Need to stop drinking

[Needtostop2025]

I have always used alcohol as a social crutch but after a few set backs in my personal life I have found that I am using it more and more as an emotional crutch. I am a single mum in my late 30s and have made some great life achievements such as buying my own home and having a well paid and stable job. Despite this I feel like I have failed at life. The relationships I have had have been short lived and abusive, I have no friends or hobbies and generally feel that nobody cares about me outside of my family.

I increasingly find myself drinking more and more as my tolerance is fairly high now and I am plagued by anxiety, shame and regret. I know it’s time to stop before it becomes completely unmanageable.

Alcohol is an awful drug, so many of us become addicted but it's everywhere you look, suggesting it's pretty much harmless.
I stopped last year after 40+ years and it was hard. Books, podcasts and the Alcohol Experiment all helped me to give it up.
The anxiety is much better and I feel and look better.
The key is to find the type of support that works for you. Good luck, I'm sure you will be able to do it, just be kind to yourself if you don't manage it straight away.

Thank you for your kind words. You are so right about it being normalised. I never thought I had a problem until a family member was quite blunt about it with me.

It makes it harder to see clearly, the normalisation.
Have a look at the Alcohol Experiment online. It's a free 30 day course and really puts it all in perspective. There's an app too which is useful.

I’ve just got the book on my kindle to read over the next couple of days. It was free on unlimited 🙂 I already like the writer’s style only a few pages in! Very relatable.

Brilliant. I hope it helps you. If not there's loads more out there, something will suit you.

So sorry to hear you're going through this. I understand and empathise. Its horrible to feel lonely and like you're limited in support, but I'm so glad that you've recognised the problem and are trying to do something about it. That takes courage and strength. I wish you all the best in your recovery and you deserve happiness and health.

Hi @Needtostop2025
How are you doing with your progress?
Can I join you please? I feel that we're in a similar position & I must make a change & be held accountable somehow!
Best wishes.

How are you this evening, @Needtostop2025 ?
Have you managed any quiet time with your DC or has it been a whirlwind of a half-term day?