breakdown

[function]

Hi, I'm a newwbie and feel as if I might be having a breakdown today bieng only my third day. I have been a drinker a recreational drug user for the past 15 years. I still continue to drink even though it gives me paranoia and panic attacks sometimes the next day. I have two little boys and don't know how to do this. Was sober when pregnant but went back to the lifestyle each time. So do I have to change my friends? My husband still drinks and I don't think is ready to quit, I am!!! I want more in my life then bieng able to down 6 sometimes 12 beers a night. Have said this before but for some reason this time does feel different.
I feel as if I am just rambling along but their is so much going through my head today.
Any advice anything would be nice.

[GettingFree]

Mistake posting!

[GettingFree]

Hi Function,

Welcome to SR. There is a lot of support waiting for you here for you and your decision to quit. You can do it, you did it in pregnancy, and it sounds like you now have acknowledged that alcohol and drugs won't let you reach other important goals you have for yourself. Great first step.

You asked if you have to change your friends. Many do find that becomes necessary. It can be very hard to give up an addiction while spending time with others who are actively engaged. For me, I found my priorties and values started to shift dramatically during my recovery, and a few people I had spent time with I naturally started to drift from. But I was also fortunate in that my closest friends were never part of this equation so I had their support to rely on.

It may be more challenging to quit with a partner who continues to drink and I hope your husband can be supportive of your decision. It'll be important going forward to identify what ways you need his support. Everyone has their own thresholds and triggers and perhaps you can look at what those are for you -- ie. drinking in front of you, having alcohol in the house, support in attending meetings if you choose that route, etc.

Keep posting,
best,
gf

[Justme57]

Hi there Function , welcome to SR so glad you found us. You will find great support here.

Have a read of ther " sticky " posts at the top of the Alcohol and AA Forums, there is a wealth of info there .

Congreatulations on seeking help, you dont have to go to the end of the line

I chose AA as my recovery method, and it has been terrific, especially learning to LIVE without the booze, which i was finding hard . It might be a good f2f support for you , cos it may be difficult for you , if your husband is still drinking.

I wish you well in your recovery journey

HUGX
Lee

[51anna]

Hi Function,

You've made a great decision and there are lots of women here who can offer support and encouragement.

GF is right. You'd be surprised how much your priorities change when you become sober. When I was drinking I lost interest in most everything else and my world became smaller and smaller. I couldn't imagine a sober life. And, you might have to change your friends. But, you might find that you want to change your friends because you are interested in different things.

Just take small steps. Stay sober today.