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Alcohol support

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Original poster

Today I said it out loud

36 replies

Iriseup · 22/04/2022 19:59

For the first time I said aloud that I have a problem with alcohol. I didn't go into detail. I didn't share that I was getting through a few bottles of vodka a week and it was my crutch to get through everything life has thrown at me in the past few years. I didn't say I've been through periods of weekends only or months of abstinence. But I said it aloud. Today I am one week alcohol free and today I admitted to myself I need to get a handle on it. Putting it in writing is making it real to myself too. One day at a time and despite a horrendous day I am not going to drink. But I'm going to quietly celebrate that today I am making that change permanently

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Luredbyapomegranate · 22/04/2022 20:08

That is brilliant. Well done.

anotherexhaustedpigeon · 22/04/2022 20:18

Well done, you've done one of the hardest things, IMO, to do. The best version of you is taking control of your life and you'll never ever regret it. Well done again

Original poster
Iriseup · 22/04/2022 20:21

Thanks both, i dont have much real life support but am harnessing the power of Mumsnet, even just reading how others are doing . It feels big but good to voice that control I'm taking back. It became a habit that needs breaking

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whoturnedthesunoff · 22/04/2022 20:23

Well done you . I wish you all the very best

Please make the most of every possible bit of support you are offered.

Good luck 💐

Coyoacan · 22/04/2022 20:24

Congratulations. When I gave up I took large doses of vitamin B complex for a few days to help with my nerves. Have you thought of joining AA or getting some other therapy?

Original poster
Iriseup · 22/04/2022 20:27

I seem to be managing pretty well with having lots of squash and making use my fridge water dispenser. I was expecting withdrawal symptoms but so far so good. I've just been looking at local aa groups and there are a couple close by I am going to consider. If I can't get the courage for that then I'm definitely going to look into some talking therapy

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Original poster
Iriseup · 22/04/2022 20:29

whoturnedthesunoff · 22/04/2022 20:23

Well done you . I wish you all the very best

Please make the most of every possible bit of support you are offered.

Good luck 💐

Thank you - I very much intend to. I know it's a life change and not going to be a straightforward journey

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Nitflux · 22/04/2022 20:32

Such a massive step - and the most important one, IMO - to admit it out loud, and to yourself. Well done, you. I’m on day 22 after years of denial.

If you’re a reader I’d recommend these two books:

  • The Unexpected Joys of Being Sober - Catherine Gray
  • The Sober Diaries - Clare Pooley
Both brilliant reads for these early days. Just remember, go easy on yourself and take it a day at a time.
BigSandyBalls2015 · 22/04/2022 20:34

That’s fab well done 💐

Original poster
Iriseup · 22/04/2022 20:34

Nitflux · 22/04/2022 20:32

Such a massive step - and the most important one, IMO - to admit it out loud, and to yourself. Well done, you. I’m on day 22 after years of denial.

If you’re a reader I’d recommend these two books:

  • The Unexpected Joys of Being Sober - Catherine Gray
  • The Sober Diaries - Clare Pooley
Both brilliant reads for these early days. Just remember, go easy on yourself and take it a day at a time.

Fantastic thank you, I am a reader so will download those now!
Congratulations on 22 days! Over 3 weeks seems a world away but I'm glad I'm thinking about it less and taking away ease of access definitely helps

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Nitflux · 22/04/2022 20:41

3 weeks seemed a world away for me too! But I bet you thought you could never do a week, and look where you are now :)

Tr1skel1on · 22/04/2022 21:50

Oh my goodness. Can I ask how much vodka you were drinking per week, I think I'm up to 4 bottles a week and slightly scared to stop in case I get seizures or something, not a lone parent but the kids Dad is useless. I really want to stop but not sure if it's gone beyond that. The fact that I can easily type this after half a bottle of vodka tells you everything you need to know.

Tr1skel1on · 22/04/2022 21:56

I think this is my cry for help, possibly rock bottom. I look awful, I feel awful everyday. I have 2 teenagers with significant mental health issues ( been hospitalised for weeks) and when everything is going tits up I dive into an enormous vodka and fizzy pop

Original poster
Iriseup · 22/04/2022 22:20

Tr1skel1on · 22/04/2022 21:50

Oh my goodness. Can I ask how much vodka you were drinking per week, I think I'm up to 4 bottles a week and slightly scared to stop in case I get seizures or something, not a lone parent but the kids Dad is useless. I really want to stop but not sure if it's gone beyond that. The fact that I can easily type this after half a bottle of vodka tells you everything you need to know.

I could easily do half a bottle a night. Each drink I poured would be at least a triple shot and I would barely notice it was there. I started buying the biggest bottles I could find just to be sure I had enough for the buzz. I started to get worried about my health and have gained a load of weight from the snacking that goes with it and decided enough is enough.

Having your kids is a great focus - keeping myself occupied has been key, and was when I did it for months before. What I need to avoid is the excuses that let me start again

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Original poster
Iriseup · 22/04/2022 22:22

Tr1skel1on · 22/04/2022 21:56

I think this is my cry for help, possibly rock bottom. I look awful, I feel awful everyday. I have 2 teenagers with significant mental health issues ( been hospitalised for weeks) and when everything is going tits up I dive into an enormous vodka and fizzy pop

This is mine too. You can do it, one day at a time. One glass of squash or cup of tea whenever you aim to reach for the bottle. We can do this and we will both feel better. I also feel and look rubbish and want to do something positive for myself. Every step forward for you is modelling positive boundaries for your teens

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Original poster
Iriseup · 22/04/2022 22:24

Tr1skel1on · 22/04/2022 21:56

I think this is my cry for help, possibly rock bottom. I look awful, I feel awful everyday. I have 2 teenagers with significant mental health issues ( been hospitalised for weeks) and when everything is going tits up I dive into an enormous vodka and fizzy pop

I'm also really sorry to hear how much your children are struggling and how tough an impact that has on you. Do you have support aside from their dad?

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Tr1skel1on · 22/04/2022 23:09

Thank you so much @Iriseup for your helpful response. I've had a long bath, with only blackcurrant squash to drink. If you want a sobriety partner, leaving the demon vodka behind, I'm here. Thank you 💕

SadLittleLife · 22/04/2022 23:17

@Iriseup well done.
I posted recently about issues with my DH secret drinking resulting in me finally asking him to leave.
He attended AA for the first time two weeks ago and he seems so positive since.
You've made the first step and from the perspective of the non drinker, your family will so appreciate this.
Best wishes to you. Hope you stay strong.

Original poster
Iriseup · 23/04/2022 05:17

Tr1skel1on · 22/04/2022 23:09

Thank you so much @Iriseup for your helpful response. I've had a long bath, with only blackcurrant squash to drink. If you want a sobriety partner, leaving the demon vodka behind, I'm here. Thank you 💕

Well done! That's one day down. How do you feel today? I've definitely been getting better sleep. Yes, let's do this together! Accountability makes a big difference

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Original poster
Iriseup · 23/04/2022 05:18

SadLittleLife · 22/04/2022 23:17

@Iriseup well done.
I posted recently about issues with my DH secret drinking resulting in me finally asking him to leave.
He attended AA for the first time two weeks ago and he seems so positive since.
You've made the first step and from the perspective of the non drinker, your family will so appreciate this.
Best wishes to you. Hope you stay strong.

Thank you, and I'm really glad your husband is feeling positive.i have no family which I think helped me hide it for so long

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PrawnMeringue · 23/04/2022 08:38

Well done @Iriseup - we're all rooting for you.

whoturnedthesunoff · 24/04/2022 07:59

@Iriseup how's your weekend going ? Hope you are well and still feeling strong 💐

Original poster
Iriseup · 24/04/2022 08:11

whoturnedthesunoff · 24/04/2022 07:59

@Iriseup how's your weekend going ? Hope you are well and still feeling strong 💐

It's going well thanks - I was on my own from 8am yesterday and felt that loneliness so took myself for a v long walk to wear myself out and didn't even really think about drinking as I was so full of squash! I've started trying to drink more fruit teas as well.to give me something to do. Thanks for checking in

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ImTheFuckOffCar · 24/04/2022 09:26

Been looking for a thread like this where someone has recently stopped, so I can join. A lot of the long running threads seem to be established groups and it feels too intimidating to try and join one of those when most people are in the years Blush
I’ve had a couple of failed attempts too. Got to 44 days once but recently the drinking has crept back up and over Easter I drank far too much.
I’d like to try again if you’ll have me @Iriseup

Original poster
Iriseup · 24/04/2022 09:47

ImTheFuckOffCar · 24/04/2022 09:26

Been looking for a thread like this where someone has recently stopped, so I can join. A lot of the long running threads seem to be established groups and it feels too intimidating to try and join one of those when most people are in the years Blush
I’ve had a couple of failed attempts too. Got to 44 days once but recently the drinking has crept back up and over Easter I drank far too much.
I’d like to try again if you’ll have me @Iriseup

Absolutely! Come on board. One thing at a time is my current motto - trying not to think about the evenings as that's when I would just grab the bottle on auto pilot. It wasn't like I had to drink and was craving it, but would be thinking just get through and you can have one when you get home. Which then became multiples. The nights after work are the hardest for me. We can do this!

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