The first step in changing anything is recognizing the problem, so I applaud you for analyzing yourself and wanting to improve your life.

I've never had a drinking problem, but I"ve known many people who have. They've all dealt with it in different ways; some just stayed out of bars and got involved in other types of socializing. Others who had more serious difficulty went to AA and found it a big help.

Best of luck!

Sounds like a more agressive form of teh guilts as I like to call them. Everyone who drinks feels this way at some point. I don't care who you are - it is bound to happen.

It sounds like you might be going a little further and the concern shoudl be addressed. If you don't think you can just say no to drinking - then I would talk to your family dr.

To stop on your own why not find a hobby that doesn't include drinking - and doing that on the weekends instead of going to bars and what not. If it is a day time activity - maybe you will be too tired to go to the bars at night.

how about trying not to drink 1 day of the weekend then thry not to drink for a full weekend after you have not had a drink in x number of weeks reward yourself by having a small glass of ur fav drink

i am underage so i dont drink so idk if this will work but i tried

if you ever need to talk you can private messege me

Well sounds like you need to find something else to do with your weekends. I am 25 and have an awesome time going out on the weekends and I do not feel guilty but I do not let it rule my weekends. Is there a hobby or sport that you are interested in?? Maybe have a dinner party?? Have a friend over for a movie and maybe split a bottle of wine?? There are many alternatives however you just need to think of other things b/c lets face it, everyone needs to get out and let loose sometimes, just not all the time!

I had a problem when I was in college with drinking too much. Really, the one thing that helped me was to stop going out with that party crowd. I suggest that you talk to your friends and drinking buddies, and if they still want to go out and wont support you, meet some new people. Trust me, if your friends are all going out and drinking, you will be too.

actually you sound a lot like i was last year when i was 26. i think it's good to be concerned about your drinking, but at the same time i wouldn't get too worried just yet. perhaps you need to find some other activities that you really love - not just for the sake of it - and you'll find your priorities change really fast. i started doing saturday or sunday morning races and that meant i had to stop drinking so much the night before. also, as a tip, if you are single it can be tempting to just go out and drink, but let me tell you, if you are out drinking and have to go home because you have a race the next morning, you are suddenly more attractive to every guy!

I think weekend drinking is pretty common for twenty-somethings. The thing that worries me about your post is that it sounds like you can't just go to a bar, have a couple drinks, and then come home.

Since you seem to have self-control issues, the best option is to just stay out of bars. I agree with the other posters that you might need to find a new group of people to hang with, or convince the current group of friends to do other things.

Take this one step at a time. Don't set yourself up to fail by expecting too much. You'll end up feeling worse if you do that.

It sounds like this has become really habit and routine for you. You need to replace the old habits with some new ones! As suggested, you could engage in weekend activities with people that do not involve drinking. Start off slow, invite a non drinking friend to hang out one night this weekend, and the next night plan a quiet spa night at home, watch a movie and just enjoy being peaceful and having a day off! Life's not about getting trashed and partying, and soon enough most of your friends will come to realize that.

I do think you should find some non drinking friends to hang out with. I have a friend that I used to hang out with all the time but realized I was drinking too much and too often when I was with her so now I limit myself to one evening a week. It was hard at first but the fact that I was becoming so unhealthy and had gained weight really made me change my mind about it!

There are some good posts here with some great comments. I agree with them all.

First I must give you credit for coming clean and recognizing it is a problem. Give yourself a pat on the back!

I am 25 myself and I do not drink, however I have been around people that drink too much to where it is a problem.

You do need to stay away from bars/clubs/restaurants that sell alcohol. You should look into AA groups in your area and find a support group. You may have to visit a couple before you find a group you are comfortable with.

My second advise is you need to let you family and non-drinking friends in on this problem. You need the support from the people that love you. Tell them how you have been feeling and tell them you need their support. You do not want people around you to say “Oh come on, just one more drink. It won’t hurt you.” Those people are not your friends.

Third, try finding something to replace drinking. Hit the gym, join a painting group at night, try something you always wanted to do. An AA group will help you with this part.

And fourth, I advise you read 'Dry' by Augusten Burroughs. (He is the author who wrote the book 'Running with Scissors' that was recently turned into a movie.) 'Dry' is an amazing book based his recovery from alcoholism. It is funny, bizarre and moving all at the same time. I really enjoyed the book and finished it in about 2 ½ days. I couldn’t put it down.

I really hope you can get the help you need sweetie. You are on the right road – don’t give up. We are hear if you want to vent!

If you do not want to quit cold turkey and still want to have fun with your friends I suggest frequenting quieter more lounge bars. Skip the loud bars and nigthclubs. Trade your shots and long island for wine and drinks you can sip and enjoy. This way you can still go out with your friends, still have a glass of wine or two, and still remember what you did the night before!!