Just curious if anyone on here is struggling with alcohol abuse and has sought treatment? I have an appointment this evening to check myself into an inpatient detox program for a few days.
Alcoholism
- Thread starter BluegrassBlake
- Start date
No but I know several that have. First step is admitting the problem and asking for help. Congratulations on taking that tough step.
I do know AA really works for alot of people, for whatever that's worth
I do know AA really works for alot of people, for whatever that's worth
Don't know you but I'm proud of you. But what you can't do is decide not to go, show up for that appointment.
I have a family member in AA and she has been sober since 2000 after ~30 years of drinking.
I have the highest respect for you. My wife lived through pure hell as a child because of an alcoholic father. He went into WWII as a nice young man but four years fighting Japanese in the South Pacific changed him for the worse.
He received two Bronze Stars with Valor but came back a different person and never got over it. So he turned to the bottle and neglect his wife and 10 kids. Thanks to a very strong mother and grandparents my wife did very good in adulthood. But a few of her brothers did not.
My prayers are with you.
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-looks like you have the first step sorted, follow through.
-when you get out you absolutely need to go to as many AA meetings as possible,... especially early on. Daily is optimal. Listen to people with time under their belt, lose the ego and do what they tell you to do.
-i haven't had a hangover in nearly ten years. It's pretty great.
-when you get out you absolutely need to go to as many AA meetings as possible,... especially early on. Daily is optimal. Listen to people with time under their belt, lose the ego and do what they tell you to do.
-i haven't had a hangover in nearly ten years. It's pretty great.
I haven’t personally, but had an uncle who struggled with the bottle for 25 years. Sadly, he couldn’t admit to his problem and ended up taking his own life in 2015.
I offer his cautionary tale in hopes that you will seek treatment and see it through until you’ve reached sobriety. As others have said, you’ve taken the first step. Remember, you can only quit because you want to, not for a spouse, children, job, etc.
I wish you the best on your road to recovery.
I offer his cautionary tale in hopes that you will seek treatment and see it through until you’ve reached sobriety. As others have said, you’ve taken the first step. Remember, you can only quit because you want to, not for a spouse, children, job, etc.
I wish you the best on your road to recovery.
I do and I don't. Which sounds like I do, right?
I don't drink daily, but I struggle with social anxiety which causes me to rely on booze whenever I go out.
Good luck to you.
I don't drink daily, but I struggle with social anxiety which causes me to rely on booze whenever I go out.
Good luck to you.
Alcoholism ran wild in my family.
Father, Paternal and Maternal Grandfathers were all classic alcoholics.
2 of the 3 got involved in AA and maintained sobriety for the remainder of their lives.
While I enjoy the occassional cocktail or two, Im grateful that somehow that gene didnt take over my life.
Stay true to your conviction to go thru with the treatment, the program works if you work the program.
Father, Paternal and Maternal Grandfathers were all classic alcoholics.
2 of the 3 got involved in AA and maintained sobriety for the remainder of their lives.
While I enjoy the occassional cocktail or two, Im grateful that somehow that gene didnt take over my life.
Stay true to your conviction to go thru with the treatment, the program works if you work the program.
I don't have anything to add other than good luck to you OP. I pray that God can keep you strong on your road to recovery.
Yea this is pretty much me and I’m sure that makes me an alcoholic on some level.
But get it done OP. You’ve concluded your life will be better with out it. Don’t forget that when you’re tempted. You’re essentially inducing temporary pain and discomfort for longterm pleasure and health. And if you don’t forget that, you’ll kick it.
Nothing really to add but good luck. The March to 100 miles begins with the first step.
I have a family member that is 4 years sober. Checking into a detox program & regularly attending AA meetings saved their life...I have no doubt about that.
Praying for you. You’ve made a wise & brave choice. Stay strong!
I used to have a problem with over-consuming. Tried AA and hated being around people addicted to coffee and cigarettes, and hated the whole “higher power” BS angle of it. I decided to do my own thing. I went 12 years without a drop. Then 3 years ago I started drinking red wine. I have a couple glasses on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. No problems.
Good luck to you, OP.
Good luck to you, OP.
Congratulations to the OP and best of luck. Had two fraternity brothers who drank themselves to death, one probably died before he was 40, the other at age 60. You are brave and wise to take on your problem head on.
I lost a 19 y/o to a drug OD 20 years ago and I've volunteered at a treatment center in the past. Encouraged you're willing to seek treatment. It'll work but you have to work it everyday. Stay focused on YOU and you'll succeed. Best of everything to you.
Thank you so much for the support everyone. I wasn’t expecting to see this many messages. I’ve been to AA before and wasn’t a huge fan but I’m going to give it another chance and will also seek one on one counseling. Go Cats!
I don’t really know what “alcoholism” is I guess. Do I enjoy it? Hell yes. Always at least catch a buzz. Don’t have just a single beer or glass of wine with dinner. If I’m gonna drink I’m gonna drink. Usually weekends I hammer it because of less responsibility. Occasional week night 2-4 depending on mood. But never feel like I NEED it.
So where does the line get drawn from just “really enjoy drinking” to “alcoholic/need it”?
I also enjoy beating off, watching certain movies and shows, etc but never feel like I HAVE to do those things.
So where does the line get drawn from just “really enjoy drinking” to “alcoholic/need it”?
I also enjoy beating off, watching certain movies and shows, etc but never feel like I HAVE to do those things.
Monday, August 16th, will be five years sober. Tried to stop on my own for 55 years and always went back. Found an AA group and group of friends that worked for me and I'm still sober. Had I kept drinking the way I was I don't think I'd be alive today. I sure as Hell wouldn't have had a relationship with my kids, which I have today. And a strong purpose and value.
The past year of isolation has been extremely difficult for many with addiction problems. I've lost a number of friends in the program, and lately it seems to be getting worse. If we go back into isolation/quarantine I'm very concerned its going to get real ugly. Real ugly.
Life is good today. Its why I F'ing do this.
Peace and good luck to you. Its worth it for you, your family and your friends. Because everyone suffers.
The past year of isolation has been extremely difficult for many with addiction problems. I've lost a number of friends in the program, and lately it seems to be getting worse. If we go back into isolation/quarantine I'm very concerned its going to get real ugly. Real ugly.
Life is good today. Its why I F'ing do this.
Peace and good luck to you. Its worth it for you, your family and your friends. Because everyone suffers.
I have two friends who recovered, one elementary school buddy another high school close friend.
It was not easy, but they did it, and it's worth it. You can do it. Godspeed.
It was not easy, but they did it, and it's worth it. You can do it. Godspeed.
Free advice if you want to avoid the temptation to drink, UK football has been hazardous to my sobriety for five decades now.
Not alcohol but have struggled with addiction in various forms my entire life. Wishing you the best. Like someone above said, go to AA. 90 meetings in 90 days, it will get your started on the path. You have to do this for yourself, not anyone else.
Hope you get help and get better man....God bless.
Had a really good friend of mine who lost a son to it. Please do everything you can to overcome it.
From the outside looking in, I have always been curious as to why 12 steps seems to be the only recommendation anyone has for substance abuse/addiction short of going to in-person rehab. (And I am in no way knocking either option if they work and help people live fuller lives).
To be honest, I guess that regularly going to AA meetings seems better than dying alone early but only ever so slightly. I'm not sure I could sit around and listen to people talk about their disease and drink coffee in a church basement for 90 straight days unless it was court-ordered. Sounds truly awful and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that way.
Is there some other option for people to get help that isn't either (1) in-patient rehab or (2) 12 step meetings?
If there is, it seems weird that it wouldn't be widely known because the rehab/12 step options are so off-putting that it must be a big obstacle to people getting help before things have gotten completely off the rails.
Similarly, why is there no approach that preaches moderation over complete sobriety when it comes to alcohol (as opposed to meth or whatever).
Again, just curious, and whatever works to help people with something that is fatal way too often is good in my book.
To be honest, I guess that regularly going to AA meetings seems better than dying alone early but only ever so slightly. I'm not sure I could sit around and listen to people talk about their disease and drink coffee in a church basement for 90 straight days unless it was court-ordered. Sounds truly awful and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that way.
Is there some other option for people to get help that isn't either (1) in-patient rehab or (2) 12 step meetings?
If there is, it seems weird that it wouldn't be widely known because the rehab/12 step options are so off-putting that it must be a big obstacle to people getting help before things have gotten completely off the rails.
Similarly, why is there no approach that preaches moderation over complete sobriety when it comes to alcohol (as opposed to meth or whatever).
Again, just curious, and whatever works to help people with something that is fatal way too often is good in my book.
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Good luck to you. You have admitted to the problem, so you’ve taken the correct first step. My grandfather was a binge drinking alcoholic, and I vividly remember helping my mom deal with it. I was only a teenager, so really didn’t register with me back then (nearly 50 years ago), but it took a toll on my family, and thankfully, he gave it up when I was maybe 15, after he totaled his car one day. I remember going to the emergency room and watching the doctor sew his tongue back together., while he was singing loudly. I thought it was funny at the time, sadly. But yeah, hang in there, and stick with it man. Think of your family first.
The Sinclair Method is gaining traction
The Sinclair Method (TSM) is a medication-based approach to alcohol addiction treatment. Instead of requiring people to quit drinking immediately, it uses targeted doses of the drug naltrexone to help them reset their drinking habits. Many people find that they can eventually drink moderately, or even lose interest in alcohol completely, after enough time on TSM.
It's a cognitive behavioral therapy coupled with medication to help people reprogram their brain and their relationship with alcohol.
There are also many group therapy approaches similar to AA that don't have all the God stuff and rigid 12 step stuff. Incredibly difficult to access, though. Unless you live in a larger city. None of them have the popularity of AA.
Not to badmouth AA; it's saved countless lives. There is some research that it isn't as effective as people think. If it works for you, then buy into the program, but it's not the be-all-end-all path to sobriety.
It is a horrible disease, and you have the guts to admit it and to do whatever needs to be done to overcome the issue.
People are very, very proud of you, I’m sure!
Some make fun of, and belittle, Billy Gillispie.
You will never hear that from me. He did some odd things, but now we know he was very sick with alcoholism.
The issue is real and hard to control. It can take over your life and dominate it, but I have a feeling that you won’t let that happen!
Again, we are proud of you here! God bless you and please let us know how things proceed!
People are very, very proud of you, I’m sure!
Some make fun of, and belittle, Billy Gillispie.
You will never hear that from me. He did some odd things, but now we know he was very sick with alcoholism.
The issue is real and hard to control. It can take over your life and dominate it, but I have a feeling that you won’t let that happen!
Again, we are proud of you here! God bless you and please let us know how things proceed!
Good luck. I came home from Viet Nam hating what I had become. After 12 years I conquered it with help from the Lord. You may have to get a new set of friends and away from the atmosphere that promotes the problem.
Alcoholics can't stop, that is the difference. My father was/is an alcoholic as he puts it you don't get over it, you live with it. He has been sober for some time now...goes to AA 5-6 days a week.
Most Alcoholics drink until blackout on a semi regular basis. The "disease" controls their life. It is no different than being addicted to nicotine or something like that....the person finds a way to get their fix. Generally speaking because of the nature of alcohol this leads to paralyzing relationships, social anxiety, poor decision making and no fear of consequences.
Lastly I would add that there are different types of Alcoholics. There are folks whose entire persona changes with the bottle, some are totally functioning but are killing themselves slowly and have to have it to function properly, self medications, etc.
that’s a pretty succinct way of putting it, I guess. Guess I’m not. If I had to go a week, month, whatever without it I know I could. I’d say that would suck all kinds of *** but eh.
Best of luck to you. I've never been to AA but have talked to a lot of people who have been. Several people I have worked with. I imagine the thing with AA is accountability, such as getting a sponsor to make sure you don't start again. I've been told a lot of the disease is the "one more time" mentality. I'll do it one more time, one more weekend, I'll quit at the end of the month type of thing. I've also heard that relapse is common, as it's not just like "quit and everything will be better" like you see on TV. You could probably quit for a few months and feel worse, which i imagine would be a scary place to be. That is great you are getting help.
Bought this book on kindle and found it fascinating. I have both a professional and family interest in the topic and found this really interesting. Thanks!
Best of luck to you OP. Really pulling for you and wishing you the best in this tough journey. I have a brother who is an alcoholic and can't seem to shake it. Had a big weekend bender a couple weeks ago and it caused him to check himself into the hospital to detox. We are hoping it was the last straw and he can kick this. Just take it day by day and give it your all.
Best of luck.
Best of luck.
Happy to announce that I’m home and four days sober and I feel great! Looking forward to an AA meeting this afternoon! Thanks everyone for your support!
Sounds like a great start. Keep up the good work.