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Old 02-20-2015, 01:31 PM
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Personal stories

Hi, I'm 21 years old. I've been sober for two months now, after a little more than a year of touching the uplifting, yet utterly dangerous drug alcohol, but not really doing well mentally: I've got a feeling I took it too far. I find that I can do perfectly without alcohol now, though. I don't want to damage myself even further, but I fear it's too late to save my head.

So on to what I'm really looking for, because I personally feel it's often overlooked, whenever I read testimonies about people dealing with alcoholism:

a) Has the alcohol affected your brain?
b) How do you cope/ Does it ever get remotely fixed?

I know, I've made a similar post before, so I don't want to be annoying, but I'm really anxious and would like to hear from others, who go through the same ordeal as me e.g.: trouble with memory, taking in conversations, not much thoughts going on, very down in the dumps.
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Old 02-20-2015, 01:34 PM
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This may help Stories of Recovery - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
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Old 02-20-2015, 03:57 PM
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Hi ipaid,

Alcohol (or almost any other drug) will affect your brain.

For very good reasons SR doesn't allow medical opinions or advice but the pathology of addiction (dopamene receptors and all that) is fairly well understood (your post indicates that you're a smart person so i'm sure you've already "googled" it)

In my opinion, and that's all it is, it doesn't carry any weight, - you ask "can it be fixed?"
well yes is the answer - but you've got to work at it.

You're only 21 so it is harder to stay away from socialising than it is for 54 year old me.

But it is easier to break a year or two's bad habits than 35 years plus

You want to drink but you know it's bad for so don't


...It's like two bears fighting it out
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Old 02-20-2015, 04:19 PM
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Hello ipaid - I'm so glad to hear you're 2 months sober.

I was decades older than you when I quit. I'd been drinking for many years & it was daily when I stopped. It took me a few months to begin to heal and feel human again. I had numbed myself for so long. Be patient with yourself - things should continue to change and improve. Please check with a doctor if you feel that things aren't progressing the way they should. We're happy you're here.
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Old 02-20-2015, 05:34 PM
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Sorry i forgot to add congrats on your 2 months
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Old 02-20-2015, 05:44 PM
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a) Has the alcohol affected your brain?

While I could probably never answer this definitively, I don't think it has. I got out early though, at 23. Drank from 17 till then, the last 4 years daily and non stop.

What I believe did absolutely affect my brain for life was weed. I didn't have the common experience described when people smoke. I had a reality shift, paranoia, anxiety, and panic. I believe that set the stage for the rest of my drinking, and recovery.

b) How do you cope/ Does it ever get remotely fixed?

Yes, mine got fixed. With lots of help. AA, 12 steps, counseling, change of diet, exercise, and learning a whole new set of coping and living skills. Took about 2 years for me to feel like a normal human being. I've learned that as long as I stay fit physically and spiritually, the mental takes care of itself .

Good for you that you realized early in the game that this is NOT a good thing for you. And congratulations.
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Old 02-20-2015, 05:56 PM
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a) Has the alcohol affected your brain?
b) How do you cope/ Does it ever get remotely fixed?
It affected my brain quite severely because I had a series of mini strokes on my last detox.

I still get tired easily and I have a little bit of trouble finding the right word occasionally.
My short term memory was all affected.

Eight years on I feel satisfied with the facility I have gotten back. It will never be the same but I don't feel a sense of loss anymore.

I yam what I yam
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Old 02-20-2015, 08:22 PM
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It gets better if you work on forgiving yourself. That has been my experience. I am not perfect, and I have rough days, but I learn from them and try to improve myself daily.
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Old 02-20-2015, 08:42 PM
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I know my memory has been effected. I ran into a guy I could not recognize.
"Hi Jon." he said.
I replied,
"Do I know you?"
"Jon It's Me Doug, we lived together for 6 months!" It was true, I still only have one memory of a single conversation we had once. I have lost years.
Quit while you still have some brain cells left, I wish I had,
peace-Jonathan
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