Day 7, first post, another long night
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 29
Day 7, first post, another long night
Hi all,
As I said, this is my first post and really my first time seeking out a support group to help with my alcoholism. Don't really know how this goes, but I've read several threads and it seems and intro is in order.
I've been a heavy drinker for about 10-12 years, average a 12-pack a night, not uncommon to go through a case of beer on a Sat. or Sun. I suppose I've somehow managed to stay "functional." Grad school, good job, my wife and two small kids still love me. I usually go through heavy drinking phases that last a few weeks, then I quit cold turkey for a few days and then drink moderately untill it gets out of hand again. This go round I'm using Antabuse, which I ordered on-line. Anyway, days aren't so bad right now. The cravings are there, but I bury myself in work or household chores so I'm getting through it. Nights are the worst of course. Still having lots of trouble sleeping. My coffee consumption has tripled now that I'm sober, but I try not drink any after 5p.m.
A kind word or a little advice from you guys would be much appreciated.
As I said, this is my first post and really my first time seeking out a support group to help with my alcoholism. Don't really know how this goes, but I've read several threads and it seems and intro is in order.
I've been a heavy drinker for about 10-12 years, average a 12-pack a night, not uncommon to go through a case of beer on a Sat. or Sun. I suppose I've somehow managed to stay "functional." Grad school, good job, my wife and two small kids still love me. I usually go through heavy drinking phases that last a few weeks, then I quit cold turkey for a few days and then drink moderately untill it gets out of hand again. This go round I'm using Antabuse, which I ordered on-line. Anyway, days aren't so bad right now. The cravings are there, but I bury myself in work or household chores so I'm getting through it. Nights are the worst of course. Still having lots of trouble sleeping. My coffee consumption has tripled now that I'm sober, but I try not drink any after 5p.m.
A kind word or a little advice from you guys would be much appreciated.
We Do Recover
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,619
Welcome! Glad you are here! Have you ever considered attending an AA meeting or other "outside" support group? I certainly wish you well on your road to recovery---in the meantime, hang around here, read some of the posts. Keep sharing. Again--welcome to SR! :ghug2
same planet...different world
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Butte, America
Posts: 10,946
Hi Thib - welcome to SR!
You'll find a lot of support, and make a few friends here as well.
I didn't catch it in your post -
but are you seeing a medical doc about detoxing?
Alcohol withdrawals can be fatal when going 'cold turkey' ...
I can't emphasise enough the importance of seeing a doctor,
and being completely honest with them about your consumption.
Do you have any plans for continued recovery?
Feel free to read around the site - maybe drop over to Alcoholism Forums and read the stickies at the top of the forum - 'what to expect' and especially the 'Under The Influence' threads.
Use all the links to other information you want -
keep posting I'm sure others will be along in a bit to welcome you!
You'll find a lot of support, and make a few friends here as well.
I didn't catch it in your post -
but are you seeing a medical doc about detoxing?
Alcohol withdrawals can be fatal when going 'cold turkey' ...
I can't emphasise enough the importance of seeing a doctor,
and being completely honest with them about your consumption.
Do you have any plans for continued recovery?
Feel free to read around the site - maybe drop over to Alcoholism Forums and read the stickies at the top of the forum - 'what to expect' and especially the 'Under The Influence' threads.
Use all the links to other information you want -
keep posting I'm sure others will be along in a bit to welcome you!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 45
Thib,
Congrats on 7 days! It is 8 for me. Your pattern of drinking sounds alot like mine was only add two or three of those little shot bottles a night. Guidance is out there. I found out that without doing some footwork, my mind led me right back to that first drink. I have also learned that in this eight days of searching and listening and not drinking, that I enjoy this. I had to really decide I was done and ask for help. AA, this site, and many other options are available 24/7. Available for you to utilize and help you never go back. Good luck!!
Congrats on 7 days! It is 8 for me. Your pattern of drinking sounds alot like mine was only add two or three of those little shot bottles a night. Guidance is out there. I found out that without doing some footwork, my mind led me right back to that first drink. I have also learned that in this eight days of searching and listening and not drinking, that I enjoy this. I had to really decide I was done and ask for help. AA, this site, and many other options are available 24/7. Available for you to utilize and help you never go back. Good luck!!
where the light is
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,763
Originally Posted by Thib 
Grad school, good job, my wife and two small kids still love me.
Good work on day 7! In my case, these were the toughest days both physically & emotionally. I also have a graduate degree, great job, a loving wife, and two small kids. I am so grateful. Plus I'm also reading Duma Key (checked your profile) - about 1/2 way through, one of King's better books in recent memory!
I think the keys to getting as far as I have (day 105
) are finally accepting that I am an alcoholic, consistantly working on my sobriety (not a negative process - eg. seeking advice, reconnecting with family/friends, new friends (AA meetings), AA step work - learning about myself, prayer), & reaching out for help (AA, SR, family members in my case). The help of other alcoholics & people who understand has been essential. Other recovery programs, counseling & spiritual guidance are also options. It's been a good journey so far, not always pleasant but that's life - way easier to deal with the tough stuff sober. It really is a better life. Best wishes. D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 29
Thanks for all the support guys, it helps.
Barb, I haven't really considered seeing a doctor. I haven't experienced shakes or fever, just moodiness, short-tempered & sleep is still hard.
Gravity, thanks for the post, seems we have several things in common. We live in the country in rural Louisiana. The people in this area are great folks, salt of the earth, but our religous views seldom coincide. I haven't sought out AA because of the higher-power concept. This may be down-fall, hubris never worked out in any book I ever read. Anyway, I haven't found any secular group yet, I really appreciate this forum.
Have any of you used Antabuse before? I'd hate for it to become a crutch, but it's been really helpfull so far. I find that I can muster up the will power to take a couple tabs in the morning, then I don't really have the option to drink at night, when my cravings are the worst. I'm planning to use it for at least 30 days.
I think the longest I've ever gone without drinking before, since I was 15 or so, was 25 days. But even then I was using pot. Really, I think this is the longest I've gone without any mind-altering drug in 15 years. I didn't really think about that untill just now.
Long-term I just don't know yet. I still can't concieve of never, ever having a cold pint again.
I may drink tommorrow, but not today.
Barb, I haven't really considered seeing a doctor. I haven't experienced shakes or fever, just moodiness, short-tempered & sleep is still hard.
Gravity, thanks for the post, seems we have several things in common. We live in the country in rural Louisiana. The people in this area are great folks, salt of the earth, but our religous views seldom coincide. I haven't sought out AA because of the higher-power concept. This may be down-fall, hubris never worked out in any book I ever read. Anyway, I haven't found any secular group yet, I really appreciate this forum.
Have any of you used Antabuse before? I'd hate for it to become a crutch, but it's been really helpfull so far. I find that I can muster up the will power to take a couple tabs in the morning, then I don't really have the option to drink at night, when my cravings are the worst. I'm planning to use it for at least 30 days.
I think the longest I've ever gone without drinking before, since I was 15 or so, was 25 days. But even then I was using pot. Really, I think this is the longest I've gone without any mind-altering drug in 15 years. I didn't really think about that untill just now.
Long-term I just don't know yet. I still can't concieve of never, ever having a cold pint again.
I may drink tommorrow, but not today.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Baghdad
Posts: 2,822
Originally Posted by Thib
I may drink tommorrow, but not today.
And that is all you have to do, not drink today. I don't know if the "cravings" every go away, I prefer to think of them as insane thoughts. And I appreciate them, they remind me that I am an alcoholic. Congratulations! It does get better.
Seriously Fun!
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: California coast
Posts: 415
Sounds like you are on the right track. It is hard to ask for help and support. Welcome. Don't try to do it alone.
That was a hard one for me. Now I know I need other people like me in my life to stay on the right track.
That was a hard one for me. Now I know I need other people like me in my life to stay on the right track.
where the light is
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,763
Never tried Antabuse but I considered it as a short term solution at one point. There are threads here somewhere about it but personally I would talk to my doctor.
Do you have any kind of access to addictions counseling though work or in your community? Counseling may help and the counselor may be able to identify other face to face resources (eg. support groups). I tried a counselor and it helped me stay sober for some good stretches (so it worked to a point) but it wasn't quite enough for me (but it is for others of course).
Even what you are doing right now is a significant step forward...asking questions. In my case, I'm always learning. D
Do you have any kind of access to addictions counseling though work or in your community? Counseling may help and the counselor may be able to identify other face to face resources (eg. support groups). I tried a counselor and it helped me stay sober for some good stretches (so it worked to a point) but it wasn't quite enough for me (but it is for others of course).
Even what you are doing right now is a significant step forward...asking questions. In my case, I'm always learning. D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 29
I probably do need to seek counseling, get at the underlying issues of why I abuse alcohol. I've always told myself it was just because I love beer, and I do. I've been a homebrewer for many years, very seldom drink the hard stuff. But I know I can't stop at just one or two, or three, etc. As I said, drinking has been a part of my life for so long, I can't imagine never having it again. But I know it's a problem. And I know I need help. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing for now, focus on not drinking no matter what. I may seek counseling later, or attend an AA meeting this week.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Caution...you really need to see a doctor
for liver enzymes function test because Antabuse
is dangerous to use if your liver has damage.
I did use it in early recovery. My doctor would not
write the script unless I had tests done monthly.
And I was never allowed to take 2 a day.
Be both sober and safe.....Welcome to SR!
for liver enzymes function test because Antabuse
is dangerous to use if your liver has damage.
I did use it in early recovery. My doctor would not
write the script unless I had tests done monthly.
And I was never allowed to take 2 a day.
Be both sober and safe.....Welcome to SR!
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
