I have a similar problem you can view my post here as a reply to a previous poster:
how-much-is-too-much-vt15005.html
I was in a similar situation; drinking made me act like a bit of a wanker. I hate to think what it would look like if I was filmed. As you mentioned I too I was concerned about dependancy; it's such a fine line between being a binge drinker and an alcoholic and people can easily make the switch.
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I honestly believe that is why most males around my age (18-30) drink. I have never once felt like I am an alcoholic as I never relied on alcohol but I can understand why I wanted to drink to chat with women, and I genuinely feel why my friends drink this way, and why most of the population for my age drink this way.
I think you're half right. I think shy males (like myself) may drink to become socially comfortable not jus around the opposite sex but also to appear more fun/funny in-front of their friends. I think others do it cos they like that "drunken" feeling and others because their friends do it; not out of peer-presure simply out of habit.
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Also if you're out sarging I would recommend opening a set before drinking even if it's for practice with no intention of picking-up, just to get used to it.
This is my tip from the other thread. It also increases social status if girls see you chatting to other groups. Also as Mystery said smile when entering a club and use the 3-second rule.
Some tips:
Maybe try opening one set as above on one night, and then go for 3 sober the next time and work your way up.
Open more set during the day when sober to get less AA through practice.
Maybe go out at night (before the pub/bar/club) to a place which doesn't serve alcohol to get practice (e.g. coffee shop - many open lateish, cinema - chat to the foyer girls, people in ques etc, flyer girls - they're hired guns but will be up for a chat).
As you've said simply drink less when out; also if you drink a coke or red bull you can tell anyone it has vodka if you're worried people will accuse of being "boring" (unlikely though).
Take less money out - One of my problems was I used to take £20 out and spend it all on booze, that bought me 8+ drinks. If I took £10 out it halfs it. Another tip leave early, e.g. go home an hour earlier instead.
View yourself how you look/act on alcohol (visualisation exercise) and think "fuck that, I don't want to be like that". Maybe have a serious drinking session and get a mate to record you on a camera phone (without telling you), so you can judge for yourself.
Think how much better you'll be when sober, when chatting to women. All the other guys, slurring their words, stumbling over their feet, making shit jokes which aren't funny even if you're hammered and you'll be sober, coherent and skilled. Easy.
Hope that helps. As I said I'm in a similar boat but I'm not going to quit just cut down so I don't make a cunt of myself everytime I'm out.
I'm sure you came to the same conclusion as this: but I've been drinking for a while (I'm in my twenties) and I always thought I could handle drink but I actually can't handle large ammounts, can't believe how long it took for me to realise it.