My Story
non-drinker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 13,841
My Story
I've been lurking here for awhile and finally thought I'd join and share my story.
I'm 43 years old and have been drinking since I was 14 (1980). My binge drinking really kicked in during my college years (1984-88). After college I was able to cut down to the occassional weekend. My "social" drinking was under control until about ten years ago (1999). For some unknown reason I found myself drinking more and more often. I got a DUI in November of 2003 and was able to quit cold turkey for 60 days. After that, I figured I was "cured" and began drinking again in February 2004. It started with about 4-6 beers per night, almost every night. As the years went by, this increased to 8-10 beers, then to 12-18 on an average week night and about 20-24 on the weekend days/nights.
About the middle of June this year I suddenly started to feel anxious and paranoid about everything and everyone and couldn't get a good night's sleep. This feeling only went away after about 10 beers or so. Then on Monday, June 22, I went to work and simply began freaking out with a panic attack and an overall feeling of anxiety that wouldn't go away. One of my co-workers took me to emergency where I was re-hydrated and prescribed an anti-anxiety drug. The doctor informed me that I was probably an alcoholic and suddenly a light went on over my head. I was finally able to admit to myself that I had a major problem and needed to make a change right away.
It's now 39 sober days later and I had forgotten what it feels like not to drink. The anxious feeling is totally gone and I no longer need the medication. I still have urges to go back to the beer, but reading the forums here have helped me stay the course.
I'm 43 years old and have been drinking since I was 14 (1980). My binge drinking really kicked in during my college years (1984-88). After college I was able to cut down to the occassional weekend. My "social" drinking was under control until about ten years ago (1999). For some unknown reason I found myself drinking more and more often. I got a DUI in November of 2003 and was able to quit cold turkey for 60 days. After that, I figured I was "cured" and began drinking again in February 2004. It started with about 4-6 beers per night, almost every night. As the years went by, this increased to 8-10 beers, then to 12-18 on an average week night and about 20-24 on the weekend days/nights.
About the middle of June this year I suddenly started to feel anxious and paranoid about everything and everyone and couldn't get a good night's sleep. This feeling only went away after about 10 beers or so. Then on Monday, June 22, I went to work and simply began freaking out with a panic attack and an overall feeling of anxiety that wouldn't go away. One of my co-workers took me to emergency where I was re-hydrated and prescribed an anti-anxiety drug. The doctor informed me that I was probably an alcoholic and suddenly a light went on over my head. I was finally able to admit to myself that I had a major problem and needed to make a change right away.
It's now 39 sober days later and I had forgotten what it feels like not to drink. The anxious feeling is totally gone and I no longer need the medication. I still have urges to go back to the beer, but reading the forums here have helped me stay the course.
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 246
Welcome to SR. I'm at 80 days today and personally feeling as good about the concept of sobriety as I ever have in my life. I had forced myself to quit a few times in the past, just to prove to myself that I could go without it for one month, or three months. This time is different because I've concluded that alcohol simply not compatible with my life anymore. During those weak moments in the past, when I've said "what the hell" and just downed that first drink to break the sobriety ice, I've always regretted it later. Now, I think about the people here who have devoted time and emotions to helping me, and it gives me pause -- long enough to regain control -- when those moments arrive.
I strongly encourage you to remain sober, post frequently, and listen to the great help and insight that you'll gain from the wonderful, knowledgeable people on these boards. I certainly have.
I strongly encourage you to remain sober, post frequently, and listen to the great help and insight that you'll gain from the wonderful, knowledgeable people on these boards. I certainly have.
Except that was one love affair I wish I hadn't had!
non-drinker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 13,841
Thanks!
Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome(s)!
Today is Day 40 for me. The weekends are the toughest, since that's when I really went to town on the beer. I not only enjoyed the beer drinking, I truly loved it and looked forward to it every day.
This being sober all the time isn't the easiest thing in the world, but so far I feel better than I have in years! Just have to keep fighting off the urges.
Today is Day 40 for me. The weekends are the toughest, since that's when I really went to town on the beer. I not only enjoyed the beer drinking, I truly loved it and looked forward to it every day.
This being sober all the time isn't the easiest thing in the world, but so far I feel better than I have in years! Just have to keep fighting off the urges.
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,557
Hello FBL - be proud of yourself for seeing the light. I have a very similar story - DUI's later in life definitely forced me to take a hard look at what I'd been doing to myself. (Blew a 3.2 bac once.) I had to learn to live again in a new way, and it was hard. I had fallen back on alcohol to get me through bad times, but also used it to "enhance" good & happy times. I never actually felt any raw emotions as an adult. Growing up & maturing later in life is challenging, but I'm so glad to be here walking this new path, not 6' under or in jail for vehicular homicide.
Welcome to the family, we're glad you are here with us.
Welcome to the family, we're glad you are here with us.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 957
Welcome FormerBeerLover,
40 days is wonderful.
Starting all over with today being day 3, after over 5 years of being Budlite free. Going to an AA meeting again tonight, going to try hard to do 90 in 90 days.
Good people here, lots of love, support encouragement and guildance offer here. Your at the right place!
I needed to hear this today, offering my support to you, from one drunk to another.
40 days is wonderful.
Starting all over with today being day 3, after over 5 years of being Budlite free. Going to an AA meeting again tonight, going to try hard to do 90 in 90 days.
Good people here, lots of love, support encouragement and guildance offer here. Your at the right place!
I needed to hear this today, offering my support to you, from one drunk to another.
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