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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by aspirin2004 on April 1, 2004, at 7:46:11
I'm 40+ years old and have just figured out I am an alcoholic. I went to a alcohol counselor last Saturday and he gave me some direction but I failed tonight and drank a bottle of cognac. I woke up early in the morning and called in sick for work. Just how does someone stop drinking?
Posted by T_R_D on April 1, 2004, at 11:03:58
In reply to Alcohol and Recovery, posted by aspirin2004 on April 1, 2004, at 7:46:11
> I'm 40+ years old and have just figured out I am an alcoholic. I went to a alcohol counselor last Saturday and he gave me some direction but I failed tonight and drank a bottle of cognac. I woke up early in the morning and called in sick for work. Just how does someone stop drinking?
Hi aspirin2004. I like your handle :)
I know where you're coming from. I have battled alcohol abuse for years. Only now am I starting to take the first steps to stop. I think there are a couple of things:
You need to really want to quit (which it sounds like you do since you already saw a counsellor)
You will stumble and relapse and it will be very frustrating.You've been in a vicious cycle for so long that it's really hard to stop the perpetuating behaviour. It probably won't happen the first time you decide to quit. It's not a fault on your part...it really is just the nature of the beast.
Having an understanding of why you drink is fundamental to quitting. Do you know why? I was self-medicating a bipolar condition that was undiagnosed, then misdiagnosed then finally (now) properly diagnosed and being on the correct meds have changed things dramatically. When I am no longer manic I no longer feel like drinking. It's quite unbelievable! So I think tapping into the psychology of your drinking is imperative.
There are lots of supports out there. There is even medication to help you quit...one that supposedly takes away cravings (I tried it--didn't work for me...) and another that will make you physically ill if you drink (I didn't try it as at the time, I don't think I was fully committed to stopping--we find all sorts of ways to justify our behaviour don't we!?!?)
If you feel like support groups are worth trying I recommend them. Again, they didn't work for me but I know they have helped others immensely.
What sort of helath coverage do you have? You could check into a treatment facility if you think it's serious enough. I'm from Canada and I researched some in my area...they were quite good. I never went through with it but I was *this close*...
I hope this hasn't been too much rambling and of some help to you...what do you think?
Take care and post back!
Karen
Posted by aspirin2004 on April 2, 2004, at 0:41:22
In reply to Re: Alcohol and Recovery, posted by T_R_D on April 1, 2004, at 11:03:58
Hi there,
Thank you for sharing. I had enough remorse that I went to my first AA meeting today and was really impressed. I bought the big book and have made some friends that have been sober for many years. I am serious and will pursue the program in addition to my counselor. Oh and I think the reason why I started drinking (and which eventually got outside of my control even though I have never been/gotten in trouble because of it) was to escape stress. Just take a vacation. But my "friend" has turned on me and now I am committed to stopping alltogether. Peace.
Posted by rainyday on April 2, 2004, at 6:58:36
In reply to Re: Alcohol and Recovery, posted by aspirin2004 on April 2, 2004, at 0:41:22
Good luck in your recovery. It's completely worth it.
Posted by T_R_D on April 2, 2004, at 12:10:58
In reply to Re: Alcohol and Recovery, posted by aspirin2004 on April 2, 2004, at 0:41:22
Good for you! I am so proud! Keep up the good work...it's worth it in the end.
Posted by Tony P on April 5, 2004, at 2:08:39
In reply to Re: Alcohol and Recovery, posted by T_R_D on April 2, 2004, at 12:10:58
> Good for you! I am so proud! Keep up the good work...it's worth it in the end.
Hear, hear.
One encouraging thing.... Even though I believe all addictions are fundamentally related, one difference with alcohol in my experience is that the compulsion, preoccupation and craving for alocohol depart quite suddenly - and *quickly* - after a period of sobriety and association with a group of people in recovery.
Usually, I find this happens around step 2 or 3 of AA. You can do those steps and get their benefit to a great extent quite quickly, even if you take it just as a preliminary "cut" at them, or have a sponsor who wants you to work on the steps more extensively. I firmly believe that the most important thing in getting past the continual craving (and the risk of "slipping") is the belief that recovery IS possible with the help of some higher power - even if that just means your AA group.
I now like to say that "Today, I have the freedom NOT to drink".
Best wishes and good luck,
Tony P
Posted by aspirin2004 on April 18, 2004, at 23:17:01
In reply to Re: Alcohol and Recovery, posted by Tony P on April 5, 2004, at 2:08:39
I went to AA and am happy to report there has only been one slip since my last post. Honestly, you were right. I am on step 3 and NOT drinking nor feeling the compulsion. I understand it is a process but this is great. Thanks for the tip. Peace.
This is the end of the thread.
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