exbartender

Wow, I have a lot in common with these stories, but I have not yet quit drinking. I have a small business that does ok, but I work from home with no one to "oversee" me, and I know my productivity is slipping away.

I split a 1.5L bottle with my wife tonight, just in hopes of getting to sleep, but between the anxiety making my heart race and the tinnitus in my ear, here I am in the wee hours of the morning, banging away on the keyboard.

I had about 3 weeks sober a couple months ago, which was a long spell for me. I need to find the courage to get to an AA meeting, and you fine people are helping me to get pointed in the right direction.

Thanks for that, and wish me luck (again).

Ex-bartender

elmutante

Hmmm.

I guess "functional" depends on how you apply it. I always applied it to my job and figured that as long as it wasn't affecting my job, there wasn't that big of a problem.

What finally got me to quit recently was the realization that it WAS affecting my job, affecting my concentration, coherence, and desire to work. I'm really looking forward to the other side where I'm clear-headed, coherent and focused again. In 4 short days I already feel better.

Functioning socially is a whole other matter though.

lostmdboy

give it time, and you will hit bottom. Beyond your wortse nightmares.

Rimmy

I could not have stopped in and read a more perfect applicable thread... Thanks to all who have shared.

Freedom1990

Deep down inside, I wasn't 'functional' before I ever picked up that first drink. That's why I drank.

I was so freaking uncomfortable in my own skin, I couldn't stand myself.