While you did this anonymously, it takes a lot of courage and insight to just write this down. So many people go through life ignoring the problem and those are people who don't want to change.
It seems by asking for advice, you do want to change. And whether your consumption is above the norm or not, you are your own keeper. You have to ask yourself, "Do I want to change my life or am I happy the way things are?"
If you want to change, and drinking less is part of that change, simply cutting down isn't the way to do it. You'll always want more and that will lead to depression. You have to figure out WHY you want the booze. You've said it takes the edge off, so what exactly is that edge? Stress? Anxiety? Boredom? Emotional Pain? Once you find that out, you'll be set. It's not easy because it means being really honest with yourself, but that's the road to happiness.
Some people have suggested seeing a shrink, which can help. But short of that, you can always just write your thoughts out and see where it takes you. Ask yourself the question, "What is the edge I'm trying to take off?" and write freely, without thinking. Do this 15 minutes a day for a couple weeks and see where it takes you. Penzu (the journal I use) is great because you can set reminders to write. I have a premium account and just write via email into my journal. I would write on a pad or in my inbox but I wouldn't want my girlfriend to read it.
There are so many things in life to enjoy that one shouldn't need an escape all the time. If you're drinking because you're bored, start taking some risks, take up a hobby, do something adventurous. A life wasted in a bar is truly sad indeed.
It seems by asking for advice, you do want to change. And whether your consumption is above the norm or not, you are your own keeper. You have to ask yourself, "Do I want to change my life or am I happy the way things are?"
If you want to change, and drinking less is part of that change, simply cutting down isn't the way to do it. You'll always want more and that will lead to depression. You have to figure out WHY you want the booze. You've said it takes the edge off, so what exactly is that edge? Stress? Anxiety? Boredom? Emotional Pain? Once you find that out, you'll be set. It's not easy because it means being really honest with yourself, but that's the road to happiness.
Some people have suggested seeing a shrink, which can help. But short of that, you can always just write your thoughts out and see where it takes you. Ask yourself the question, "What is the edge I'm trying to take off?" and write freely, without thinking. Do this 15 minutes a day for a couple weeks and see where it takes you. Penzu (the journal I use) is great because you can set reminders to write. I have a premium account and just write via email into my journal. I would write on a pad or in my inbox but I wouldn't want my girlfriend to read it.
There are so many things in life to enjoy that one shouldn't need an escape all the time. If you're drinking because you're bored, start taking some risks, take up a hobby, do something adventurous. A life wasted in a bar is truly sad indeed.