Hi I've been drinking 3-4 beers sometimes 6 almost every night for about 4-6 months due to stress and pain using it to cope my husband is getting quite concerned and so am I I'm not into AA I know I can quit on my own, just need some support from people in my shoes... any helpful advice you can give me to start my journey to quit this filthy habit I'm tangled up in? I also smoke only when I drink 😤
You Havnt been drinking that much for long.So please please stop now.I wish someone had told me that back in the day but the more and the longer you drink the more your pathways will be damaged.
Hi Connie
Not disputing the fact you probably could stop, but I believe you need to tackle the pain and stress that is causing you to drink in the first place. If you don't, you could be driven to pick up again, right?
I take it you have been to your gp? Sorry for asking such a basic question. If it's a physical pain the doc will definately have something that can help. If the pain is causing you stress then the doc will have something for that too. Unfortunately, alcohol is a great pain reliever, but it brings along with it a whole load of other problems.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
PS excess alcohol causes more stress
Kind Regards
JulieAnne x
Thanks Nichole, my pathways to quitting?
Everyone thinks I'm not that bad!! But to me it is.., it's the guilt 😩 Alcohol runs thick in my blood line.. dad was an alcoholic my whole life till I left at 14 so I guess I feel I'm easy prey, but yes I know I have to stop but don't know how ?! I used to work out daily and meal prep until I started experiencing some lower pain and couldn't anymore, I'm awaiting surgery and need to be healthy, it was my saving grace but since I pain and can't, I turned to drinking and smoking.... there are a number of factors!! If I tokd you them all, you would be like OH THO WONDER!! 😩😞 heavy loads!!
It's no good beating yourself up hon. Have you tried to stop?
Regards
JulieAnne x
Not really, I'm gonna try now! So tired of feeling like crap
Ok. Be careful. If you start feeling a bit shaky, you need to taper back gradually. My Husbands gp recommended 10% a day
You need write it down. I know drink diaries can be boring but they do help you keep track
Good luck
Let us know how you get on.
Regards
JulieAnne x
Hi Julie, yes I have, I'm awaiting surgery I've also reached to my doc for Councelling and through that I'm getting lots of helpful information
I am doing all that I can to nip the things that are causing me stress but alcohol always has been my " go to" stress reliever
Like you I used alcohol as a stress relief. Massive amounts and i eventually and had to stop. You are right in being apprehensive and wanting to reduce your drinking. Try. Robin wishing you best of luck
Yes alcohol is so easy isn't it? Easy to buy, easy to drink. You will have to find something else to relieve your pain and distress. I know when my Husband used to taper back, he wanted lots of sugary things. There are a few people on this forum that will agree with me about sugar cravings after detox!
As your are seeing a counsellor, it might be a good idea to ask them for a strategy to help you find something to replace the hole alcohol will leave you with when you have stopped.
Regards
JulieAnne x
Thank you Robin and Julie for your thoughts and advice
I like this forum 👍🏼
You have to find a different coping mechanism for dealing with the stress. I totally understand, I was the same (up until a week ago). I wasn't in to AA either but I kind of have to go for legal reasons and it's actually kind of fun. Everyone is really nice and encouraging. You can go even if you haven't quit yet.
Or, go and have a chat to your GP? Again, mine was really supportive and non judgmental.
Good luck!