how did my life get like this, i want the old me back
 

I come from a family where the men have all had issues with alcohol, ive been in denial for a 3 years but i feel ready to give the alcohol up and get my life back, ive been a very secretive drinker but in the last few months ive been found out, quite a few times and now ive had to omit to friends/family that alcohol is a problem, ive tried to stop but fail everytime, im hoping this time it will work, im on nightshifts the next 6 nights, when im on nights i never drink so im hoping to use it as a start to being sobar, sorry for the long rant

Im so ashamed of myself, i have everything ive ever wanted, my own home, a lovely partner, great job but then i get a drink problem, rediculous really

Welcome to SR!

Glad you are here!

Good for you for making the decision to stop drinking. There is lots of support here, so I hope you keep reading and posting.

Cheers, i will make it this time, i will try and take complete advantage of this forum as you lot seem to know what your on about

Hi Cheese. We're so happy to have you with us. You can have a new life and leave all that anxiety behind. Glad you're seeing the light and reaching out for help. You'll be avoiding so much pain and misery.

You can do it - keep posting! :)

Welcome cheese1,
You sound ready for a change....good for you....living a life of lies is no way to live. I stopped drinking 8 weeks ago and started to feel more like the "old me" after three weeks. I'm sure others, with more experience will chime in, but wanted to welcome you.

Im glad this is a predominly american forum as i live in england and people are alot more judgemental here

Welcome to SR, you will find many great friends here. Trust me :)

We love our friends in the UK

But really, there are many folks from the UK in SR, and we find them to me invaluable.

Hi Cheese, I was a very secretive drinker too. It turned out the only person I was fooling was myself! You have the power within you; you can do it :)

Hello Cheese,

I, too, kept the real extent of my drinking a secret for almost 10 years. The minute I became honest with myself and others, the path to sobriety has been easier for me. Involving others in your sobriety really does help, it's like insurance.

The drinking really can sneak up on you. But don't blame yourself, it happens. I've had a good upbringing, sober parents, every advantage... but it still happened. What we need to focus on now is sobriety.

I applaud your wisdom in realizing your problem and your bravery in confronting it. :welcome

LOL, I thought some of my drinking was secret and perhaps is was. In the end I was popping beers in the bath tub!!! lol so no one could here the can. wow!

Good for you, I am trying too and lots of us are here!

I think even if they could not hear the can "pop" they knew-- how embarrassing it that?

The last time i got caught, i didnt even try to cover it up, instead i just was honest and told them id try and fight it, i just hope im not all words and no action

You are on your way
 

By admitting that you have a problem you have already begun the healing process. One of the hardest things ever for me was to admit to my friends that I am an Alcoholic. Luckily I have some great friends that are very supportive.

I too come from a family of drinkers (and not just the men....) and have lived through the deaths of all of them. In American society booze is everywhere.
Servicemen in the Korean war (like my Dad...) were given booze and cigarrettes EVERY DAY and came addicted to both.

You cannot let folks lure you back to alcohol, they just want some company in their misery!

Keep your chin up and your focus on Sobriety! We are here for you....

Welcome, Cheese. We have members from all over the place here, and the member that is most welcome is the newest one. Grab a chair and make yourself comfy.

After reading for a bit you will find hundreds of posts from people who describe experiences just like yours, and that can be comforting. We are not unique in the least in our addictions, and that means that we can share our experiences in getting sober too.

The best predictor of a secure and permanent abstinence is an ironclad will and a solemn vow to quit drinking. Make this vow, and let it set your behaviour. Make this abstinence as easy as possible for you, starting with the belief that you will succeed, because you will succeed and stop drinking someday. You get to pick the day, you see, and today looks just perfect.

cheese1,

Welcome to SR!

you can do it. Just believe in yourself. Admitting you have a problem is the first step. Good luck to you.