Ask HN: Alcoholism and Career in Software

But, as a country, drinking is historically Australia's national past time, and we used to eclipse all others including the Germans, but trailing off a bit these days, I think.

But, based on personal experience and empirical observations, a six pack a night, of American beer, most people in Australia would class that as necessary rehydration, maybe undertaken before breakfast.

If it was, say, two bottles of wine a night, I'd be saying that I have seen that sort of level to potentially have a detrimental effect, but in many ways other than cognitive before that would creep in.

You also have to take into account that your body will become to a certain extent accustomed to alcholo use and you tend to build up tolerance via production of more enzymes to break alcohol down, shaping of your drinking habits (eg guzzling vs drinking) type of alcohol you choose and so on.

I do not advocate use of alcohol in an extensive or pervasive way, and statistically alcohol is one of the worst drugs there is, partly because of availability. But I feel there are worse things that you can be doing to yourself, including excessively stressing out about things, like work, or drinking too much...

There are many things you can do to start to minimise impacts.

For instance if you start to not really know how many drinks you have had, put the bottle top or ring pull in your top pocket for each drink, measuring something is the first step to controlling something.

Also, it is not just the amount you drink, it is the rate you drink and the condition of your stomach when you drink that makes a big difference.

Rule of thumb is for an adult male it is 0.01 BAC ( 0.01g of alcohol in every 100ml of blood. ) out, or processed every hour by the body. (YMMSV)

And one standard drink is 0.01 BAC in. One can American standard beer is about 1 standard drink, strong beer maybe up to 2.

If you space out your beers, say by having a glass of water between each one, the peak alcohol BAC can be substantially reduced, it's basic queueing theory. Plus the impact of any dehydration will be greatly diminished and the next morning should be somewhat more pleasant.

And make sure to have some food first, the rate of absorption on an empty stomach can be substantially greater than one that has food to dilute the alcohol in the stomach.

But, regardless of all this, if you start having episodes where you can’t remember, or maybe act inappropriately, causing regrets, it is wise to seek some help if you cannot diminish these effects on your own.

I was living and working in London (big drinking culture) for about 10-12 years. Mostly just a few beers each night with work friends. After a while I had to have a few beers at night even when not out with work.

This slowly progressed up to a 4 pack, then a 4 pack and a glass of wine, then a 4 pack and half a bottle of wine etc etc, then beers at lunch, and before I knew it I couldn't go without drink for very long.

It was only when I started finding it harder to focus and forgetting really simple and recent stuff that I started to worry. I'd lost so much to drinking (driving license, girlfriend, friends, money, jobs) but it was when it started to affect my basic cognition that I took action. It was very scary, my brain is what pays my bills.

After nearly 2 years completely sober I'd say I'm about 90% back mentally, but I've realised so many more benefits. Brilliant relationships, loads more money, I laugh more, I eat better, sleep better......it's fucking BRILLIANT!!!

Please find the help you need sooner rather than later. You can turn things around and it's totally worth it.

I'm 41 and sober this year!

Because you have been drinking so long, your brain's neurochemical levels (specifically dopamine) have adjusted around the alcohol's effects, and now that you've removed it, these chemicals are out of balance (this is called downregulation/upregulation).

This is a very common effect of long-term drug/alcohol use (really any medication too), all you can do is stop the alcohol use and wait for it to improve - it 100% will, but it will take time. A supplement called N-Acetyl-Cystene (NAC) can help, though of course it is not a magic bullet

I'd love to see a long-form study of addicts attracted to software development.

I'm an alcoholic and love nothing more than solving a really difficult software (or other problem). I think the two are related but likely not causally one way or the other. Probably just associated. But what would a statistical study do other than estimate your probable likelihood of whatever cause?

Get to know yourself. Any way you can. Watch out for the side-effects of any suggested medications. KEEP A DIARY. And especially don't fret if you fail at getting better. A little better is awesome any time you manage it. Perfect is not available.

All the very best, and if genes are on your side, you might be having a gin for the queen when you are 86, even if you don't succeed at being the best recovering hero everyone around you thinks they need you to be.

Mostly, get to know yourself. Therapy is scary but crazy good if have a go at it. 1% efforts compound. And you are not alone. Unfortunately, you'll likely be surrounded by the 95% who don't know addiction intimately, but look for those who do.

Cheers again. Peace and love to you and those you touch.

Cutting back is absolutely the right thing to do. You won’t regret it. Your mind will bounce back - the longer you’re sober, the better you’ll feel.

I’ve been mostly sober for 6 years, and 100% for 3. Things got rapidly better after 6 months of being mostly clean, and then improved again after going 100%.

I started to love my work again. Home life was happy again. Depression and guilt didn’t stalk me anymore. And my brain was working better than ever.

Don’t give up. The beginning is the hardest part. It’s worth it!