far so good. The no drinking at home is not a problem, but when on a trip and the boys are enjoying themselves in a bar, that is another matter. It can be hard trying to laugh at their jokes or at times even understand what they're talking about!
I'm off the booze for the month of January.........just trying to have a healthy month which I do a couple of times a year.
So far so good. The no drinking at home is not a problem, but when on a trip and the boys are enjoying themselves in a bar, that is another matter. It can be hard trying to laugh at their jokes or at times even understand what they're talking about!
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
Back after 4 days from hell, gues we've all been there one time or another. Everybody from the ground handler to ATC seems to work against you. I know it comes with the job. Waiting 50 minutes with temp. -3 for transport back to the hotel at 01.00 am. Getting back I just could not get myself to get a cup of tea and went for 18 year old single malt instead and DAMN it felt good.
Still feel gutted though, so far for the "trial" period.
Can I excuse this to myself just because I had a bad few days??
Isn't that just the point of the whole "trial" in the first place??
I can do without it for a few days but when the sh*t hits the fence.....
Going for another couple of days tomorrow. After that hopefully a week back with the missus and maybe a visit to my gp???
Still in doubt, I really deserved that shot......right????
Anyway, thanks for the support. I would've loved to tell you guys (and girls) I stayed away of the good stuff for 12 days now, but that just aint the truth.
No point lying to myself or to you. Hope you understand.
Loose Rivets, a late but sincere thanks for your input
Kissmysquirrel kickass with the poker game.
RaTA I know!!!!
Brianh, old fashioned earl grey with honey does the trick for me
Still feel gutted though, so far for the "trial" period.
Can I excuse this to myself just because I had a bad few days??
Isn't that just the point of the whole "trial" in the first place??
I can do without it for a few days but when the sh*t hits the fence.....
Going for another couple of days tomorrow. After that hopefully a week back with the missus and maybe a visit to my gp???
Still in doubt, I really deserved that shot......right????
Anyway, thanks for the support. I would've loved to tell you guys (and girls) I stayed away of the good stuff for 12 days now, but that just aint the truth.
No point lying to myself or to you. Hope you understand.
Loose Rivets, a late but sincere thanks for your input
Kissmysquirrel kickass with the poker game.
RaTA I know!!!!
Brianh, old fashioned earl grey with honey does the trick for me
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
Well LOC*, this may be controversial, but I wouldn't approach your GP. The reason I say this is because
1) Chances are he isn't going to be much direct use and will only tell you to go see somebody else.
2) You will get a nasty line in your notes which may haunt you later.
I only say this because by posting here you know you have a problem and so should be supported until you get over it. Had you turned up to fly under the effects of alcohol (drunk or hungover) I'd not say the same, in fact I'd lock you up.
What I'd do when you get back home is call an anonymous service like Drunkline (0800 917 8282). They have people on the end of the phone who can start you off. There are plenty of community based services to help you get over your problem, but you need to be clear that you need to do this yourself. Google searches will come up with lots of possibile places to approach.
As you are a contract pilot you can also think about stopping flying for a bit. You claim you don't fly when suffering from the effects of alcohol but I don't believe you. It seems that your job makes you turn to the booze so have a break, it will probably make you feel better anyway. So I'd get help now while people still have sympathy for your plight and get back to your career when you have sorted yourself out. Good luck.
1) Chances are he isn't going to be much direct use and will only tell you to go see somebody else.
2) You will get a nasty line in your notes which may haunt you later.
I only say this because by posting here you know you have a problem and so should be supported until you get over it. Had you turned up to fly under the effects of alcohol (drunk or hungover) I'd not say the same, in fact I'd lock you up.
What I'd do when you get back home is call an anonymous service like Drunkline (0800 917 8282). They have people on the end of the phone who can start you off. There are plenty of community based services to help you get over your problem, but you need to be clear that you need to do this yourself. Google searches will come up with lots of possibile places to approach.
As you are a contract pilot you can also think about stopping flying for a bit. You claim you don't fly when suffering from the effects of alcohol but I don't believe you. It seems that your job makes you turn to the booze so have a break, it will probably make you feel better anyway. So I'd get help now while people still have sympathy for your plight and get back to your career when you have sorted yourself out. Good luck.
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
As I've said before:
LOC if you feel 'good' for 'having a couple' after a stressful day then you are on the slippery slope.
Bet you when that when the stress was mounting you already looked forward to those few glassed of malt you 'promised' yourself.
Remember that the problem is not only confined to the effects of the alcohol itself (intoxication, lack of judgment etc) but also spreads itself across the rest of life with craving for the stuff when sober, irritability when sober etc
Bet you when that when the stress was mounting you already looked forward to those few glassed of malt you 'promised' yourself.
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
Various controlled drinking programs out there. A few available on the net. Three to four standard drinks per day, with two days off per week.
A question to ask yourself is whether alcohol is affecting your work, social or personal life. If any of these it might be worthwhile trying controlled drinking, the aim being for you to control alcohol, not alcohol control you.
Most people can work out a plan for themselves and the following tips might be helpful.
Its important to work out, usually with the help of a diary, where, when, how, what and the hardest of all..Why. So might be useful before you start on a program to spend a few weeks just monitoring your intake. Try to note if there may be any particular triggers that put you into the uncontrolled drinking. It's much easier to manage when you understand your pattern.
Should you decide to start a program, remember, do not skip a prescribed drink. Its a gradual self detox, the risk of not drinking your quota is a binge a few days later. If you decide to do the four standard drinks per day..then dont skip them because you think you are doing ok.
If you usually overdo it on wine..then get rid of wine and switch to a spirit.
Make up a pitcher of gin and tonic that has your daily dose and the rest tonic or some other mixer. Sip slowly, and drink the lot. Be clear about the measurement of a "standard" drink. Dont use your usual wine glass. Go find a glass that is the standard measure and use it. If you are a spirit drinker then make sure you use a drink measurer as used in commercial bars and avilable in home bar kits.
Many do their damage at a particular time..ie. day of the week or time of the day. Interesting thing is, that once you get through that day or that time in the day, the desire to drink goes away temporarily. So for many, its a matter of spreading their allocation over that time period or day, being aware that its a dangerous period for them.
Just a few ideas there are lots of others, thanks to do those who have posted, keep them coming.
Thanks
Hawk
A question to ask yourself is whether alcohol is affecting your work, social or personal life. If any of these it might be worthwhile trying controlled drinking, the aim being for you to control alcohol, not alcohol control you.
Most people can work out a plan for themselves and the following tips might be helpful.
Its important to work out, usually with the help of a diary, where, when, how, what and the hardest of all..Why. So might be useful before you start on a program to spend a few weeks just monitoring your intake. Try to note if there may be any particular triggers that put you into the uncontrolled drinking. It's much easier to manage when you understand your pattern.
Should you decide to start a program, remember, do not skip a prescribed drink. Its a gradual self detox, the risk of not drinking your quota is a binge a few days later. If you decide to do the four standard drinks per day..then dont skip them because you think you are doing ok.
If you usually overdo it on wine..then get rid of wine and switch to a spirit.
Make up a pitcher of gin and tonic that has your daily dose and the rest tonic or some other mixer. Sip slowly, and drink the lot. Be clear about the measurement of a "standard" drink. Dont use your usual wine glass. Go find a glass that is the standard measure and use it. If you are a spirit drinker then make sure you use a drink measurer as used in commercial bars and avilable in home bar kits.
Many do their damage at a particular time..ie. day of the week or time of the day. Interesting thing is, that once you get through that day or that time in the day, the desire to drink goes away temporarily. So for many, its a matter of spreading their allocation over that time period or day, being aware that its a dangerous period for them.
Just a few ideas there are lots of others, thanks to do those who have posted, keep them coming.
Thanks
Hawk
Last edited by Hawk; 13th Jan 2006 at 19:20.
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
LOC
I think some are being too hard on you and I support Hawk. When I do a hard day (as noted earlier 43 deg C here the other day which I think equates to about 109 F) I enjoy a beer at the end. I crave a beer at the end.
Anyway, back to the tea drink. Hopefully your Earl Grey is herbal. The reason I went to the Sleepytime is no caffeine and I add minimal sugar, reason being that bedtime is the one time a belt of caffeine and a sugar kick is absolutely counter productive to sleep.
I think some are being too hard on you and I support Hawk. When I do a hard day (as noted earlier 43 deg C here the other day which I think equates to about 109 F) I enjoy a beer at the end. I crave a beer at the end.
Anyway, back to the tea drink. Hopefully your Earl Grey is herbal. The reason I went to the Sleepytime is no caffeine and I add minimal sugar, reason being that bedtime is the one time a belt of caffeine and a sugar kick is absolutely counter productive to sleep.
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
LOC* Don't whip yourself too much over slipping up, just put it behind you and start again.
As long as it is not a regular occurrence, having a couple of drinks after a particularly bad day can be good for some in that it helps their stress levels. Note that I said "not a regular occurrence"
I hope it all goes well!
As long as it is not a regular occurrence, having a couple of drinks after a particularly bad day can be good for some in that it helps their stress levels. Note that I said "not a regular occurrence"
I hope it all goes well!
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Re: Lost in Alcohol.....?
Just to set the record straight, yes I did bust my trial perod with a drink but it wasn't a binge. I had a single glass of whisky after a particular hard few days. Difference being that afterwards I don not go home to my family wich might make it easier but end up in a hotelroom (btw kissmysquirrel congrats with your son, hope you have a good time).
To stop flying is not an option unfortunately, my financial situation will not allow that at the moment.
Maybe going cold turkey is just not the way to proceed, as said before I did not have any problems the 10 days preceeding my "slip".
Still a few days to decide if going to my gp is a good choice, some vallid points being said about that.
For the time being back to the earl grey.
Hawk, some very useful tips there.
Thanks again for the support & advise
To stop flying is not an option unfortunately, my financial situation will not allow that at the moment.
Maybe going cold turkey is just not the way to proceed, as said before I did not have any problems the 10 days preceeding my "slip".
Still a few days to decide if going to my gp is a good choice, some vallid points being said about that.
For the time being back to the earl grey.
Hawk, some very useful tips there.
Thanks again for the support & advise
Last edited by LOC *; 17th Jan 2006 at 00:19.
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Still a few days to decide if going to my gp is a good choice, some vallid points being said about that.
There is no evidence that "having a couple of drinks after a particularly bad day can be good for some in that it helps their stress levels." In fact it's been looked at and found to be not the case.
When I do a hard day (as noted earlier 43 deg C here the other day which I think equates to about 109 F) I enjoy a beer at the end. I crave a beer at the end.
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Slim Slag
Point of order. It was I, not LOC who enjoys a beer after a 43 deg day. I do not recollect suggesting it eased my stress level.
And it is I who suggests that all things in moderation is an excellent philosophy. My parents are 87 and 92, still living in their own home and a tribute to that philosophy.
Today I had a mate drop in who has aged prematurely with alzheimers equivalent due to alcohol abuse. He represents the other extreme.
I am unaware of any studies indicating that alcohol in moderation, with alcohol free days included regularly in one's calendar, is a sign of either alcoholism or has been proven harmful.
In fact, my regular blood tests following a white tail spider bite treated with (forgive spelling oh medicos) flucloxicillin that has given some long term side effects indicate that my moderate alcohol intake for enjoyment - not compulsion - are having no adverse effects on organs etc.
People can become very judgemental about alcohol. A purist would not take many cough mixtures if they read the label (must be why I was addicted to Waterbury's - I think - cough syrup as a kid?)
Point of order. It was I, not LOC who enjoys a beer after a 43 deg day. I do not recollect suggesting it eased my stress level.
And it is I who suggests that all things in moderation is an excellent philosophy. My parents are 87 and 92, still living in their own home and a tribute to that philosophy.
Today I had a mate drop in who has aged prematurely with alzheimers equivalent due to alcohol abuse. He represents the other extreme.
I am unaware of any studies indicating that alcohol in moderation, with alcohol free days included regularly in one's calendar, is a sign of either alcoholism or has been proven harmful.
In fact, my regular blood tests following a white tail spider bite treated with (forgive spelling oh medicos) flucloxicillin that has given some long term side effects indicate that my moderate alcohol intake for enjoyment - not compulsion - are having no adverse effects on organs etc.
People can become very judgemental about alcohol. A purist would not take many cough mixtures if they read the label (must be why I was addicted to Waterbury's - I think - cough syrup as a kid?)
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I'd agree, alcohol can be a very socially useful drug, which, in moderation, probably enhances physical, social and mental wellbeing.
Unfortunately, as clinicians, we are perhaps trying to find objective variables which enable us to make a diagnosis, and we are perhaps focussing on measurable units, such as the amount of alcohol consumed, when we are trying to establish some sort of diagnosis.
The fact remains, though, that the original poster, although actually only drinking 3-4 whiskies per day, is now recognising, and describing symptoms directly related to his drinking- and very brave he is to, even on this anonomous forum.
Anyone not recognising this is probably living in denial
In terms of helping this individual, then there are some strategies available to you- moderation, controlling or abstainence- I'd agree, talk to one of the many helplines.
I think SS may have a point about the medical records issue.
Unfortunately, as clinicians, we are perhaps trying to find objective variables which enable us to make a diagnosis, and we are perhaps focussing on measurable units, such as the amount of alcohol consumed, when we are trying to establish some sort of diagnosis.
The fact remains, though, that the original poster, although actually only drinking 3-4 whiskies per day, is now recognising, and describing symptoms directly related to his drinking- and very brave he is to, even on this anonomous forum.
Anyone not recognising this is probably living in denial
In terms of helping this individual, then there are some strategies available to you- moderation, controlling or abstainence- I'd agree, talk to one of the many helplines.
I think SS may have a point about the medical records issue.
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brianh,
The word you used was 'crave', it seems reasonable to suggest you think about that, drunkline might help you do so.
Alcohol and ischaemic heart disease: probably no free lunch
Jackson R, Broad J, Connor J, Wells S
The Lancet - Vol. 366, Issue 9501, 3 December 2005, Pages 1911-1912
Evidence is now coming in that moderate (as currently defined) alcohol intake is overall bad for your physical health. My personal opinion is that the quality of life and social benefits that moderate alcohol provides makes it worth it, but no operating complex machinery when under the influence please. Either drunk or hungover, or craving.
As FD says, that proves nothing. In your case knowing your results could be harmful, as you obviously think because your blood tests are OK you don't have alcohol related damage.
Some people just shouldn't drink alcohol. Why is that such an unwelcome message to some?
The word you used was 'crave', it seems reasonable to suggest you think about that, drunkline might help you do so.
I am unaware of any studies indicating that alcohol in moderation, with alcohol free days included regularly in one's calendar, is a sign of either alcoholism or has been proven harmful.
Jackson R, Broad J, Connor J, Wells S
The Lancet - Vol. 366, Issue 9501, 3 December 2005, Pages 1911-1912
Evidence is now coming in that moderate (as currently defined) alcohol intake is overall bad for your physical health. My personal opinion is that the quality of life and social benefits that moderate alcohol provides makes it worth it, but no operating complex machinery when under the influence please. Either drunk or hungover, or craving.
In fact, my regular blood tests ... indicate that my moderate alcohol intake for enjoyment - not compulsion - are having no adverse effects on organs etc.
Some people just shouldn't drink alcohol. Why is that such an unwelcome message to some?
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retirement
For me the time to take stock was just after retirement. Without the regimen I got slack.
Everyone can reduce the amount they drink but it will be in different ways. My consumption was over 21 units a week so I made a plan to lose weight for our holidays. My wife hardly drinks but she gave up her small amount to make it an alcohol free house. We agreed to each have up to three glasses of wine per week but only if dressed up and out for a meal. Otherwise zilch.
My weight had absolutely ballooned so I could say with fairness that drinking was out of the question until I lost weight. Then that I was doing so well and feeling so much better that I wasn't going to undo good work. Then that I realised that mechanical drinking was not in fact pleasure - but I've time for a lime-and-soda! People got used to that and so did I.
Also I would quiz myself. A man in search of a beer will find 101 ways. ”Shopping? I’ll meet you in the Rissole at one!” Wrong! You'll be there at twelve, she'll be there at twenty to two. "Shopping? I'll visit the barbershop!" Wrong! It's gonna be packed Saturday.
I found active distractions not passive ones. Waiting for a train or ferry? Look for that birthday or anniversary present now even though it's not for ages. Don't sit in a bar with a beer and a crossword. It's one thing to enjoy the crack with a mate before catching the train, just so long as you catch that train and not the next. It's another thing to drink alone or strike up a friendship and be on the last train out.
After a month my weight had really dropped but still with some way to go. I felt cleaner, leaner and hated the idea of backsliding. This is the gruesome bit. I sat down on the internet and faced up to the damage alcohol does. It made sense not to drink on consecutive days! In fact if KO Sally could keep it to 5-10 units per week why not me?
What I consume now I enjoy. I have set limits and monitor progress. People know where they stand and if no-one laughs at my funny jokes it is because they were never funny in the first place. Most importantly Mrs "E" hasn't seen me go downhill, in fact I am in better nick all round which is all the encouragement I need.
But let me tell you this. The first six months after retirement were pretty grim. I have found work since, good work and pro-rata not flat-out charlie. We do sail our boat and are working her up for the Cape and St Helena. It's a balance this post 55-yr employment, one my employer approves and I can work from home. I got a glimpse of another me, a warning glimpse I intend to heed. Alcohol dependence can happen to anybody and in my case there is no fool like an old fool. 5-10 units still poses a risk and the cleanest looking blood test are no indicator of the fatigue cracks and delaminations within. I can't believe how quickly you can go ratsh*t when on the beach after a lifetime's flying.
Everyone can reduce the amount they drink but it will be in different ways. My consumption was over 21 units a week so I made a plan to lose weight for our holidays. My wife hardly drinks but she gave up her small amount to make it an alcohol free house. We agreed to each have up to three glasses of wine per week but only if dressed up and out for a meal. Otherwise zilch.
My weight had absolutely ballooned so I could say with fairness that drinking was out of the question until I lost weight. Then that I was doing so well and feeling so much better that I wasn't going to undo good work. Then that I realised that mechanical drinking was not in fact pleasure - but I've time for a lime-and-soda! People got used to that and so did I.
Also I would quiz myself. A man in search of a beer will find 101 ways. ”Shopping? I’ll meet you in the Rissole at one!” Wrong! You'll be there at twelve, she'll be there at twenty to two. "Shopping? I'll visit the barbershop!" Wrong! It's gonna be packed Saturday.
I found active distractions not passive ones. Waiting for a train or ferry? Look for that birthday or anniversary present now even though it's not for ages. Don't sit in a bar with a beer and a crossword. It's one thing to enjoy the crack with a mate before catching the train, just so long as you catch that train and not the next. It's another thing to drink alone or strike up a friendship and be on the last train out.
After a month my weight had really dropped but still with some way to go. I felt cleaner, leaner and hated the idea of backsliding. This is the gruesome bit. I sat down on the internet and faced up to the damage alcohol does. It made sense not to drink on consecutive days! In fact if KO Sally could keep it to 5-10 units per week why not me?
What I consume now I enjoy. I have set limits and monitor progress. People know where they stand and if no-one laughs at my funny jokes it is because they were never funny in the first place. Most importantly Mrs "E" hasn't seen me go downhill, in fact I am in better nick all round which is all the encouragement I need.
But let me tell you this. The first six months after retirement were pretty grim. I have found work since, good work and pro-rata not flat-out charlie. We do sail our boat and are working her up for the Cape and St Helena. It's a balance this post 55-yr employment, one my employer approves and I can work from home. I got a glimpse of another me, a warning glimpse I intend to heed. Alcohol dependence can happen to anybody and in my case there is no fool like an old fool. 5-10 units still poses a risk and the cleanest looking blood test are no indicator of the fatigue cracks and delaminations within. I can't believe how quickly you can go ratsh*t when on the beach after a lifetime's flying.
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Slim Slag
I am writing this quickly between phone calls, it may be my last post here.
Realising that the keyword is crave, I listed my cravings. Too long to post but it included as just a few examples (sometimes) anchovies, brussels sprouts, coca cola, chocolate, solitude, company, moussaka, rib eye steak, malted milks (usually in the Outback when they are not available), even sometimes a craving for sex.
I have rung all the help lines. Result - I have both phones ringing at present and an answering machine full of calls to return. As a result, the payment of my phone bill will prevent any spare cash to satisfy any of my cravings so it has worked.
Trouble is I now also have a house full of welfare workers, psychologists and psychiatrists - and they are all craving food and drink. Woe is me. I cannot have a meaningful dialogue with any of them because I am dishing out food and grog and I am waiting for Tina Turner to ring me back about my last mentioned craving request.
Back to business - I really don't think that the odd craving hurts anyone and I am not going to ring drunkline - I have my own breathalyser (not cheap nor the recalibration annually) to ensure I don't merit the "drunk" in drunkline.
From Air Craft - Human Performance and Limitations - There is evidence that a small amount of alcohol has a beneficial effect on the body but more than one or two drinks a day ......
On the motoring side, returning to my theme of all things in moderation, Borkenstein and Crowther in US Traffic Digest and Review found the accident frequency for drivers in the 0.01% to 0.04 BAC level was lower than for drivers with no alcohol. Drivers with BAC of 0.03 were about one-third less likely to cause accidents than alcohol free drivers.
I am not by any means suggesting drink driving or drink driving. Nor am i trying to defend my occasional craving - that's what a craving is all about. If it is a daily thing, the craving becomes instead a habit.
What I am suggesting is my original theme that "all things in moderation" is the go, and those who can maintain all things in moderation have a control of their cravings and habits that indicates pleasure not some disease.
It is funny how people have views at either extreme about alcohol. I'll drink to that!
I am writing this quickly between phone calls, it may be my last post here.
Realising that the keyword is crave, I listed my cravings. Too long to post but it included as just a few examples (sometimes) anchovies, brussels sprouts, coca cola, chocolate, solitude, company, moussaka, rib eye steak, malted milks (usually in the Outback when they are not available), even sometimes a craving for sex.
I have rung all the help lines. Result - I have both phones ringing at present and an answering machine full of calls to return. As a result, the payment of my phone bill will prevent any spare cash to satisfy any of my cravings so it has worked.
Trouble is I now also have a house full of welfare workers, psychologists and psychiatrists - and they are all craving food and drink. Woe is me. I cannot have a meaningful dialogue with any of them because I am dishing out food and grog and I am waiting for Tina Turner to ring me back about my last mentioned craving request.
Back to business - I really don't think that the odd craving hurts anyone and I am not going to ring drunkline - I have my own breathalyser (not cheap nor the recalibration annually) to ensure I don't merit the "drunk" in drunkline.
From Air Craft - Human Performance and Limitations - There is evidence that a small amount of alcohol has a beneficial effect on the body but more than one or two drinks a day ......
On the motoring side, returning to my theme of all things in moderation, Borkenstein and Crowther in US Traffic Digest and Review found the accident frequency for drivers in the 0.01% to 0.04 BAC level was lower than for drivers with no alcohol. Drivers with BAC of 0.03 were about one-third less likely to cause accidents than alcohol free drivers.
I am not by any means suggesting drink driving or drink driving. Nor am i trying to defend my occasional craving - that's what a craving is all about. If it is a daily thing, the craving becomes instead a habit.
What I am suggesting is my original theme that "all things in moderation" is the go, and those who can maintain all things in moderation have a control of their cravings and habits that indicates pleasure not some disease.
It is funny how people have views at either extreme about alcohol. I'll drink to that!
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Location: He's on the limb to nowhere
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So to summarise its OK to drink in moderation.
The original poster described symptoms of alcohol dependance (alcoholism). The best advice given by the people who know what they are talking about was to talk to somebody about it. Generally they were supportive.
Other posters, who definitely don't know what they are talking about, seemed to think that LOC * was fine. This is strange because LOC * himself doesn't think that. Then we got onto the physical effects of alcohol, which has nothing to do with the subject in hand. One suspects that was part of a denial process, but I'm not too sure.
Put simply, alcoholism includes symptoms of craving, loss of control, tolerance and physical dependance. It's more complex than that, but you get the gist. The amount of alcohol you drink doesn't appear in that list, but craving does.
But anyway, to get onto the subject of whether moderate alcohol intake is good for your physical health. It's open to discussion. Studies have shown people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol have less of one type of heart disease. However, these people also have healthier lifestyles than people who don't drink. Drinking heavily actually keeps the coronary arteries clear, but they have greatly increased incidences of other cardiomyopathies.
Drinking heavily affects other organs, interestingly enough the liver is pretty good at coping with alcohol in most people, which is why standard liver function blood tests don't mean much.
There is now evidence coming in that there is no advantage to drinking moderate amounts. It's not overwhelming, but the evidence that drinking is good for you was never overwhelming either. Good advice would be that if you don't drink don't start, if you do drink and can do so responsibly switch to red wine. If you are an alcoholic you need to stop, cutting down doesn't tend to work.
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Emerald, Vic, Aust
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Slim Slag
Keep fishing, I love a good debate.
As you will guess from my earlier post, I have a strong interest in the road toll - I am an advocate of moving some of the flying training concepts and medical checks across to motoring. I believe the current enforcement and punitive measures are chasing effects rather than causes and only by better education and emergency procedure training can we improve matters. Interestingly, Victoria has increased speed cameras, radars, and increased penalties - and last years toll was the highest in 3 years.
Anyway, back to your question. The statistics on the road toll are significant for BAC above 0.05. Also in Victoria the loss of licence BAC is 0.05 and above.
I cannot control the actions of my 33 yo son and his mates, nor of some of our guests - but I do have the breathalyser here to enable them to check themselves as needed. I likewise check myself if I ever drink wine or spirits when out because it is not always easy to be certain what ones host has filled into the glass. Over kill you may say but I am by nature a cautious person. Drink spiking is also a problem in some venues.
I have spent the last 3 and a half hours (it's 11 pm) on an AOPA phone conference (bloody dry and a beer may have been nice) and sorry to disappoint any attempts to move me to the drunk tank but that's my third night without alcohol - although I am on my third can of coca cola and now have a craving for sleep (forgot that craving in my earlier post).
But it is meant to be 41 deg on Sunday and I am working up a (moderate) thirst. You did not ask what I drink - the standard here is 4.9% alcohol - my favourite is a Coopers no preservatives mild ale at 3.5% and i am working on a craving for Sunday already.
My neighbours have folowed my example and have their own breatho also. Costs about $180 AUD - much better than being called to identify a visitors body later.
All things in moderation and AFDs a regularity. Tina has still not phoned unfortunately.
Afterthough - I see you have posted as I prepare this. "No advantage in drinking alcohol" is your comment, but that doesn't mean there is a disadvantage in all things in moderation. Not sure of your source but go back to my Human Factors reference. There is also no advantage in eating MacDonalds or fairy floss - but, yum!
And no, I'm not canning LOC for querying what could be an alcohol problem. I'm just suggesting that I do not intend to label LOC as having a problem until LOC can assess the situation and confirm there is or not a dependency.
Keep fishing, I love a good debate.
As you will guess from my earlier post, I have a strong interest in the road toll - I am an advocate of moving some of the flying training concepts and medical checks across to motoring. I believe the current enforcement and punitive measures are chasing effects rather than causes and only by better education and emergency procedure training can we improve matters. Interestingly, Victoria has increased speed cameras, radars, and increased penalties - and last years toll was the highest in 3 years.
Anyway, back to your question. The statistics on the road toll are significant for BAC above 0.05. Also in Victoria the loss of licence BAC is 0.05 and above.
I cannot control the actions of my 33 yo son and his mates, nor of some of our guests - but I do have the breathalyser here to enable them to check themselves as needed. I likewise check myself if I ever drink wine or spirits when out because it is not always easy to be certain what ones host has filled into the glass. Over kill you may say but I am by nature a cautious person. Drink spiking is also a problem in some venues.
I have spent the last 3 and a half hours (it's 11 pm) on an AOPA phone conference (bloody dry and a beer may have been nice) and sorry to disappoint any attempts to move me to the drunk tank but that's my third night without alcohol - although I am on my third can of coca cola and now have a craving for sleep (forgot that craving in my earlier post).
But it is meant to be 41 deg on Sunday and I am working up a (moderate) thirst. You did not ask what I drink - the standard here is 4.9% alcohol - my favourite is a Coopers no preservatives mild ale at 3.5% and i am working on a craving for Sunday already.
My neighbours have folowed my example and have their own breatho also. Costs about $180 AUD - much better than being called to identify a visitors body later.
All things in moderation and AFDs a regularity. Tina has still not phoned unfortunately.
Afterthough - I see you have posted as I prepare this. "No advantage in drinking alcohol" is your comment, but that doesn't mean there is a disadvantage in all things in moderation. Not sure of your source but go back to my Human Factors reference. There is also no advantage in eating MacDonalds or fairy floss - but, yum!
And no, I'm not canning LOC for querying what could be an alcohol problem. I'm just suggesting that I do not intend to label LOC as having a problem until LOC can assess the situation and confirm there is or not a dependency.
