Hello, new girl from Atlanta, Day 1...
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 9
Hello, new girl from Atlanta, Day 1...
Hello everybody!
Well this is my first step into actually admitting that I have a serious alcohol addiction. This is really tough. My husband is a 12 pack a night drinker who doesnt want me to stop drinking, I work full time in a Sports bar where we are encouraged to take shots and Im a mother of one daughter aged 11.
Im 36 and moved from the UK to the States 5 years ago.
This was when I went from being a drinker of half a bottle of wine a night, which caused me no apparent problems (what a joke) to someone who wakes feeling like crap until I give in at about 4pm and start on the vodka. I dont know how much I drink but it is an enormous amount and today is the day I stop.
So its the evening and even though I probably have enough liqour in me to power a helicopter from the past week, Im sober.
I have no-one around me who doesnt have a drink problem, but they would bet a million dollars that they dont.
Jeesh, sorry to introduce myself with a huge rant about my life.
Im a happy person who wants a full life that doesnt involve sticking my fingers down my throat in a bid for less of a headache the next morning.
Thankyou for everybody who posts on this forum, reading other peoples stories and successes really gives me the motivation to get my life back on track, I dont want to lose any more years this way.
Best to everyone x
Well this is my first step into actually admitting that I have a serious alcohol addiction. This is really tough. My husband is a 12 pack a night drinker who doesnt want me to stop drinking, I work full time in a Sports bar where we are encouraged to take shots and Im a mother of one daughter aged 11.
Im 36 and moved from the UK to the States 5 years ago.
This was when I went from being a drinker of half a bottle of wine a night, which caused me no apparent problems (what a joke) to someone who wakes feeling like crap until I give in at about 4pm and start on the vodka. I dont know how much I drink but it is an enormous amount and today is the day I stop.
So its the evening and even though I probably have enough liqour in me to power a helicopter from the past week, Im sober.
I have no-one around me who doesnt have a drink problem, but they would bet a million dollars that they dont.
Jeesh, sorry to introduce myself with a huge rant about my life.
Im a happy person who wants a full life that doesnt involve sticking my fingers down my throat in a bid for less of a headache the next morning.
Thankyou for everybody who posts on this forum, reading other peoples stories and successes really gives me the motivation to get my life back on track, I dont want to lose any more years this way.
Best to everyone x
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 581
Hi Stacey, there seem to be a fair amount of people on SR who are in Atlanta so you're in good company! Are you considering finding an AA meeting? It may help you a lot. I know it has for me. Good for you, for deciding to end the insanity.
Hugs,
Soph
Hugs,
Soph
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,503
Hi Stacey,
Welcome!
I'm so glad you have made the decision to stop drinking and to live a sober life. There is lots of support here. It's always a good idea to talk to your dr before you stop drinking because detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous.
Welcome!
I'm so glad you have made the decision to stop drinking and to live a sober life. There is lots of support here. It's always a good idea to talk to your dr before you stop drinking because detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 9
thankyou!
I have thought about meetings and am looking to find one locally.
Im moving out the Arizona in a couple of months so will be looking out there too. The only thing I worry about meetings is that in my past experience, talking about my feelings in person usually ends up in me breaking down.
Whenever Ive had to talk to Doctors about depression, I end up crying my eyes out in 2 minutes flat. Its not pretty.
I havent approached my doctors as Im scared of it being in my notes that I have an addiction problem. As Im british, homeland security scares the jeepers out of me and wouldnt want anything to affect my application for citizenship next year. I dont know how in depth their background checks go, if you know what I mean.
Thankyou all again and all the best xxx
I have thought about meetings and am looking to find one locally.
Im moving out the Arizona in a couple of months so will be looking out there too. The only thing I worry about meetings is that in my past experience, talking about my feelings in person usually ends up in me breaking down.
Whenever Ive had to talk to Doctors about depression, I end up crying my eyes out in 2 minutes flat. Its not pretty.
I havent approached my doctors as Im scared of it being in my notes that I have an addiction problem. As Im british, homeland security scares the jeepers out of me and wouldnt want anything to affect my application for citizenship next year. I dont know how in depth their background checks go, if you know what I mean.
Thankyou all again and all the best xxx
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 83
Welcome to SR Stacey, your making a wonderful choice for your life, and you will not regret it! Keep strong and come to SR when you feel weak. I definitely recommend you check out AA or another support group. They are wonderful rooms of supportive people who want to help each other. Good luck, I look forward to hearing about your progress!
Lithobid
Lithobid
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 31,179
Welcome ((Stacey))!
I live on the south side of Atlanta and don't go to meetings, but did want to welcome you to SR!
I honestly don't know about the homeland security thing, but please DO seek medical attention if you get to feeling too badly...alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures or even death.
I wouldn't worry about "breaking down" in a meeting...I used to go, and it happens and people are usually very supportive. When I first went, I just listened the first few times..a little to scared to open up. People were nice, though, and talked to me before/after meetings. The meetings I went to were when I lived 2 hours away, or I'd point you in that direction
Hugs and prayers!
Amy
I live on the south side of Atlanta and don't go to meetings, but did want to welcome you to SR!
I honestly don't know about the homeland security thing, but please DO seek medical attention if you get to feeling too badly...alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures or even death.
I wouldn't worry about "breaking down" in a meeting...I used to go, and it happens and people are usually very supportive. When I first went, I just listened the first few times..a little to scared to open up. People were nice, though, and talked to me before/after meetings. The meetings I went to were when I lived 2 hours away, or I'd point you in that direction
Hugs and prayers!
Amy
SR Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7,910
Hi Stacey
It takes alot of courage to admit we're alcoholics, and it truly is the first step towards a new life. You're not alone anymore, OK? People here know what you're going through.
I know how scary it is to think about telling anyone in person right now, but I think doctors are pretty used to seeing people at their lowest. I know in our town, there are doctors who specialize in treating alcoholics/addicts and offer detox, which makes me think that there would be alot more doctors like that in Atlanta. Or call a local rehab - they may know of other options, too. As far as anyone finding out, the doctor/patient relationship insures that your records are strictly confidential, and besides, getting sober is all you need to worry about right now.
Keep searching and asking around until you get answers and grab on to all the support you can get right now! It will get better!!!!!!!
It takes alot of courage to admit we're alcoholics, and it truly is the first step towards a new life. You're not alone anymore, OK? People here know what you're going through.I know how scary it is to think about telling anyone in person right now, but I think doctors are pretty used to seeing people at their lowest. I know in our town, there are doctors who specialize in treating alcoholics/addicts and offer detox, which makes me think that there would be alot more doctors like that in Atlanta. Or call a local rehab - they may know of other options, too. As far as anyone finding out, the doctor/patient relationship insures that your records are strictly confidential, and besides, getting sober is all you need to worry about right now.
Keep searching and asking around until you get answers and grab on to all the support you can get right now! It will get better!!!!!!!
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,778
Welcome to the family! Good for you for deciding to live sober. Makes life so much less complicated and risky without alcohol. Do check out our Alcoholism forum for a lot of good info in the 'stickies' at the top of the page. Especially the one about "quitting, what to expect, what we did". Gives you some idea of what you may expect during detox. But do get medical attention if you start feeling too bad.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...at-we-did.html
Good for you for deciding to live sober. Makes life so much less complicated and risky without alcohol. Do check out our Alcoholism forum for a lot of good info in the 'stickies' at the top of the page. Especially the one about "quitting, what to expect, what we did". Gives you some idea of what you may expect during detox. But do get medical attention if you start feeling too bad.http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...at-we-did.html
Snarf Snarf
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: ATL
Posts: 835
Hey Stacey, welcome to SR! I just made it through 75 days without alcohol, and it's pretty awesome, I must admit.
I too live in the Atlanta area and work in a bar. I know the lifestyle and the city. Drinking is a pretty large pastime around here, and for sure there's plenty of it around. And I've been working in bars in this city for over a decade, so trust me when I say, I know what it's like. And also trust me when I say that if this drunk can string together 75 consecutive 24-hour spans without booze, then damn well anyone should be able to.
But I didn't, and can't, and never will be able to, do it alone. I've had lots of help, here on SR, from good friends and close family, and very importantly, from AA. There are over 1200 AA meetings each week in the Atlanta area. Suffice it to say, there are plenty of options and plenty of different types of meetings. Even if you don't share about yourself in the meetings (at first...you will later), it helps a lot to hear the stories of people who have experienced things similar to what you've been through. I also think it's important to speak face-to-face with others who have been able to stay off alcohol and who can share with you their experiences. I went to AA 4 years ago, and never thought it could be for me. But this time, when I knew that my relationship with alcohol had to come to an end, AA has been monumental in my recovery.
I'd be happy to share any info I can regarding meetings in Atlanta, and just in working in our industry in this town and not drinking. It can be done. Thanks for joining us here!
I too live in the Atlanta area and work in a bar. I know the lifestyle and the city. Drinking is a pretty large pastime around here, and for sure there's plenty of it around. And I've been working in bars in this city for over a decade, so trust me when I say, I know what it's like. And also trust me when I say that if this drunk can string together 75 consecutive 24-hour spans without booze, then damn well anyone should be able to.
But I didn't, and can't, and never will be able to, do it alone. I've had lots of help, here on SR, from good friends and close family, and very importantly, from AA. There are over 1200 AA meetings each week in the Atlanta area. Suffice it to say, there are plenty of options and plenty of different types of meetings. Even if you don't share about yourself in the meetings (at first...you will later), it helps a lot to hear the stories of people who have experienced things similar to what you've been through. I also think it's important to speak face-to-face with others who have been able to stay off alcohol and who can share with you their experiences. I went to AA 4 years ago, and never thought it could be for me. But this time, when I knew that my relationship with alcohol had to come to an end, AA has been monumental in my recovery.
I'd be happy to share any info I can regarding meetings in Atlanta, and just in working in our industry in this town and not drinking. It can be done. Thanks for joining us here!
Awakening
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 290
Welcome, Stacey. Don't let worries about Fatherland Security discourage you from seeing a doctor. Doctor-Patient confidentiality ensures your privacy, and I have a hard time imagining an addiction specialist who would put your citizenship in jeopardy because you did the right thing for your health and wellbeing. In fact, it would be highly unlikely that you'd get anything but enthusiastic support and help, so don't take chances with your health.
Rev
Rev
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,436
Hi Stacey
I'm not American, or British, but it seems to me common sense that homeland security is about...homeland security - that to me means perhaps in some cases criminal records, political affiliations and memberships, passports, visas issued etc - but not someones medical records
D
I'm not American, or British, but it seems to me common sense that homeland security is about...homeland security - that to me means perhaps in some cases criminal records, political affiliations and memberships, passports, visas issued etc - but not someones medical records
D
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