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Alcohol support

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Original poster

Terrified.

58 replies

SockMobster · 02/03/2018 09:30

Ok, not sure where to start with this. I can go without a drink for a day, maybe two days (but I end up super anxious on the second day, and, I can't sleep that night).

Alcohol is ruining my life; people say "oh you don't drink that much" because they don't realise how much I am drinking. I'm being told that I just need to cut back and moderate if I am worried. The thing is, I can't moderate.

I need to go completely cold turkey, and I need to do it now because I am incredibly close to fucking up the best opportunity I have in my life. I don't know where to turn to support so I am turning to mumsnet. I have a 26 tablets of diazepam, but that's it - my GP has been fairly useless on this front, as have the mental health service -that I've just stopped going to-

I'm actually very scared I won't be able to stop though. Has anyone contact Alcohol Support or AA?

OP posts:
Canwejustrelaxnow · 02/03/2018 09:36

Sorry I don't have any experience but in your situation I would be contacting AA just for the support. I think you'll need a network of people who you can turn to. It's better than feeling alone. Good luck. You're very brave.

Original poster
SockMobster · 02/03/2018 10:00

@canwejustrelaxnow Thank you very much for replying; I do feel incredibly isolated - I've just looked at the AA website and it seems that there is a meeting tonight at 18:30 close to where I live.

If there's anyone that has been to one - can you just turn up?

OP posts:
rizlett · 02/03/2018 10:03

You can just turn up or you can phone to let them know you are going. You are being so brave seeking help with this and it will give you your biggest chance of getting where you want to be.

You can do this op. There will be other people there who will understand what you are going through and the support is invaluable. Flowers

HuckfromScandal · 02/03/2018 10:03

Yes you can just turn up
You’ll be made very welcome
The hardest steps you will ever take will be from your house to the door of the aa meeting, but you can do this, it will be worth it, and you will not be alone.

Bogmoppit · 02/03/2018 12:30

@SockMobster

Phone them up. They used to have volunteers who would go with you - pick you up and walk in with you if you were too intimidated to go on your own.

Or just turn up.

But do something. You can do this.

Original poster
SockMobster · 02/03/2018 16:43

Thank you everyone (and to the lovely person who sent me a PM- I will reply).

So, there's a meeting tomorrow at 9am and I am going to go - there's one near me tonight at 18:30, it's a bit further away and I feel it may be busier than the morning one. The morning one is also just for beginners.

I was wondering if I can go to more than one meeting - there's a yoga meeting on Sunday for instance, and that is in the evening. I know by then my cravings will be intense.

OP posts:
GeorgeTheHippo · 02/03/2018 17:01

Yes you can go to as many as you need. Go to the one tonight. Why not start there? Will you drink tonight? You will, won't you?

strawberryblondebint · 02/03/2018 17:13

You can absolutely go to more than one. I used to do more than one a day at the start of my recovery. Please go tonight. Please go tomorrow. If nothing else you will get such a good nights sleep tonight. I wish you well. Xxx

Original poster
SockMobster · 02/03/2018 17:18

@GeorgeTheHippo No, I am actually in bed, curled up with a film on and there's no alcohol that I can get. I'm feeling lousy but have set my alarm to make sure I am up and showered for the morning one.

However, as you've both said to go I am reconsidering.

Also have serious, alcohol bloat still going on so I don't think I could physically fit any alcohol into me tonight.

OP posts:
Canwejustrelaxnow · 03/03/2018 07:12

How are you today?

Original poster
SockMobster · 03/03/2018 08:45

On my way, I feel pretty awful, anxious, but I have found another group this evening if I can't actually get myself into this one.

I brought some liver detox tea, I don't know if anyone has used it, I found one called Dr Stuart's, so I've had a cup of that as well.

Trying to make a day-by-day routine which I will do more on later.

Thank you everyone! (I didn't drink last night, I did actually curl up in bed with a movie and some chocolate).

OP posts:
emancipationofalex · 03/03/2018 08:51

@SockMobster please please get to your 9am meeting. Don't be anxious, AA is very welcoming and supportive.

My DH got sober through AA.

Best of luck to you Thanks

GeorgeTheHippo · 03/03/2018 08:53

Well done. One night done. Hope you get to the meeting. Take care.

CiderwithBuda · 03/03/2018 09:00

Firstly - well done for facing up to this.

I hope you manage to go to the meeting and I hope you find it helps. I know some people don’t click with it and that’s fine. I have never been but I would think that it will take a few meetings to see if it is for you. It’s all so out of your comfort zone it is bound to feel strange and for you to feel fragile about it all.

Also there are some great and very supportive threads on here - Brave Babes and Dry -usually in the ‘Relationships’ topic. Please post there too.

And also well done for not drinking yesterday. But I know you have said you think you will feel bad tonight so the yoga meeting sounds like a great idea. You will also have sugar cravings I think. So having something like ice cream or chocolate will actually help.

Good luck. Flowers

Canwejustrelaxnow · 03/03/2018 09:04

Good luck. Thinking of you.

Shockers · 03/03/2018 09:07

Good luck. Remember that practically everyone there will have experienced what you are going through.

HuckfromScandal · 03/03/2018 12:40

I hope you managed to get there today. I really really do x

GeorgeTheHippo · 03/03/2018 16:37

But if you didn't get there, OP, don't give up. Make a plan to ensure you don't drink tonight and find a meeting for tomorrow. You can do this. But no one can do it for you.

Original poster
SockMobster · 03/03/2018 16:46

Thank you very much, I've been to the outside of two but not been inside either. I am trying tonight with the yoga one (I am telling myself this will be easier as there will be less talking; I have a really big problem with meeting new people, and talking to people (mental health)).

I have made a plan for tonight, and I've already eaten dinner and drunk a pint of water with vitamin things on.

After the meeting, I've chosen movie to read, I am going to take a couple of the diazepam, and some lavendar spray to try and get some sleep. Aiming for bed at 9pm and to walk up earlier in the mornings...

Thank you for all the lovely messages - will update after (I hope) I've been tonight.

OP posts:
GeorgeTheHippo · 03/03/2018 17:01

Sounds like a good plan. You can do it. You will do it. If you have to eat chocolate then do. Whatever it takes to stay off the drink.

GeorgeTheHippo · 03/03/2018 17:03

Judging by your first post, you will feel anxious. That's ok. It's not a reason to drink. It's just feelings. And they will pass.

Original poster
SockMobster · 03/03/2018 17:45

Think I may get some sleep tea on the way home as well, and a mug as I don't own one.

I know the anxieties will pass, but I also know I suck at coping with them for days... But if I get through tonight then that's one more day close to the end of them.

I'm redressed and ready to go.

Thank you again everyone for the support.

OP posts:
LadyGAgain · 03/03/2018 20:58

How did you get on OP?

Wolfiefan · 03/03/2018 21:00

Hope you managed to go. Wishing you well OP.

Original poster
SockMobster · 04/03/2018 07:24

THank you again. I went and did the first half of the meditation session - different to what I expected.

I am feeling really awful today - I haven’t slept well and had horrible nightmares, and my chest is trembling. I also feel sick which is probably a good thing as the thought of alcohol actually makes me feel worse.

Thank you again.

OP posts: