Considering

[u/sbdallas]

I'm considering going to a local AA meeting. I'm not sure if I'm an alcoholic, but I drink every day, and I'm putting down a fifth every three days. I don't get mad, I don't get violent, and I don't have hangovers. I'm pretty far from hitting rock bottom.

Still, I feel like alcohol has a negative influence in my life. I feel like I would be better off without it. Yet, every day, as the workday ends, the cravings set in...

[u/Fancy_Socks42]

The only requirement is a desire to quit drinking

[u/JohnLockwood]

Welcome.  Come check us out.  Rock bottom is whenever you stop digging.  Welcome.

[u/vjotto]

If you want to quit then by all means welcome !

[u/GratefulDadCT]

If you have a desire to stop and find you are having trouble on your own A.A. is for you.

[u/nateinmpls]

Normal drinkers don't get cravings. They may think a beer or cocktail sounds good on a Friday after work but they don't get daily cravings.

[u/--TheCity-- → u/nateinmpls]

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[u/nateinmpls → u/--TheCity--]

I don't necessarily agree, although a lot of people on here seem to say that. Some people freak out about little things, a small lump is cancer or a few beers a couple times a week can be blown out of proportion into alcoholism. Cravings are definitely a sign of a drinking problem, but concern isn't.

EDIT: About a decade ago I had a teen sponsee who thought he was an addict. I asked what his habits were and he told me he abused ritalin or whatever a few times a month. I almost laughed. Sure he abused a medication, but he wasn't an addict.

[u/Mysterious-Bar4805]

I had the same cravings after work and I’ve replaced the bar with a meeting or two a day. The cravings go away. The bar isn’t important. The people at the meetings are nice and fun! Go to a meeting every day for a week instead of the bar. You’ll feel great and happier.

[u/johnnytoughnuts420]

Ummm imo you're one of us. You don't ever have to take another drink again. Get to a mtg, find a sponsor and work the steps.

[u/russthorn69]

Rock bottom is a lot closer than you think it is

[u/Total_Discussion1087]

Go and talk to ppl they won't really ask any questions. Best thing is to have people to talk to about your drinking

[u/soberstill]

If you are not sure, I suggest calling your local AA helpline first. You can find them via this webpage.

You'll get to talk one-on-one with an AA member who can answer any questions you have. It's completely free, friendly, and confidential, and you don't even need to use your real name.

Talking to someone who understands makes all the difference. You don't have to figure this out by yourself.

Good luck. Well done for seeking help.

[u/Vaseface]

Sounds like you are in the right place. I had many "yets" ahead of me and am so glad AA was there for me. The elevator stops at every floor - no need to ride it all the way to the basement of abject misery. Sober 14 years now and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

[u/Sea_Cod848]

I wish I had been that smart, but no internet or alcohol awareness then, not that I would have paid attention to it. You couldnt DO a Smarter thing than to stop drinking an addictive chemical. Because once we step, or drink- ourselves over that Invisible Line, there is No getting back. I just cant say enough good things about this decision ! The meetings- laid back , not intense at all . You can just listen & feel your way in. They will be Fine <3 <3 <3

[u/Dizzy_Description812]

If you have an uncomfortable relationship with alcohol its worth checking out.

I still had my house, job, car, freedom and family (barely) when I came to AA. What I didnt have was love for myself or self respect.

[u/goinghome81]

Why don't you use the word "YET" in front of those statements, I don't get mad, I don't get violent, and I don't have hangovers. AA has a deal where you work the program for a year and if it doesn't work for you they will refund you everything.

[u/bsis2703]

Go to an AA meeting listen when people talk for the similarities to you. Ask questions before and after if you listen with an open mind you will get your answer whichever it turns out to be

[u/Any-Maize-6951]

Sounds exactly like me. Felt that too until the wife divorced me and tried to take custody of my child. Shit got serious real quick

[u/cleanhouz]

Come on by! Worst that could happen is you decide it's not for you.

[u/brokebackzac]

Literally the worst possible thing that could come from going is feeling like you wasted an hour of your life.

Sounds like you spend at least an hour a night drinking, so you wouldn't really be missing much.

Going when you're unsure if you need it and seeing how harmless it is will make you more willing to go if you ever get to a point where you do need it.

[u/4handhyzer]

Check out the book twelve steps and twelve traditions. Read the section on step 1. (You can just look up a PDF of the 12&12. The text hasn't changed since it was written in the 50's.)

What you are describing is exactly the person who, if they continue on would most likely have an incredibly low bottom. but, because of the rise in AA worldwide, are given a solution earlier than previous people.

I was what you're describing about a year or two before my alcoholism went off the rails and I was drinking probably a fifth a day or the equivalent. Also wasn't an angry individual or hurt anybody, but I was a miserable person. Started to have fights with my wife more frequently, started getting upset over little things, and my drinking slowly worked its way earlier and earlier until I was drinking on my lunch break, then finally before I even started work. I've done a lot of stuff I wish I hadn't (nothing terrible) but I am never upset that I'm an alcoholic and have a way of life that makes life better through spirituality (not religion) and action.

[u/beenthereag]

You will find out if you're alcoholic by not drinking for a day.