Day 1 of getting real with things. Another failed attempt to stop binge drinking. I promised myself that this time would be different. But I’m suffering in silence and maybe looking to create new relationships where I can talk about my addictive personality with others that are going through the same things. Why do I feel so alone? Maybe I’m embarrassed?
Im new to this app and would love support from the network.
Your profile says you joined 2 years ago. Sorry bout the binge drinking. I did same. I went to detox. They are there 24/7 to help you get through this.
Weird I just joined today. I have never been a daily drinker. I can have alcohol in the house and won’t touch it but when I go out all bets are off! It’s awful. How did you finally stick with it?
Alcoholics like myself often surround themselves with other alcoholics or binge drinkers to justify our drinking. When we cut the alcohol out, that almost always inevitably involves cutting off or distancing from those friends or family that still drink. This is one of the most common themes on Loosid when entering sobriety; loneliness. All I can suggest is what has worked for me. Try to hang out with the friends and family that aren't alcoholics/binge drinkers if you got em. There are many groups that do social things outside of meetings (AA, SMART, etc.). Just check either of their websites for locations near you. If a group doesn't suit you, try another. There are also plenty of activities that sober people do that have evades us alcoholics: community events, fitness centers/gym themselves are inherently sober, classes at these places like kickboxing, cycling, ju-jitsu....the list goes on. I'm honestly still learning on this subject as well. Ultimately, though, you are definitely not alone in this journey. Good luck.
Thank you Derek. I’m a lucky to have an amazing family and friend group. Many of which either don’t drink much or are stopping themselves. Just feel like such a loser at times. Like why can’t I just stop. I see all the signs of destruction. Thinking this app and some group virtual meetings may help. Joining one now.
I have the same problem as you. I can’t drink AT ALL or I will binge. I avoid situations where everyone else will be drinking. It’s lonely but it’s better than losing DAYS to binge drinking and sickness.
Go immediately to the library & borrow the book called This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. It’s very enlightening! It’s NOT your fault & you are not alone. Alcohol is an addictive substance that is addictive to ALL humans. It’s freakin ethanol !! — the stuff we put in our gas tanks. It’s not you … it’s the fault of the substance!!.
Look up Annie Grace on YouTube ~~ she has lots of free videos & answers readers questions. She also has an app that you can download for free called This Naked Mind Companion app. She also wrote a book called The 30 Day Alcohol Experiment. Her science works. She has a class called The Path (not free) but it worked for me & I have been sober for 350 days with no desire or cravings thanks to her. Please look her up
The more alcoholics you talk to the more you will feel less like a loser. At least that is my experience. I found that in AA. When I was first sober, I would go to a AA meeting that had euchre after. I got to see people with the same struggles as me laughing and having fun. As time went by I became friends with some of those people and got down to talking about the nitty gritty details of alcoholism with people who could relate. I heard this—I’m not a bad person trying to get good. I’m a sick person trying to get well.
You are not a loser Shay. Maybe a drunk. Guess what? Drunks drink. That’s what we do. But recovering alcoholics don’t drink. They make it their business to look at themselves and find out why they drink. Once I admitted that I was an alcoholic, that my way of thinking was the cause, and that I needed help sobriety and recovery followed. I have some time, so I must be doing something right…
So much lost time due to crippling hangovers
Such good info! Looking her up now.
You’re very motivating!!
I do think admitting it is the first step. Great to heart our story.
By the way, it’s no longer politically correct to say “alcoholic”. Nowadays, we’re supposed to say “Alcohol use disorder”
I hear my own story come through in your words. I can go without just fine. It’s when I start that is the problem. It’s like I want chaos. Alone and ashamed is what we all feel when alcohol wreaks havoc on our lives but we definitely aren’t alone and it’s incredible how quickly things can change
Welcome to this community, Shay!
I have been there…where I feel like such a sucky loser.
We are not losers.
You are amazing for reaching out and sharing with us, Shay!
I echo what Rebecca shared.
Specifically her recommendation to look into what Annie Grace writes about, what she shares!
I am also gonna be revisiting Russell Brand’s book on Addiction-which I believe is called-
Addiction!
( I have not looked at the book in some while ).
Please take some moments to give yourself some grace today, Shay!
Shay, another resource which may help is:
Belle Robertson’s site-
Tired of Thinking About Drinking…
I love that in 2023, we live in this age where via technology…we are able to look up various sites and resources which can help us get and remain sober.
Be nice to yourself, Shay.
You are here and that is a big deal.
Rooting for you!
Thank you Sarim. I’m trying to be kind to myself. But I have been living in a state of self loathing for many years now. Hard to pull out of that hole. But I’m getting there. Creating trusted relationships with people who have gone through similar experiences is going to be so helpful for me.
I have joined the group a naked kind and joined AA meetings. It’s a starts.
