I’m really struggling at age 72. I can go 3

Struggling Help
#1

I’m really struggling at age 72. I can go 3 to 4 days sober, then I let family issues make me resentful and start to drink again. I have been on this merry go round for 13 years. The drinking and the many cigarettes I smoke nonstop are really making my health decline. The hangovers are harder to handle. AA meetings involve 2 hours of driving because I live in a small rural area. Please , I need help!

4 Likes
#2

Wow family issues need to stop

#3

Can you do online meetings?

2 Likes
#4

I also had family issues (though not my reasoning for drinking). I finally had enough and cut the toxic ones out of my life. Just cause they are blood doesn’t mean you have to take on the issues that follow with them. It took me a good while for me to hit that point but I did.

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#5

I can relate. I live in a rural area and while there's a great group 15 minutes away my work schedule prevents me from going as much as I'd like. Sometimes, I need a meeting though and drive. Tonight was one of those nights, so I dealt with it and drove 45 minutes each way.

Start with online meetings. Get a sponsor, even if virtual. Work the program. As you progress, contact a local pastor and/or your closest AA Intergraph. It sounds like there may be a need in your area for meetings.

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#6

This is a link to a list of online meetings. Some meetings require a password and it is usually in the description of the meeting.

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#7

I know what you are going through. What I found the most effective at least for me, is I continuously journal my thoughts and feelings everything I feel and urge it helps me realize why am about to fall and I save myself from the fallout.

#8

Get a sponser at your next meeting with a phone list of women in your area and reach out to them daily , READ the book and DO the steps with your sponser and find relief

#10

Hello Kathy
I'm Susan and I'm 72 also. Who've thought? Anyway just wanted to say hi. We sound an awful alike.

2 Likes
#11

Thank you!

#12

Yes we do!

#13

Yes thank you

#14

Thank you

#15

Trying this thx

#16

I agree with you. I too had to cut ties to toxic family in order for my sobriety to begin. Finally quit drinking at 71 Years of age. Have been sober for 3 years. I wad killing myself. Falls, not eating, avoiding health concerns. Discovered I had breast cancer. Until I finally focused on me and said “f” everyone else did I embrace sobriety . angain

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#17

Hi Kathy. I am 60 and tried for 12 long years to quit drinking. I was in pretty bad shape and had almost given up. AA wasn’t for me and I literally tried at least 25 different meetings, maybe more. I finally found my people at the Luckiest Club. They even have meetings for folks over 50. They literally saved my life. I am now 13 months alcohol free and will never look back. Here is a link to copy to your browser.

Find your people. It’s all about connection. They have over 50 mtgs a week. Groups, subgroups and lots of information. Don’t give up! If I did it, I know you can too. Reach out if you need a buddy!

1 Like
#18

So grateful for your journey so far. Stories like yours inspire us to not want to give in to the hunger and craving that saps us of the elixir of health of body and mind.