Tulips, snowdrops and another Day 1!

[MamaGhina]

New thread as promised. I’ll pop on later to tag everyone as I wanted to get this link on the old thread before it fills up!

Link to the old one for any new joiners:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/alcohol_support/4877066-its-day-1-anyone-else?page=40

@BoilingHotand50something ah, no not at all! Of course you are grateful for your DDs. I have a DS who I am incredibly grateful for. He is another enormous reason I cannot do this. He does not deserve an alcoholic mother. Especially one who may at some point do something stupid that there is no coming back from

@alco bless you. 🌷

I'm really sorry for your loss @alco.
Hang in there and be kind to yourself x

@alco do you have the rl, possibly clinical support you need? Hang on in there.

Morning all, well after all my positivity yesterday something blew up at work and I had to work in the evening and didn’t get out for my run and it looks like that may continue today and tomorrow.

It’s a shame but I feel like I’m coping well. I’m mentally in the countdown to Christmas when I have some time off. Until then it’s just a case of keeping as many balls up in the air as I can.

I’m so sorry to read your updates @alco. I cannot imagine how hard this is for you and wider family. I’m sending you best wishes.

@smegley hope all goes well with the appointment today and v proud of you for getting this far and taking this step. Hopefully the only way is up.

Have a good day everyone.

Thanks.

I'm really nervous about it. I feel stupid that it's come to this and generally very depressed.
I spent last night in tears. I feel like it's all coming to a head.

I could do with some time off work to process my depression but that's not an option so I just have to keep plodding on and try not to turn to the wine.

I'm going to need iron willpower to get through the Xmas period!

So... my appointment went ok.
I have an appointment on 28th with a nurse for a thorough health assessment with a view to a week long medical detox with medication to get me through the withdrawal and then a program of support to keep me off it.

I cried so much today.

Hope everyone else is doing well xx

Well done @smegley - you have been so brave and strong in admitting the problem. So pleased to hear you have support in place. You got this.

Hope everyone else is ok.

Well done @smegley you're doing what many can't and that is to be applauded.

I wish you the best battling your depression and alcohol dependancy. Keep at it, with persistence and hope that you can feel better and build a good life. 👍

Thank you for your kind words both.

I've been told I'll need a week off work for the detox, not sure how that is going to be possible at the min with staffing levels low but I guess I have to put myself first and let the higher ups figure that out.

The shame and embarrassment I feel is horrendous.
The service wanted my children's names and dobs so they could run a welfare check with social services and I just broke down and refused.
The idea of social services is terrifying.
I still can't believe I've sunk so low :(

It is particularly hard at this time of year with the dark days. It doesnt help those woth depression already. Is there anything you can do to care for yourself? Like really lay it on thick with the self care?

I understand the thought of social services being involved would make you cry, but they have to do it to tick boxes. It doesn't necessarily mean they are immediately going to get involved. They just need to cover their bums.

That is great, I know it may not feel like good news but that is really good support. Hand yourself over and let yourself be minded for a week, when do we ever take that much time for ourselves. Very happy for you. A part of me wishes it was me! I am slipping and sliding 18 days sober out of past 21......better tha nothing. I think I will have to change my mindset from absolutist to doingmybestest!
Hope everyone doing ok?❤

That is very hard, I hope I didn't sound flippant. I really get your fear about your children. I work in a job where I quite often have to report parents to social services and I always feel a bit sick about it .....always! I never judge because I very nearly was that soldier too 20 years ago and I know I am always within a bottle's reach from it at any time.....regardless of my job!
You are doing the right thing for you and your children 👏

Warm wishes to everyone who is struggling. My heart goes out to you .

Checking in to say hi and see how you all are.

Thinking of you @alco at this difficult time.

@smegley I'm so glad you are getting help and support, it could be any one of us on this thread. Not sure what medication you'll get but if it's one that deals with cravings then that will be a great help.

How's it going @MamaGhina and @Thepeppapigfanclub ?

Love to you all x

Hi @Steppered and everyone else. How are we are all feeling as the weekend looms?

@smegley I haven't been on here a few days. I really hope you're OK. Don't be embarrassed. I was so so so embarrassed in the beginning but honestly a lot of people are so very understanding. DH spoke to a good friend of his and my mum told her work partner (not on purpose, happened one day). They were given so much support and they didn't condemn me.

What sort of a place do you work in? Is there a manager there who is at all approachable?

It’s gone very quiet on here. I hope everyone is doing ok. Posting here as I have been very low this week and have my first proper test tonight where everyone else will be drinking. As I write this now, I don’t believe I will be tempted - my current streak is 75 days and I would like to hit 100. But who knows what will happen in reality. Longer term, I would like to be able to raise a glass on occasions like this and not start on a slippery slope but not sure that is going to be achievable.

Good luck @BoilingHotand50something
I'm sure you can do this.

I think it's a tough time of year with the dark, wet weather and the loom of Xmas ahead - for good or for bad.

Even if you're not where you want to be, I encourage you to keep checking in x

Just found this thread after a Google. I’m suffering with depression and my anxiety is through the roof. I drink to get through it though I know it only makes it worse. But finding it difficult to stop the cycle.

Just been exploring alc free drinks and discovered this

https://sentiaspirits.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3uGqBhDdARIsAFeJ5r15m_vOZsRdR78IqiPux-SgMyeUSgX8OVdGIp466-cECEGhgZl-OLgaAtSyEALw_wcB

Has anybody tried it. It's been developed by a neuroscientist to give you the buzz that 1 to 2 units of alc does. It's designed to induce sociability and relaxation. It sounds like a great idea. I've not tried it yet but interested to hear your thoughts

I have! I quite liked it actually although it’s an odd taste. It did have an effect.

@alco I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you are doing okay
@smegley well done for going to the appointment, Its so brave to ask for help when you need it and nothing to be ashamed of.

Checking in for day 17 after a testing week. I'm quite enjoying my sober nights at the moment. Into bed early with a cup of tea and a catch up on some tv snd actually remembering what I have watched! It helps that its getting dark early. Going to have a little sort of the house today and get some christmas presents ordered.
I hope everyone is doing okay.

Just hopping on to say hello. I am well and truly under the pump at work and have done a couple of 10pm finishes this week - the others were 7.45pm (I like to get out before the gates are locked at 8pm so I don't have the bother of asking Security). Probably working most of tomorrow too.

Hence no chance of catching up and responding much to anyone personally- apologies.

I hope everyone is doing well or managing .
Giving up the demon drink and sorting out my diet had reduced my cholesterol from 7.8 to 5.6. After a two week plateau have also managed to lose another 1.5lb which takes the total to 23lb.

I hope everyone has a good weekend. I'm not sure if I need the alcohol support now, but we have shared journeys and I care.

Good luck this evening @BoilingHotand50something.

sorry not to have posted for a while - work has been busy and finally over covid. I’m back on the wagon this weekend with a new target of a decent streak of dry days for rest of November.

Sending best wishes to those who are struggling and positive thoughts to all of us trying to crack this.