Second Try
 

Hi.

I've struggled with alcohol for a very long time. The very first time I got drunk (on two beers) I was a senior in high school. I was amazed at how I felt so liberated from my perpetual social anxiety, and continued to binge drink through college.

I drank "normally" for years afterwards. Had 3 beautiful, healthy babies, and then got divorced after 10 years of marriage.

I began to experience big problems about 6 years ago. Nasty custody battle, issues in my second marriage, finally a DUI.

I attended my first AA meeting in 2010 and went into intensive outpatient rehab. It worked - temporarily. I went back out and started drinking after about 3 months; at first I was mindful and "honest" but then, the beast returned and I found myself hiding my wine.

My children, led by my 15 year old daughter, had a very strong, serious discussion with me the day after Christmas. They'd had enough. Enough. I went through the holidays continuing to drink, although I "cut back."

Our family suffered a tragedy on Jan 2, 2016. I never wanted it to be my wake up call but maybe it was. I went to my first AA meeting on Monday and haven't had anything since Tuesday night.

I know what I need to do. I'm very introverted and AA meetings are hard for me at first, so I will keep going.

Thanks for being here and letting me be part of this group.

Kindly,
J

Welcome J/Dogslover

I'm sorry there was a tragedy for you, but I believe that there is a blessing hidden somewhere in that sadness if you will seek it. Lots of people find their "turning points" in adversity and I hope you will as well!

Do keep going to AA if it helps you stay sober, and maybe look for some other tools as well. Come back here and post often; it helps!!

Welcome, and I'm glad you're here!

Welcome and sorry to hear you experienced a tragedy.

What I have found personally to stay sober is I need to have a plan, for example if I had a desire at this moment to go buy beer, my plan tells me exactly what I would do, I also made a promise to myself I would follow the plan I have in place because if I do, I am very confident I will never drink again which is the end goal I have set for the rest of my life.

All the best
Andrew

Welcome aboard J :)

D

Thanks for sharing part of your story and welcome to SR

Welcome to the family. :hug: You'll find lots of support and wisdom here. I hope we can help you get sober for good. :)

Hi J - it's so good to have you join us. We all understand what you're going through.

I felt the same after my first encounter with alcohol. Thought it was a great way to cope with my shyness & self-consciousness. I didn't realize it was slowly stealing my spirit. In the end, I drank all day - completely dependent. When I found SR my anxiety was lessened by being among those who cared and wanted to help. I hope you'll feel the same. You can do it, J. !

Welcome, and thanks for sharing with us. Hopefully you will find this a great support system. Many of us have experienced tragedy, as well as addiction. You will be understood here.

Welcome, and I'm sorry for the tragedy in your family.

You will find lots of support here.

Hi & Welcome J :)

Hello, and Welcome to SR!

I'm sorry to hear about your family situation, but very glad you have decided to get help for your drinking. This is a wonderful place for support. :grouphug:

Hi J, welcome! I am sorry about your family's tragedy. We are glad you have joined us, this is a wonderful, supportive group. There are lots of resources on this sight as well.

Welcome J. Lots of dog lovers around here:-)

I am sorry for your loss.

You will get through this, and doing it sober will be so much better for you and your family.

And as others will tell you, once you get through a tragedy sober, the rest is so much more do-able.

I wish you strength.

Welcome to the Forum J!! :wave: