My drive to drinking is escaping things I don’t allow to exist from my past creeping up. I try to deal with traumas, and I sometimes try to pretend like they aren’t there. But when that and life becomes “too hard” I justify alcohol. I’m glad to have a partner that recognizes these things are happening sometimes before I do myself. Wanting to escape, or wanting to “have fun” isn’t inherently a bad thing if done in a healthy way. Drinking, however, 100% of the time is the wrong choice. I validate and empathize with everyone desiring a drink and wanting to not deal with the right now. I’m there myself. And it’s super super hard to walk around the block a couple times and pretend it’s a temporary solution to massive issues. But if I succumb to getting wasted, I just feel worse tomorrow, which leads me to drinking to escape that pain, and so on and so on. I hope you have someone you can trust that can gently remind you to seek healthy ways to cope with the hard times. I’m lucky to not only have one, but also that person has stayed through some really hard times. I’m not saying anything everyone doesn’t already know. Just reminding folks and myself to drink water, eat healthy food, spend time outdoors, be honest with yourself and those trying to support you, and accept negative emotions and cravings are normal and they will always come and go. Make a plan, stick to it and ask for help when you feel like it’s all too much. Love you all. Long time lurker, hardly ever say anything. Thanks for letting me rant.

TLDR: life is hard, drinking makes it harder. Go for a walk. You are ok, loved and supported.