Planning my recovery.
 

Hi everyone :)

I joined this site in June 2014, desperate to give up alcohol. I've struggled with many things in my life such as abuse, depression and anxiety, relationship problems, work related stress and financial hardship blah, blah, blah...

I tried over the years to fix some of the above problems but to no avail. I tried to give up drinking but I couldn't get past two weeks sober. My problems got bigger and my drinking got harder. My life was rapidly spiraling out of control. I just wanted to hide away and drink. I had become a seriously stressed, depressed alcoholic and I wanted to die. I hated the world. I felt hopeless and worthless and decided to end my life.

I went into a psychotic state of mind and luckily my friends (with the help of the police) managed to get me to a mental health unit where I stayed for four weeks.

I was detoxified with Librium and immediately treated as a mental health patient with alcohol dependency. Before my discharge from the unit three weeks ago I was prescribed Antabuse which I take under supervision 3 times weekly and I'm also taking campral to reduce cravings. These meds are helping me to prevent relapse short-term until I hopefully access a residential rehab service to address my range of needs. Today I am 50 days sober! Because I now have a plan I am so much more hopeful about my future. It's not going to be easy but it's possible. I am able to look at my plan and break it down into stages which helps immensely.

Whilst I'm waiting for admission to rehab I am attending aa meetings and I have sourced other recovery and mental health support from other organisations. At the moment I feel determined to get better. I no longer want to die. I want to beat this. I just wanted to share what I've learned so far - asking for help, getting support in place and having a plan are VITAL.

Good luck to everyone on this journey, never give up :)

Butterfly xxx

Hi. Thats great. Not been on the site since early Jully, yours is first posting I read, well done. Thanks for that.

You can do this Butterfly!!

For me changing up my plan and utilising all the resources I could to finally beat this thing was important.

Never giving up is the positive attitude that will get you there too!! :)

Welcome back, Butterfly.

Although I wish your awakening hadn't been so painful for you, I'm very happy to see that you're in a better place as a result.

I never got a "hopeless alcoholic" vibe from you, and I'm thrilled for you that you've managed to put together fifty days sober.

People who are new here can draw inspiration from your story. Not only have you worked very hard, but you've also learned from your suffering. Priceless.

Welcome Back
 

Been to your lovely area many times, and 'Silicon Glen'; the Chip-making Fabs between Glascow and ED_din_burrrrrrrah. I finally got Counsel from a Glaswegian Gal on how to correctly pronounce that Town name.

When I need to/choose to mentally chill sans Single Malts these days, I sometimes look at my extensive Pic Collection. This one, taken by my Wife, is East of Ft. Williams.

I think it's one of our Mobile Phone Adverts that proclaims 'Life Is Better Here'. I interpret that to mean 'better in Sober-ville'.

Indeed, it is.

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Wow, that's so awesome to hear. Thanks for sharing, you're an inspiration. :scoregood

Awesome! Good luck!

It sounds like you've been to hell and back! Good for you for following through with a plan. It sounds like you're on the right path!

50 days is EPIC :D

Cool! You can do it! Make a plan and stick to it as best you can. Good luck.

Im scottish with a london accent really nice to meet you i loved your post

well done and keep it up

I'm sorry for what you went through Butterfly, but I'm very glad to see you back and doing well :)

D

Butterfly, it's been a tough road for you, but I am so happy that you are doing well and working towards recovery. It's great that you are getting the help you need and that you are motivated to recover.

Excellent!

As soon as I read the thread title "Planning my recovery"!.

I was like "ding, ding, ding!"...we have a winner. I couldn't wait to read it. And then..I noticed the name Butterfly and I thought "hey I remember a butterfly"..and then I saw the pic.
Yup, same one.
Welcome back Butterfly.

I too am sorry for the struggle you endured since I last saw you round here...

But as I mentioned..saw the thread title....

You had me at hello :c011:

Good spirit (a God of your own understanding) can and will conquer bad spirit (alcohol)

In a nutshell, that is the design and purpose of AA 's twelve steps.

(ever wondered why the strongest alcoholic beverages are called "Spirits "??)

Best of luck with your journey and welcome back to SR :)