So sad

[Chaps]

Not sure where to start, all my friends drink. I can't just have one. Almost everything I do for fun involves drinking. When I drink I don't give my wife the respect she deserves. Where do I start on stoping.

[susanlauren]

Chaps,
Do you really want to stop drinking and stay stopped drinking? Because in order to accomplish that goal, it is going to require change. Change in activities, change in thinking, change in yourself, change in relationships, etc.

Assuming that you want to stop, there are some practical matters that need to be addressed. First, how much are you currently drinking? Have you had withdrawal symptoms in the past? Is detox/withdrawal going to be an issue for you?

Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. It is always wise to consult with your doctor before quitting because he or she can provide assistance with a safe medical detox. Your doctor can also be a great source of referrals and resources.

Second, most people find that they need some sort of program or support to stop and stay stopped. I have found the program of Alcoholics Anonymous invaluable to me and key to my being able to stop drinking and stay stopped drinking.

AA is not the only resource or program available -- there are rehabs and treatment centers (both inpatient and outpatient), SMART, LifeRing, Rational Recovery, addictions counseling, group therapy, etc. You might check out the sticky notes for resources.

As for friends and drinking, have you considered asking your friends to do activities that do not involve drinking? If your friends are true friends, they will support and encourage you in your efforts not to drink. If they don't, then you may need to reevaluate your friendships.

One thing that is neat about AA is the extensive fellowship and support network that is available. Folks in AA do all sorts of fun things -- from camping, to motorcycling, to canoeing, to picnics/BBQs, to music festivals -- all without alcohol. One does not need to drink to have fun. In fact, sobriety is even more fun because one gets to be present for and to remember the activity. No guilt, shame, remorse, regret.

I hope the above is helpful to you. Others will be along shortly to share their thoughts. Susan

[PaperDolls]

Welcome to SR Chaps!

Susan has some great things to say and I can't really add much right now. Looking forward to "seeing" you around here.

Good luck to you in your journey. It DOES get better. It just takes some time.

[wellwisher]

Welcome, Chaps....

I think you'll find a lot of support in here

[DayTrader]

Originally Posted by Chaps

I can't just have one. Almost everything I do for fun involves drinking.

Sounds like a great start on step 1.... time for step 2. take yer butt to a meeting, pray for some guidance and start looking for a sponsor.......then get crackin' on step 2.

your life will do a 180 just as surely as mine did. best of all, you don't have to "fix" or "change" yourself......you can't anyway.....and if you could, you would have by now.

[CarolD]

when I wanted to stop drinking..I found local AA meetings and started on my recovery ..

Welcome Chaps ..my best to you and your wife..