# I have quit drinking **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 7, 2022, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533 "2022-07-07T02:38:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![X.L.Lent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a5b964/32.png) [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/1 "2022-07-07T02:38:07Z")
I started drinking on and off about four years ago. Over the last two years I’ve probably averaged about 4 - 6 drinks per day and only stopped recently because my joints started to hurt. The orthopedist I have visited has so far found no damage but I do have an appointment on Friday to go over some hip X-rays. I hope to get some answers quickly as the pain seems to be getting worse. I am very afraid that I have done some terrible and irreparable damage to my body. If you even think you have a drinking problem PLEASE go and get help - no matter how embarrassing it may be. I may post more later - I feel so stressed right now and I guess I need to vent. Very sorry for the depressing post. - X. L. Lent ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/2 "2022-07-07T02:52:44Z")
Interesting—I’ve never heard of this: > **[How heavy drinking can destroy your hip bones](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1095097/How-heavy-drinking-destroy-hip-bones.html)** > > As the party season begins, the cautionary tale of a man whose bones were so weakened by alcohol he needed a new hip - at just 33. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/3 "2022-07-07T02:52:52Z")
I dont see it as depressing. My son died at 24 from drinking. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/4 "2022-07-07T02:54:19Z")
That’s why Eddie Van Halen had ongoing hip problems, and also Steve Perry. X. L., one day at a time is the only way to do it. Hope you can keep it up. ---
**Author:** ![X.L.Lent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a5b964/32.png) [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/5 "2022-07-07T04:54:39Z")
SuntanLotion: I’m very sorry to hear about losing your son to alcohol. I wish that [Prohibition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_in_the_United_States) had worked. It would have saved much pain and suffering and thousands of lives. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/6 "2022-07-07T05:02:08Z")
> [@X.L.Lent](#): > > I wish that [Prohibition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_in_the_United_States) had worked. It would have saved > much pain and suffering and thousands of lives. Cite? ---
**Author:** ![X.L.Lent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a5b964/32.png) [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/7 "2022-07-07T05:07:38Z")
No I don’t have a cite but it seems pretty obvious to me. Perhaps I should have said: It _may_ have saved much pain and suffering and thousands of lives. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/8 "2022-07-07T05:17:19Z")
I guess it depends on what you mean by “worked” ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/9 "2022-07-07T13:00:25Z")
I am trying to reduce my drinking to just two drinks a day, and find it very hard to stop there. Good luck with your health problems, @X.L.Lent. ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/10 "2022-07-07T13:12:53Z")
> [@X.L.Lent](#): > > I wish that [Prohibition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_in_the_United_States) had worked. It would have saved > much pain and suffering and thousands of lives. In fact it probably would have cost many more lives, with the rotgut people were home-cooking. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/11 "2022-07-07T13:34:32Z")
Home brewing is pretty easy. But it’s easier to do it safely if it’s legal. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/12 "2022-07-07T13:43:00Z")
> [@jaycat](#): > > > [@X.L.Lent](#): > > > > I wish that [Prohibition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_in_the_United_States) had worked. It would have saved > > much pain and suffering and thousands of lives. > > In fact it probably would have cost many more lives, with the rotgut people were home-cooking. I guess that counts as one of the ways it _didn’t_ work. ---
**Author:** ![VOW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vow/32/3043_2.png) [@VOW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VOW)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/13 "2022-07-07T13:43:47Z")
COVID has taken a terrible toll on people. The forced isolation, the lack of human contact, and the pervasive fear that blanketed everyone had many people turning to alcohol for relief. We’re thinking of you, @X.L.Lent . ~VOW ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/14 "2022-07-07T13:48:14Z")
> [@snfaulkner](#): > > > [@X.L.Lent](#): > > > > I wish that [Prohibition](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_in_the_United_States) had worked. It would have saved > > much pain and suffering and thousands of lives. > > Cite? I know this is the Dope, but…_really_? @X.L.Lent - Your OP is not depressing, it is a sign of hope. Best of luck to you, and congratulations on having the courage to do what needs to be done. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Baal\_Houtham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baal_houtham/32/13604_2.png) [@Baal\_Houtham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baal_Houtham)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/15 "2022-07-07T13:52:57Z")
Good luck to the OP. I’m against Prohibition, but don’t think there should be advertising for the major addictive vices, particularly gambling and alcohol. I’m also not thrilled with the common smiling, winking, and general ain’t-we-coolness that shows up in conversations about alcohol. Again, good luck to the OP. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/16 "2022-07-07T14:29:39Z")
Good for you! Keep strong and be proud of yourself for realizing it’s an issue for you. I’ve seen my fair share of family and friends struggle with alcohol. IMHO, nothing good ever comes from drinking. ---
**Author:** ![Esprise\_Me](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprise_me/32/2947_2.png) [@Esprise\_Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprise_Me)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/17 "2022-07-07T15:45:57Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > Home brewing is pretty easy. But it’s easier to do it safely if it’s legal. Home distillation, which you’re more likely to want to do if you need to conceal the booze, is not as safe or easy. Anyway, I thought the meaning of OP’s statement about prohibition was plenty clear. He’s acknowledging that it didn’t work, i.e. it didn’t stop people from drinking. He’s saying that if it had worked, i.e. if it had made people stop drinking, that would have saved lives. I don’t think there’s really a reasonable counter-argument to that. Alcohol is one of the worst drugs we’ve ever discovered. It kills so many people in so many ways, and causes so much suffering beyond that. But because it’s fairly simple to make with any number of widely available ingredients, it can’t effectively be banned. (Even drugs that are harder to make haven’t been very effectively banned, but that’s another subject.) So it falls to the individuals to resist temptation, with mixed results. OP, I wish you the best. I’m not sure whether you ended up consuming 4-6 drinks a day because you just really like the taste and/or the buzz, or because you were self-medicating a deeper hurt, but if it’s the latter, I hope you can find some relief for that, too. ---
**Author:** ![X.L.Lent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a5b964/32.png) [@X.L.Lent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/X.L.Lent)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/18 "2022-07-07T16:52:17Z")
I’ve probably fucking screwed up my life. I had hoped to retire in the next few years and take a few nice trips. Now I’m afraid that I will spend the rest of my life as a cripple. My God, why didn’t I reach out and ask for help. Some simple questions like “Am I drinking too much?” and “How can I stop?” may have started me on the right path. I thought I might be drinking too much and at one point and thought of looking into joining AA but 2 seconds later the idea slipped out of my mind. I guess I was drinking to relieve stress and it made doing the housework enjoyable. A few drinks, crank up some tunes and cleaning the kitchen becomes fun. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and comments. **Dung\_Beetle** please do anything you can to quit. The consequences of not quitting are beyond terrible. ---
**Author:** ![Esprise\_Me](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprise_me/32/2947_2.png) [@Esprise\_Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprise_Me)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/19 "2022-07-07T17:45:54Z")
Try not to catastrophize. If you can’t mentally stop yourself from imagining the worst-case scenario, it might help to lean into it and approach it in a practical way. Let’s say you did destroy your hips by drinking. Lots of people nearing retirement age have to get hip replacement surgery anyway. From what I hear, the recovery isn’t too terrible–it’s certainly not as bad as knee replacement. A family friend of mine in her 70s had to have both hips replaced recently. They did one at a time; she was able to get around with a walker while she healed, and it wasn’t long before she was back to her old self. She’s being a little bit of a shut-in because of COVID, but as far as her hips are concerned she can do everything she always wanted to spend her retirement doing. You can get through this. You have good days ahead still. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2022, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533/20 "2022-07-07T17:58:23Z")
You’re not dead, so count that as a plus. Also, just because you’ve stopped, that doesn’t mean you’ll stay stopped. Get therapy, and I don’t mean A.A. Get some one-on-one therapy and get to the root cause. My family is littered with the bodies of alcoholic people who didn’t do that. Father, brother, aunt, cousin, son. All died ugly deaths, but only after making everyone around them miserable. Get your shit together and get help. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-quit-drinking/967533.md?page=2)