Sydney1988

So. I guess my next step is getting professional help. My first idea is going to a doctor. I would like to hear about how you got professional help and what you did to get it. I'm quite nervous about saying it out loud to another person. But honestly, it's got to happen soon.

Skye2

Post as much as you want Sydney
My Doc is the only person that knows I have a problem - haven't felt the need to tell anyone else and luckily always managed to hide it. You'd be surprised how used to it, Doctors are

newme2day

I think its a great first step! I have not done it yet, but I do think it may help. Getting a professional's insight could definitely help to understand your addiction a bit more. Please let us know how it goes.

Sydney1988

Thanks Skye. I think there's two parts to my insecurity, or uncertainness. I'm not sure which word is better. On one hand saying aloud to a professional makes it so much more real, and on the other hand you're right. I'm worried about the judgement. I'm embarrassed and I don't want to seem... lesser than someone else.

ClearMind

I'm the same as Skye. My doctor is the only person who knows I had a problem with alcohol. Everyone else believes I have it under control. The only reason I do have it under control is because I no longer drink... the second I take my first drink all hell will break loose again.

Skye2

I understand what you mean about it becoming more 'real', but it was real when you signed up here and you'd be amazed at how many medics and others in high stress professions, have problems themselves

FreeOwl

a doctor's a good step.

AA was a crucial and awesome step for me.

Meeting Search

give it a shot.

FeelingGreat

Hi Syd, I started by discussing it with my doctor. It is super hard to tell them how much you drink so it can be helpful to write it on a slip of paper which you can give to them if you seize up! If you do tell them the truth, make sure they understand it is true because they have a habit of doubling whatever someone tells them.
As for judgement, they see this all the time, except a lot of people never take the move to get help. They don't judge, they try to help. Your doctor will respect your honesty and courage in owning up and wanting to stop.

aasharon90

Not saying something is what will keep
you where you are today. Saying something,
asking for help, is what will help you get out
of the place you are in.

You have to know that....it is OK to ask
for help. Asking for help doesn't make
anyone lesser of a person, but rather a
stronger one.

It's those that don't seek help that ultimately
never get better. And, from reading your share,
I believe in ur gut you want to.

Never, ever hesitate to ask for what you
want ot need in recovery. I commend you
for taking a step to ask for what you want
here.

Did you know that addiction to alcohol or drugs,
the only place that doesn't give out meds to
stay sober or clean is in a recovery program,
such as AA or NA?

In all of my 23 yrs sober in AA, never have I
ever seen anyone administer meds to stay sober
or clean in any of those meetings.

I have an illness, a disease and in order to
stay sober each day, all I have to do is take
my daly dose of AA program of recovery. No
narcotics, just a healthy dose of habit forming
AA recovery program in corperated in my daily
routine.

Unlike the many other illness, cancers,etc....
that require daily medication injested by mouth,
AA or NA or some sort of recovery program,
requires to meds.

Just healthy, helpful tools and a desire to
not drink or use today.

If I have a medical issue, surgery, etc, then
I will use my doctor for help. that's what they
are there for always remembering to share
with them that I have an addiction to alcohol
and I am in recovery and that my recovery
is top priority and that I don't want anything to
mess with it, including narcotic or habit for
meds if administered.

A doctor will freely give what ever they
believe will help one, unless they know
im in recovery and firmly state that I
don't want anything narcotic, habit forming
or mind altering.

Stay strong and go get what you need
to become a healthy, happy person in
recovery that you like so many deserve.

Sydney1988

Funnily enough I've already been thinking of writing it down as it seems easier than saying it out loud.I have two problems. I'm scared to make the appointment, and I'm scared to hand the piece of paper over.

freethinking

I was (and still am) too embarrased to tell my doctor. For some reason, I found going to AA easier this time around. I felt at home, because I was in the company of other drunks.

Sydney1988

I had to read your comment a couple of times. I'm still not sure I'm a 100% believer. In some respects I am, and others, not so much. I want help. But I'm still uncomfortable sharing these thoughts with people in the real world.

Sydney1988

I'm so unsure about AA. I don't know what to expect from others and from me.

Skye2

There are other methods than AA Personally, I didn't take to AA and have managed just with SR.

flutter

For me, I googled "addiction counseling" and found counselors in my area, and then checked to see if they took my insurance and went from there. HelpPro.com is a resource we use at work for people looking for a counselor, I think you can filter it by specialty. As for what to say, they've heard it before. I think I said something like "I am having a hard time with addiction issues and I'm looking for support" and they took it from there.

Skye2

Well how about taking SR with you on your phone, for moral support

MamaGoat

I surrendered. Went to detox and treatment and did what the professionals told me to do. Then I went to AA. I live very rural and AA is in very teeny tiny towns where everyone knows everyone. But I surrendered and knew that I could not do it on my own. It has been a very humbling experience. One that I have no regrets over.

Sydney1988

I guess what I'm trying to do is gather the strength I need to make the impossible possible. It's not going to happen now (because I'm buzzed already). But for some reason, I can honestly say I find comfort in all your words. I hope I feel the same way when I wake up.

bumble

Hey Sydney, as an extremely private person, I can say that I found it easiest to call the counselling service (I started with the Employee Assistance Program at work - they are not allowed to divulge anything to the employer); when they asked why I was calling, I said I had a drinking problem. It was NOT easy to say that, but it was easier to say it without having to look someone in the eye and without someone looking at me. Like Flutter said, they hear it all the time. That's why they're there.

When I met with the counsellor, I had to take a piece of paper with me - not to hand over, but to refer to in case I panicked (which I did). But, the counsellor already knew why I was there (it was on my form), so she wasn't surprised lol. I was in such a state of panic, I could barely speak, but I managed to blurt a few things out that I had on my paper, and after that, it was MUCH easier. Not easy, but easier.

It's not impossible. You can do this. And it will get easier, the more times you do it. Just keep picking supportive people to talk to and you will be, I think, surprised by the compassion you will receive.

AND, whatever happens, you will have very good reason to be proud of yourself for mustering up the courage to do it.

Dee74

Most GPs I've found here in Oz are pretty good with addiction issues, Sydney.
Whether you go in and speak, or just hand the paper over, it'll be fine.

let us know how you get on

D