Alcoholic stopping drinking

[CharlieQuinn]

Hi

I’ll start by admitting that I have drank today. I know that I’m an alcoholic, I’m not an everyday drinker but I am a drinker that can’t stop when I start. I’ve been in AA for a month and it’s my second time trying it and it isn’t working for me, I need something else. What else has worked for you? I really don’t know where to look outside A.A. and I really need to know because I know that I can’t carry on like this.

Thank you.

Hi, how you doing?

12 steps worked for 3 members of my family but I can't seem to get it.

I am reading and listening to The Naked Mind, Annie Grace. Alcohol explained, William Porter and supportive podcasts. I've also got Russell Brands 12 step book.

I'm desperate if I'm honest, i actually worry I'm going to die if I carry on :(

How are you today?

I’m sorry you’re struggling too. It’s just so exhausting isn’t it?

I’m not too bad today, just feeling like I want to go off and hibernate for a while so I don’t have to do anything but obviously that’s not an option.

I’ve had a look at some of Annie Grace’s stuff, I really like her. I’ve signed up for the 30 day challenge. Obviously I don’t just need to stop for 30 days but I’m hoping it will be a good starting point. I’m going to try out a SMART Recovery meeting as well to see if that fits better. It sounds like it would be much better suited to me from reading the website.

I know how you feel. I switch between being terrified that I’m going to end up dead and just not caring if I do. I was being sick just over a month ago and started choking so badly that I couldn’t breathe for a bit and I just get so annoyed with myself that even after something that terrifying it just isn’t enough even when it should be.

How are you getting on today?

The best book ever. The unexpected joy of being sober.

When you say AA isn't working for you, what sort of effort are you making? Because it only ever works if you put in a lot of effort.

Have you got lots of phone numbers? And how many meetings a week are you attending? They say you should try to go to meetings at the same frequency that you drank. I went to five a week for years.

I was very resistant to AA. I tried various groups and even detoxed in a psych unit several times. But nothing worked until I actually worked the 12 Steps.

AA has been everything to my recovery. I recently celebrated 30 years sober. I did an AMA if you want to know how I did it.