I have a confession.  

It's good that you've taken the first step and admitted that you have a problem. Now you have to figure out what is the best way to deal with it. Do you have access to medical intervention, rehab or is that something you don't feel that you need? Are there family or friends who you can talk to? Are there support groups or facilities in your area? Admitting to the problem is an important step and it means that you want to change your behavior. Figuring out how to do that is your next step. I wish you all the best and I'm proud of you for being honest with yourself and this group. I know that you don't know me from Santa Clause but you really did accomplish something important. I have an ex who is still in denial...after over 20 years of drinking he won't admit that he has a problem and his daughter doesn't speak to him anymore. What you did took strength.

I used to think I had a drinking problem. Then I realized my problem wasn't that I drank, it was knowing when to say when. Once I learned when to cut myself off and contorl myself while drinking, I found that having a few beers is ok and I don't have to drink til I can't see, walk or speak. Just my own experience. If you think you can't achieve that kind of control, I suggest you quit, especially if you are in a relationship and definately if you have children.

I think simply being aware of how much you consume, and if you think that's a fair amount, or too much is the first step to getting any kind of drinking habit under control.

I like to have a glass of wine in the evening, or a cold beer on a hot day, but just because I might do that several days in a row, doesn't make me feel like I drink too much.

I think the socially acceptable limit varies person to person, and it's up to you to decide if you feel like you're under control about what you do.

I've always believed that all things in moderation, can be enjoyed...

But, if you truly feel like you have a problem, please continue to post and vent and say whatever you feel you'd like to say... you are among friends.
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It's a nice start, to know that you have a drinking problem. You have identified it, and not it's your turn to identify how to solve it. :) You are almost there, about to overcome it. :)

the only drink you have to worry about is the first one. Don't look at it from the point you can not ever drink again. Just do it one day at a time. Before you know it you will hve 30 days and then WOW a year. I have had long periods wher I didn't drink and I always fell back into old habits. I am glad I saw your discussion....now I feel like I am stopping with a buddy. Good luck

Hi shannonjyl. I am sorry but I don't think that you really have a problem with alcohol. You can make beautiful artistical things, so you aren't a person that don't have control about his mind. Feel sadness some days and drink to forget or feel better is a normal thing. If you drink every day to get in mood but stay doing all the things you need to do you are not a person with drinking problems. If someone said it to you don't care about it because some people think that all the persons need to do what they do in the same way. It isn't true. Each one have his own way. Some persons can drink 1/2 bottle of gim and feel ok and some persons when drink a glass of beer get drunk. The important thing is HOW YOU FEEL YOUR SELF. You feel that it is out control? or you feel that it is ok but you think that you are drinking more than others persons? Your life is your life and your needs are your needs, the important thing is be happy and enjoy life.
You know that you can count with me at any time my friend.

There is almost certainly an Alcoholics Anonymous group in your neighbourhood, and they have by far the best track-record. You don't really have to be an alcoholic, but you might want to find out. I spend considerable time with them, and I know now that I'm not an alcoholic. But I found out why I was drinking heavily, and just this process helped me kick the habit. I haven't touched any alcoholic beverage for more than a year, not because "I can't" but because it simply never occurs to me. You might try some professional rehab, but they charge you for a program they have basically copied from AA, and there it's free of charge.