Newbie Here *waves*
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1
Newbie Here *waves*
Hi, I'm completely brand new here but am eager to get myself involved. Any random advice you might have to impart on a newcomer seeking to get better connected here, feel free. c:
My drinking has always been borderline problematic and I have been using & abusing alcohol on/off since I was 16 (so about seven years at this point). I think I was aware that a lot of the problems I have had to face were usually a result of my drinking (relationship issues, infidelity, health problems, etc.). However, the blackouts are the most frightening problem, the thing which made me realize that I need to actually take action here.
My blackouts started only a year ago and have since evolved from a random occurrence to basically a biweekly thing. For whatever reason, I can't stop once I've started and I almost always drink myself to a blackout once I get started. My life now feels totally out of control and I don't know how to regain that control anymore. I look in the mirror and it seems that I don't know the person looking back at me.
I made three very deliberate attempts to quit drinking over the past couple months. My most recent quit lasted a week but I caved into temptation & went on a two day binge. Woke up this morning to the realization that I need to take a more aggressive approach, try to get connected somehow. So I went to an AA meeting earlier tonight. But, after getting all the way there, I chickened out. I have been to AA once before but I never really got connected and haven't been sure a 12 step program with such a religious slant would be right for me.
Anyways, not sure if my little spiel resonates with anyone who has been there or is still in a similar position, but I would love to hear any thoughts about what's worked for you or other ideas.
Thanks! c:
My drinking has always been borderline problematic and I have been using & abusing alcohol on/off since I was 16 (so about seven years at this point). I think I was aware that a lot of the problems I have had to face were usually a result of my drinking (relationship issues, infidelity, health problems, etc.). However, the blackouts are the most frightening problem, the thing which made me realize that I need to actually take action here.
My blackouts started only a year ago and have since evolved from a random occurrence to basically a biweekly thing. For whatever reason, I can't stop once I've started and I almost always drink myself to a blackout once I get started. My life now feels totally out of control and I don't know how to regain that control anymore. I look in the mirror and it seems that I don't know the person looking back at me.
I made three very deliberate attempts to quit drinking over the past couple months. My most recent quit lasted a week but I caved into temptation & went on a two day binge. Woke up this morning to the realization that I need to take a more aggressive approach, try to get connected somehow. So I went to an AA meeting earlier tonight. But, after getting all the way there, I chickened out. I have been to AA once before but I never really got connected and haven't been sure a 12 step program with such a religious slant would be right for me.
Anyways, not sure if my little spiel resonates with anyone who has been there or is still in a similar position, but I would love to hear any thoughts about what's worked for you or other ideas.
Thanks! c:
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 579
AA just involves a Higher Power-it can be the group itself or anything you define as such. Super Ego if you like. Alcohol can be your Id. (Sigmund Freud)
I was terrified to walk into an AA meeting but I guess I was more frightened by continuing my drinking. Turned out it was a great group. I've been to 2 others that weren't. If there are several groups in your area try going to all of them. You'll probably find one you like. Otherwise try going at different times-they will have different people present.
I was terrified to walk into an AA meeting but I guess I was more frightened by continuing my drinking. Turned out it was a great group. I've been to 2 others that weren't. If there are several groups in your area try going to all of them. You'll probably find one you like. Otherwise try going at different times-they will have different people present.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,442
Welcome aboard whiimsy 
SR helped me stay sober - there's a lot of advice support and experience here.
I know change is daunting but myadvice is do whatever it takes to change things around - its worth it
D
SR helped me stay sober - there's a lot of advice support and experience here.
I know change is daunting but myadvice is do whatever it takes to change things around - its worth it
D
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,499
Welcome Whiimsy! I'm kind of new myself, just a few days into my second attempt. There are lots of encouraging people here and many useful resources and experiences to glean from. Although it is still early for me, I feel a lot different this time around because like you I am reaching out for help more actively - on this site and with professional help. Please stick around because it can only help you stay on track with sobriety.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 19
Welcome and don't let the religious slant bother ya. Choose a higher power of your own understanding Step Two says came to believe not that you must. My high power in the beginning was a good bye letter to my drugs of choice as I pulled it out and read it every time I wanted to use. My higher power which I choose to call MOFO is as messed up as I am for this to work. A simple please keep me sober spoke often but I have to choose to own my sobriety or let my addiction own me. Get to a meeting get a sponsor and work the steps is my suggestion for that is what work for me. It is worth it and so are YOU!!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 1,501
Welcome Whiimsy. I know a lot of people here can relate with your experience with alcohol. This is a great place for support when you need it.
Ultimately, only you can make the decision to get sober, but we are all here for you!
Ultimately, only you can make the decision to get sober, but we are all here for you!
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
