TheLuckyCat

I finally did it, I made an appointment with my doctor.
I can't seem to go more than 2 days without drinking :-(
Only appointment available is for Wednesday..

I'm so scared what to say..
Will I ask for counseling?
Will I tell her I'm drinking pretty much every night?

I'm not really sure what kind of help the doctor can offer me.
I'd really like it to be confidential, I really don't want my family knowing I'm getting help for alcolism :-(

ScottFromWI

Great idea LuckyCat, and a brave move too - kudos for making the call.

It will absolutely be confidential, so just be honest. All you have say is just what you said in this message- that you can't go more than 2 days without drinking. Print out this message and take it with you if that helps.

Grungehead

I just got back from my routine check up with my doctor. Just over 5 years ago (celebrate 5 years sober on April 17) I was in the same position as you are and I decided alcohol was surely going to kill me (sooner rather than later) if I didn't get some help. I went to see him and just told him the truth, that I wanted to quit drinking but kept failing when I tried to do it myself.

This wasn't my first time quitting and I gave him my entire drinking (and sober) history and told him I didn't really want to go to inpatient rehab if possible. He referred me to an outpatient treatment facility and allowed me to detox at home. I also went back to AA and worked the steps for the first time in 20+ years of being in and out of AA and in and out of sobriety.

For me, my doctor was the catalyst that got me started in the right direction. BUT...and that's a big BUT...I had to do my part for it to work. I had to follow the detox plan with no deviations. I had to show up for outpatient treatment sessions on time and participate. I had to finally work the program of AA with willingness instead of just filling up a seat at meetings a few times a week. My doctor was invaluable in getting me started and pointing me in the right direction, but it was still up to me to put in the hard work that getting sober takes.

Wishing you luck on your appointment Wednesday. Like Scott said, just be totally honest with her about your drinking and take it from there.

Bumblebee2

This is where I am at. Just at a doc apt, was semi honest... but was feeling desperate. To be honest I am still feeling desperate

With way. I have an apt scheduled for wed with a therapist.

Obladi

There is no reason in the world to not be honest with medical professionals. They are in the business because they want to help. I used to be less than honest out of shame, but realized I was doing both of us a disservice. That helped.

Dee74

I think thats a great step forward TheLuckyCat.

Do be honest when you get there - no point in only telling half the story, IMO.

D

Forward12

For sure be completely honest with them that you are an alcoholic that is drinking pretty much daily and need help. They likely will do blood work if you haven't been there for a while, but if not, make sure you ask that they do it to make sure everything is looking ok.
You can also talk to them about medications if that is something you would like to pursue and you both think would be helpful. Otherwise they will likely refer you to an addiction specialist. If they don't for some reason, be sure to ask for one.
Also medical records are completely confidential, you have nothing to worry about there.

Grungehead

I forgot to mention one other thing about my doctor. I see him every six months because I have a few medical conditions that need regular monitoring. I always let him know that I'm still sober and tell him how long it's been and he gives me a big grin and a fist bump. I'm sure there is some satisfaction on his end seeing the net results of helping one of his patients start down the road of recovery.

TheLuckyCat

Really everyone I can't thank you enough for sharing your experiences and giving me advice. With the day soon approaching, I keep thinking if I'll just freeze up and give half the story.
But from what you guys/gals are all saying... It's best to be honest and tell the doctor honestly.

There's no doubt that if I can't go two days without a drink, I've got a problem..<_<