hypochondriac

Let us know how you get on with the specialist x

SunnyFlower

Hi Islandlass,
This is my first post here. It's truly amazing how we can all relate to each other in one way or another. I have been struggling with this same issue. Instead of cutting back this past month, my drinking has doubled. Saturday night my grown kids confronted me about how bad my drinking had become. It was a slap in the face that I needed to get me steered in the right direction. My GP knows about my condition and has run tests on me to see if I am physically okay. Thankfully I am. But I know it won't last long if I don't do something now. I have found an intensive outpatient rehab program 50 miles away. It'll will mean traveling 3 days a week and 3 hours each session. I am now at the point to do whatever it takes to recover from this insanity. AA will be a big part of the program as well. I too have anxiety issues which I do believe is caused by this disease. I have found a sponsor who has encouraged me to not speak for 2 weeks, except to say my name that I'm an alcoholic and that I'll pass. I think she is right on it. Today is 2 days sober for me. There is a lot of help out there, we just need to learn how to utilize it. At Face 2 face AA meetings u will find the same kind of wonderful caring supporters that we can find right here in cyber land, whom I am excited to get to know as well. I'm ready to take advantage of all the help I can get. Don't give up! I have had a couple of relapses, but I can't stop trying, there's too much to live for! Thank u for your post and everyone else's! It's such a relief to know we have each other! Hang in there!

Sapling

Welcome SunnyFlower...This was true for me. That's a great first post....You sound like you are on the right road. Glad you are here.

freshstart57

IslandLass and SunnyFlower, it's so good that you are posting, starting to talk about sobriety, starting to visualize the life you can have without alcohol. It can start to get better as soon as you make the choice, the decision to be present and authentic, to be you. The you who you are without alcohol is plenty good, I am sure, it's just that this alcohol really messes things up.

I believe that you have strengths that you aren't aware of yet, and that you really can quit drinking. For this to happen, you have to want it, sure, but there is one more thing that is at least as important. You need to believe in yourself, you need to know for true that you can quit. You really can. People have been getting addicted to alcohol for 4000 years, since grapes were grown for wine, and they have been getting sober for that time too. You can choose to be among them.

There are programs that lead you to humility and a deeper spirituality and many have found sobriety that way. There are many who have found sobriety through other paths, by becoming empowered to take responsibility for their actions and learning more about themselves and their abilities.

Welcome to SR, glad to have you here.

islandlass

I truly am overwhelmed by the lovely messages and support I have already found here. It makes this journey that bit easier. I really feel a little bit more positive this morning knowing that I can come here and talk about things that I feel are a burden to family and friends. I know they don't feel like I am a burden, but who wants to upset those closest to them with tales or drunkenness and depression?

I will be back later, hopefully with some good news from the specialist.

Thanks again, it is amazing.x