Camaris

So, here is my story. I feel compelled to right this out and this is simply the best spot to do it....

I am in year two of my alcoholism recovery rollercoaster ride. I stopped drinking on Jan. 1, 2007, lasting 6 full months. During the balance of that year I binged, had several major incidents and spent only 25% of the time sober. During this time I was also training for an Ironman, which I successfully complete in April of this year. This unfortunately, gave me another excuse to drink.....something I just can't control.

I believe I can get back on the wagon and stay on it for good this time.

Does anyone have any suggestions around seeing a Psychologist? Does this help a great deal or should I handle it on my own (like I did once before).

Also, has anyone had success with EFT?


Cheers

Anna

Hi and Welcome,

Recovery is definitely a journey and it sounds like you must be a lot of physical exercise. That's great! I wonder what else you have done for yourself in your recovery. I know for me, it takes work every day, in order to stay on this road.

I saw two therapists early on and for me, it was useless. They had no clue. But, sometimes people find a therapist who clicks with them and it can really help.

What is EFT?

Camaris

Thanks for the input!

EFT is Emotional Freedom Techniques. It claims to tap into the energy zones location throughout the body, similar to acupuncture.

I am always up for trying new things and wanted to see if others have given it a shot

nickishine

Camaris,

Thank you for posting! Congratulations for getting the 6 months you did accomplish!

"Alcohol -- cunning, baffling, powerful!!!".... I drink when I've reached successes, I've drank because of "incidences", I've drank for the sake of drinking and to get drunk. I've tried to stay sober on my own and using the will-power I'm "supposed" to have and at times, it'll work -- ONLY FOR A WHILE! It's just waiting for me. Always waiting for me!

It's like all will be going well and life is good. I'll be driving down the street and "poof" the thought comes to mind "You can get a bottle of wine. You deserve it." then "you can handle this, just drink this one and don't get anymore, and tomorrow just go back to the norm". Okay, first of all -- the "1" bottle of wine is a 1/2 gallon. It's gone in an hour or so. I'm back at the store getting 2 more (just in case).... start drinking and drinking and get sober days, weeks later after horrific detoxing.

I "should" know better. Alcohol is deceiving. Our thoughts are deceiving concerning it. It downplays the ruination it causes in our lives. Again, it's cunning, baffling & powerful. The first drink gets me drunk, albeit for days & weeks! Where's the solution? Where's the answer? For me: Not to pick up that 1st drink. Have accountability in my life. Have supporters through AA and this forum who UNDERSTAND & RELATE to my problem. I CAN'T do this alone. Tried for far too long and have conceded that I have lost the ability to control alcohol in my life and cannot do sober living and healing on my own.

I've sought psychological help in the past. I have found that another alcoholic who can identify with me completely is enough for me, and what a blessing it is! Especially to know that I am not alone. Neither are you!!! :ghug2

Back to the question. It's another resource out there to see a specialist. There's also AA and the fellowship there and herein as well. You are not limited as to what or which you should do but I do advise strongly to not do it on your own!!! Cunning, baffling and powerful - Alcohol!!!!

Sincerely,
Nicki

Camaris

Awesome reply, thank you so much.....it almost made me cry (I am a bit dazed and confused from last nights binge)........./sigh

Anna

Camaris,

There is lots of support on this message board.

I come here every day and I never fail to be inspired by something I read.

I think it's great that you're looking for answers.

lisa t

Hi Camaris and Welcome...glad you are here!
You can do this! We all were at a place once when we thought we couldn't and believe me I'm no different. For me it takes the fellowship of AA and my sponsor to help me through this journey. I never tried it on my own because quite frankly, I didn't think I had a problem with alcohol (although deep down I really knew), it was the people around me that had the problem. First thing for me was to be honest with myself!! I too have been to a therapist, it was ok for a while...she wasn't an alcohol counselor and admitted right up front she was limited in her knowledge of alcoholism, but she did help me to work on some of my character defects, which was great.
I know you have to find your own path, but agree with those above, I don't recommend doing it on your own! The support is there/here, just keep reaching out...amazing things will happen for you! Just take it one day at a time and keep it simple for yourself!!! Keep coming back...so much wisdom and help here!!
In Love & Peace & Sobriety!!
Lisa

CarolD

While I found counseling to be interesting....after 2 years
I was still drinking.
After being diagnosed with situational depression...I began AA.

No...I have no experience with EFT....I have been sober 19 years.

Glad you are here with us....keep posting and Welcome!

adore79

Hi, welcome to SR. Neither my therapist or my shrink help much with staying off of alcohol, it isnt really their specialities. There are chemical dependency councellors that you could look into. Good luck!