I need a drink!

I was recently approached by someone who has been having a hard time and I noticed how they were constantly clock watching. So I asked why?

"Because it's nearly beer o'clock time I need a drink" was the reply

"So if you need a drink why are you here talking to me, after all we have 24 hour drinking now? " I asked rather tongue in cheek.

"Because I don't want a drink but I need a drink"

It was a psychological need for a crutch. They were clearly showing a pattern of denying that they were in trouble. Not necessarily with alcohol but it was manifesting in the form of taking themselves off to the pub at precisely the same time every night. It was a diversionary tactic from facing up to the challenges that they knew they had but didn't know how to handle. When I discussed this with them they said to me that their boss had called them into the office and had noticed that they were always going to the pub at the same time every night and would refuse to work late if needed because of the prior engagement. The manager suggested that they put themselves forward for alcohol testing. They were now worried that they would lose their job.

I explained to them that whatever the results of any medical test showed there was no medical test that proved or disproved alcoholism and companies or organisations who relied solely on a laboratory finding were negligent themselves as addiction to alcohol is far more complex than that. They seemed relieved and agreed that they would seek further help in discovering why they had this particular relationship with the pub and what was the underlying cause.

When we ask ourselves questions we don't always get the answers that we wish for and we often try to hide. So if you are feeling vulnerable, talk it through with someone you trust, but always remember that you ultimately make the decision and any decision is better late than never