Now where do i turn???? [sad]

[pepperpots]

It has taken a great deal of courage for em to post this w/out a name change.
Today i have come to the realisation that i have serious drink problem . I decided i have to change my life dramatically or i am going to end up killing myself and leaving my two darling ds's w/out a mummy
So i looked up the A.A thinking that they are well heard of and maybe i could start there... until that was i went onto their website. And i have to say i was very shocked to read there 12 step programme. Now before i get into any christian/atheist dispute (which believ me i dont') i can't see how this is pratcial advice.... And now i am back to square one beacuse i don't know where else to go I would appreciate any advice or experience or even someone that has been where i am and can tell me there is light
Thanks for reading if you managed to get this far

AA may work for you, but equally another approach might be better for you - AA is very all or nothing and if you find it offputting that could make you feel you were back to square one. I agree with others give it a go, but try to find out about any kind of free counselling or help from the GP that might be available. Some people do manage (contrary to AA wisdom) to resolve heavy drinking by cutting down, not cold turkey. I did this a few years ago (I was never officially alcoholic but I was drinking too much) and now I am careful and only drink within my units and never to get drunk - and I don't miss it. Don't let one setback dishearten you - you can do it.

pepperpots - sucha huge 'well done' for admitting what is going on with you.

Addiction services are often run by a combination of social work/health, so you might find there is something local to you that you have jujst never heard about. I hope youcan find a service to support youthrough this.

Well done pepperpots - it's a huge thing to admit you have a problem.

I would try your GP again. I know from experience with my sister with regard to other issues that GPs do get frustrated by people who in my sis's GP's words "don't want to help themselves". My own view is that that is usually because they are enmired in whatever problem they have and can't see the word for the trees if you see what I mean.

With your prev test results your GP knows you have a problem. He/she knows that you have to come to that realisation on your own and admit you have a problem. They can't do anything till then.

There is a thread on here called something like "I don't want to drink today" that you may find helpful.

Good luck. There are lots of people here to support you ant any time of the day or night.

Hi pepperpots, well done for getting this far. You have made a huge leap already in tackling your problem, by admitting it, and believe it or not you have already taken the first step. Please could I ask those of you who have never been to an AA meeting, or been a long term member to refrain from making assumptions on how it works. It's not helpful.

For an alcoholic, there is no such thing as controlled drinking. There is only abstinence, a day at a time. Many have died in the process obsessed with trying to achieve this "normal" drinking. My husband was one of them. Pepperpots, please don't be put off by attending a meeting by worrying about God or the 12 step programme. It won't make any sense to you. Don't even think about that at this stage. Your first goal is not to lift the first drink. That way you can't get drunk. It's quite simple.

I have been an AA member for a while, and I haven't done the 12 step programme. It's not about religion. Believe me, when you see people coing into meetings who have lost everything in their lives through drinking, the last thing they're thinking about is GOD.

If you want to CAT me to ask anything, please do. Otherwise, What i'd suggest is to swallow your pride and go back to your doctor. She may just be waiting for you to ask for her help. If you are TOTALLY honest with her about how your drinking is affecting your life, then she'll be in a position to help you. What I needed was clinical supervision to stop. This can be anything from a course of librium (is decreases the symptoms of withdrawal)to inpatient care. I was drinking about a litre of vodka a day 3 years ago, so I was admitted to hospital ( I was also having alcoholic seizures)

I would strongly suggest giving the AA helpline a call, and discuss with the the advisor (who is also an alcoholic, just helping out) where you are. They can tell you about meetings in your area, where someone will meet with and accompany you.

It all sounds really scary but believe me, the honesty and depth of feeling in most AA meetings is astounding. Each one is slightly different but with a single purpose. To provide a place for those suffering, or who've suffered in the past, to share their experience strength and hope and help each other. You will be welcomed with open arms.

I'vw posted extensively on the other threads about my own experience, and I know you have posted too. Please come back on and share, I've had stuff going on recently and haven't been on much, but I'll definitely be singing in every night from now on.

I wish you all the best, and please know that your future is something to look forward to, if you truly want it.

Much love, kxxx

can't give you any better advice than what has been given, but want to say well done for admitting this, it takes real guts and strength to do so. wishing you all the best in your recovery.....xx

First of all i would like to say thank you all very much for yur responses. Last night i tried not to drink but failed dismally even though i am so poorly i can hardly move of the sofa, i still somehow managed to find tghe strength to get up and pour a drink . So i have decided to call the AA and actually speak to someone in person. After looking on the website i spotted a group about a mile away that is tonight.....
Kokeshi - I remeber you from the dependant drinkers thread. Ihave had problems with b/band and have only just been reconnected. My email is carly dot giles at btinternet dot com, i would really appreciate someone who can be brutally honest with me

Hi pepperpots, you are doing the right thing, you are being honest with yourself. It doesn't have to be like this. I know because I was in that position too. I'll email you and please feel free to ask anything at all. I'm a member of AA, and the only requirement is a desire to stop drinking. It's not religion by the back door, and you can take or leave whatever you want.

The one thing that will make a difference is being in a room full of people who will really understand, without judgement. Everyone is the same. I really feel for you at the moment and pelase know that it WILL get better. You are a worthwhile person and deserve so much better than this.

You can email me at k0keshi at hotmail dot com (that's a zero, not an "o" between the two ks). I wish you all the best.

Much love,
Kxxx

I hope you're feeling better tonight pepperpots.

Was wondering how you are doing too pepperpots.

Thank you both
Im actually on my second night w/out a drop
I@d be lying if i said it was easy, its making me very nervous and anxious. But i keep telling myself this will pass.... hopefully. Im also getting h/aches too im guessing this is just w/drawal???

Peperpots, that's fantastic, really, well done! I would say it's def withdrawal. It will get better though, promise. If you feel any worse please think about what I suggested. xxx

Well done you! Really pleased for you.

Try drinking lots of water - you may be getting dehydrated.

Remember there are lots of people here morning noon and night if you feel you need to "chat".

It won't be easy but it will be SO worth it.