I know I need to quit drinking, but it’s such a hard concept to grasp. Where do you start? I’ve tried so many times and I always fail. I always convince myself that I can control it and not get blackout drunk and not get mean etc., and I’ll do ok for a few times but then I fall right back into it and do the same thing. Except it gets worse every time. I used to be able to say oh I’m in college or oh I’m in my 20’s partying hard isn’t a big deal, now I’m in my 30’s and I know that I can’t make excuses for myself anymore. But honestly the though of trying to quit and failing again scares me.
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Hey man. I know it sounds cliché, but it truly is one day at a time.. your story is just like mine and so many more. I always said today is the day. This is my last time. So on and so fourth. Until one day it really was enough. Take it easy. I'm not going to say it is easy because it absolutely is not. But in time it does get easier and incredibly rewarding. You will begin to see the life you always wanted and find your true potential. You got this . One. Day. At. A .time
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For me: it was Total Surrender!!! I CANT- GOD CAN!
It’s the Flesh your fighting- Alcohol and Drugs are but just a symptom of something much deeper. I pray you get plugged into a community of people that will love and encourage you. It works- IF YOU WORK IT!
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I found a cool sticker:) “ One day or Day One?” What you said sounds like a tape in my head. I recognize it. What it came down to was that all the arguing in my head didn’t change what I knew I wanted. So I just did it. I know I didn’t do it alone. I know my higher power helped me minute by minute. 1. Because I asked. 2. BeCause I shut up and ignored my own arguments. 3. Because there was someone to call and talk to. This is s great app. There is someone to talk to, and they have made it better. You can do this when you are ready.
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I started with surrendering and asking for help. I know that I can’t control alcohol or drugs, they control me. I was in AA the morning after I asked for help. AA has changed my life. I got a sponsor and started working the steps.
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You are doing the first step right now. Admitting you are powerless over alcohol, and your life has become unmanageable. I can say we have all been in your shoes at one time. I remember my first realization I had to stop. You did right, reaching out. The first thing is detoxing. Depending on how you feel you may want to go check into an ER and tell them you need a detox. It can be dangerous to do it on your own. Next is get into a program. AA worked for me personally. We can and do recover. Good luck man!
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Hey I could really relate to what u said. I Also started blackout drinking & doing crazy things. don't be scared to to try it's not failure if you're trying to stop. I'm currently working AA. I'd say google a clubhouse near u & get with a good sponsor. Best of luck to ya man.
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Man… What you posted is so relatable to me. Four things that have worked for me so far but I’m only two months without a drink, so take it for what it’s worth. I’ve never gone to AAA, but this app has been all I’ve needed so far to stay strong and has really helped me.
- I always thought that I could just stop when I wanted and I had control of it, but that was never true. I was also never willing to except that I was an alcoholic, but that was never true. Once I realized it was a problem and that I was going to have to have some form of support and treated that way is win quitting became different and I got more power over this.
So I had to realize that I had a serious problem and and that meant that I needed to put an end to it for good. - This is probably a no no- but I replace habits with other habits that are positive and that seems to help me cope. I’ve joined clubs for politics, community service, taking up side jobs and I only drink pop when I’m around people drinking alcohol.
Replace a habit with a positive habit. - I decided to research about why alcohol is most dangerous drug in America because of the culture substance and I talk to nurses and doctors to treat alcohol addictions. Understanding the dangers and the harm the alcohol does has helped me realize it’s evil and help me realize that I need to be done with it and what that’s going to do and how it’s going to change me.
I learned how horrible and dangerous alcohol really is. - This may not apply to you but it could apply to your nieces and nephews or children in your life. I have a child and I have nieces and nephews that see the family drinking all the time and they need a role model. Especially my son needs a sober and strong dad that can say no to alcohol. As adults we need to set the example of what a strong and healthy adult yes
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I'm right there with you. I'll quote for a while and fall back in. I'm thinking about going into addiction counseling. It might be worth looking into.
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Find your people in meetings, keep coming back it works if you work it and we’re all worth it
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The key to my success was seeking therapy and meds. My alcohol use was my attempt at self-medication. If you suffer from depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness, and you don't get that treated, you'll likely have a hard time getting any help from any programs available.
Utilize all avenues available to you. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
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Definitely look into it ! It took 2 stints in rehab and another year after that for me to finally get some sober time in - 66 days today ! You can do this 
Absolutely 
I took it minute by minute.
AA is not for everyone, obviously…while I also have nothing against it.
What has helped me the most (?) is remembering how I badly I loathed myself seven months ago.
I think if I pick up this time around, I may not survive the self-loathing, Shame and I know it will get worse and worse and worse until I lose everything and everyone I care about and possibly this one, precious life I have. May sound “ dramatic “? … while I feel this way.
You can do this. You can lead a sober life. Rooting for you!
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Well if you don't do it now it's only going to get worse. Trust me. I know. 58 years old and one year sober. Wish I had quit in my 30s. I would have saved myself and people I love a lot of heartache. It starts with just one day. Best of luck on your journey
Sobriety is a major decision but make it before it’s too late. My brother was 33 when he died from alcoholism the color of a lemon. I was disgusted with myself that I fell into the same trap. I am so grateful that it only last 3 years but in 3 years I became physically addicted to the point in needed the alcohol. I needed to be medically detoxed to have my life saved. It will be 23 months. It’s not always easy because alcoholism is in my family so of course some are not talking to me now. I will not die the miserable death that my brother died. Stay strong. Reach out. Go to meetings.
Well if you didn’t hit the nail on the head. Sounds very familiar. I’m in the same boat, I’m scared of failing my daughters.
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You’re in the right place! We were all in your place at one time or another. All of our rock bottoms may look different, but in the end we are all the same.
Biggest advice I can give is to talk to a dr or detox center as you begin going through withdrawals. Can be extremely dangerous. I had a Grand mal seizure on day 4 of alcohol withdrawals.
I always need to be honest because I feel so strongly about my recovery. I was so physically addicted to alcohol that the only way I was able to stop was to admit to Hospital to be medically detoxed. It saved my life. After a 7 day stay i immediately started attending a Intensive Outpatient Program where they would test daily for alcohol and drugs. From the I attended an Early Recovery program once a week. With almost 23 months I love that meeting that I still go. I still struggle but fight with my life everyday not to pick up again. If I just stopped I could have possibly had a very bad seizure. The medication that I was given helped completely with my withdrawal.
I’m the same way. I’ve had a series of alcohol-related tragedies and mishaps happen over the last year, the last straw being someone running around screaming that I called him a very forbidden word (I didn’t, I was asking him to stop screaming it at my house at 2 am), turning a bunch of “friends” (drinking buddies) against me…. But the fact is, if we weren’t drinking, that would have never happened. And if these guys were actual friends, I wouldn’t be sitting here trying to defend myself. They’re addicts. I’m an addict. No one actually knows what’s what right now. But the sober side of my brain has stepped in the last few days and has completely taken over… I hope it lasts, because I can’t even stomach the thought of a night out. I’m so over it.