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I was for 50 of my 67 years a successful high functionary alcoholic then, in a matter of three weeks, under extreme stress, I became a nonfunctional alcoholic. In short, I began drinking during the days--all day. I never thought this would happen to me. I'd seen in happen to others but I was the lucky one. Then it happened. I'd quit drinking before but never experienced withdrawal. I've just emerged from a hospital where I was treated for acute withdrawal. Now I am at a health and wellbeing center seeking to reprioritize my life. I was looking forward to finishing my days, drink in hand, watching the river flow. That seems no longer possible.

Hi paultick, glad to hear you are sober. I was a funtioning alcoholic for a long time and remember being unable to grasp how people could just go off the deep end and die of liver failure or lose jobs, marriages, kids etc. Why didn't they just cut back or only drink at appropriate times like me? (appropriate for me was any time except working hours LOL) And then I too started drinking earlier and earlier and supplementing my beer and wine diet with more and more vodka and along came the physical addiction and I quickly fell apart. It sneaks up on us. We are lucky to be alive and posting on this website.

Welcome, paultick. I'm glad your were able to seek help quickly. You'll find a lot of support here.

Hi Paultick! Glad you found us--there's so much support here!

Hey Paultick, the important thing is that you are okay, and welcome aboard.

Welcome, paultick, to SR. You will find a wealth of support, encouragement and understanding here. Glad you found us.

Welcome to the Forum! :wave:

Welcome! You can still watch the river flow, just sober : )

Glad you're here!

I realize AA believes it has a monopoly over alcoholism cure approaches--and I am going to meetings--but I joined this forum because it seems to be open minded rather than strickiy adhering to AA gospel. I use the word "gospel" intentionally since 8 of the 12 steps refer to a Higher Power. I am interested in the variety of ways alcoholics have found success ending their dependence on alcohol. And the variety of ways they have failed.

Hi Paultick, glad you found us welcome to the group.

There's many different approaches and methods of recovery around Paul - here's some links to some of the main players, including but not limited to AA :

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...formation.html

Many of those are what might be called secularly based.
There are many non 12 steppers here too.

I myself belong to no particular programme :)

I recommend you visit the Secular Connections forum if you think you may benefit from a non 12 step approach.

Welcome aboard :)

D

Welcome paultick.

I was older when I had my meltdown too. I had kept a lid on things quite well for decades, but it all fell apart. When I found SR I was drinking all day & absolutely miserable. There was no fun left in it & I knew I could never go back to being a social drinker. Knowing I was no longer alone meant the world to me - everyone here understood and didn't judge.

I'm glad you found us and wanted to tell your story. I hope being here will lessen your anxiety and help you heal.