Juji

Hi, I'm new here. In fact, this is my day one. I was wondering if I could get some advice. It seems like some people have it a lot worse than I do, but I'm still scared and really embarrassed about this whole thing. Is it possible to get through this without meetings? I really, really don't want anyone I know, to know. Also, my friends always make jokes about my drinking or get mad at me when I say something inappropriate but then they tell me that I'm more fun when drunk. The sad thing is that it's true, I'm boring when sober. Has anyone else felt that way? And last, but not least, I work in a lot of politics and networking which almost always involves cocktails. How can I say no and not draw attention to myself? How do you say no when you're around it so much.

Sorry for the long post and thank

GlassPrisoner

That's because you're probably in the early stages of the disease. If you're an alcoholic, it will progress. In AA, there is a term often heard. "Yet". As in, I've never been arrested (yet), or I've never lost a job (yet).

Forget for now what life will be like after you sober up. Just focus on getting sober, everything else will be clear to you after a while.

I couldn't do it without AA. I tried everything, and the harder I tried to do it on my own, the more I got beat up by alcohol. Hopefully you won't have to have the beating administered to you that I did before you realize that "you're way" wont work.

Give it a try. A whole hearted, open, honest approach. Go routinely (daily) for maybe 30 days. Listen. Talk to others before and after the meetings, you'll be surprised. I was.

BTW, I have over 8 months right now. And I'm happier than I've ever been. I was a daily, 24 x 7 drinker that needed to drink every 2 hours to keep from withdraw starting. I know, you're not there......yet.

nogard

Welcome Juji

Congrats on day one thatas a huge start!

I have over two years drug and Alcohol free. Early days where difficult and I had no idea where I was going, best thing I ever did was get help by going to meetings and do what was suggested.

Today I have problems but they are golden nad promise change. I have a good life and enjoy being sober, it never occurs to me anymore what I might say if asked for a drink, I simply say no thanks.

Kevin

Jersey Nonny

Quote:

but I'm still scared and really embarrassed about this whole thing. Is it possible to get through this without meetings? I really, really don't want anyone I know, to know.

First of all, would you be embarrassed if you had cancer, or diabetes (sp?), or any of a number of other diseases? You have a disease called alcoholism, and the only way to arrest it is by total abstinence...that should include many other drugs, as well.

Second, the only way I've had any experience with stopping is through attending lots of AA meetings, "networking" with phone numbers of other recovering alcoholics, and utilizing everything the AA program has to offer.

Third, you're only kidding yourself if you think others don't know...they may be reluctant to label you an alcoholic; but, actually, you're the only one who can make that admission--to yourself, or to anyone else with whom you choose to share that knowledge.

Fourth, "Just Say No", works with alcohol, too. Say it often enough (no explanation necessary), and eventually folks will get the idea...you just don't feel like drinking. It's really easier than you think...and, the longer you're alcohol free, the easier it gets.

Alive

there is a lot of info here....more friends will come...i can tell you that there are a lot of answers here and many chances for you to dig in....


I think sober is always preferable..no matter what...sober is reality...

stay strong

Anna

Hi Juji,

Welcome!

One thing I would say is that getting and staying sober is hard and it needs to be a priority in your life. Sometimes that means changing things in your life that are difficult to change. For me, that meant leaving some people behind when I moved on and meeting new people. And, for me, I would not have been able to be around alcohol when I first stopped drinking. It was too stressful. If you're in such a situation, saying 'no thanks' is all that needs to be said.

AA works for many people, but it's not the only way to get sober.

Here is a link to other resources:

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-programs.html

CarolD

Welcome to SR!

Please check out....

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...influence.html

Blessings

lostmdboy

I would advise checking out an AA meeting or two. Maybe in another town if it means that much too you. Alcoholism is a deadly disease. You may not be have gotten as bad as some of us "YET". Give it time you will. Please get a little help, and keep coming back.