Sober81

Hi guys, the time has come for me to stop drinking.

I thought I would join the forum for support as I have always had a hard time stopping or cutting back drinking.
I'm 32 now and have been drinking every day pretty much since leaving high school. About a 6 pack of full strength beer a day.
Only 2 years ago after a forced liver function test because of a DUI did I realize the damage that I had done to my liver.
Since then I have cut down and will have a day or two off the grog in a week.
However after this week end I know I need to stop.
To make matters worse my brother died a year ago from a failed liver due to alcoholism. We were never close and he lived in another state but its now something that's at the back of my mind constantly.

I'm lucky to have a wife and family that are supportive but the more help I can get the better.
I am now on my second day of recovery, which I hope will last indefinitely.
I would love to hear any advice you may like to share.

least

Welcome to SR. You'll find lots of support here. Come here if you get the urge to drink. We'll support you in staying sober. Wonderful thing about SR is it's always open.

Stiv

Welcome to SR, keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

Dee74

Hi Sober

best advice I can give you is to really use the support you'll find here - SR helped me turn my life around

D

hayley86

Welcome Sober32, you'll find tons of support and advice here. SR has helped a lot with my recovery. Glad you have joined us.

fishsmacker

Hey there,you've come to the right place.These are the best folks your gonna find for your support!

Verte

Hi Sober32,

I'm very happy for you that you realize the time has come.

You are in a great place. Lean on everyone here

Welcome.

Sober81

Thanks guys for the words of support.
I just went and did a liver function test to make sure I'm not actually on deaths door.
Hopefully will get the results tomorrow.

Do many of you have experience with liver function tests?

hayley86

Hi, yes i've had many liver function tests. By the end of my drinking my liver enzymes were through the roof. I stopped drinking as soon as i found out that i causing serious damage to my health. After about three months of sobriety all my levels were in normal range and the damage was reversing. I don't have any permanent damage, but i was told at the time that if i carried on drinking i would die. It was the wake up call i needed. Try not to worry, you have done the best possible thing by stopping drinking. Best wishes.

Trax

Thanks for your contact of support Sober32 - so back at you.

We can both do this. You're on day 2 and I'm on day 3 - lets go, lets do this one day at a time.

I'm putting a cross on my calendar every morning crossing off the day before. I just can't not put that cross there in the morning. I just can't.

Sober81

Yep I always use a Callander to proudly cross off a day I haven't had a drink.
This time I want to stop for good though.

After drinking heavily all last week I had my last drink fairly early on Saturday night.
However on Sunday I had no appetite what so ever and it's only just returning now.
This gave me a bit of a scare as this never happens to me & I know it's a symptom of liver failure that my brother first experience.

Less than 6hrs till in on day 3 Trax!

nigey1

Hi and welcome to you both. SR has helped me greatly

Stiv

I had a test done many years ago, elevated liver function & fatty liver, it scared me for a while, seems like the fear faded away, I should have another test.

anewpage

Welcome Sober32! You're in the right place. Stick around and post often.

jaybee1

Your post resonated with me. I'm five years older than you, and I average probably close to 8 beers to your 6. I have never had a liver function test, but if yours could have damage so can mine obviously.

hang in there. I'm on day 4 myself. Struggling with anxiety, but getting by nonetheless.

Stoogy

Welcomed aboard my friend, and great choice coming to SR, there are many many great people here who can help you along the path of sobriety.

Sorry to hear about the unfortunate passing of your brother, and as sad as that is it may well be the wake up call that you need to transform your life in memory of your brother.

We are all here for you. Take care.

FreeOwl

welcome!!

Great choice, glad to have you here.

Breadfin

Be thankful that you have a loving wife and family to help you through. Never ever take them for granted. Serious. Never.

Sober81

Thanks guys, day 3 is well and truely here. I have swimming lessons for my Daughter in a couple hours and then catching up with mum. Dads over seas ATM so think she's lonely.
I took quite a while to get to sleep last night and then didn't sleep all that well.
Have mild anxiety today but nothing like I got when I first tried to cut back a couple years ago.
Oh well fingers crossed I get through today, I'm in a good mind set still.

BGS9595

Great work Sober, one day at a time. Its a marathon, not a sprint