Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Spiritualist for Fatima
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 58
Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hello everyone,
I am new here and so happy that I found a board that I can post to. Perhaps some of you can point me in the right direction. I have been drinking every day (I'm 30 years old) since I got into Graduate school which was back in 1997. Since that time, it's only been worse. I have been throwing up everyday for the past several years, it's how I get the alcohol out of my system I guess. My liver is swollen but when I go to the doctor they always say, "nothing is wrong." I have hid bottles in my house away from my lover and lied about drinking. I know my family is worried about me. I'm not the same. I have lost my drive to go out and make something of myself in life. I have drank on the job and for some reason think that it will "enhance my performance" in life. I think this is the first step in turning my life around. What sort of damage do you think I have been doing to my body? Thank you so much for your help!
I am new here and so happy that I found a board that I can post to. Perhaps some of you can point me in the right direction. I have been drinking every day (I'm 30 years old) since I got into Graduate school which was back in 1997. Since that time, it's only been worse. I have been throwing up everyday for the past several years, it's how I get the alcohol out of my system I guess. My liver is swollen but when I go to the doctor they always say, "nothing is wrong." I have hid bottles in my house away from my lover and lied about drinking. I know my family is worried about me. I'm not the same. I have lost my drive to go out and make something of myself in life. I have drank on the job and for some reason think that it will "enhance my performance" in life. I think this is the first step in turning my life around. What sort of damage do you think I have been doing to my body? Thank you so much for your help!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Melbourne victoria
Posts: 1,975
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hi there fifty , so glad to see you 
welcome to SR.
My name is Lee, I am an alcoholic, and I drank for 37 years , I have now been sober for 6 1/2 months, and i am here to tell you, that while it is not easy to quit, it is well worth it
I chose AA as my method of achieving sobriety, and with that , and the help here , i have remained sober .
I think, if I was you , I would go to my Doc , and be VERY honest with him regarding your drinking , and the frequency , and the quantity you have been drinking. It can be dangerous to withdraw alone , without medical support .
The liver is a very forgiving organ, and abstinence can cause it to heal somewhat .
Fifty , it is not easy, but really , it is hard to do alone. I strongly recommend that you either try AA, or any other recovery programme you feel will help.
Please keep posting We want to help, and we are here for you
I look forward to getting to know you
HUGX
Lee
welcome to SR.My name is Lee, I am an alcoholic, and I drank for 37 years , I have now been sober for 6 1/2 months, and i am here to tell you, that while it is not easy to quit, it is well worth it
I chose AA as my method of achieving sobriety, and with that , and the help here , i have remained sober .
I think, if I was you , I would go to my Doc , and be VERY honest with him regarding your drinking , and the frequency , and the quantity you have been drinking. It can be dangerous to withdraw alone , without medical support .
The liver is a very forgiving organ, and abstinence can cause it to heal somewhat .
Fifty , it is not easy, but really , it is hard to do alone. I strongly recommend that you either try AA, or any other recovery programme you feel will help.
Please keep posting
We want to help, and we are here for you I look forward to getting to know you
HUGX
Lee
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: So Cal
Posts: 83
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
waaaaaassssssss uuppp
you still awake? i'm on my 5th day as we type. had to break the spiral too. i'm also 30. i bring that up b-cuz we're so young still. a client of mine's sister just died of beer, just beer, at 36. her liver was pushing out of her body. so i think, that's 6 years, almost the length of of our drinking. that kinda hit home for me. but besides the health, the car accident we all hear about!...well anywaysss just keep checkin in and responding. you'll get alot of help. i did, and i did NOT even expect to. a computer screen? you kiddin? watch your withdrawel symptoms. read the posts on em.
you still awake? i'm on my 5th day as we type. had to break the spiral too. i'm also 30. i bring that up b-cuz we're so young still. a client of mine's sister just died of beer, just beer, at 36. her liver was pushing out of her body. so i think, that's 6 years, almost the length of of our drinking. that kinda hit home for me. but besides the health, the car accident we all hear about!...well anywaysss just keep checkin in and responding. you'll get alot of help. i did, and i did NOT even expect to. a computer screen? you kiddin? watch your withdrawel symptoms. read the posts on em.
Choosing Life
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: London
Posts: 889
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hi Fifty
Congratulations on making your first post, and a decision to change.
I'm an alcoholic and one of the first steps I took was to go and see my doctor.
I was totally honest with her, and she was great. She made an appointment for me to go to an alcohol unit at my local hospital as they had the specialist knowledge and could advise me, took blood to make a liver function test, (as I was worried about my health too) and gave me some medication to help with withdrawal.
If you do have health concerns - be honest with your doctor - I know it's hard to walk in a say you have a problem with alcohol - but it was a major first step for me.
Keep posting - there is a lot of help and great advice on this forum - I'm learning everyday and it makes me stronger.
JC :throb
Congratulations on making your first post, and a decision to change.
I'm an alcoholic and one of the first steps I took was to go and see my doctor.
I was totally honest with her, and she was great. She made an appointment for me to go to an alcohol unit at my local hospital as they had the specialist knowledge and could advise me, took blood to make a liver function test, (as I was worried about my health too) and gave me some medication to help with withdrawal.
If you do have health concerns - be honest with your doctor - I know it's hard to walk in a say you have a problem with alcohol - but it was a major first step for me.
Keep posting - there is a lot of help and great advice on this forum - I'm learning everyday and it makes me stronger.
JC :throb
spirit
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: perth,western australia
Posts: 1,460
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
gday 50
welcome, you have come to a good place, there are good people here and many good things to learn.
you have taken the first step in your recovery from alcohol. you are poisoning yourself, you know that.
like others have said, go to the dr, be honest, they will and can help. they are also not surprised by things these days haha, mine was great, he almost said "is that all' in response to my incoherent ramblings about what i thought was wrong with me haha.
hang around - meet the gang and stay around, it will be a long and tough journey but very very fulfilling
hugs to you
kath
welcome, you have come to a good place, there are good people here and many good things to learn.
you have taken the first step in your recovery from alcohol. you are poisoning yourself, you know that.
like others have said, go to the dr, be honest, they will and can help. they are also not surprised by things these days haha, mine was great, he almost said "is that all' in response to my incoherent ramblings about what i thought was wrong with me haha.
hang around - meet the gang and stay around, it will be a long and tough journey but very very fulfilling
hugs to you
kath
In Memory Of
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Connecticut.
Posts: 3,736
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Welcome to SR! My name is Trish and I am an alcoholic.I can see you have already got some great suggestions.You have made a great begining in your decision to stop drinking.Might be a good idea to check with the doctor! I sought medical treatment did an out patient treatment program and attend aa regularly.So far it has worked for me.I am pullin for you! Peace and prayers 
Trish.
Trish.
OH SH!T
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: RICHMOND,VIRGINIA-
Posts: 1,655
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
50 WELCOME,
LIKE LEE SAID SEE A DR FOR THE WITHDRAWL.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRINK ANY MORE!
GET YOURSELF A POSSITIVE SUPPORT GROUP.
THIS IS VERY HARD TO DO ALONE.
STICK AROUND HERE,AND GET YOURSELF WELL.
ted
LIKE LEE SAID SEE A DR FOR THE WITHDRAWL.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO DRINK ANY MORE!
GET YOURSELF A POSSITIVE SUPPORT GROUP.
THIS IS VERY HARD TO DO ALONE.
STICK AROUND HERE,AND GET YOURSELF WELL.
ted
NOT EVEN 1 CLUB!!
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: When I find myself, I'll let you know!
Posts: 1,835
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hey 50! I'm Missy - alcoholic! One of the major things I have learned from all these wonderful people here at SR is that I am not alone. That is a great feeling. Now I'm learning how to handle situations and emotions while sober. It can be tough at times, but as they have said, it's well worth it!
Welcome,
Missy
Welcome,
Missy
Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 8,709
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hi fifty,
Welcome home. Hiding booze, health concerns, skewed thinking. All symptoms of something terribly wrong. Here's the good news! It's never too late to turn yout life around. A visit to your doctor and a big dose of honesty will do just fine on the health front. These people are trained to advise you. I went through a battery of tests late last year. My doctor wanted a good baseline. In the end, it was worth the little bouts of anxiety to have a clear mind about my body.
The loss of drive you describe, drinking on the job, those are also symptoms of something wrong in your soul. The best thing in early recovery is to surround yourself with others like you. You know, in a meeting. It's what worked for a lot of us in the beginning.
So congratulations on admitting to yourself you have a problem with alcohol. This is about you. And you've just taken the first step.
Welcome home. Hiding booze, health concerns, skewed thinking. All symptoms of something terribly wrong. Here's the good news! It's never too late to turn yout life around. A visit to your doctor and a big dose of honesty will do just fine on the health front. These people are trained to advise you. I went through a battery of tests late last year. My doctor wanted a good baseline. In the end, it was worth the little bouts of anxiety to have a clear mind about my body.
The loss of drive you describe, drinking on the job, those are also symptoms of something wrong in your soul. The best thing in early recovery is to surround yourself with others like you. You know, in a meeting. It's what worked for a lot of us in the beginning.
So congratulations on admitting to yourself you have a problem with alcohol. This is about you. And you've just taken the first step.
Spiritualist for Fatima
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 58
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hello everyone! Wow, what tremendous responses. I will take the advice of you all and go to the doctor first. I am so very happy to meet you all and will definitely be sticking around and posting. Take care and please feel free to discuss anything with me. I'm a great listener!
50
50
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: El Paso, Tx
Posts: 5,862
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hi 50 and welcome!
Glad your here. You've done the first courageous thing by coming here. Don't procrastinate on that appointment with the doc! I know how we alkies procrastinate!
Good luck.
Glad your here. You've done the first courageous thing by coming here. Don't procrastinate on that appointment with the doc! I know how we alkies procrastinate!
Good luck.
Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 1,432
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hi, fifty!
If you want to do a little research on your own, here are some links about the effects of alcohol.
Here is a link that lists some of the many negative consequences of heavy drinking:
http://www.ncadd.org/facts/problems.html
Here is a chart and some information about drinking and driving: http://www.california-drunkdriving.org/levels/
Here is an online blood alcohol calculator: http://www.intox.com/wheel/drinkwheel.asp
Here are some odd facts about alcohol law:
http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol-info...ItsTheLaw.html
http://www.utexas.edu/research/asrec/drugs_m.html
is just one web site with information on drugs and neurotransmitters.
Here are a bunch of links about alcohol and metabolism, the brain, etc.:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/md19.htm
http://ajpendo.physiology.org/cgi/co...ct/285/6/E1273
http://www.medicouncilalcol.demon.co...ok/hb_meta.htm
http://www.spectroscopynow.com/Spy/b...ne-0-4,00.html
http://www.ucop.edu/sciencetoday/pag.../sci767.html#A
http://www.alcohol-drug.com/neuropsych.htm
http://www.pioneercounseling.com/dis...p?article=6782
http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/alerts/l/blnaa47.htm
http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/brain/a/blacer030916.htm
http://www.med.unc.edu/alcohol/cenline/10_1_1.htm
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-amm110801.php
Don S
If you want to do a little research on your own, here are some links about the effects of alcohol.
Here is a link that lists some of the many negative consequences of heavy drinking:
http://www.ncadd.org/facts/problems.html
Here is a chart and some information about drinking and driving: http://www.california-drunkdriving.org/levels/
Here is an online blood alcohol calculator: http://www.intox.com/wheel/drinkwheel.asp
Here are some odd facts about alcohol law:
http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol-info...ItsTheLaw.html
http://www.utexas.edu/research/asrec/drugs_m.html
is just one web site with information on drugs and neurotransmitters.
Here are a bunch of links about alcohol and metabolism, the brain, etc.:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/md19.htm
http://ajpendo.physiology.org/cgi/co...ct/285/6/E1273
http://www.medicouncilalcol.demon.co...ok/hb_meta.htm
http://www.spectroscopynow.com/Spy/b...ne-0-4,00.html
http://www.ucop.edu/sciencetoday/pag.../sci767.html#A
http://www.alcohol-drug.com/neuropsych.htm
http://www.pioneercounseling.com/dis...p?article=6782
http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/alerts/l/blnaa47.htm
http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/brain/a/blacer030916.htm
http://www.med.unc.edu/alcohol/cenline/10_1_1.htm
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-amm110801.php
Don S
Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 763
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Hello 50,
Welcome here! There is a wonderful group of people on this site, and every one of us is pulling for you. Taking action is the first (BIG!) step and you have done that. Give yourself a huge pat on the back and keep going,
Hugs,
Gianna
Welcome here! There is a wonderful group of people on this site, and every one of us is pulling for you. Taking action is the first (BIG!) step and you have done that. Give yourself a huge pat on the back and keep going,
Hugs,
Gianna
Spiritualist for Fatima
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 58
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
Wow!! This has to be one of the greatest groups of people around! Thanks for everything, all of your introductions, feedback, and those wonderful links. These are all things that will keep me motivated.
Here's a question for any nutritionist out there, what is the best way to detoxify the body to remove the harmful pollutants I have been ingesting?
Thanks!!
Here's a question for any nutritionist out there, what is the best way to detoxify the body to remove the harmful pollutants I have been ingesting?
Thanks!!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: mass
Posts: 87
Re: Please Help Me Take The First Step!
hi fifty,
My name is Lin Im alcoholic. welcome. sounds like you have got some great advise. You have made your first step. this is a great group..I began here. then went to my 1st aa metting. im 52. I ll be sober 6 months on the 10th. I wish i woke up at 30. You can have a great life sober also. Keep comming its worth it.
Love
Lin
My name is Lin Im alcoholic. welcome. sounds like you have got some great advise. You have made your first step. this is a great group..I began here. then went to my 1st aa metting. im 52. I ll be sober 6 months on the 10th. I wish i woke up at 30. You can have a great life sober also. Keep comming its worth it.
Love
Lin
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