Feeling low and would like your opinion.

[carla]

Some of you may know I have a problem in drinking too much alcohol. I'm even seeing a psychiatrist about it.

Last week, I went to an AA meeting. Felt dreadful about it - loads of upbeat people saying how they'd beaten it. I felt like a mouse in the face of of hawk.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, Psy says as I'm (in his words) a moderate introvert, it probably isn't the right thing for me.

I don't want this to sound like I'm asking the world of MN's, just your opinion.

Please don't take this the wrong way, just wondered if anyone had any previous experience/advice/thoughts.

Did he suggest what would be right for you?

Good on you for going. I don't have any direct experience, but I do know of people who have stuck with AA and it's worked very well for them. Surely those upbeat people are just trying to encourage you - make you feel that you can do it?

What alternative does your psychiatrist suggest?

Just to give support to you xxx

good going on the meeting. Could you give the aa meetings another go - the first time somewhere can be a difficult experience xxx

No experience I'm afraid but from what you say your psychiatrist said, all the more credit to you for giving even the first meeting a try, Carla.
I think a lot depends on what alternative your psychiatrist suggests, as others say here. You have alluded in the past to the Priory and its daunting costs. Is it absolutely out of the question to get an NHS referral there? I thought they did take some NHS patients but I may be wrong. Do you think you would feel more comfortable in that kind of environment?
I wish you lots of luck in beating this.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but is your husband supportive of your getting treatment and willing to help you make it work?

Marina, and all of you, thank you for replying.

Psy seems to think that as I managed the problem for 6 months, I can do it forever. But I obviously can't, and that's what's hounding me at the moment.

RZ, the AA philosophy is that you never have a drink again. P has suggested that's too harsh - in his words, you could die tomorrow. But I'm finding it hard managing the two schools of thought.

as compo says, it's all very well him suggesting that AA isn't right for you, without suggesting what would be right for you. do CPN's or any other sort of community nurse have any expertise in supporting people through these problems? I have a feeling that someone has posted in the past about an alternative to AA (on the basis that AA/12 step programme/religious element might not be everyone's cup of tea). Will search the archives when I get time to see if I can dig up some details?

(the MNetter formerly known as MTS)

Carla, I don't have personal experience of this. But I'd imagine you'd find it hard to find enough regular support to stay on the wagon without something like AA.

Does your psychiatrist have any ideas about other sources of support?

xposts TBB

(why the namechange btw?)

It depends on whether you consider yourself an alcoholic or not.AA is excellent if you are and most people are daunted at their first few meetings but it is good to listen because if you are an alcoholic tyou will spot your self in some of their talks and it will be a gerat help to you Goping just once is not really a guide to whether or not it will work for you.If abusing alcohol is linked to your emotions you may well never be able to drink without the same issues arising A mix of AA and psychotherapy will help you discover this.Are you sure you are not just looking for an excuse to drink this is not a criticism just that is very normal in recovery but drinking and trying to sort your life out don't go together.My dp has not had a drink in 13 years and AA really helped him Good Luck xx

do you feel your psychiatrist really believes you are having major problems, or because you have an appearance of holding it together he feels you are capable of coping?

/hijack to answer Carolina

I wanted a name that would make me less readily identifiable if family ever decided to snoop!

carla - had a quick look through the archives, only mention of alternative organisation I could find was something named "ALRA".

might still be worth sticking to AA though, as IIRC they have a buddy system, so you can get a lot of RL support in resisting drink.

CM - no. Just keep on seeing him every fortnight.

Just feel I'm not ready/not able/don't wan't to be the person that invites people round and doesn't give them a drink in the summer when we're all out in the garden. And that was the gist from AA - none in the house.

How can anyone have a social life like that?

We have drink in the house and friends over and dp often pours me a glass with dinner If you are fully acceptin gof a life without drink and you have done the work on yourself you can liver a normal life including going to pubs etc with friends(not at the beginning but eventually)It is my dp who is an alcoholic not me To reach this stage takes time but is worth it

Slip of the finger Fio but agree very apt!

Thanks to all of you. Nothing more to add, really, just didn't want you to think I didn't appreciate your replies.

How are you feeling this morning carla, really?