So I have recently stopped drinking alcohol altogether and am actually concerned with how hard it is. I never considered any kind of dependence on it because I never thought about drinking. We would enjoy a beer or two while grilling or some wine with dinner which never seemed like a bad thing.
I have recently just stopped with it all and it's been rather hard. No red wine with steak, no beer with a cheeseburger, etc. It scares me a bit. Has anyone gone through this?
The first thing that goes through my mind; seeing that you're no longer able to stand certain smells etc is that you're pregnant. I would take a test if I were you. I wouldn't be so sure that you would be able to know by now, cf. all the articles about women who were pregnant without their knowledge and such. They kept having their period et al. Also maybe visit a gynaecologist to be sure. That way you can determine if your form of birth control is still working correctly. I remember a girlfriend of mine that had to switch to a higher level pill because she was sick and such. She also couldn't eat certain foods, well she could but not for very long
. If that's the case maybe you could contemplate switching to another form because the pill in itself isn't very healthy and does strange things to a woman's body.
Regarding consuming alcohol. I've read somewhere that the potential of one to get addicted (to alcohol, bezo's ...) depends on the ability to be alone and content.
Regardless I don't think you're an alcoholic. I accessed the local AA site. If you drank 3 beverages a day, they place you in phase 3 - the phase of excessive and damaging use. Alcohol starts to receive a more prominent role in daily life. The person does not only use it to make him/herself feel better but to banish stress and displeasure. Like you who gets a lot of enjoyment from sitting outside with a few drinks.
Phase 4 is addiction: Your whole live is controlled by alcohol. You don't qualify for this.
For health reasons it is advised not to drink more than 2 daily alcoholic beverages if you're a man; and one if you're a woman. Even at one woman are subject to a significant higher breast cancer risk.
Anyhow it's very good you've stopped 'drinking'. According to the same site, the worst withdrawal symptoms end after ten days. Some symptoms might persist for a couple weeks. Slight depression, sleeping problems, apathy. But eventually they also fade. It helps if people in your environment are supportive, so talk about the issues which will eventually pass (possibly you can keep writing about them in this topic). Buying Vitamin B-1 lessens all withdrawal symptoms.
You're doing good. To be on the safe side I would also visit your doctor for a blood test; I find the vomiting to be strange. Especially after only three beers. I think that there might be something slightly off with your blood values. That or you're just pregnant. In that case congratulations !, assuming you want a baby.
Regarding the sitting on the outside deck and the lesser enjoyment without a beverage. Buy a Jacuzzi, just sit in front of the beams very relaxing. Works for me anyway. It's most fun when it snows.
That being said I drink seldom, only on social occasions and such but always in moderation.
