How many have stopped on your own?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 3
How many have stopped on your own?
Hello everyone, this is the first time reading your site and I'm hoping I can find some help here. I come from a long line of alcoholics. GPa, Gma, father, mother, both brothers, ex-husband and his parents, current husband, and myself. Every occasion revolves around alcohol. At first I would drink on weekends and occasions but I had a panic attack while driving about 18 years ago and when they came 5-6 times a day I found that alcohol would calm them. Now it's out of control. I drink about 12-15 beers every night. I recently learned that my ex mother-in-law has cirrhosis and now just found out that my mom has it too. Not to mention my sister-in-law who just died last September at the age of 47 from the same. What more proof do I need? For years hubby and I have been talking about "slowing down" but it never happens. He thinks we can just slow down but I don't think I can do it without stopping altogether. I guess a question for some of you would be can I do this without admitting myself to a rehab? Can I use this site and others as well as reading to help me stop? Have any of you done that? Thanks in advance for any input!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 1,768
I quit with no help from docs or rehab. The withdrawals arent any fun and the doc can give you a weeks worth (or whatever) of meds to ease them. I drink (did) 24 beers every day. Give or take a couple. I HIGHLY recommend going to AA.
Welcome to SR!!
Welcome to SR!!
let it grow!
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 15,540
my daughter tried many times to control or stop her drinking/using on her own. she was not successful. aa and an honest discloser to a med doctor is a good plan. blessings, k
by the way - welcome!
by the way - welcome!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cleveland Ohio
Posts: 290
I was drinking on average 12 a day towards the end...
anyways I did it... but it doesn't mean you can't let your doc in on what you are doing... can't hurt IMHO...
ONe thing though... I tried and tried to "slow down" or cut back...
I was drinking a case a week... I thought that was rediculas and tried to cut back... I did for a bit then I was drinking a case mon-fri and a 12 pack sat & sund...
I gave up beer for lent... and learned to drink vodka...
the last time I tried to moderate I didn't drink but once or twice a week... for a couple months but then I returned to drinking every day for almost 6 months and was drinking a 1/5 of vodka and 2 cases of beer a week at home and going out to drink at least one day a week...
KC... this site can help... but this was just frosting for me... it helped and made things easier... I would have never been able to put in 90+ days of sober living without AA.
Good luck
anyways I did it... but it doesn't mean you can't let your doc in on what you are doing... can't hurt IMHO...
ONe thing though... I tried and tried to "slow down" or cut back...
I was drinking a case a week... I thought that was rediculas and tried to cut back... I did for a bit then I was drinking a case mon-fri and a 12 pack sat & sund...
I gave up beer for lent... and learned to drink vodka...
the last time I tried to moderate I didn't drink but once or twice a week... for a couple months but then I returned to drinking every day for almost 6 months and was drinking a 1/5 of vodka and 2 cases of beer a week at home and going out to drink at least one day a week...
KC... this site can help... but this was just frosting for me... it helped and made things easier... I would have never been able to put in 90+ days of sober living without AA.
Good luck
Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,136
Hi KCStar,
I'm glad you found us - welcome to Sober Recovery.
I quit on my own, the first time. Three years later, after a relapse, I went to rehab for a 21 day program.
I could not moderate or control my drinking, and no longer try. I go to AA and it has not only given me sobriety, but a whole new outlook and attitude on life. I also come to SR every day, as it helps to talk to other alcoholics regularly - to give hope, and to receive hope.
Whatever you decide, I hope you continue to post here. My best to you.
Rowan
I'm glad you found us - welcome to Sober Recovery.
I quit on my own, the first time. Three years later, after a relapse, I went to rehab for a 21 day program.
I could not moderate or control my drinking, and no longer try. I go to AA and it has not only given me sobriety, but a whole new outlook and attitude on life. I also come to SR every day, as it helps to talk to other alcoholics regularly - to give hope, and to receive hope.
Whatever you decide, I hope you continue to post here. My best to you.
Rowan
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
It's great to see a new member...Welcome to SR!
No rehab for me...but I wish I had talked to my doctor
about a medically supervised de tox.
It was dangerous and foolish of me...but I did not know that.
A is the way I use to enjoy my sobriety.
Blessings
No rehab for me...but I wish I had talked to my doctor
about a medically supervised de tox.
It was dangerous and foolish of me...but I did not know that.
A is the way I use to enjoy my sobriety.
Blessings
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: anomaly
Posts: 2,180
it better if you go to a F2F..
well you know..sometimes when I work on my car..i can't get it done,but
it was a pain in the ass. If i just had that extra hand to hand me a tool
or hold the part in place for me, i get done a lot faster without striping
the damn thread on the bolt. Once you strip the bolt it's like a pain in
the ass even more.
asking for help or directions..well that's a hell of thing for a guy like me,
i just had to drive around the block a couple of times first to drive my gf
crazy.lol
well you know..sometimes when I work on my car..i can't get it done,but
it was a pain in the ass. If i just had that extra hand to hand me a tool
or hold the part in place for me, i get done a lot faster without striping
the damn thread on the bolt. Once you strip the bolt it's like a pain in
the ass even more.
asking for help or directions..well that's a hell of thing for a guy like me,
i just had to drive around the block a couple of times first to drive my gf
crazy.lol
Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: wherever my feet take me
Posts: 1,314
welcome KCstar. Everyone is different. I wasnt able to stop on my own so I went to rehab. I came out of rehab and started using again. 5 months later I finally stopped on my own, but I dont think that would have happened if I hadnt gone to rehab. Whatever I got out of it took some time to sink in I think.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: pass the bon bons
Posts: 2,363
hi, kc...welcome to sr.....i, also quit on my own, i have almost 6 months clean, vicoden is my drug of choice.......
i have to agree, it's easier the more support you have, for some that is AA, for me it's SR...lol.....and my family and friends.....with out someone to sort of rat myself out to when i'm craving or feeling weak, i would not be sober today.......
quitting the amount of alcohol that you consume cold turkey, without medical attention, can be very dangerous, even life threatening.....so my strong advice would be to seek medical help when you quit......
you should be really proud of reaching out for help.......it's such a hard and scary thing to admit to others you have a problem........thank you, you may just inspire someone else who is afraid to reach out, too......that is the magic of this board...
hugs to you , and keep posting! no matter what....we are here to listen and help....
i have to agree, it's easier the more support you have, for some that is AA, for me it's SR...lol.....and my family and friends.....with out someone to sort of rat myself out to when i'm craving or feeling weak, i would not be sober today.......
quitting the amount of alcohol that you consume cold turkey, without medical attention, can be very dangerous, even life threatening.....so my strong advice would be to seek medical help when you quit......
you should be really proud of reaching out for help.......it's such a hard and scary thing to admit to others you have a problem........thank you, you may just inspire someone else who is afraid to reach out, too......that is the magic of this board...
hugs to you , and keep posting! no matter what....we are here to listen and help....
Forum Leader
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Scottsdale, AZ, one big happy dysfunctional family!
Posts: 23,056
Most of the responses seem to favor AA, I heartily agree! I couldn't have done it on my own, AA continues to help with my sobriety, and programs like Al-Anon and CoDA show me how to live a full life in recovery.
Best wishes, you'll find what works for you.
Best wishes, you'll find what works for you.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Melbourne Australia
Posts: 71
I lasted 11 days doing it alone before I went to see my Dr. He gave me a few valium to smooth out the bumps. I have now finished the valium and I haven't had a drink for 22 days. I was rather anti AA because I tried it a few years ago and thought it wasn't for me, now it's a blessing. I just wasn't ready to accept the fact that I had a massive problem. This site has also been fantastic for me too, the combination of AA and sober recovery is just what I need. I shift work so I can't make any AA meetings this week so I come in here to chat. The people on these boards are just inspirational. Nice to meet you, please stay and go see your Dr.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 782
Hi KC, welcome!
Your story sounds alot like mine, my husband & I drank together for 18 years, we drank alike and all the time. When i quit drinking I was drinking 1/2 gallon of vodka every other day, my husband was drinking 1/2 gallon of rum EOD. I do AA, I have a sponsor, I read the Big Book and I have friends here at SR that have kept me sober for the last 8+ months. I also saw my doctor, did an intensive outpatient program, counseling with a LADC and am now on anti-depressants. All of these things combined have helped me stay sober. Oh yeah, my husband also quit drinking (he's actually got more sobriety than me), and he has done it completely on his own....no outside help whatsoever, BUT in my opinion he's not an alcoholic....he has never had the "phenomenon of craving". I know, for myself, I would not be sober today without all of the these things I've been doing. SR is a huge part of my recovery, I am accountable to a group of woman here and we keep each other in check.
good luck!
Your story sounds alot like mine, my husband & I drank together for 18 years, we drank alike and all the time. When i quit drinking I was drinking 1/2 gallon of vodka every other day, my husband was drinking 1/2 gallon of rum EOD. I do AA, I have a sponsor, I read the Big Book and I have friends here at SR that have kept me sober for the last 8+ months. I also saw my doctor, did an intensive outpatient program, counseling with a LADC and am now on anti-depressants. All of these things combined have helped me stay sober. Oh yeah, my husband also quit drinking (he's actually got more sobriety than me), and he has done it completely on his own....no outside help whatsoever, BUT in my opinion he's not an alcoholic....he has never had the "phenomenon of craving". I know, for myself, I would not be sober today without all of the these things I've been doing. SR is a huge part of my recovery, I am accountable to a group of woman here and we keep each other in check.
good luck!
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Murrieta, Ca
Posts: 2,683
How many times have I quit ? Too many to count.
Did the re-hab thing, drank on the way home. Saw a Doctor and he gave me valiuim. I chased them with warm Vodka in the parking lot. Did 6-8 home de-toxes over about a year. I could only make it a couple of days. Went back to re-hab, and made it 6-8 weeks without AA. Had a huge relapse, got arrested at my daughters school, and had the worst de-tox in recorded history when I got home. I went to AA the next day.
THAT time I stayed sobrer, and have been for almost 7 months.
BTW, home de-tox, unsupervised, is dangerous and NOT recomended. You can die. Personally, I didn't give a s**t. It was either quit drinking, or die trying.
Yeah, it was that bad.
Did the re-hab thing, drank on the way home. Saw a Doctor and he gave me valiuim. I chased them with warm Vodka in the parking lot. Did 6-8 home de-toxes over about a year. I could only make it a couple of days. Went back to re-hab, and made it 6-8 weeks without AA. Had a huge relapse, got arrested at my daughters school, and had the worst de-tox in recorded history when I got home. I went to AA the next day.
THAT time I stayed sobrer, and have been for almost 7 months.
BTW, home de-tox, unsupervised, is dangerous and NOT recomended. You can die. Personally, I didn't give a s**t. It was either quit drinking, or die trying.
Yeah, it was that bad.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Nashville, TN
Posts: 24
Hi KC,
I had about a 12 beer or more per day habit and tried quitting several times on my own before I finally gave up and just went to a doctor. I told them that I was going to quit and that I didn't want to go anywhere (rehab). They gave me tons of information and advice, set me up with people to call if I needed it, and gave me a very small script for some benzos to help. Just having that small support system made all the difference to me, and I haven't had a drink in 47 days.
I'm sure it could be done at home, alone, but that just never worked for me. My doctor, friends, family, and SR have been sooo awesome and have helped me through it so far.
I had about a 12 beer or more per day habit and tried quitting several times on my own before I finally gave up and just went to a doctor. I told them that I was going to quit and that I didn't want to go anywhere (rehab). They gave me tons of information and advice, set me up with people to call if I needed it, and gave me a very small script for some benzos to help. Just having that small support system made all the difference to me, and I haven't had a drink in 47 days.
I'm sure it could be done at home, alone, but that just never worked for me. My doctor, friends, family, and SR have been sooo awesome and have helped me through it so far.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 3
Originally Posted by igfan 
Hi KC, welcome!
Your story sounds alot like mine, my husband & I drank together for 18 years, we drank alike and all the time. When i quit drinking I was drinking 1/2 gallon of vodka every other day, my husband was drinking 1/2 gallon of rum EOD. I do AA, I have a sponsor, I read the Big Book and I have friends here at SR that have kept me sober for the last 8+ months. I also saw my doctor, did an intensive outpatient program, counseling with a LADC and am now on anti-depressants. All of these things combined have helped me stay sober. Oh yeah, my husband also quit drinking (he's actually got more sobriety than me), and he has done it completely on his own....no outside help whatsoever, BUT in my opinion he's not an alcoholic....he has never had the "phenomenon of craving". I know, for myself, I would not be sober today without all of the these things I've been doing. SR is a huge part of my recovery, I am accountable to a group of woman here and we keep each other in check.
good luck!
Your story sounds alot like mine, my husband & I drank together for 18 years, we drank alike and all the time. When i quit drinking I was drinking 1/2 gallon of vodka every other day, my husband was drinking 1/2 gallon of rum EOD. I do AA, I have a sponsor, I read the Big Book and I have friends here at SR that have kept me sober for the last 8+ months. I also saw my doctor, did an intensive outpatient program, counseling with a LADC and am now on anti-depressants. All of these things combined have helped me stay sober. Oh yeah, my husband also quit drinking (he's actually got more sobriety than me), and he has done it completely on his own....no outside help whatsoever, BUT in my opinion he's not an alcoholic....he has never had the "phenomenon of craving". I know, for myself, I would not be sober today without all of the these things I've been doing. SR is a huge part of my recovery, I am accountable to a group of woman here and we keep each other in check.
good luck!
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