Struggling to stop drinking

Posted by CoorSki @coorski, Jul 31, 2012

I am struggling to stop drinking. I have no doubts what so ever that I am an alcoholic, and it will kill me if I don't stop. The best I can do is to make a day or two, and then I relapse. I've worked with AA for over 5 years, and I am still drinking. It is a huge burden, and maybe I've painted myself in a corner tight enough that I have no choice but not to drink. I would like to join in a discussion with people who have successfully stopped their alcohol abuse, and could possibly assist me as I attempt once again not to drink. I have no delusions about ever being able to drink alcohol sensibly in the future. I know, that for me, the only option is total and permanent abstinence. Typically by the weekend, I'll be feeling rather well, and then I decide I can have some. If I drink beer, on average, I drink at least 12 and sometimes up to 14. I usually don't drink hard liquor of wine as it really sneaks up on me, and the next thing I know it's the next morning, and I don't remember much. The one thing I am trying is to eat late in the afternoon so I have a full stomach as I approach my alcohol abuse hour/hours (typically starting around 3 to 5, and then drinking for 4 hours after starting).

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Addiction & Recovery Support Group.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 4, 2019

Hi All: I have been thinking about you all and wondering how your holiday weekend went. If you would care to share how you dealt with the temptations of alcohol, I would enjoy hearing from you.

mcmurf2 | @mcmurf2 | Sep 4, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @mcmurf2 - have you gotten to start some of the work on the inner triggers..." + (show)

I"m working step 1,,, Again.... also in DBT classes and counselor .. so somewhere,, we should get to the root. My phsych also wants to give me a shot every month. Cant think of the name of it. But, the reason for that is I"m on Clonazaman and she does not want me drinking with having that. soooo,, just in case I have a slip,, she wants to give me the shot.

I think I am recognizing some triggers.. . but now to deal with them.

thanks for checking up on me.!!!

mcmurf2 | @mcmurf2 | Sep 4, 2019

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hi All: I have been thinking about you all and wondering how your holiday weekend went...." + (show)

I was not around any drinking people. I spent a lovely weekend working in the yard.. THAT was SOOOOOOOOO nice.. and did not even crave a drink during my 'breaks'. I love yard work. And this new thing of no drinking... wow.. was a much better day.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 4, 2019

In reply to @mcmurf2 "I was not around any drinking people. I spent a lovely weekend working in the yard....." + (show)

So glad to hear that you had a good holiday, @mcmurf2, without the alcohol. Having an activity planned that did not involve alcohol was important!

mcmurf2 | @mcmurf2 | Sep 7, 2019

hi! I too tried to stop by myself, thought it was easy,, until a major trigger.. and then,, another. sooooo a friend ( ended up being my sponsor), told me to try NA.. NOT AA. similar but different.. I love it.. LOVE the meetings.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a newbie. so .. the only thing I can share is my short experience. I also am getting a shot to stop the cravings.. can't remember the name. I wish you luck my friend. maybe do try the NA meeting instead. Just to see.... My sponsor tried AA as well,, many years ago,, just wasn't a fit for her.. soooooooooo that is why she told me to try NA..

Just a thought.... hugs..

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 7, 2019

In reply to @mcmurf2 "hi! I too tried to stop by myself, thought it was easy,, until a major trigger....." + (show)

Hello @mcmurf2

I am pleased to hear that you found a new group to share with. As I'm not familiar with this group, could you explain a little about NOT AA? In what ways is it different from AA? Would also love to hear what you have found to stop the cravings. Please share only as you are comfortable doing so. At Connect, we all learn from each other so each Member's experience might very well help another Member!

mcmurf2 | @mcmurf2 | Sep 7, 2019

I will post the 'shot' for the cravings when I get the name right...ha.. don't want to steer anybody wrong. as for the difference of AA to NA, my sponsor just felt more welcome and that the philosophy of 'everyone can be treated' to 'not everyone can be helped'. was the difference she took away from it.

Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Sep 10, 2019

In reply to @mcmurf2 "I will post the 'shot' for the cravings when I get the name right...ha.. don't want..." + (show)

Hi, @mcmurf2 - did you happen to find the name for the shots you are getting for the cravings?

mcmurf2 | @mcmurf2 | Sep 10, 2019

In reply to @lisalucier "Hi, @mcmurf2 - did you happen to find the name for the shots you are getting..." + (show)

I'm still waiting to talk with her. She just did a blood test order and I have not actually asked her what the name of that was yet again.

moncrdeb | @moncrdeb | Sep 21, 2019

Perhaps attending 90 AA meetings in 90 days would help. It sounds like a sponsor could be helpful. Take it one day at a time and last but not least, turn your will and your life over to your higher power.

View More View Less

Please sign in or register to post a reply.