Day 1

[TryingThisAgainAgain]

Day 1 again. I've been uncomfortable with my alcohol use for a couple of years and have had various length stretches of sobriety - but fine that whenever I let alcohol back into my life, I end up slipping into bad binge drinking habits. I am definitely a 'gray area' drinker.

I am currently under a huge amount of stress at work and this has triggered me self medicating with alcohol this weekend. The combination of stress and drinking is only making my anxiety disorder worse, and I haven't been to work today or last Friday. I also think that the change of routine over bank holidays really throws me and often triggers drinking (I am neurodiverse - not ASD).

I know I can't solve the work stress by drinking, and it will make everything worse. I am struggling to cope and need to stop drinking altogether, and get my mental health in check.

Does anyone have experience of getting sober while neurodiverse and with OCD and general impulse control issues?

Hi TryingThisAgainAgain. I am neurodivergent and struggle with impulse control. And once I've had a drink it's too late because my impulse control is further impaired. I don't know if that means I'll never be able to drink alcohol. Currently trying to focus on the here and now, but taking steps to prevent the 'oh fuck it' thoughts. I've found being prepared for difficult thoughts that usually lead to drinking with an alternative outlet- special drinks (ginger beer, appletiser, af beers), sweets, and reading quit lit are helpful. I've started journalling too, which is new for me. It's only been a week though since my last, brief binge. But prior to that I've managed longer spells, although hoping this will last with the journaling being a way to slow down and reflect on my thoughts before acting on them.

It's very hard isn't it. Are you on medication for OCD? That could be worth exploring with your GP if not. X