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Alcohol support

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Original poster

Today I Start My Journey

15 replies

AceFace08 · 03/02/2023 10:30

Hi my name is Simon, today I start my journey to become sober for the first time in my life with trepidation, I know I shouldn't start like that it's a great thing, I have been drinking as a functional Alcoholic all my life, I'm worried about the withdrawal, Anxiety, which I have suffered all my life and have been put on some drugs for to help me get through this, any help, advice, to save my life would really be appreciated

OP posts:
PosiePerkinPootleFlump · 03/02/2023 10:34

I'd really recommend William Porter's book, 'Alcohol Explained'. You can read the first five chapters here alcoholexplained.com/1st-5-chapters/
It was instrumental for me in changing my mindset and the way I saw alcohol.

Scoley76 · 03/02/2023 11:13

Well done Simon on taking that first step. I started yesterday and had some great advise. Please see my thread "4 bottles in one sitting". Some of the replies i had really hit home as to how serious this has become for me and where this could all end up. Wishing you all the luck. Keep posting and together I'm sure we'll do this x

theemmadilemma · 03/02/2023 11:30

Simon are the drugs from the doc, are you being supported by the NHS in an at home detox? This is available free and they do provide medication to get you through safely.

I chose this route and am 3.4 years sober.

But in my opinion the counselling alongside that (NHS abuse services) was key.

Are you accessing all the help you can?

Luredbyapomegranate · 03/02/2023 11:32

Well done. Are you accessing support? If not contact your GP and look up services in your area. Some people also find AA helpful.

Original poster
AceFace08 · 03/02/2023 11:41

No I'm not accessing any support I have been sort of hiding it really but now I have had to confront myself I carnt go on like this I will look support up, thank you all I really appreciate it, I dread tonight

OP posts:
Scoley76 · 03/02/2023 13:37

Don't dread tonight, try and have a little plan of action. Maybe an early night.or binge watch a series. Stay strong.

CheeseandGherkins · 03/02/2023 13:45

How much have you been drinking? Please be careful of suddenly stopping. Tapering is recommended and wise to do, to avoid the serious complications of withdrawals. Good luck and take care

Guardsman18 · 03/02/2023 13:59

Hi Simon. Just wanted to wish you luck and to say that if I can do it, you can!

I stopped drinking alcohol last March/April and it was hard at the beginning. I had a lot of sugar cravings so I was buying sweets. I weaned myself off those after a few months. I still don't find it easy although it's not so much that I want a drink, I just don't know what I want to do instead if that makes sense.

Keep posting if it helps you (it did me) also reading books like the one recommended by pp.

Good luck. We're all rooting for you. If I can do it, so can you x

Original poster
AceFace08 · 03/02/2023 14:08

Mmm how much have I been drinking the honest answer is about 8-10 cans a night I know, I am a Business Development Manager I spent a whole life in corporate entertainment and hotels, but the big one I take insulin for diabetes it's taking a huge toll on me, I know you shouldn't stop immediately but if I only have two I know it won't stop there so I am just going to have to try and wing it 😂😂

OP posts:
Original poster
AceFace08 · 03/02/2023 14:13

Thanks all I now feel I'm not alone after all had no one else to talk to

OP posts:
CheeseandGherkins · 03/02/2023 14:22

AceFace08 · 03/02/2023 14:08

Mmm how much have I been drinking the honest answer is about 8-10 cans a night I know, I am a Business Development Manager I spent a whole life in corporate entertainment and hotels, but the big one I take insulin for diabetes it's taking a huge toll on me, I know you shouldn't stop immediately but if I only have two I know it won't stop there so I am just going to have to try and wing it 😂😂

This really worries me. Please get advice and look at a professional inpatient detox. The sugar from alcohol will make a huge difference to your insulin usage and you could end up unconscious. You also don't want to risk seizures as they can happen suddenly and without warning from withdrawal. I'm not a medical professional but do know what I'm talking about.

8-10 cans a night is a lot so I imagine your body is physically addicted. If you start to experience withdrawals (if you decide to go ahead and do it anyway) please seek medical advice urgently.

theemmadilemma · 03/02/2023 19:28

Simon, look up your local substance abuse centre you should be able to self refer but can go via your GP.

They should be able to offer support.

. You can find them here www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/find-an-alcohol-addiction-service/location Avoid CGL they seem to direct to Detox UK who will charge. You do not need to pay, this is available on the NSH (bar usual prescription charges) and if you struggle to get free help, these can help: Dear Albert can help: www.dearalbert.co.uk/nhs-alcohol-detox/. I did around 3 months counselling once a week prior and again after. 10 day at home detox

I took holiday from my Middle Management role. No one knows.

3.4 years later, I'm living my best life.

Contact them.

theemmadilemma · 03/02/2023 19:36

Feel free to DM me.

The medication for me was critical in those first days. It sailed me through the detox feeling happy and calm. Honestly, that's not changed for me after stopping it at the end of the 10 days.

Life has gone from dark (are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?) to loving being healthy and alive.

You can absolutely do this.

Original poster
AceFace08 · 04/02/2023 10:11

Ok just a quick up date regards my first night, I was crawling the walls by 8pm, so I had to find something to do so I decided to wash my beloved Lambretta on the drive 😂😂, people were walking by saying you must love that to be out here washing it 😂 eventually I was so numb with cold I went to bed, I think I have found a cure for alcohism 😂 at least I have a clean scooter

Today I Start My Journey
OP posts:
theemmadilemma · 04/02/2023 22:54

Whatever it takes. Standing in a field with my dogs no matter the weather did it got me. It became a place I loved!

Nice scooter. Hope you continued tonight! Maybe even took it for a spin just because you could...

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