I need to take the step but don't know how to start
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North East England
Posts: 15
I need to take the step but don't know how to start
Hi
I'm 44 years old and I cant remember the last time I went to bed sober, we are talking years.
I am sick of the anxiety attacks first thing in the morning, the constant nausea / hangovers and the weight gain. I want to stop but don't know what the best first steps are.
Advice gratefully accepted.
I'm 44 years old and I cant remember the last time I went to bed sober, we are talking years.
I am sick of the anxiety attacks first thing in the morning, the constant nausea / hangovers and the weight gain. I want to stop but don't know what the best first steps are.
Advice gratefully accepted.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
Welcome! First thing is talk to a medical professional if you're drinking a lot.
Withdrawal can be dangerous.
I didn't know that and I sort of tapered down and quit on my own.
So, medical help, then stop putting it in your mouth. Keep it simple. Everything in your life is going to have to change - it will be for the better!
Keep posting and reading. We get it.
Withdrawal can be dangerous.
I didn't know that and I sort of tapered down and quit on my own.
So, medical help, then stop putting it in your mouth. Keep it simple. Everything in your life is going to have to change - it will be for the better!
Keep posting and reading. We get it.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 120,857
Welcome to SR, changingman; glad you found us.
I would suggest that you start by talking with your doctor to discuss your drinking and perhaps formulate a plan to put on the path to sobriety and recovery.
Have a look around the site; the 'stickies' at the top of each forum contain lots of valuable information and insights; the threads are a great place for understanding and support.
Again, welcome.
I would suggest that you start by talking with your doctor to discuss your drinking and perhaps formulate a plan to put on the path to sobriety and recovery.
Have a look around the site; the 'stickies' at the top of each forum contain lots of valuable information and insights; the threads are a great place for understanding and support.
Again, welcome.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
I just wanted to add - one of the things that really clicked for me was when a newly sober friend wrote on his social media page, "It feels great to go to bed sober."
That really resonated with me and sounded so good. Since you mentioned that, I wanted to acknowledge that. Go to bed sober. It's awesome.
Waking up sober, priceless.
That really resonated with me and sounded so good. Since you mentioned that, I wanted to acknowledge that. Go to bed sober. It's awesome.
Waking up sober, priceless.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: California
Posts: 1,428
Originally Posted by changingman 
Hi
I'm 44 years old and I cant remember the last time I went to bed sober, we are talking years.
I am sick of the anxiety attacks first thing in the morning, the constant nausea / hangovers and the weight gain. I want to stop but don't know what the best first steps are.
Advice gratefully accepted.
I'm 44 years old and I cant remember the last time I went to bed sober, we are talking years.
I am sick of the anxiety attacks first thing in the morning, the constant nausea / hangovers and the weight gain. I want to stop but don't know what the best first steps are.
Advice gratefully accepted.
Read around this site a lot to get a plan in mind. Get lots of healthy food to have on hand while you detox and ask doc what vitamins you should take. (Alcoholics are low on B1 especially) Avoid all places/situations/friends at first where u would drink. If you have an urge to drink, post here first. You can do it!
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
Originally Posted by changingman
Sounds good doesn't it, going to do it tomorrow, too late tonight...sadly. Not a good start.
It's going to be uncomfortable. If you are drinking in the mornings, really - see a doctor for advice. Seizures and death are real possibilities. I'm in the U.S. - I know they do things differently as far as detoxes in England, hopefully someone in the UK will chime in here.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: California
Posts: 1,428
Originally Posted by changingman
Sounds good doesn't it, going to do it tomorrow, too late tonight...sadly. Not a good start.
saoutchik
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: London
Posts: 16,187
Glad you found SR changingman
It sounds like you may need some form of supervised detox. Your GP is the "gatekeeper" to NHS treatments so I agree with others who suggest you visit your doctor. It might be worth going on drinkaware.co.uk - they have the phone numbers of most of the specialist alcohol and drug helplines. That gives you a chance to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about and will help you give all the information your GP will need
The anxiety you are feeling is real but misplaced - you (and all of us here) endure much more anxiety when drinking than not drinking
It sounds like you may need some form of supervised detox. Your GP is the "gatekeeper" to NHS treatments so I agree with others who suggest you visit your doctor. It might be worth going on drinkaware.co.uk - they have the phone numbers of most of the specialist alcohol and drug helplines. That gives you a chance to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about and will help you give all the information your GP will need
The anxiety you are feeling is real but misplaced - you (and all of us here) endure much more anxiety when drinking than not drinking
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Central KY
Posts: 40
We are in the same boat my friend
Changingman,
We are in darn near the same situation. (see my recent posts). Its not an easy road, listen to the people on SR, they have been there. I like you am struggling, sorry I dont have much more to offer in terms of support other that I know just how you feel. Take care of yourself.
OldSkool
We are in darn near the same situation. (see my recent posts). Its not an easy road, listen to the people on SR, they have been there. I like you am struggling, sorry I dont have much more to offer in terms of support other that I know just how you feel. Take care of yourself.
OldSkool
saoutchik
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: London
Posts: 16,187
Changingman, you can do this and you don't have to do it alone Tomorrow morning call your doctor and make an appointment, call the National Alcohol Help Line. Contact AA Do one or all of those before you take that first drink.
You don't have to feel this way
You don't have to feel this way
Last edited by saoutchik; 09-29-2015 at 11:58 AM. Reason: Spelling
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