sunshinebaby

Now that I have decided to stop drinking completely, I am having feelings of regret and remorse. Why didn't I have control over what I was doing, why did I put my body under risk of damage, why did I not think about my childrens emotional wellbeing. I never was drunk in front of them, but they have seen me drinking a glass of wine, and I worry that that image they will remember.

I am scared that I have permanently damaged my body, I am scared that I have somehow put my childrens future at risk, as my late dad was a very heavy drinker and I remember him drinking big glass jugs of port, and my mother, who still has a beer most nights, but doesn't get drunk was always so mad at him for doing this. Will my kids remember me drinking, will it somehow cause them to drink when they are older. I am so remorseful now and upset that I didn't see all of this sooner. Can a person get over these feelings and forgive oneself?

I am teary and scared about what I have done. I stopped drinking for a full month in March, as I was into fitness but I started drinking wine again after that month.

As my pattern is binge drinking on the weekends and a couple of nights per week, with no more than two days usually of not drinking, any ideas of what I am to expect, now that I have stopped. How long til my body is free of alcohol?

I am so glad I found this site, because I am determined to lead a healthy life, for myself and my family. Thank you for reading.

least

There are "stickies" at the top of the Alcoholism forum titled: Quitting, what to expect, what we did, and has a lot of info about stopping alcohol. For me the first three days were hell but by the fourth I was feeling a bit more human. Everyone detoxes differently but medical advice is a good idea. Be safe when coming off alcohol. I too am so grateful for having found this site. And for the same reasons too! I've gotten so much strength from my friends here, it's made a hell of a difference in staying sober. (I did 'practice' quitting for quite a while, which is maybe why I'm better at it now)

Come here often. Come here and post if you feel like drinking. We'll help 'talk you down' from that ledge! I also am being far more honest with myself since I now have motivation to be honest with YOU. Funny how I can lie to myself but not lie to someone else. Why do I treat myself like that? But thanks to the support in getting sober I get from here, I'm finally feeling hopeful. I think you will too. This is a great place.

:ghug

Bamboozle

Hello! Welcome to SR. Check out the info at the top of the Alcoholism Forum. That would be a good place to start. Detoxing for certain people without medical attention can be very dangerous--possibly life-threatening. If it gets bad, go to the hospital. Try to have someone with you at all times to check up on you.


I don't have kids, but you seem to be determined to make positive changes in your life. Your kids will see that and remember it. Give yourself a break...you don't need to beat yourself up over this. You're human. We all make mistakes.

Get yourself to a doctor and be honest about your drinking history. There are tests than can determine what, if any, damage has already been done.

Again, please think about detoxing in a medical facility. There is no way to predict what will happen to anyone who does this on their own. Keep posting!

AW2486

The important thing is you have made a decision to stop drinking for good.

Move forward in that direction.

Im with what others have said.. Detox can be dangerous. Seek medical advice

Hope

The first thing is to forgive yourself. I know that is easier said than done. I still struggle with the same thing.

But as much as we want to, we cannot change the past. We have today and our future to move forward and make better choices. You can make amends for the past by making the daily decision to stay sober one day at a time and working through these feelings.

It all seems so overwhelming at the beginning. But so many others have overcome their battle with alcohol and we can too.

Hevyn

Sunshine, in the past I kept myself from getting better by being filled with regret & remorse. It was a vicious cycle - the more guilty I felt about my behavior, the more I drank just to be able to sleep and get through the day. Please don't waste any more precious time on those useless emotions. Of course you need to take a long hard look at where you've been & vow to never go back there, but once you've done that it's time to look at all the good things you still have left in your life. You'll show everyone the real you - your strength and courage. Soon the negative perception that some may have had will fade away. Thanks for being here with us. Love, Joanie

tommyk

Move on.

Serenidad

Work the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous. I felt the exact way you did just 4 short months ago and I am soooo much better!

Good luck!

Anna

I also prevented myself from getting better, by allowing the guilt and shame to overwhelm me for a long time. Of course there is nothing you can do about the past and what has happened. I think part of recovery is accepting that you have the opportunity to change today and to move forward.

It's a really good idea to talk to your dr before you detox from alcohol.

sunshinebaby

Thank you everyone for your replies, and tommyk, I love your replies that are short, sweet and very truthful, thank you. Peace to you.