ProudPenguin

It's my 3rd day and trying to stay away from anything that reminds alcohol. I tried joining a Facebook group for recovery as I find this website a little confusing . The group that I joined made me feel a bit down in a way that I probably wasn't as big alcoholic as many of them , kept correcting the terms I use , like when I said I'm glad I didn't get to the point I lost my family and home yet or didn't ruin my health yet . So this word yet is something I don't use or what ? Some started saying they are health specialists and I should quit drinking slowly by lowering alcohol intake ?! I'm an alcoholic I can't have a drink at all so how does that work ? Maybe I had my hopes up thinking that alcoholics are the people who can really understand , honestly I'm not sure anymore . I'm just so down and I'm scared to even join another group

doggonecarl

Alcoholics are just people. We have our positive traits and our flaws. Lower your expectations and your resentments over having them unfulfilled.

I'm not sure what group you joined, but Sober Recovery can help. But it's populated with people...good and bad, helpful and not, tolerant and judgmental...just like the world.

Take what works, leave the rest.

ProudPenguin

Probably you are right

Blacky

That tapering thing, yeah .. that does not work for me.

This site has a lot of options and good information Penguin.

Hello Carl, I'm from Norfolk live out at the beach now. Been to a lot of meetings out there over the years. I remember the Easy Does It Club.

SoberinSyracuse

I've run into settings like that FB group too, ProudPenguin. I'm not sure what their deal was but they seemed more interested in competing about who was the "best" alcoholic or who was smartest or whatever. Not useful, at least for me.

Seems to me you're interested in improving your life and breaking alcohol's hold over you. Who cares about terminology? If you wanted a degree in addictionology, you'd be talking to a University, not a recovery forum, yes?

As for "losing everything..." That, unfortunately, is a simple function of time. I'd encourage you to kick alcohol's a** BEFORE it starts taking things away. It's just like Russian Roulette: the longer you play, the greater your chances of getting the chamber with the round in it. Play long enough and you will. Perhaps suddenly, when you least expect it.

Cold turkey quitting can be dangerous (you can Google this) so yes, some people try to taper (but this is very hard) and others get medical help to stay safe the first few days after quitting. I was given an anti-seizure medication, for instance. Are you still drinking, or have you already quit?

What do you find confusing about this site? Maybe someone can help you with it so you find it easier to use?

SoberinSyracuse

One of the good things about this site is that you can use the "Ignore" feature to avoid seeing posts/replies by people who bring you down. This is AWESOME! I'm just exploring it myself. PM me if you want and I'll try to walk you through it.

Obladi

Competing on Facebook to be the "most" anything is one of the reasons I closed my account a few years back. It seems to be the place where people go to put up a front, not to communicate in any meaningful way.

I encourage you to stick around here.
If you have a question, start a new thread and ask. Someone is just about always around to help.

ProudPenguin

I don't ever have any withdrawal except like a bad mood for a couple of day so I know it's safe for me just to stop . I didn't drink in 3 days and I don't want to return to drinking . . Thanks for responding

Bird615

Welcome ProudPenguin!

That FB group doesn't sound like it's helping you much. Why not stick around here for a bit and if something's confusing you, ask us to help you figure it out?

Of all the online sites I've checked out, I've found this one to be the most supportive, caring and informative.

Soberwolf

Congrats on day 3 PP but choosing a recovery group on Facebook has to be one of the worst things I can imagine

I'm sorry you find this site confusing but there is no comparison between this community & a Facebook group imo

I hope you decide to stay as Facebook just creeps me out

SoberinSyracuse

And I'll add to that, "the best moderated." Once in a while you'll see a little tough love go down, but no flame wars or competitions.

ProudPenguin

Yes , you guys are right . I'll stay away from Facebook . So probably in SR I should stick to newcomers forum right ?

stevepearce

Hi proudpenguin. I'm sorry you're not feeling good. I haven't found facebook groups to be much help either, where as SR has been a godsend. Its been the only support I have had in staying sober. You will quickly get used to the site after a few days use. I would recommend reading recovery stories, reading the newcomers forum and posting in that forum as often as you like, with questions or just what is on your mind. There are also daily, weekend and other check in threads which are useful. Why don't you pop into chat and say hello ? Anyway welcome to SR do stick around.

Thumpalumpacus

Very little good to be found on Wastebook at all.

Welcome to SR, bud. Check into the January Support Thread -- you'll be welcomed with open arms and spellcheckers turned off.

I've noticed IRL that oftentimes, drinkers take pride in their drinking -- how much they can/could handle; how much they lost, spent, or wrecked; how many years they've high-functioned. It could be that the folks you've met on FB have a part of themselves still holding onto an unhealthy past.

Anyway, you want to quit, and you're here. One day at a time, one moment at a time, brotha.

biminiblue

ProudPenguin, welcome

I love penguins. I have too many of them. Once someone finds out I like penguins, they start buying them for me. This has resulted in too many penguins.

Just spend time here. Read everything. This is a safe place. FB isn't. We're glad you're here! Congratulations on taking a step to a healthy happy life.

teatreeoil007

Proud pen

Welcome to sr

I'm not much of a facebooker

greens

Unless they were all trained medical professionals I wouldn't heed their advice regarding tapering. It can Be weird feeling "not alcoholic enough"- this awesome lady from the east coast told me y.e.t. just stands for your eligible too.

I hadn't drank that way yet, but I was headed there if I kept drinking. Glad I stopped before that happened.

Looking forward to hearing more from you! Keep us updated

Thumpalumpacus

Even if they were trained professionals, I wouldn't take their advice, dispensed as it has been without a personal examination and physical, over the Internet ... where everyone's an expert.

Anna

I am sure that you will find support here at SR. This website is active and supportive and you can continue to post here in Newcomers, or anywhere else on the boards, if you like. But, you can feel comfortable here in Newcomers for as long as you like.

Congratulations on 3 days sober.

ProudPenguin

Awesome, thank you all .