Seeking help....
Seeking help.... 
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
a lot of information for the alcoholic
Originally Posted by mshadows 
New to this site. Seeking support and encouragment and help with my drinking. It seems to have gotten out of my control and I don't even know where to begin 
welcome to site
it starts with keeping the plug in the jug
you might wish to buy a copy of the AA Big Book
it has a lot of information for the alcoholic who wishes to be sober
it starts with keeping the plug in the jug
you might wish to buy a copy of the AA Big Book
it has a lot of information for the alcoholic who wishes to be sober
Recovering
Join Date: May 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 1,361
Hi mshadows
Welcome aboard the lifeboat.
I think an important first step for most people is to decide whether they want to reduce or to stop drinking. Most, or all, of us here are people who reached the point where we knew that we needed to stop, and that moderation just wasn't a workable option for us. Mind you I wouldn't want moderate drinking now anyway - I've got to love the sober life, though it did take some real readjustment.
If you've decided to give up altogether then there are various options, and I think it can be a bit confusing to begin with, but probably the most important thing is to commit to one and stick with it unless you're pretty sure it's not working. Lots of people find AA useful as there is nearly always local support available, or video meetings if you are away from civilization. AA follows a "12 step" approach, that can also be followed outside of AA. Quite a few people here like something called AVRT. I think you'll find most info on that in the "secular recovery" part of the forum, but just ask here and people will tell you more and point you in the right direction for more info. Others have been very successful just talking things through, and getting support, here on SR. You might also want to listen to some talks from XA-Speakers - The lights are on! I found those useful - I used to download them and play them in the car to help stop from buying beer on the way home (it's harder to buy beer when listening to a talk from an ex-alcoholic).
Perhaps the most important thing to say now is that sobriety does get easier. Don't think that the first few days and weeks will be what you'll be feeling like long term. Many of us found early sobriety difficult (I was miserable for about 3 months) - but it gets easier and gets to be very rewarding and, dare I say, addictive
Make sure you have a look around the main forum page so you see all the areas you can find out more info.
God bless you - grab an oar and join us on the happy life boat
Welcome aboard the lifeboat.
I think an important first step for most people is to decide whether they want to reduce or to stop drinking. Most, or all, of us here are people who reached the point where we knew that we needed to stop, and that moderation just wasn't a workable option for us. Mind you I wouldn't want moderate drinking now anyway - I've got to love the sober life, though it did take some real readjustment.
If you've decided to give up altogether then there are various options, and I think it can be a bit confusing to begin with, but probably the most important thing is to commit to one and stick with it unless you're pretty sure it's not working. Lots of people find AA useful as there is nearly always local support available, or video meetings if you are away from civilization. AA follows a "12 step" approach, that can also be followed outside of AA. Quite a few people here like something called AVRT. I think you'll find most info on that in the "secular recovery" part of the forum, but just ask here and people will tell you more and point you in the right direction for more info. Others have been very successful just talking things through, and getting support, here on SR. You might also want to listen to some talks from XA-Speakers - The lights are on! I found those useful - I used to download them and play them in the car to help stop from buying beer on the way home (it's harder to buy beer when listening to a talk from an ex-alcoholic).
Perhaps the most important thing to say now is that sobriety does get easier. Don't think that the first few days and weeks will be what you'll be feeling like long term. Many of us found early sobriety difficult (I was miserable for about 3 months) - but it gets easier and gets to be very rewarding and, dare I say, addictive
Make sure you have a look around the main forum page so you see all the areas you can find out more info.
God bless you - grab an oar and join us on the happy life boat
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: east coast
Posts: 1,711
Welcome to sr! Sobriety can be confusing at first but I don't regret my decision to quit entirely one bit. Life in recovery is so amazing and the gifts keep on coming... From self confidence to financial security, for me it's a life of contentment. Have you got a plan? I stay sober w sr & AA. It's working.
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