I think I have a problem with alcohol

[Stingslikeabee]

Subject is probably not strictly true. I know I have a problem. It's not that I drink every day, but when I do drink I have no awareness and I cannot stop. I will just keep on drinking. I know I need to stop this, if nothing else I dread to think what I'm doing to my health but I feel like it's an impossible task. I've tried so many times to cut back and just have the one or two glasses of wine and it never happens. So I guess my only option is to stop completely and enjoy an alcohol free life. This is a possibility right? I'm ashamed, I'm in my mid 20's, I don't want to tell my friends or family so I don't even know where to begin or how to do this. Especially with Christmas coming up! Has anyone else been through similar who can offer some hand holding or words of encouragement?

[FartemisOwl]

I'm exactly the same, didn't drink every night, but just have no off switch. I couldn't have one or two, I'd carry on until I literally couldn't drink anymore. 3 weeks ago I decided to remove alcohol from my life, and for the most part, it's been ok. The only time I get down about it is on a Friday, but I'm learning to change my routines so it makes it more of a positive experience. Look up the 'Dry 9' thread under relationships...there are a few of us that are ditching or have ditched the booze. You can do it!

[FartemisOwl]

Also, I have to recommend a book here that made me feel like quitting long term is entirely do-able and has kept me looking on the bright side - Mrs D is going without by Lotta Dann is brilliant :)

[Choughed]

Don't feel ashamed. You are fantastic to realise you have a problem. There are loads of people exactly the same as you. Get some outside support, your GP, AA, whatever works for you.

We live in a society saturated in alcohol so I understand it feels weird to abstain but there are a lot more non drinkers out there then you might imagine.

Good luck X

[Stingslikeabee]

FartemisOwl Yes, that's the same as me and it scares me the next morning. Congratulations on 3 weeks, that's brilliant! Do you feel better for it? Have you got a lot of support in RL? I will pop on over to the Dry 9 thread and introduce myself later on today. Thanks for the book recommendation. As I'm a huge bookworm, I'm sure this will be really helpful, I shall download it to my kindle tonight!

Choughed Such kind words, thank you. I know I should go to the GP I'm just worried I'll be judged. I know I won't and I'm being silly its just hard!

[FartemisOwl]

Yup, I feel LOADS better for it already...the first week and a half was hard as I had terrible insomnia without my usual helping hand, but now I've adjusted, I'm alert in the mornings, no more stomach problems, my skin is looking better than it has in years and I've worked out that I'll be roughly £180 better off every month! Plus now I'm not planning my life around drinking nights, im getting out and doing more fun stuff than I used to.

Everyone in my life knows, I decided to out myself so I didn't get tempted later or have to deal with any awkward explanations about why I'm not on the wine. All have been supportive, some understand, some haven't got a clue and say the most stupid things, but I'm out there with it ;)
I haven't been to my GP either, and I tried AA years ago and it wasn't for me. I'm not good at hugging and peopling, but give everything you feel comfortable with a try and see what works!

[Choughed]

How are you doing Bee?

[Stingslikeabee]

Hi choughed, I've only just seen your update so sorry its late. I'm doing okay. I've drank once since posting but I really didn't enjoy it and only had a couple of glasses and went to bed. That was two weekends ago and nothing since. I think finally accepting that it's not something I can just 'do in moderation' like most people has been a real turning point. So far, I don't even miss it but I'm sure Christmas will be a challenge!

[Choughed]

Well done Bee, it sounds like a fantastic start.

[Pooshy]

I've just read Alan Carrs easy way to control drinking. Check out the reviews. I read it as I felt I was getting dependent and couldn't go a day without a drink or three

Check out the reviews on Amazon and you'll likely feel inspired to read it

Since I've read it I've really not wanted to drink (this is most unusual for me!) but I only reAd it a few days ago so can't tell if it's worked yet

The idea is that you actually stop drinking altogether but are happy to do so and become much happier, more confident, more energetic as a result

[Stingslikeabee]

Thats the end goal Pooshy

[Stingslikeabee]

Sorry, damn phone!! As I was saying, that's the idea and definitely the long term goal. I will check out that book and pop it in my Amazon basket. Thanks for the recommendation

[Janeyso]

I second the recommendation for Mrs. D Goes without, I read it 1 week ago while feeling at a particularly low point (been problem drinking for years). It helped me imagine a life without alcohol for the first time EVER.
Also recommend Sober is the New Black by Rachel Black.
I haven't had alcohol in a week and not going to for the foreseeable future. Feeling so much better, actually looking forward to a sober Xmas.
Hope you're doing ok Bee