Can’t stop!

How are you doing @Littlemissbubbles? Hope everything is OK.

Oh no! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry!

I totally understand you not wanting to tell him, and feeling that you want to deal with it yourself. That's fair enough, and I think you have to do what's right for you. Do you have any support in RL that you could lean on if you're struggling? You might find a weight is lifted if you're able to tell a real person and you realise that nobody is judging!

Taking a break from work sounds like a really excellent idea. Do you think your workplace is likely to be supportive of a request like that?

That's so odd because I was literally just searching for this thread to come back and ask you how you were getting on, and then the notification popped up!

Brilliant to know that you have cut down, even if you haven't actually stopped. That in itself is a huge achievement. A sabbatical sounds like a wonderful idea and it's good that your dh is supportive.

Do you think it might help to confide in him about the drinking? You might feel ashamed and scared that he will judge, but there is actually nothing to be ashamed of when you're trying your best to fix things. And he might be able to help? I know it might feel too hard to do that though...

Keep talking to us if it helps.

How are you doing, @Littlemissbubbles?

Sorry OP, had to dash off for a work meeting. Keeping yourself busy is good. Anything to distract yourself.

Just take one day at a time. We are willing you to succeed and cheering you on.

I was just like you until a month ago. Hiding bottles and sneaking when I thought my partner didn't notice. I have a good job and always managed the day-to-day so thought it was fine.

I ended up in hospital because I couldn't keep anything down. I was upfront and honest with the doctors about my problem and they were really supportive. I'm on medication which curbs the cravings, and to be honest, a month on, I find I'm not taking them as often as I need to because not drinking has become the new norm.

I have more time, I sleep better and I have way more disposable income.

I have engaged with a counsellor and found it to be very helpful.

AA isn't for me (I've been there - was sober for 3 years before my recent relapse) but my counsellor recommended this and I've found it helpful: https://lifering.ie/ They do online meetings every evening.

What's the old saying, 'one is too many and a thousand isn't enough.'

You've recognised it, that's the first thing. It's not easy, but it will change your life for the better. (I'm not saying I won't relapse again - although I hope with the support I have this time it will be easier - but being told at 34 it's 'Stop the nightly drinking, or it'll be a liver transplant next' - was an eye opener for me.

Hi op!
You're doing amazingly for a start. Recognising a problem is the perfect start!
What are you doing now? I'm just home from a very drawn out day at work, picked kids up from school and I'm about to tackle the kitchen and some washing and cook some tea.
Do you think just chatting might help take your mind off?

Shit - I drink at least a glass of wine a night and more on the weekends! Doesn't get me drunk though... wouldn't drive of course.
I don't think 1/3 of a glass is an issue... seems quite normal (in my friend / family group).

It doesn't really matter how you got here. You are where you are, and it matters where you go next. And you're trying to get help, so that means that you're headed in the right direction.

Life can be great on paper but really challenging in reality. It sounds like you have a lot to juggle. Have you had a drink today or are you currently trying to resist?

I'm here, OP, and I mean it when I ask how you're doing. I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling, but you're doing so brilliantly just to recognise that you have a problem and to look for the help that is available. That's a huge step. Have you tried contacting any of the organisations that could help or are you finding it difficult to take that next step?

I understand re the stressful job. I also work in a very stressful role and sometimes it can be hard to cope with the pressure.

You can do this though. You can find healthier ways of coping.

The alcohol support board is a great place to hang out if you need to share, vent, confess, or get advice or cheerleaders.

I think that the not having control over it is a massive red flag, especially.

If your sneaking / hiding drink it’s more than a third of a bottle and you need help. Stop having it in the house would be a start

The OP is underweight for her height, and the amount she is drinking is doing more harm than if she were a healthy weight.

Hi
Is there anything you can do to alleviate the stress. Exercise, yoga. I know that you are probably time poor but 15 mins of walking could break the routine and burn off some of the adrenaline causing you to feel fraught and in need of some sort of thing to relax a but. Hope it works out.

Sorry, OP, missed your previous post. How are you doing today?

You managed 3 days, that’s a start.

have you contacted anyone for help as suggested on this thread already?