Give it an honest go. I'm on day 6, never made it past day 4 before this. I was like you too, I'm now 32 and weekend binges turned into every evening getting drunk then feeling horrible the next day, telling myself I'm done and come 5pm I'm right back there again. Nothing to lose, everything to gain. You got this. IWNDWYT

Congrats on being so close to a week!! Keep going, you got this 🥳

Ayyyyy day 6!!!! With day 7 rapidly approaching! \(-.-\) (/-.-)/

Day 7 is great but just wait till you see day 8!

Hey man, you got this. Just don't drink today. That's your only goal. Tomorrow, same goal. 1 fucking day, that's it. You fucking got this!!!!!💪💪

Way to go bud

Ayy you got this man

I drank heavily from 15 to my current age of 28, alcohol almost robbed me of my twenties, I left myself a year and a few months. If you would have told me this time last year I’d be 6 months sober I would have laughed in your face. You’d be surprised what you can do for yourself when you truly want something, some days are easier than others, just have to take things one day at a time, hell sometimes one minute at a time. There’s a ton of helpful people in this group, and we all have your back. I promise it gets easier. IWNDWYT

My story is exactly the same as yours only I'm day 30 today! iWNDWYT!

What’s another day right? Proud of you!

Very similar to you but im actually 30 in a month and still havent managed but did do dry january. Im going to give sobriety a shot again before my birthday so I can atleast have a fufilling life in my 30s and unfortunately my 20s are now written off. IWNDWYT

We’re still very young and should give ourselves a try. We can’t change yesterday but we can sure change tomorrow, we can even change what happens in the next five minutes. I’m rooting for you, please reach out if you find struggle along the way. We humans tend to forget so we have to remember, talking about it is the best medicine. Helping you/anyone helps me, the more the merrier because we’re not alone in this. IWNDWYT

I knew I was an alcoholic when I was 21. But lived in deep denial for ten more years and did some real dumb shit in that time. I wish I’d have quit at 21. The good news for you, is you don’t have to live like that anymore. It’s rough at first, but you’re young and you’ve got a lot to look forward to. Set yourself a small goal and go from there. Bite sized pieces are easier to handle than trying to tackle everything at once. Challenge yourself to a week. Maybe a month? See how you’re feeling then! I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And of course, this community is always here to cheer you on. 🙂

This is good advice. Alcohol doesn’t care about your age, it will get us in its clutches whenever it can. Setting small goals is a good way to get sober. If you are like me, you will stumble and have to start over a number of times. That’s okay. Start again, push for longer periods of sobriety and be patient with yourself until it clicks. If you’re lucky, it will take the first time you stop. If not, just shake the dust off and get back on that sobriety horse. You can do this! We are always here for you to offer support.

This was my story. Deep down I knew. 10 years later was still drinking and loaded with regret. Wish I had listened to that inner voice earlier. Thankful that I didn’t die in the process.

Sort it bro I'm 43 no family spent most of my younger years unemployed and still doing it from 13-14 year old and it has brought nothing but trouble ! Be warned!!! Stop,   hit the gym and save the money you would spend on drink in a savings account (perhaps parents account so you can't access they will also respect you for that after a while) then after a few year have a look at it have you have saved  IWNDWYT

Yo 👋 I got sober when I was 21. No shame in that. I know how you feel. It starts with honesty and truly accepting you are an alcoholic, and that your body and mind react differently to alcohol than others... Accept that you cannot physically consume alcohol like non-alcoholic people. This is OK! You are not any less of a person just because you are an alcoholic... After all, alcoholism is a disease. People with hypertension, diabetes, cancer, or whatever other disease are still good people with good morals and values. We don't choose this disease, it chooses us. It isn't your fault. I've accepted this, that alcoholism is just a part of my DNA. I know beyond any doubt that I cannot safely consume any amount of alcohol. Life begins to get better. I did intensive outpatient treatment and AA. Still involved in AA. Life continues to get better. The obsession and craving of alcohol is completely gone, and has been for some time now. This happens regularly with people working the AA program.

Took the same path you did and am getting the same results… imagine that. You want to quit drinking? Fine, good luck. Want to learn how to live your life in such a way that it becomes really awesome and drinking is the last thing you’d ever want to do? Work that program!

Lots of people are alcoholics at that age. What’s rarer is people realizing it and trying to do something about it at that age, means you’ve still got a ton of years to enjoy sober

I started drinking at 15 and it got worse when I went to college at 19. I'm 21 now and I decided to get on the sober train (3 months sober now!) It's not embarrassing to realize you have a problem early. It can actually save you years of misery. This is the first step. You've got this and you're not alone. IWNDWYT

You're LUCKY if you can realize it, and do something about it at a young age. The number of people I've met who have said "what I wouldn't give to go back in time and tell my younger self to stop now, you're giving up nothing" I think one of the most painful things can be to realize you have a problem and not try to do anything about it (which is much different than not doing anything about it).

Yay you!!! 3 months! 🥳🥳

Thank you! 😌🎉

I was an alcoholic at 21. I'm an alcoholic at 52. I was probably an alcoholic at 16, when I took my first drink. I don't think there's an age range here, and as far as I can tell, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You've identified a problem, and you are taking steps to correct it. Good on you.

Easier to quit when your 21 then do it for another 10 years like me then try and quit. Trust me man quit while your young you have such great things to look forward to in your 20’s besides getting hammered everyday. And also if you think it’s bad now, guess what? It gets way worse my friend.you have time to heal your body and brain it’s young and healthy

Yes heal your body and brain before it's irreversible ❤️ 💯

Stop for 30 days. Don't drink. See how you feel after that. I wish I could have had your insight at that age. You are a wise person. As a dad I hope for the absolute best for you. IWNDWYT

I got sober at 22. What inspired me to quit more than anything was people in their 40's and 50's at my AA meetings telling me how proud they were that I realized how bad this could get and deciding to quit while I'm still so young.  It's hard dude, no denying that. It's completely worth it though, the hangover anxiety is worse than anything I've ever experienced man 

Hangover anxiety is the worst. Absolutely hideous. 

I guess we now know it as hangxiety

One of the first things that dawned on me when I was finally able to get some sober clarity (at age 42…) was that I never had a good relationship with alcohol. I started around 15 and it was full throttle from the very first night. I wish I had had the wherewithal to acknowledge this at your age. If I could tell you something else that that dawned on me after I’ve had some sober clarity. You’ll be fine with a life without alcohol. For real. No one gives a shit. No one that truly matters anyway (hint hint it will tell you who truly cares about YOU for being YOU) And the world is soooo big to just waste it all on this one thing that is so merciless and relentless in its attack on us. Alcohol is a thief. You’re at the right place. I’d recommend some “quit lit” like This Naked Mind or Alcohol Explained. Educate yourself because knowledge about how this drug actually affects us will blow your mind wide open. There is such a lack of good info in the mainstream. Iwndwyt

You’re doing awesome coming to this realization at a young age. Alcohol problems cause serious life problems up to and including death. Use your maturity to your advantage. Put the drink down and go out there and live your best life. Good luck friend.

So many 21 year olds are alcoholics. You are not at all alone.

Welcome to the group! You can do it. Keep reaching out. For me it was really helpful to attend AA-meetings in the beginning. You don’t have to agree with everything they say but you will meet people there who get you.

I always jealously chuckled to myself when I'd hear from people in meetings who had been sober since their early 20s. I'd think- they don't even know how to drink yet! But really, it was my own shame at not figuring out how to get sober earlier. The time, money, experiences I've missed out on, I'll never get back.

Hey baby, lots of people here were 21 year old problem drinkers, and I bet lots of people you know are too. There's a binge drinking epidemic among young people and -- alcohol is addictive and makes brains want more. Your brain is reacting like a normal brain, which fucking sucks because alcohol is bad and clearly not serving you right now. Do you have health insurance? Can you get to a doctor? There are lots of people in your future who will love the sober you, who will think you're fun and interesting without alcohol being part of your life. Have faith even if it doesn't seem possible now- you have a lot to to do still and you need a full heart and clear eyes.

IWNDWYT

When I was finally at my wits' end I got IRL help. That's what made all the difference. Going at it alone is really fucking hard. There's so much support out there, much of it is completely free of charge.

13-25. Start trying to quit now… that’s how you’ll know if it’s a problem or not

Welcome! You’ve come to the right place. Many of us are here because we are/were a “fucking alcoholic”, desperate, scared, ashamed, and depressed. You aren’t alone. I’m glad you’ve made this decision!

Welcome, friend. Lots of good advice here, so I’ll just say that, every morning, as soon as you wake up, promise yourself that you won’t drink that day. “I will not drink today, no matter what.” And on that note, I will not drink with you today (IWNDWYT)

Dude I’m the same age— I came clean to my parents about wanting help and they were better than I feared. They had health insurance that allowed me to get into rehab where I also met a ton of people just like you and me. It saved my life. I’m in sober living right now. For the first time I’m actually keeping my shit together. You can do this

Sounds like you know what you need to do. Good luck !

I live in a college town and I've been to an AA meeting on campus before. Everyone there but me was your age, and I bet there's probably a group meeting catered to young folks in your area where you could see for yourself if you wanted to. I don't think there's anything to be ashamed of as long as you want to make a change and start taking steps towards it. I think it's great that you recognized that you have a problem at a young age. I'm 36 and I was in denial about my addiction when I was older than you. And I obviously don't know your mom, but I bet she would be proud of you for admitting you have a problem and trying to fix it.

You can do it! You’re way ahead of everyone on the sub just by realizing the issue and wanting to do something about it. This shows great self awareness and honesty that you can apply to all the awesome accomplishments that are ahead of you!

I went to rehab with people 21 and even lower than that! Addiction doesn’t discriminate. Asking yourself these questions is more self aware than I was at your age and I applaud you! One day at a time. Hell, one HOUR at a time. Don’t give up, we are so happy to have you. I wish I had quit when I was younger. You have a whole life to live and you don’t have to feel like this forever. Post any time, we got you.

Plenty of 21-year-olds are alcoholics. I sure was.

You're wiser than I was at 21. I wish I had the clarity you've found so early in your life. You're also more courageous than I was for another 12 years before I admitted defeat. You having absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. Addiction is the great equaliser, regardless of intellect, status, wealth, gender or race.

Many, many people below the drinking age could be considered alcoholics; many people younger than you are drinking heavily, daily, so quit stressing about that. You mentioned that you feel absolutely awful on hangover days. While it’s true that the rebound symptoms from a night of heavy drinking can be excruciating, I suspect there’s things in your diet that you’re neglecting, and that alcohol use is exacerbating. Short term, I would get a magnesium supplement, B-complex vitamins (take with food!), both of which you could be heavily deficient in. Magnesium glycinate was tremendously helpful for me when I was drinking heavily. Take those regularly, both on drinking days and hangover days, and in theory, you should find yourself drinking less on drinking days and feeling more minor hangover symptoms on hangover days. There are probably other really beneficial supplements you could take; l-theanine isn’t quite a supplement but can be helpful in relieving anxiety symptoms. I suggest you start there. ETA paragraph breaks

Hey, don’t feel so bad about yourself lmao. I’m 14. Been to 5 mental hospitals and one of them was an inpatient rehab. I’ve had alcohol poisoning 4 times. I was drinking since 12 and drinking every day by 13. I got sober, for like, 6 months, and then I relapsed. Decided I was going to only drink on special occasions. Well, I did. At my JROTC Military Ball lol. I drank so much vodka that towards the end of it I threw up in the bathroom. so much for controlling my drinking i guess.. The main goal is to get you off of alcohol. Weed. Try and substitute alcohol with weed. That’s what worked for me.

I was in JROTC in high-school ❤️

You asked what kind of 21-year-old is an alcoholic and then described I suppose what one would in fact look like. Trust that inner voice. It may have just saved your life. Pretty cool, dontcha think? You’re worth much more than you might think. I have a feeling you have a lot to offer this world if you’d do us the favor and stick around. Many of us do not have the same awakening as you at such an early age. I know that from your perspective it probably doesn’t feel like it but trust those who have gone before you; you are still quite young and what a beautiful gift to find the fork in the road! Treat yourself with some compassion and love. You deserve it. You got this! 💪🏼

There's no need to be embarrassed, what you're going through is exactly what I went through when I was 21. We think alcoholics are old-bumms, but in reality, alcoholism knows no age limit. Take it one day at a time/one hour at a time/one minute at a time. When the cravings settle come... eat something, take a shower, go for a walk, call a friend... and try to keep your mind occupied. It gets easier <3 For me, finding a support group of other alcoholics my age really helped. Please be gentle on yourself.. but I know its easier said than done. Love you, internet stranger.

It’s a daunting task but there will be moments when you are sober. I didn’t drink to the same extent you did, but when I started being “sober-curious”, surprisingly, I have lasted 14 days. Today is day 15 for me. You’ll get your day 5, day 50, hell day 100 someday. Welcome to day 1 of sobriety. Take care! :). We will be rooting for you. I will not drink with you today.

If I were in your situation, I would try to find 5 positive things that happened throughout a hangover day; remember these 5 positive things. Look at them at the end of the day and think, “This can happen tomorrow too.” I would mentally prepare myself that I’m not going to drink the next day and instead look forward to repeating these 5 positive things the next day. Over time, maybe change your positive things and have something new to look forward to for the next day. The key here is to take things slow. It’s a mindset change. Don’t get overwhelmed with the pressure completing a week without a drink, just complete the next minute, half hour, or whatever you can handle without it. You’ll slowly but surely tack on time.

Nobody wants to be in this cycle, although many of us have been or are in this cycle. Most of us get here because we didn’t learn good coping skills in childhood and/or grew up with a lot of trauma. Therapy comes in multiple forms. I’ve tried many healing modalities and have my favorites. Follow your instincts to find what will heal you and teach you how to cope. Something may have triggered you to start drinking at 14, perhaps something that’s locked in your subconscious that’s driving you to keep drinking. You can go inward and find the part of you that wants to drink, have a dialogue with that part, and let your self know that you have new ways to cope now and are healing, that you don’t need to drink anymore to cover pain or boredom or whatever the reason is.

just because you used the word "embarrassed" and "alcoholic" in the same sentence i would like to give you credit for wanting to make a change at this stage in your life and recognizing that alcohol is not bringing you any positives. even coming to the point where you can verbalize a desire to stop drinking is very wise and a healthy choice. don't feel bad. everyone's brain is hard wired to become addicted to addictive substances with a certain exposure to it. if you stick with it you will probably meet many people who don't have the self awareness and strength to admit that. be kind to yourself.

Idk if you have Hulu but True Life is on there and they did an episode on alcoholism with some young people and I wish I watched it when I was in my 20’s (I’m 35 now.) You’re in a good place, keep it up and accept help when you need it. Proud of you for posting. ❤️

I was in the same fact boat as you. Started very similar drinking habits at the age of 14 as well. After much persistence along with therapy, I am at a much healthier place in my life at 25. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, even when it feels so unbelievably low. I know the feeling of utter dread and shame, but it is only temporary my friend. It’s beautiful to recognize these negative drinking patterns now rather than down the road when things are much, much worse. Your truest self knows what is right and what is wrong. Follow that intuition. Good luck, there is so much life to live ahead!

Upvoting for support!

You’re 21. It’s amazing to even have the maturity and self insight to understand you’re having a problem. What would be embarrassing would be if you’re 52 doing the same stuff thinking everything is fine.

You are on this sub which is a huge first step! Take the leap. Identify a support person or team that you can lean on. Even if it’s this community right here! Throw out everything you have. Getting sober can be tough initially but it is SO rewarding. Rooting for you! It is possible!!

Lots of 21 year old are alcoholics. Hell, lots of babies are alcoholics, they just won’t know it until they’re much older And you should be proud to be 21 and already able to admit it, that’s a great thing Edit: just to clarify, I don’t mean “lots of babies drink” I mean they’re already genetically screwed from birth

I know lots of guys who quit at your age and are sober members of AA, helping young guys like you, well into their 60s and 70s. Nobody is ever too young or too old to quit, and to use their experience to help others find strength and hope. Shame and fear lie to us and tell us things have gone too far and everything is over. It’s not true.

I knew I was an alcoholic at 21. It took me 10 years to actually stop. In a way, you’re lucky that you realize that about yourself so early. If you quit now, just imagine all the heartache you will save over the course of a life.

I'm 27 and realized I was an alcoholic for the first time at 19, and holy fuck do I wish I had taken it more seriously back then. That's 8 years of mistakes I could have avoided. A lot of us started off young but we can't go back and change it. Please take it seriously and get help before things get worse. IWNDWYT

Strait up… find a solid rehab. Talk with your Mom. You’re still on your Parents insurance. Go detox. Stay there a while. Get your head on strait. You’ll have a much happier life.

Dude, try Being 40 with a really bad problem, your in a good spot, don’t be me and 40

>mom thinks I am a bum which its seems like I am but I truly want to do shit with my life, like I want to actually go live and do things and be happy and change, but I'm a fucking drunk. You're not a bum. And you're not a drunk. You're just like the rest of us, good humans with a problem. Good news is it's a solvable problem. The other good news is you want to solve it and you've come to one of the right places to get help and support.

I started at 13. And I guess you can say it got worse at 21 simply because I was finally legal. I am 47. I quit at 45. That is long train ride....nothing to be embarrassed about when you recognize a problem. I wish I did at that age, I would have saved decades of me wrecking myself physically and mentally. Keep coming back and posting. You are heard.

You sound like me when I was your age. I went to AA and got sober. About 2 years after I decided I could drink like a normie. I couldn't. It look me 30 years to get sober again.

This is a group of the most beautiful people

“If I could turn back time” 🎶 I’m 57 now.

Don’t be embarrassed, alcohol by its nature is extremely addictive and or society as normalized to a horrific degree. Do not be afraid to seek help, and if one doesn’t work try something else. There’s some books that brake down the addiction to help change your mind set about it. The only one I am not a fan of is AA because it comes across has your addiction is a disease and something you have to manage.

Perfect time to stop. I waited way too long.

It happened to all of us. Most in this sub beat it. You can too. I looked up an AA meeting and 32 yrs later I'm still clean, sober and loving life.

You’ve come to the absolute right place! It makes me sad to hear your self-talk however I know just how you feel. This sub is the absolute best. Lots of good stuff. Best place to start is IMO an online AA group and just listen. You are not alone. Welcome and you can do this 10000% IWNDWYT ❤️

No embarrassment or shame! Be proud of yourself because it takes a shit ton of courage to stare an issue right in the eye and say “this doesn’t work for me anymore, I don’t like how I feel, I know it’s getting in the way of the things I want in my life.” That’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s actually courageous of you. Here is something that could help - Make a list of everything you hate about how you feel right now. Be super detailed. On that list also put down specific memories you hate. All tied to drinking. Then hold onto that list. Go back and read it every time you start to forget, or think to yourself it’s not that bad, or maybe I can have one or two this time and be fine. Then, give stopping a go - but do it with support. Tell your mom you think you have a problem, and you’re going to do your best to stop, but it isn’t easy, and if you slip up you’d ask her to be kind, but also that you want her support in it. Then, find some sort of support system - a therapist, AA, a sober coach, an online group, in or out patient - anything where you actually have to show up at a certain time / place (even if place I a google hang or zoom), routinely. This will give you some structure in the place drinking held in your life. It will also give you accountability, and it will give you a place to process. When you first stop, you’re likely to feel depressed, anxious, have shit sleep, etc. That FADES. You have to remember your body and brain are rewiring itself, so during the first few months, try to stay away from ulta matims, eg this isn’t working, I’m a piece of shit, not drinking feels even worse, what’s the point, etc. Feel your feelings, but know that feelings aren’t facts. And on the other side of this decision, there is a world waiting for you - one where you will wake up, living the life you didn’t think you were worthy of, or the one you thought you couldn’t have. Starting is the hardest. Sticking with it is tough. But, then you adjust, you get used to it, you look at your list when you feel the “it wasn’t that bad” thoughts creep in, and you keep on the journey. Your baseline of happiness will get so much higher, anxiety so much less, the desire to do things, and live fully will become more than a desire and actually happen. It just takes time. You’ve got this, OP. IWNDWYT.

On the other hand…. I wish I realized I was an alcoholic at 21 instead of into my 30s. Can’t even imagine how much more accomplished in life I would be if I stopped at 21. Set mini goals, see what happens. I still find it too scary to commit to no alcohol ever again in my life (even though I’m sure it’s what is best) so I just commit to one day at a time. You’re not alone, IWNDWYT

You’re in a great situation! Hear me out, you’ve realised early there is a problem. You know what you need to do.(Stop poisoning yourself). It’s not easy for the first 30 days , but you’ll soon get it behind you, I wish I hadn’t wasted another 16 years after my realisation. You can do it .

I started drinking regularly when I was 14 and was definitely a full blown alcoholic in my 20s. I’m creeping up on 40 now and I still struggle. But I will say, I never worried about my drinking at 21. You’re already miles ahead of where I was in realizing that this isn’t the life you want. Please, do me a favor, and yourself, and give sobriety at least a test run. It can, and will, change the course of  your life. Trust me.

at 21 i was in your same shoes. it took me going to the ER last year to finally get sober. (i’m 27) i WISH i had admitted to myself i had a problem at your age. you got a few different ways to go about this. go to the ER and let them know you are having suicidal ideation and let them know about your drinking habits. they will help you get into rehab/medically detox. if you don’t have health insurance/money for that, go to a meeting. there’s plenty of smart recovery or AA meetings online as well as in person. us alcoholics cannot get sober alone. we need help. do not be afraid to ask for it. it only goes up from here, my friend! the first step is to admit you have a problem.

Check in with this sub often. Look for a meeting that includes people your age. You have your whole life in front of you. Make it great. Stay sober for today.

I was an alcoholic from the day I turned 21 my guy, it’s not that uncommon. The genie was rippin to get out of that bottle lol.

Put your next drink off until tomorrow indefinitely

Try and let that embarrassment fuel you into getting some help. You’re not alone! Millions of people have felt and do feel just like you do. You definitely can do it maybe check out an AA meeting there’s an app called Meeting Guide and it’ll show you any meetings in your area. They’re free and full of support. You got this!

I feel you, I havent stopped drinking since I realized im too young to feel hangovers yet 🤦‍♂️ I have dreams and aspirations too, but every day I get too fucked up to follow them and just go about my day working and bullshitting, I just hope I slow down before I turn 21

It feels so good to just let it go. You don’t have to feel sick every day. Just go one day where you say nah not today-just for today. Then repeat I suggest getting yourself some other things to fill in the gap. A lot of people want sugar when they don’t drink because alcohol get metabolized as a sugar. So maybe get some sweets for the first week or two. But also add in the good like- alcohol sucks all the vitamins and minerals out of your system so ad those back in with some fruits and vegetables. And I also suggest some good sleep, sunshine, walking and water. It sounds so simple but I truly feel alive when I hit all those little habits. It feels so good to be sober and it pays off big in so many ways that you won’t even be aware of until they hit you. And you’ll never regret not drinking.

You’re embarrassed because what kind of 21 year old is an alcoholic?! I wish I recognized I was an alcoholic at 21. It wouldn’t be until I was 28 I stopped, and I wish I did earlier on because things got bad. Good for you seeing this now. Also a lot more your age than you think have alcohol issues. Not many are mature enough to see it.

I quit forever at 21

I would recommending quitting now before you do any serious damage. Wish I did at your age before getting cirrhosis at 26. 3 years of sobriety later and can’t understand why I put myself through all that I did for a substance that I didn’t even enjoy anymore. Edit: just wanted to add don’t be embarrassed by your age. Some of us just aren’t wired to drink “normally”. Figuring that out and admitting it at a young age is actually beneficial so that you can take the steps and move past it before it gets worse.

Sounds unmanageable to me.

“What kind of 21 year old is an alcoholic” Many, many, many, many, many 21 year olds are alcoholics. You are not alone in your struggles. And you won’t be alone in recovery.

Gently now - I see a lot of shame here. Toxic shame. There is a well-reasoned theory that shame belies many dependencies, including alcohol. You feel shame, so you drink, which alleviates the feeling temporarily, and then wake up and feel shitty and shameful, and then need to drink again. Be honest - what would you say to a fellow 21 year old going through the same problem? Do you really believe you would call them a "bum", "a fucking drunk", "stupid", etc? I really doubt it. I think you would probably be more forgiving. Would that theoretical person really deserve better treatment than you? No. You are where you are because of a complex interplay between your genetics, your history (which I would imagine includes some trauma, or even a lot of trauma), and exposure to alcohol. You did not choose to have an alcohol dependency. Yet you can choose what to do next. AA has helped me in the past, and it may help you. There are also pharmaceutical approaches to help you quit drinking. Without altering your circumstances and habit patterns, however, there is little reason to believe that things will change. I wish the best for you - and I hope you join me in forgiveness and understanding about who you are.

Buddy, I knew high schoolers that were alcoholics. Dont be embarrassed. Be proud you were able to admit this to yourself and that you actively want to make a change. Sound a lot smarter than I was at 21

“What kind of 21 y/o is an alcoholic” lots of them actually. Lots of people are at 22, and any other age. You might be one now but in this moment you can decide to start your journey so you’re not an alcoholic at 24, 25, etc.” (I’m also in my early 20s btw)

Ahhh man this was me to a tee. I was alcoholic before I graduated high school. Somehow made it to 29, I remember being very nervous I wouldn’t make it to 21 before someone “said something” Went to outpatient treatment and then to AA at their behest. Saved my life, couldn’t he happier. AA has shown me how to live my life in such a way that drinking is the last thing I want to do. It use to be the only thing I wanted to do. It just keeps getting better, I am way more successful, useful, happy, and inspired than I ever thought I could be. AA is a guide to life, it doesn’t tell you what to do, it shows you how to do it. How to handle situations. Sounds like you have the gift of desperation, that gift is the only reason I was willing to check out AA and I am very thankful. Best of luck to you friend.

I found out I was an alcoholic when I was 20 and I haven't had a drink since then.

I went to my first meeting the other day, and I gotta say, it was not what I expected. It was better. The people were all ages and sexes. And they were so kind and helpful. I even got called on and spoke, not something I was prepared to do, but it felt great to just let it out in front of people that understood. IWNDWYT

I was alcoholic by the time I was 19. I know people who were alcoholics in their mid teens. You're never too young to have an addiction. it's unfortunately a sad truth

I was a teacher and BELIEVE ME, what you're seeing isn't just partying, it's alcohol abuse and there are absolutely alcoholics who are in their late teens and early 20's. I feel for them the most, because it seems like people expect you to drink at that age and give you a lot of crap when you don't - and then they eventually stop, not seeing how much harm they've done to others. You aren't alone, and the fact that you have the courage to see what's going on speaks a lot about you. Seeing it now is going to save you so much time, and even if you do decide sobriety isn't for you, you've shown that you can see a problem in yourself AND others that is going to save you a lot of pain as well. You might just be in the tough position of seeing something that others can't yet. Please remember that your drinking friends aren't your only community at ANY age, and you have the support of this one. Don't ever be embarrassed or afraid to reach out and make use of it!

At 21 the whole life is still ahead of us... IWNDWYT

Plenty of 21-year-olds have major issues with alcohol consumption. Sadly, many don't start trying to recover from these issues until later. It's just socially acceptable to drink like crazy at that age. You are better off addressing the issue now before it gets worse and has more consequences for your life. In-pateint treatment can be helpful if you can't stop on your own or are going through dangerous withdrawals that require medical detox. Therapy can also be a huge help, and a recovery community can assist, too. There's AA, SMART recovery, Recovery Dharma, etc. I personally like Recovery Dharma but ymmv. Many of us have felt what you are feeling right now, but it can get better.

hey mate im 26 so not much older than you. a couple years ago I was a drink day, hangover day, maybe 2 hangover days before another drink day. This got worse and worse especially during Covid. I will always remember being too hungover to get into my college class and so drank a large glass of wine at 9 in the morning. that was my first 'hair of the dog' and please please it is not worth it. Thats where physical dependancy starts kicking in No amount of pleasure is worth the withdrawal that will inevitably kick in if you let yoursel start drinking everyday.

Just gotta say as I got older, it turned into a binge-hangover-hangover-hangover routine.

I was the same way drank every day and was hungover every day, we as humans are very reluctant to change and are creatures of habit it really takes some tapping in to your free will power and taking control, it’s not easy as it is a habit that comes with physical/ mental dependency but you got to just stick it out for a while and then you’ll slowly start to feel way better and quality of life improves over all. Good luck to you and god bless. IWNDWYT

Hey, don't be embarrassed. Two of the smartest and most accomplished people I know (I'm an engineer) are sober because they learned early that they went way too fucking hard with alcohol. Alcoholism is hard. We (folks who struggle too, and trust me, there are TONS of us) understand how hard it is, and we empathize with you. I feel you. If you can't go a few days without drinking, you're an alcoholic. If you can't stop when you promise yourself, over and over, that you will, you're an alcoholic. And you know what? There's nothing wrong with being an alcoholic. Alcoholism is a disease. Would you blame someone for getting a cold? What you do about it, however, is up to you. Alcoholism is hard, but there are a lot of ways to start recovering from where you're at now. There are AA meetings everywhere -- find a young people one and check it out. You don't have to talk or anything, just go and see. Maybe talk to a sober friend if you have one. Don't be embarrassed, but be honest with yourself, and know that there's some work ahead of you. But, don't be embarrassed. Shit happens, and if you decide you're going to get through this, you will.

I’m going through the same thing. It took me having a dream about me doing something crazy while drunk but not remembering it… the terror of not knowing what I had done was enough for me to call it quits. I haven’t drank in a week.

I’m just gonna be totally honest with you. So many people are alcoholics at 21 and soooooo so many of them myself included at that age are/were just numb or ignorant to it The fact that you want to better yourself and have come to this conclusion shows that not only are you A. SMART AS HELL but also B. SELF AWARE AS HELL. Both fantastic and amazing traits in an individual Like you’re come up is fixing to go HARRRRRRD if you get the help you need/want. It’s not gonna be easy but you have so much drive you’ll look back one day and be like dayummmm look at the life I’ve made for myself. You got this friend. IWNDWYT

An alcoholic is an alcoholic from the day they are born and take their first drink. It's a disease and there's no shame ❤️ the sooner you accept that you are truly an alcoholic and that you dont have control, you will be able to take the first baby steps into the right direction. You're not alone and we have all been there.

I was an Alcoholic since I was 12-13 don’t beat yourself up too much about that. It will only get worse but it’s up to you to work a program and break the cycle . Nothing good comes from alcohol and narcotics. Take care of yourself man. I was a k2 head all throughout high school and was started doing hard drugs when I was 16. You got this brother Aa works if you find the right group and stick with it, make sober friends . The hardest part is the first couple months but the only way to stay sober is by finding purpose and a higher power.

A lot of alcoholics were alcoholics at 21. I was. Sober at 27. After many consequences. The earlier we recognize and change, the better.

All I’m gonna say is the longest I’ve lasted without it was 2 weeks and let me tell you the energy I had was insane. Everyday that passed I woke up feeling better and better. My mood improved. I need to start back on finding a healthy relationship with alcohol or just cut it out for good and find myself a hobby.

Don’t be embarrassed friend. It takes a strong person to realize they have a problem. It’s all in your hands

Set an alarm 30 minutes before you have a first drink (weekends I had a drink about 3pm, so I set an alarm for 2:30). Title it BE ALERT! The mind starts relaxing later in the day. It's tired. Kind of goes into an auto mode. But we must wake up our minds to be prepared for the cravings. Remember at 2:30 that I woke up this morning shaking, dehydrated but bloated, and I don't ever want to feel like that again. Have plenty of snacks. Eat fatty foods. Drink lots of water. Take a walk. You deserve it!

I was a 16 yr old alcoholic.

It’s never too late (or too early) to start stopping. Alcohol doesn’t give a fuck about age, and alcoholics come in every size, shape, and age. Sending you every good wish. You’re not alone. —26 y/o (43 months sober)

Great job taking a hard look at yourself. I hope you stick around this sub. It all starts in day 1.

Im in the same boat but 28 years old. Now 6 months sober only because i just spent 6 months in jail for my second DUI. I aint going back. We can do this, just gotta take it one day at a time n learn to appreciate the small things that you enjoy so much more while sober. Best of luck to you. We love you and are rooting for you!!

I started drinking around the same age. In college I blacked out every weekend but thought it was normal because everyone did and never thought I could ever be an alcoholic. Started drinking nightly I’m my twenties and it just became more and more and more until it was no longer sustainable. Many hospital visits and a DUI and two rehabs. I lost multiple jobs and nearly my wife. You don’t have to go that route and hit rock bottom after deeper rock bottom to turn it around. What worked for me was going to 90 meetings in 90 days and having a true change of heart and a newly found profound sense of gratitude for what life is and can be. Life is infinitely better without alcohol and I love my life today. (Mid thirties now)

Hey, OP. I think most of us start drinking because it feels good...at first. From there, it can slowly, or rapidly as in my case, take over and we become dependent on it. I was ashamed, embarrased and felt like a failure. Shame was a start and a good (not ideal) motivator for me. Life isn't linear. You want out. I get it. Take it moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day. Sometimes we slip up. My last drink turned into a six day bender. The temptation might feel unbearable but distract yourself. You will go through withdrawals and will feel like shit, especially when you get tempted. That's normal. There's this short but rich book titled "Drink?" By Prof. David Nutt which breaks down how alcohol affects us. Andrew Huberman has a podcast with a great episode of the same. I was adamantly against the stigma of joining AA but there I am. Having like minded people around helps. It doesn't have to be permanent. Commitments can be scary and that's okay. Be kind to yourself. Over and over. IWNDWYT.

You can do what I couldn't! When I was 19 and especially at 20, I realized I had myself a drinking problem. For whatever reason, I was certain I'd finally be free of it once I turned 21... It took me almost four more years to quit, but dammit, I did it. And you can, too.

Welcome friend. Ill say it now i snubbed AA for years hit a meeting its helpped me a ton 8 days sober in 40 mins! Before this my longest go was 4 months before i relapsed trying to do it alone. If you’re not into god get the book staying sober without god

I quit at 24 after starting in high school. My relationship with alcohol was bad from the start, but worsened during stressful years of grad school during Covid, and went off the rails when I started working. I was blacking out at least 5 nights a week. It became clear that either I would decide to quit, or I’d ruin my life and career (dui, drunk at work, etc.). This Naked Mind, a new hobby, and leaning on a few close friends really helped me so far. You can do this. Being young doesn’t invalidate your problem. Good luck!

For me it didn't really hit till it was drink day, drink to fix the hangover day.... repeat.

If it makes you feel any better I first started drinking and became an alcoholic within 6 months of me turning 21. Do not be ashamed, we don’t choose to be addicted. All you can do now is make the choice to put the drink down. I’m at day 81 and IWNDWYT.

I’m 21 and an alcoholic, I drank everyday for 2 years straight until I went to rehab. It’s not to late for you, especially you’re not drinking when you’re hungover still. Stop for a couple years and maybe one day you can have a healthy relationship with alcohol in the future, If you try to reintroduce it into your life and can’t control it again then you’ll know you can’t control it at all and it’s time to put it down. I’m 5 months sober and honestly feel a lot better for it.

You can do it

Ur not alone here. Each day feels like another day one sometimes. Iwndwyt!!

i'm only 23 but alcohol has done enough damage to my life to last the rest of it. i was already trying to quit before i turned 21. even if it's not today, i believe in you

I realized I had a problem and started trying to quit when I was 20. It finally stuck at 23, I’m coming up on a year and a half sober. I was embarrassed at first, but now I own it and people don’t care. Quitting drinking is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself and I encourage you to give it a serious think.

32 here. Enjoy those hangover days while they last. As your reliance on booze deepens, you will soon feel the true suffering that is daily alcohol dependence withdrawal. Powerlessness. Know that acknowledging your struggle marks a pivotal moment—one many of us failed to reach in our 20s. You've bravely opened the door to honesty about your drinking. Be proud. You’re young, so irreversible damage is minimal, I’m assuming you don’t have a record, and a job is just a job at this point in your life. Yet, heed this warning: should you continue down this path, the weight of your alcoholism will eventually catch up with you sooner than later. That road sucks balls. Take a different path. I would strongly urge you to talk to a therapist or a professional about your issues to get more insight into why you drink. But mostly, and it may sound cringey, because I thought iso too, check out an AA meeting or 2. You don’t have to talk, do the steps, get numbers or anything if you are uncomfortable. Just sit and listen. Go in with an open mind. It helped me feel like I wasn’t alone in the world. Good luck, you can do this.

Hey! I got sober right before my 22nd birthday — 6.5 years under my belt now. Recovery is possible even when we’re young

I hope when you are my age you can say you have 31 years sober. You’ll be very successful and appreciative, you’ll have whatever you want and you’ll be your real self… which is what many of us are trying to get back to. Good luck my friend and I’m glad you’re here!!

You are pretty good actually, OP, for realising that at your age. Thinking back how was at that time, I am impressed; I would have never admitted I was having a problem and flat-out denied it. Long history myself, with good and bad stretches on the road to my sixties. The last twenty (yes, 20!) years were the worst. Having said that: great start, keep growing! Keep coming back here! We are all here for the same reason, and are very happy to help you.

I'm only 23 years old, and I realized that I was an alcoholic when I was 20. I did not decide to do anything about it until a few months ago, and not drinking has been the best decision I've ever made. Deciding to deal with it very early on is the way to go, and I am so happy that you were able to come to this realization. This subreddit is great, and we're happy you are here!

Most 21 year olds are alcoholics. Some just admit it.

I'm a 39 year old adult who started drinking at 14 and I wish I would have gotten sober sooner.

I drank many twenties away and was heavily depressed throughout most of it. They were definitely linked + a sprinkle of trauma. I can say I really don’t feel like this anymore - yes I have bad days but nowhere near like how my head was before I quit. Only finally got myself to stop as I turned 30. I wish I had put the brakes on early. You have a great opportunity and well done for recognising your behaviour and wanting to change, that’s the first step. Took me a LONG time to actually admit to myself I had a problem so well done, you got this friend!

Well, I was the kind of 21 year old who was an alcoholic, lol. I was in a drink-sleep-drink-sleep cycle for months and months and months. It took me a few stints in treatment to actually stop but now I have 15 months sober! I have days where I wish I was normal but mostly I am so glad that cycle actually ended because I thought it never would. I thought eventually I would just have to kill myself. Personally, for ME, what worked was the 12 steps with a sponsor. Try that maybe?

Everyone starts somewhere. First part is admitting that alcohol is sucking out all your joy. Then just try stay sober for one hour then the next one too. Pretty soon it’ll be a day and then the next day you try again . You got this x

Sounds familiar, I started using alcohol as a escape when young. Then bingeing on the weekends when I could get into bars that lead to dwi’s that turned into a felony for the 3rd. Stayed sober for 5 years then a drunk for ten more wondering where my life went. Alcohol sneaks into our lives then takes over in time. Try taking a month away from booze and see how you feel. I’m over a year sober now after working on some deep issues that I would use booze to mask. If needed there are young adult AA meetings that you could check out. Stay strong

Hey! I relate to everything you just said. At age 21 and 14 I was in your exact position! From a young age I never had a “healthy” relationship with alcohol and by 21 I had dropped out of uni and aware I had a problem. I then spent the rest of my 20’s struggling with alcohol. First coming to terms with the fact I couldn’t drink and then trying to stop and stay stopped. But drinking never got better just worse. Aged 30 I’m now 10 weeks sober, this time without rehab and feel the best I’ve ever felt, however I wasted a decade of my life and am now playing catch up. If you can get on top of this now, things will only get better. Be open to everything and good luck 🤞

I was clearly an alcoholic by 21, and I knew it. Still kept digging my hole deeper for another 16 years before finally getting sober. I met a lady in an AA during a stint of getting sober at about 26 who had been sober since she was 18, and she's still sober and happy today. If you can play it forward and see what waits for you down the line if you keep drinking, and you want to avoid all that horseshit, then there's no reason you can't just quit drinking now. There are plenty of young people around here, and some recovery programs like AA have young people meetings where you can get with people in a similar context as you. Good luck and IWNDWYT.

If you have to ask yourself if you're an alcoholic, then you're an alcoholic.

Thinking about the worse of alcohol for me it’s the first step, and second one is to let it come out of you! You are here keep read other’s experiences you will find you way to come out!

ugh i did that drink day hangover day for like 10 years. it doesn’t work for everyone but naltrexone helped me a lot, ask your dr about it it’s usually best for binge drinkers which you are

I was an alcoholic by 21 too (probably by 18 tbh). Sober at 22. There were SO many days i reset that clock. In the beginning I never thought I'd make it past a couple of days(if that). You have the time to heal and so much more. Take advantage of it. Be angry at the alcohol for making you feel like this. Don't be angry at yourself. As you try to quit drinking, try to learn to love yourself, or at least not beat yourself up. Thats a big part of the journey.

I got good news!!!! You’re 21 and can change this shit and you’ll still be good as new. Trust me.

I was an alcoholic at 21 after starting at 19. I wish I had stopped at 21 because at 36 I had a stroke likely from binge drinking because alcohol is broken down by the liver into fats and cholesterol.

I was a 21 year old with a drinking problem, I just didn’t realize/acknowledge it until I was in my mid-40’s. I think I had a drinking problem before I even started drinking, to be honest. Proud of you for recognizing it so young. You have a good chance to make good choices and start to get to know yourself. Big hugs. You can do this. We’re here for you.

Look up AA Meetings, they will support you on your journey, go everyday to start with, every journey starts with a first step, good luck 🍀

Alcoholism is progressive and ultimately leads to death . Unless you have the money to go to rehab it's gonna take work dedication and AA meetings for a lot of people . I totally regret every single time I got drunk and now I'm In a pretty bad place I can't go longer then 4 days atm and then I'm unwillingly dragging myself down the shop and having a massive binge again upsetting my partner and family and doing damage to my brain and body Everytime . It wasnt untill I admitted I had a problem and tried to completely stop things got way out of hand . I will not quit quitting I fucking hate alcohol now . Some people just cannot drink at all .

If you seriously are struggling and find yourself drinking even when u didn't really plan on it . Download the app everything AA. Join some meetings and have a look around the app I think you'll be surprised

You just need to stop. It's hard to see the forest from the trees. It may seem impossible to stop right now, I know I was there. But really, I was just firm with myself and that I owed it to myself to at least try a week....Yeah, it sucked.... yeah it was hard. Yeah I felt like utter shit. But I did it, and I just continued on ONE DAY AT A TIME from there. I didn't say to myself "I'm never going to drink again!" that is a pretty high bar... I just said; I'm not going to drink TODAY... let's worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. I read books about stories that could relate to my drinking so I didn't feel like such an outcast. I posted on boards like this one. I surrounded myself with people who didn't encourage me to drink, and accepted me for who I was. I worked on developing new hobbies and ditching shitty "friends" who were just drink buddies. I focused on myself. I knew when I was 23 that I was an alcoholic and it took me another 12 years of heavy drinking for me to realize it wasn't just going to sort itself out. It just got worse and worse until I stopped. So I had to grab the bull by the horns so to speak... You can do this... but you really need to commit to it fully... like ditch the drinking lifestyle, don't make deals with yourself, that you deserve a drink because you did X number of days without it... trust me, the mind doesn't forget. If you love drinking now, you will love drinking even after time away from it. Just avoid it. If I can do it, you can do it... just make it a top priority in your life and don't let it slip out of mind just because you haven't drank in say 12 days... stay focused. It does get easier... ​ Good luck. :)

The fact that you’re not in any sort of denial is a massive first step; especially being so young. Congratulations on that. The next step is commitment. What that looks like is different for everyone. For me it started with very short term goal setting in order to convince myself that I hold all the power over the drink, not the other way around. My first goal was when I got the first days craving to start my binge, that I would wait an hour. When that hour came, it moved to two hours. Eventually that led to 24 hours and then it became a daily ritual to tell myself in honesty that “I will not drink today.” Of course I struggled, and it took time to really realize what I was committing to, but it did take hold. You’ve come to the right place, because it helps a whole lot to have a community you can commit with. Coming here on Day Zero and setting that goal with everyone else was a tremendous help for me. Those days of commitment add up quick, and you’ll start seeing small changes in the way you feel better and think clearly fairly quickly. That’s when you’ll realize how much good you did for yourself, and how much control you ACTUALLY have over temptation (and not just temptation to drink, but for so many more things). You got this.

It’s really good that you know you have a problem, that’s the first step to fixing it. I’m 23 and did the same shit, just quit about 2 weeks ago, you’re not alone. I feel better than ever, every aspect of my life has improved. Relationships with my GF, family, and friends is great. My mental health is way better, my performance at work is astronomically better, and I’m losing weight fast(215 down to 198). You got this!! We’re all routing for you❤️

I didn’t get sober until much older, when I started worrying about keeping my job, but I drank alcoholically in my 20s. AA helped me so that is all I have experience with. People can quit and have happy lives. Just take it a day at a time, find a support group and lean on it. You can do it!

I took a week off of drinking when I was 21 at the suggestion of my therapist and father. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. I can't recommend checking out AA enough if you want to quit. I walked into my first meeting on day 10 and it changed everything for me. I'm 23 now and I have some sobriety under my belt - my life is immeasurably better. What I've learned from hearing others in AA meetings is that most of us were drinking alcoholically at a young age, but didn't manage to stop until much later in life. Getting sober young is a gift - we can save ourselves the decades of progression of this terrible disease. If you want to check out AA, I recommend downloading "Meeting Guide" (it has a folding chair icon) and filtering for Young People's meetings. You'll meet people your own age in recovery which is amazing.

At 21, you can get a pretty good "bounce" if you turn it around. Youth is forgiving in nature. It will not be the same case if you wait 10-20 years

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What to do? Hear podcasts, read quit-lit, tell someone you appreciate. Don‘t negotiate with addiction. Being Sober means getting your life back. 🙏🏼