Hello. I've just signed up here because I thought it might help to acknowledge somewhere, in some small way, that I have a problem with alcohol. And maybe compare notes with other people and their experiences. I'm not ready to tell friends and family yet. I'm in my late 30s and for a long time (4 years) I have been drinking something every day (with very occasional alcohol free spells) - it varies between 2-6 cans each night. Always just in the evening. The daily amount I consume isn't enormous - but over time it's become a seemingly unbreakable habit, and of course I worry about the long term health effects. I've got used to waking up with a woolly head or a hangover. My mind has an incredible duality - every morning I resolve to stop but by the evening I crave it all over again. I get so frustrated with my lack of self control. It's not social drinking - I live alone and most of my drinking is done alone. Often I'll even find myself turning down social invitations because drinking alone in my flat seems so much more pleasurable (I'm a shy and very socially anxious chap). On my own there's no-one to raise an eyebrow, or suggest that I've had enough. It's like the ultimate love/hate thing. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can de-stress me quite like alcohol - but I also know this effect is temporary and that my stress will often come back worse in the morning. I'm concerned about quitting altogether because then my friends will want to know why - and I'll have to admit that there was a problem. It feels shameful somehow. I feel my relationship with alcohol is very different to that of other people; for example I'm always amazed when I see people with half drunk bottles of wine in the fridge. If I ever have any alcohol in the house with me it gets drunk that same day! Anyway, I'm going to try and quit, starting today. I'll let you know how I get on : )
Do not go cold turkey its,dangerous and could cause you severe affects please see your GP there are meds to help you become alcohol controlled or alcohol free.
Please don't do it x Linda
Thanks Linda. I'm admittedly quite naive on this subject having never given it much consideration until now - but had thought that as my intake has been relatively small (often just a couple of beers each day) I wouldn't need medication to safely quit? I've quit for spells in the past without adverse effects... I'm just curious to know more...
Hello, i wish you all the strenth you need! I am in the exact situation! I drink 5 to 6 beers a night of 6.9%
I also run when i get of work only to rush home to drink and catch a buzz. i always tell myself im not going to drink during the week, but always give in. my husband also drinks evrey day but he drinks slow and is not a binge drinker like me. I dont want to tell my family either. very shameful for me.
Thanks Erica, my best wishes to you - I think I know how you feel. I envy those slow drinkers... I've got to throw it down my neck and get a proper hit. But the thing is, the hit always wears off - and pretty quick too. I guess it will be good for me to try and start seeing my life more in 360 degrees - rather than living for that momentary buzz that's so seductive but short, start to remember how nice it is to wake up with a fresh head, or to feel proud of a boosted mood through the daylight hours. I might start keeping a diary of those positive things?...
Hi Peter I can relate to a lot of what you have said and your words very much Echo what I have experienced so don't feel ashamed. There are many people in the same position as you and whist that doesn't make the regular drinking ok it isn't something to be ashamed about.
Firstly I would try and limit your drinking to maybe the weekends and see how you get on, distraction and keeping busy is def key in keeping yourself busy and focused on something other than drinking. If you can achieve a few non drinking days a week it will be beneficial for your health from the outset.
Do you like reading books? Perhaps get stuck into a good book or take up an exercise class one night a week.
I think it's very difficult to break that cycle of waking up feeling awful and then gradually as the day goes on you feel better and keen to drink again, but once you experience a few clear headed mornings a week and quality nights sleep you will hopefully start to realise which mornings you prefer more!
Good luck on your journey, you'll be fine I'm sure just stay focused.
Thank you, it's really good advice. Was thinking I might join the gym. Looking forward to some decent quality sleep too, as well! Thanks for your good wishes, and good luck on your journey also!
I had heard about acupuncture helping with alcohol cravings, and also pills, Id like to try just no insurance. good luck on your journey.
Hello Peter,
As Linda says, it can be dangerous to go cold turkey. I don't think, at the level you have been drinking, you will get serious physical withdrawal symptoms, but if you do find yourself shaking, that is an indicator that you need an alcohol detox.
If not, good luck with it. You might find Nalmefene helpful, that has been discussed quite a lot in this forum. It appears to help some people quite a lot and others not so much, but it's an option, if you can get your GP to prescribe it.
One thing, do NOT be ashamed to say to friends that you are no longer drinking alcohol. It is no big deal to say that you found yourself getting into bad habits so decided to quit before it turned into a bigger problem. Decent friends will be pleased that you recognised it and dealt with it.
I can give one piece of advice. I'm starting my sixth month of sobriety today. I joined a gym and working out helps a bunch. The only thing I really have to say is you don't ever have to tell your friends anything if you don't want to. I've told a select group of people who have supported me. others do not need to know period. You're trying to get healthy for you no one else. Good luck.
Hi. Your situation sounds similar in some ways to my own. I eventually got sick of thinking about stopping drinking and just did it. That was 133 days ago. I'd never previously gone more than 2 weeks without a drink since the age of 17. I'm about the same age as you.
Things that helped were this forum, also I'd recommend 'Mrs D is going without' (Google it). A blog by a boozy housewife in NZ who quit. It takes you through from day 1 for a whole year and it's really helpful and inspiring. I'd also recommend Jason Vale's book 'kick the drink easily'.
I honestly never thought I could stop drinking and when I first quit I thought it'd be for a week or a month but it actually gets easier. I've also started running which reduces stress for me more than drinking ever did, and the joy of never having a hangover never gets old.
Good luck.
Thank you, and congrats on six months of sobriety! You're right I think, it's my decision and I don't owe people explanations for it. I know it might help me a bit if, like you, I were to tell a select few people - close friends who could support me. ..
One of the problems if you go cold turkey is that you get the D.Ts ((delirium tremors),
where you will shake and your body desperate for a drink.
You could have seizure's and more so that is why it is so important to reduce alcohol slowly.
Are you in the UK?
Which part? X
Thanks Paul x
Thanks Linda! I'm down in Sussex.
I swear by acupuncture. It can reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol. The main reason I have it is to help insomnia. You have to have an open mind about it. I know people who say it's "useless and how can a few needles solve insomnia and it didn't do a thing for me". It won't work with that attitude. However in a relaxed environment with soft soothing music, I've often nodded off when the needles are in place. It works for me and the more you have it, the better the results.
Hi,
One group is UNITY its an non judgemental service for people with alcohol or drug problems.
Another is CADAS,though that may just be Cumbria.
A.A. is a useful organisation to help with alcohol problems.
Your GP can prescribe Nalfemee (Selinco) to help with the cravings.
Your GP can put you forward for counselling, that may help to talk things through.
Hope this helps
With love, Linda xx
I have to agree and second the no hangovers!
Hey thanks for your message - and congrats on your 133 days and counting! Gives me hope. I've downloaded that Jason Vale book onto my Kindle, it looks like a good one - will check out the other one too. I'll keep you updated!
Thanks Linda I'm going to look into those things. 48 hours since I had a drink and I'm feeling pretty good. It was good to have a decent nights sleep last night, and waking up feeling clear headed was almost a completely alien feeling. In a good way! Thanks again for helping me. P x