Detox help
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Manchester
Posts: 4
Detox help
Hello I have started a home detox programme with my case worker, each day I reduce my units, with my final one being 14th February , but I'm finding it so hard, I'm just so scared to think that I can not have a drink again. I know from previous experiences that I cannot be a social drinker. Any help or advice please . X
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,293
Hello I have started a home detox programme with my case worker, each day I reduce my units, with my final one being 14th February , but I'm finding it so hard, I'm just so scared to think that I can not have a drink again. I know from previous experiences that I cannot be a social drinker. Any help or advice please . X
Honestly, it won't be easy. But its not incredibly difficult either if you take it day by day not thinking about tomorrow only the present. There is no sense worrying now about what will happen on the 14th. You are taking positive steps detoxing under supervision. You need to have faith this person knows what they are doing and they have your best interests in mind.
You're not shackled to not drinking, you're free from drinking
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 1,406
As has been mentioned, don't think of never drinking again. When you're done with the taper just don't drink for the day. Then tomorrow do the same thing. Thinking about what may happen in the future gives anyone anxiety. You have very little control of that.
Welcome Sandy.. I agree with everyone else,one day at a time. That was my biggest hurdle -the thought that I may never be able to drink again but it's much easier to cope with a commitment of 24 hours. Then the next day do the same.
Good luck- there is heaps of support on here X
Good luck- there is heaps of support on here X
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Manchester
Posts: 4
Thank you all for your comments and advice. I think perhaps I'm putting too much pressure on myself. The thing is I don't like letting people down and hate thinking I'm a failure . A member mentioned his dog. I have a cat and to be honest if it wasn't for her I would not be here now, I was so determined to end it all a few weeks ago but then something happened and she came and sat with me and I swear she looked at me as if she was saying please don't do anything stupid. Alcohol is such a strong demon and takes over your whole life xx
You can have reasons, or you can have results, but you can't have both.
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Syracuse, NY
Posts: 1,232
Fear of sobriety is usually just fear of the unknown. Six weeks ago, I was terrified. (You can see my old frightened threads!) Trust me, once you get into sobriety, you'll find life is much better than it was before.
Instead of thinking of what you lose (booze. yay. it's sooooo awesome.), think of what you'll gain. All the new energy and health you'll have. The free time you can use for new interests. The money you'll have! The new sober friends who have their lives together! You'll feel better and the person in the mirror will look better every day.
It's normal to be afraid where you are right now, but don't let the fear stop you. Take our word for it, life after booze is so, so much better!
Instead of thinking of what you lose (booze. yay. it's sooooo awesome.), think of what you'll gain. All the new energy and health you'll have. The free time you can use for new interests. The money you'll have! The new sober friends who have their lives together! You'll feel better and the person in the mirror will look better every day.
It's normal to be afraid where you are right now, but don't let the fear stop you. Take our word for it, life after booze is so, so much better!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Manchester
Posts: 4
Thank you all for your positive comments. I hope it's ok to share this. When I wake up in the morning I feel so anxious, my stomach is churning, I feel jittery and scared but as soon as I have my first drink in my hand all this goes away. That is what I am so scared of when my detox ends, waking up feeling the same but not being able to do anything. How will I be able to go back to work like that. X
You can have reasons, or you can have results, but you can't have both.
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Syracuse, NY
Posts: 1,232
Believe it or not, that anxiety and sense of foreboding are largely caused by the alcohol itself and as it gets out of your system, odds are good those feelings will go away.
SOME people have an underlying anxiety condition and SOME people suffer from PAWS, but please don't let these seeds get planted in your head that this is how it's gonna go down for you. I felt FANTASTIC after a short while of sobriety -- anxiety and jitters all gone. Lots of other people do, too. Of course, more people will post to report a problem than to say "No problem. Feeling great."
Keep all that in mind, and expect the best for your recovery! :-)
SOME people have an underlying anxiety condition and SOME people suffer from PAWS, but please don't let these seeds get planted in your head that this is how it's gonna go down for you. I felt FANTASTIC after a short while of sobriety -- anxiety and jitters all gone. Lots of other people do, too. Of course, more people will post to report a problem than to say "No problem. Feeling great."
Keep all that in mind, and expect the best for your recovery! :-)
I have trouble with thinking too far ahead as well. It only leads to feelings of hopelessness and despair. I find that staying sober is much easier by focusing on just today. The AA mantra of 'one day at a time' holds true.
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