joshuatreee

Hello everyone! I am ready to get help for my addiction to alcohol. I like so many others on this board have a family history of alcohol addiction. I grew up around it and started drinking at a very young age. I just turned 34 and have progressed into drinking daily and averaging a handle every three days. I have just recently started to experience the physical symptoms associated with withdrawal (shakes, anxiety, depression etc) and know that I will need some assistance from a doctor in order to make this work.

I have not seen a doctor in quite some time and do not have a "family doctor". I am wondering if anyone knows what "type" of doctor I should see? Should I go to the ER. or will I need to make an appointment with a specialist? Also, is there such a thing as a doctor that specializes in assisting recovering alcoholics?

I know I could "Google it" but I figured I would get my first post here out of the way......I plan on sticking around

Thanks, Josh

Scolova

Welcome, congratulations for taking a step in the right direction.
I have made great progress with the help of this site and hope you can as well.
You might also look up an AA meeting in your area, if only just to ask about detoxing.
Best wishes.

choublak

Hi and welcome to SR.

I don't know much about who to go see, maybe check out some free health clinics in your area?

Anna

Welcome!

It's a good idea to talk to a dr before you detox. Detoxing from alcohol can be very dangerous. And, it doesn't have to be a specialist. It could be an ER or a family dr.

And, yes, there are some drs who specialize in addiction.

CaiHong

Hi Josh and welcome,

I can't advise you on who to see, just wanted to say hullo and good luck with your recovery. Keep posting.

CaiHong

Zebra1275

A Doctor who specalizes in internal medicine would be a good choice.

Itchy

Josh!
A good start can be the local AA phone number as they may be able to tell you about what is available for resources in your local area. There may be docs and clinics that you would never find without them. While you are there sit through a meeting or two and see if that might suit you. It does for many; I used it in early sobriety along with here on SR, my docs (both GPs) as well as detoxing in a VA hospital. I was really bad, but using everything at my disposal locally, and reading like mad here and making a lot of friends in the process, I made it. Start reading here and posting often with any questions you might have.

Once again welcome bud! You are in the right place now!

joshuatreee

Thanks Itchy, I will do just that.

Dee74

Welcome to SR Joshua

here are some links to some of the main recovery players:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...formation.html

Our Secular Connections forum may interest you too if you're interested in non 12 step secular approaches

D

joshuatreee

Wow Dee, thanks!

artsoul

Welcome, Joshuatree!

If there's a treatment center in your general area, it wouldn't hurt to give them a call and ask about doctors who are knowledgeable about addiction. There might even be some info on the internet.....

Good for you for choosing a new path! Lots of us have been where you're at and found a great life on the other side.........

jocata

Welcome Joshua! Best wishes in your journey of sobriety!

God bless.