I have a drink problem - Professional opinion

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Hmmmmm.........some good points made here. Won't get into the mindset of "just the one won't hurt" because it will.

Went the whole of yesterday without having an alcoholic drink of any description! The biggest challenge was the evening when we normally have beer or vodka while watching telly. I treated myself to a big thick magazine to read and although I thought about a drink occasionally I didn't have anything! In fact after a while I was hoping my hubby would suggest one so I could say "not for me thanks"......

Apart from determination to get myself under control another incentive was to be able to come here this morning and say "I didn't drink yesterday!!!" and do you know what? I'm not going to drink today either!!

[Oggyflute]

Well done mate. Advice can be good, but whatever you do, do it for yourself. Only you will decide how you go about this. As everyone has said, you will always have great support at Pet talk.

[Killearn Kitties]

Well done you! I was thinking about you last night and wondering how you were doing. I'm impressed.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Thanks

I suppose its times like this when my stubborn streak comes in useful! I gave up smoking without any "help" (after a few useless attempts) and got to my target weight within a month so I know I can do this too. Being able to come here and be so open and honest has helped me so, so much

[sasvermont]

I know little to nothing about AA. I do know that we all have our problems, some of us more than others! I congratulate you for having the courage to admit openly that you think alcohol has been your problem. Please don't feel alone with your problem - ever - and know that the Pet Talk people who know much about AA will be there for you. (((((((((Brody's Mom)))))))))

I cannot believe how "tight" a group many of us/they/we are! This has just got to be one of the best web sites out there.

Karen and Paul, thanks so much for allowing these humans the place to meet, greet and convene.

(((((((((((((Karen and Paul)))))))))))))))

[JenBKR]

I am so proud of you Denise, great job so far! I know it can't be easy, and it took you a LOT of courage to come forward and admit this to us. We are always here for you ((((hugs))))

[flip195]

i just want to say your doing well.

I worked for 14 years at Styal in Cheshire.. shift work, high stress etc, and they had an officers club, so it was easy to roll out of work and fall into the club at the end of a stressful evening shift, usually ended going home by taxi worse for wear at 1-2am... i was drinking LOTS, at least 9 to 12 pints a day, more on Fridays when i would go to the officers club then onto a club in Manchester till 3-4 in the morning, they days I did'nt work I went to the pub.

Yes it helped with the stress but it was taking it's toll. My father also had a drinking problem when I was a kid so I was well aware of what I was doing.

Anyway to cut a long story short I woke up one morning with yet another hang over and said enough is enough, and it stopped right there.

Now i Have the occasional light beer and thats it (still 12 bottles of coors light in the fridge from before christmas) If I can do it anyone can... way to go.

[Karen]

Apart from determination to get myself under control another incentive was to be able to come here this morning and say "I didn't drink yesterday!!!" and do you know what? I'm not going to drink today either!!

Excellent! We are all pulling for you to stack one day on top of another and another and ...

[Catty1]

Good for you, one day at a time.

Perhaps you don't have the illness.

I am glad I do - because as many times, or as few, in a week as I want to, I can meet up with others who are learning to live sober(which is different that not drinking). It's an incredible bond.

After all - only the first step of the twelve mentions alcohol.

The disease starts in the mind. IF you are alcoholic, one day your resolve and good will will evaporate and you will drink again. This is the "blank spot" that is characteristic of alcoholic thinking. We put our hand back on the hot stove.

I hope this gets easier and easier for you. If you wind up grouchy and 'white-knuckling' in a week or less or more - just get to a meeting and see what you think for yourself.

hugs
Catty1

[carole]

I am so extremely proud of you and your efforts,fantastic, just beware of the withdrawal effects, to be honest i think if you are an alcoholic you will suffer the DDTS i think that is the right term for it, not a pleasant experience, you may experience like things crawling over you that kinda of stuff,(My husband chose to be in a special facility to dry out, he was monitored daily, and he did experience this) you may also need this type of help in the future, well worth thinking about,i certainly am no expert on it all, but i can only share with you my own experience with my former husband, i do have some knowledge which i hope will be of help to you, anytime you want to PM me please do , i am only too willingly to offer you any support and advice i can.

Great stuff, and I wish you well today, remember it is not easy to do it alone, get the help you need and don't be too hard on yourself, take care and all the best, YOU CAN DO IT. you know you can.

[Corinna]

Keep it up as all things one day at a time.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Last night was a real test as we were watching football and that normally means having a beer (or 2) in hand. I did fancy a drink but then realised I was thirsty not craving alcohol so had a lovely glass of iced water

Saturday is my wedding anniversary (yep! married on April Fool's Day!) so we will be going out for a meal. I may have wine, I may not but if I do I'm going to approach it the same way I did my diet - a couple of squares of chocolate instead of the whole bar, a glass or two of wine instead of the bottle!

I also have an exercise machine at home which I now jump on for half an hour if I find my mind turning to drink

Thanks once again for all your advice and support - I've got a way to go yet but my whole approach to alcohol has changed completely and I woke up singing this morning!!!

[jenluckenbach]

Wonderful update. Keep up the good work. Happy anniversary.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I woke up singing this morning!!!

Wow Denise, I am realy proud of you!!! I wasn't at home yesterday, so I didn't read all the updates then. But I am amazed at how well you are doing this!!! Keep thinking like this, it will change your life completely!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!!

[Laura's Babies]

It is time for me to go back to work and I just wanted to say Good LUCK and keep it up! Hope when I get back next month, there will be nothing but good news from you! keep at it, keep it up!