It started innocently enough. I stayed for 6 months on

Recovery
#1

It started innocently enough. I stayed for 6 months on a Greek island. The dad always wanted me to have a glass of wine with lunch and dinner. I was 31. I hate the taste of all alcohol.

When I got home, I got severe panic attacks for the first time in my life. The alcohol really, really helped calm me down.

After that, it just snowballed until one day I said, “I think I have a problem.”

It came out of left field. I e never been a drinker, not even in college!

I live alone and was still “functioning” so I kept drinking. It was my personal, dirty little secret.

I felt less anxious, less scared, less depressed, and more easy going. Happier even.

Meanwhile, there were a few times I lashed out at friends or did something stupid. I’ve also gained 40 pounds. The guilt and shame are always with me.

It’s hard to quit because alcohol is on tv, at grocery stores, gas stations…everywhere. And I’m so impulsive, I’ll leave the house to get some before I’ve even thought it through.

I’ve worked really hard in my life. I don’t want to throw it all away for this addiction. I’m scared I can’t quit. I’ve dug myself into such a deep hole. I’ve been isolating myself. I feel alone. I’m scared.

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#2

I totally feel you. Keep at it though. And try not to beat yourself up over it

1 Like
#3

All you have to do is take one day at a time you will be amazed at the support that you'll get and won't be alone anymore.. sobriety will be your savior. You can do it :pray:

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#4

I was 36 before I got sober after 10 years in the bottle. The time, amour, or what you drink doesn’t matter. What does is the desire to stop drinking. It can be terrifying, and to say it is easy would be a lie. You can do it if you truly ask for help. There is a whole community out there who not only will but WANTS to help you. Reach out to them! Get to a program, ask for that help. You got this.

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#5

Gosh, thanks for all the support. I’m already overwhelmed with how supportive and nice everyone is. I’m thankful because it’s hard to talk about this. So…thank you.

#6

You can totally do this

#7

It was said before, support is there. You’re not alone by any means. And the second you reach out for help, like you have done here, you will be met with an astounding community that truly wants you to succeed. At first I thought what will others think and I’m not one to care about that. I haven’t met anyone in or outside of recovery that gave negative feedback back. It’s something to be proud of. Just that act of admitting it and standing up for yourself/what you want show bravery and determination. Now follow what you want for yourself and take the steps to achieve it. Rarely do we see one fail if we adhere to simple steps. You can do it, I can do it. Believe in yourself and embrace all those that embrace you. You got this.