Mentium

I feel pretty pathetic to be honest. I came back here a couple of weeks ago full of good intentions and gearing myself up to quit (yet again) and managed one solitary night. I have been struggling to find a space to stop for months now after a decent spell (11 months) sober much of last year.

I have been waiting for a counselling appointment but there is a waiting list and it is now well over six weeks since I had an introductory session. I'm not blaming them of course - it is down to me - but I had intended to make my 'quit date' a few days before the first proper session and use the meetings to support my sobriety.

There's nothing new to add. I have tried to quit so many times and have had spells, some longish and most shortish, where I have been sober, but it has a hold on me that never seems to go away. All I want is to be happily sober. This morning I woke with what felt like an iron rod of fizzing crackling anxiety right through my body. I'm having a tough day with that.

I'm just posting to say I haven't given up and I'm here.

gracetuesday

Mentium, as long as you are alive, there is hope! Keep trying! All any of us have is ONE day - TODAY.

Can you do something to ease the anxiety a bit? Hot bath/shower, deep breathing, meditation?

Glad you are still trying.... Don't give up!

zeppodog

I've been through the same thing myself numerous times, quit, sometimes for long periods and then forget about the last time and think I can drink in moderation again and I know where that's going to end up sooner or later. I'm just now back at 3 weeks. I have an appointment tomorrow for outpatient counseling, it was supposed to be 2 weeks ago but they had to reschedule, I need some reinforcement on not drinking in the future. Just saying I'm not going to hasn't worked. Good luck

IOAA2

Yes there is hope and people do it with work.

The periods of sobriety are such a moral boost it constantly amazes me of the short memory we have, I went through the same for two years.

My saving was getting very active in a lot of AA meetings and working on the reasons I drank besides the addictive part. It requires work and change along with a time factor many of us don’t deal well with.

It helped me to remember that if I didn’t pick up the first drink one day at a time in a row I wouldn’t have to try to get sober AGAIN.

BE WELL

Anna

Mentium, you will be able to live happily sober but it might take a bit longer than you expect. And, the anxiety is typical, but temporary and if you can get through a few days like that, things will very likely improve. Hang in there, Mentium.

Chaostar

I can relate a lot to your story mate.
I was seven months sober, made it through Christmas with not too many problems. Met a girl in January and rather than saying no I accepted a glass of wine. Fast forward one month and I was in hospital overnight after drinking so much vodka I poisoned myself.
On day five today and determined to quit for good. Can't get a councelling appointment for another 11 weeks because of the waiting list. At least my GP is being supportive.
Good luck buddy, I'll be rooting for you.

Nonsensical

That was certainly the case with me. I quit and expected results within a few days. What I discovered is that after persistent alcohol use it takes months to restore normal brain functions. Well worth the effort, though. Best of Luck!

PurpleKnight

Never give up Mentium!! You can crack this!!