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Alcohol support

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I called Alcoholics Anonymous

142 replies

winewine · 25/12/2023 10:52

I just called the helpline and spoke to a lovely man.
He said he will get someone to call me to support me and get me to a meeting.
The thought of a drink is turning my stomach. I'm so sick of it.
My life is out of control.

OP posts:
LadyWiddiothethird · 25/12/2023 15:51

There are literally hundreds of AA meetings on Zoom,plenty 24/7 ones over Christmas.

I am an AA member,sober over 20years now,I tried so many times to do it on my own,made 3 years once,but I always drank again.I have been sober since my first AA meeting in May 2003.You can do it with the help of us.

SkyBlueBoy · 25/12/2023 15:55

Congratulations on the first step. That's a massive pat on the back for you 👏

3 and half years sober myself and going to meetings has saved my life.

You might not believe me now, but there is a life to be had without alcohol in it.

WorriedMum231 · 25/12/2023 15:57

winewine · 25/12/2023 11:09

I don't think I can stop on my own.
I'm pretty sure I will drink tonight.
Do you have to stop drinking so AA will except you.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Good Luck.

winewine · 25/12/2023 16:04

@rochenutty
I don't want to put a downer on someone else's Christmas.
@LadyWiddiothethird
I tried the zoom meeting but was quite confused.

Thank you everyone else for the support.

I am not going to drink tonight.

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rochenutty · 25/12/2023 16:05

a close friend or sibling call me to say that they want to give up drinking - and i would be the over moon and probably come and collect you and your sons

winewine · 25/12/2023 16:10

@rochenutty
My drinking has caused enough worry for my family.
My friends are drinkers so won't think I'm that bad.
That's why I contacted AA. I need help from someone who knows exactly what I'm going through.

OP posts:
PersonIrresponsible · 25/12/2023 16:16

If at all possible, go to a meeting this evening. Sobriety is a 24 hour, seven day a week gig, so there's always a meeting somewhere. Especially on Christmas day!

If not, Zoom "women's international" is my go - to. Grab a sugary drink (even if you hate sugar) and sit and listen. No one understands what's going on at first, and the sugar helps stave off cravings. You don't have to do anything but be a couch potato.

All the best and welcome to the first day of a much better life.

Dokeydonkey · 25/12/2023 16:20

Well done OP- there are different supports out there for folk, but I credit AA with saving my life. I wouldn’t have got sober or stayed sober ( 14 years) without them.

one day at a time. And keep it in the day.
and be kind to yourself

Dingdongdog · 25/12/2023 16:57

I recommend you read/ download on audible
This Naked mind. The podcasts are really useful and supportive too.

Knocks spots off AA as is based on neuroscience. Many people combine both as they like the camaraderie of AA.

YouJustDoYou · 25/12/2023 16:58

Op, one step at a time. You have taken the first. Well done love, it takes strength, you're doing so well already x

winewine · 25/12/2023 17:16

I hope someone will contact me soon from AA.
Thank you for being there for me.

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IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 25/12/2023 17:33

@winewine I have no personal experience, but I am totally rooting for you. 46 years ago in January DM went to her first AA meeting, and for that I am very grateful. (I was 7). She manned the out of hours helpline for years, and has sponsored and supported many, many people since. It all started with a similar phone call. She still has her "1 day sober" medal framed on her wall.

InSpainTheRain · 25/12/2023 17:35

Well done OP! That's a fantastic effort you've made, well done for reaching out to AA.

winewine · 25/12/2023 22:07

I'm so tired but worried I won't sleep. I still feel awful with withdrawal.
I'm pleased I made it to the end of the day without alcohol.

OP posts:
SkyBlueBoy · 25/12/2023 22:22

winewine · 25/12/2023 22:07

I'm so tired but worried I won't sleep. I still feel awful with withdrawal.
I'm pleased I made it to the end of the day without alcohol.

Well done, that's great going. Don't focus on tomorrow just yet. Focus on relaxing the best you can and getting some rest.

You've done your first 24 hours, massive congratulations 👏

winewine · 26/12/2023 05:32

I can't believe I've still not slept.
It's like my mind is in overdrive.

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 26/12/2023 09:57

How are you today @winewine ? Have you slept?

winewine · 26/12/2023 10:32

Feeling awful.
Barely slept. Maybe 3 to 4 hours. And that was not a continuous 4 hours.
I'm so tired but at least I'm not anxious about what I did yesterday.
Still have anxiety of many previous nights.
The thought of wine is still turning my stomach and I can't eat.
I hope AA contact me later. If not I will call them back.
I feel fairly strong not to drink today but I know that won't last without help.

OP posts:
IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 26/12/2023 10:34

One day at a time.
And if that's too much, 5 mins at a time.

AlienatedChildGrown · 26/12/2023 10:52

winewine · 25/12/2023 12:50

Thank you everyone.
I scared to face up to everything.
I literally drown my thoughts.
I'm not scared of not drinking I'm scared of thoughts in my head.

I think there are a significant chunk of us who drink/drank to try and quiet the thought storm in our heads.

Some of the thoughts come from who we are. Some come from who we became because of things that happened in our lives. Some are due to the brain also being an organ, and taking part in a symptom party of an underlying issue. (In my case it went beyond what was bearable due to “life rain” induced depression, then peri menopause and finally my thyroid joined the “fuck the insides of your head up” knees up)

There are some aspects a doctor can help with. Starting with blood tests and symptoms check lists for the more obvious culprits.

And some thing we can do to make our “managing the insides of my head” path less rocky.

I have loads of tools and resources I’ve used or am using. Not all things work for all people, not all presenters of information click with all people. But I’m more than happy to share all the things that have lent a hand for me. Just not all at once because you don’t want to add overwhelm right now.

But one you might want to take a look at (re the adult sons) is Mel Robinson’s “Let them”. It’s my most recent find. Fuck me it’s effective. I rolled my eyeballs when I first watched it. But it has been incredibly helpful. I go scare up a link if you think you’re up for it. But it’s ok if you’re not, because you’re occupied with one foot in front of the other right now. Big, fat hug. As hard as the first steps are, they do so much for a softer landing in future life.

winewine · 26/12/2023 11:45

Feeling desperate.
When does the self hate start to subside?

OP posts:
Onewildandpreciouslife · 26/12/2023 12:00

Trust me - this will pass.
The first few days are the hardest, but you’ve got through the first night.
Be really kind and gentle with yourself- you are doing a really hard thing.
Drink lots of water and nap as much as you need to. Your body needs time to adjust to life without alcohol and to heal.

WorriedMum231 · 26/12/2023 12:01

winewine · 26/12/2023 11:45

Feeling desperate.
When does the self hate start to subside?

Hey! Can you get to a meeting today?

winewine · 26/12/2023 12:07

I have all my family over today.
I don't want to see them.
Someone should call this evening from AA to accompany me to a meeting.

I can't drink. I know exactly what will happen and it will be worse than how I feel now.

I can't deal with how I'm feeling. My skin is crawling. I can't see this ending.

I need serious help.

So sorry.

OP posts:
winewine · 26/12/2023 12:08

Has anyone else felt like this?

OP posts: