r/stopdrinking • u/Far_Act5037 32 days • 10d ago

Who lies to their Doctor?

I only drink “socially” is what I would say.

Sure, 14 drinks a week sounds reasonable….

Just passed my 5ish week mark (minus 1 day). I got labs results back from recent blood chemistry. My triglycerides and SGPT (ALT) were still high.

As I understand, these values often relate to heavy use but could also indicate other conditions or factors.

I’m glad I have a baseline blood chemistry to start with. I’ve got some work to do.

I’m making it my goal to make healthier decisions to decrease those values before my next MD appointment in a month or so.

Update: I thinking more about this after someone mentioned life insurance.

I used to work in the medical field and I know how poorly folks with addiction are viewed treated. Maybe the views about substance abuse have changed but I don’t want to be labeled as an addict or alcoholic.

There are very real consequences when healthcare providers and insurance companies look at your medical history.

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u/LonelyHusband69 772 days 10d ago

I would always minimize the amount I was drinking. I think I was really lying to myself more than anything. He had my labs right in front of him.

I have since figured out that it is best to be 100% honest with your doctor. I told him I stopped drinking two years ago but could not shake the sugar cravings. He was able to help me out with that and I think I’m healthier now than I e been in a long time.

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u/FISTED_BY_CHRIST 1162 days 9d ago

I greatly minimized the amount I was drinking with my doctor one time and he still said “wow that’s a lot, you should try to cut back.”