I am an alcoholic

[GoodbyeBlueMonday]

I am an alcoholic and I need help. Just that. I have emailed my local Alcohol Support Service, I need help, but even as I write this, I am a bit pissed. How have people fought this, what coping mechanisms have you used? I want to stop, and I want to be better, but I always find my self pissed and wishing I could do better.

Can you attend meetings at an AA group? Also book an appointment with your doctor. There are medications that may help, and you should have a physical exam to check for alcohol related problems.

Hey,

I have not completely given up alcohol, just severely cut down since January.

For the past 4 years I had been drinking at least a bottle and a half of wine per night. This then began to creep up to two bottles of wine and then a few vodka. I was riddled with constant anxiety, my family relationships and friendship were breaking down and I was missing college constantly (was somehow keeping up and passing the assessments but god knows how as I was hardly ever there).

Eventually I had to make a decision. I literally had an 'aha' moment where I seen my life ahead, I had two paths in front of me and only one to choose. If I didn't choose to get better then I think something very bad would have ended up happening.

So I decided to cut down, so far I have managed 20 alcohol free days in january, 21 alcohol free days in February and so far 12 alcohol free days in March and I am aiming to make 28 days in March all together as I have an event on the 31st. So although I've not stopped drinking completely, this is a massive achievement to me and I feel the benefits every single day I choose not to drink.

I never thought I could go a night without alcohol, I used to dread the thought, every morning I would promise not to drink that night yet every night I would drink. I felt completely caught in this cycle that I never thought I could get out of.

I don't really have any advice but just wanted to let you know that seriously, if I can do it, anyone can.

What helped me massively was changing my habits at night time, proper self care, being kind to myself and literally just taking one day at a time. Also having something to look forward to at night other than alcohol, so maybe cooking a nice meal, or looking forward to a tasty dessert or a good film or book. And having a nighttime routine, long hot shower just before bed, flossing and brushing teeth, reading book in bed. Just to help you sleep as sleep can be challenging first little while after stopping.

I would also recommend the book "how to quit the drink easily" by Jason vale.

It is an amazing book that totally transformed the way I viewed alcohol.

Of course there are groups but I can't recommend you on that as I have attended one AA meeting in my life. And of course you could seek help from the doctor if you feel that would help you on your journey.

Good luck

@goidbyebluemonday

Try reading Jason Vale - this has seriously altered my mindset regarding alcohol.

How's it going OP?

I agree, read everything everything everything. I have just completed 90 days sober, and have decided to continue on. I have been trying to quite drinking since 2013. What has worked this time has been telling DH I was doing 90 days sober (he ended up joining me) ; reading everything I could get my hands on (The Unexpected Joy of being Sober'. is good) and also- when I was really craving; going hard core and googling videos relating to alcoholism on youtube... See 'Rain in my Heart' for example.

It gets easier..... the physical cravings pass after a few days. The psychological cravings need to be worked through- but they pass.

Keep us posted OP!

Thanks for the responses. It is going! I haven't been perfect, but I have drank four times since I posted. Compared to almost every night as would have been the case before, I am doing good. Down a dress size, feeling happier and healthier. I can actually go out without wearing make up because I don't look like utter crap all the time! It is a hard road, and I regret every lapse, but they have just been lapses and it is getting easier and easier to ignore that little niggle. I went to a local charity and have seen a councillor a few times. I think just admitting to the problem and trying has made it seem so much smaller than it actually is. I have the Jason Vale book! I started it but need to get back and finish it. Thank you again. I think I posted this more for myself, just to say it somewhere, and I think that has been a big leap for me into actually doing something about it.

Sounds like you're doing really well, congrats! I found those books were useful to just change my mindset and realise alcohol wasn't actually bringing anything to my life, it was just taking away my money and time and health.

Do what you've got to do to get through the first few months, there's no shame in brushing your teeth and going to bed at half 8 if you're feeling a craving 😊

That is brilliant OP!!!!!

Well done OP.

Pick up that Jason Vale book... just read it a couple of pages at a time.

I love quit lit. Currently reading 'Girl Walks out of a bar' by Lisa F Smith.