Hi, just wanted to introduce myself. I'm 28. quit drinking nearly two years ago after ruining a relationship with my drinking and generally having all sorts of problems for years.
I then started drinking again and though things have not been as bad as they were by any means I now know that I cannot do it. When I have a drink I lose all sense of reality and all I am focussed on is drinking more and more and more. I have a complete personality flip, and I feel ashamed, worried, and sick about my behaviour the next day. I feel like I'm on borrowed time until I do something terrible with my drinking and I don't want to live with that fear.
I haven't been to any meetings yet.
I wonder if anyone here has problems with people in their lives not accepting the gravity of your problem? I have people who say things like, 'maybe you just need to cut down' or 'everyone gets out of control sometimes'. Cutting down doesn't work.
That was a bit rambly. Just wanted to say hi, and hope I can contribute.
"I wonder if anyone here has problems with people in their lives not accepting the gravity of your problem? I have people who say things like, 'maybe you just need to cut down' or 'everyone gets out of control sometimes'. Cutting down doesn't work."
I think all or nearly all alcoholics have one or more people like this they don't understand alcoholism. I've educated the ones in my life to the point where they either get it or keep their mouths shut so they don't have to hear my lectures.
BTW welcome we're glad you're here. You are going to a meeting soon I hope ?
take care
Bryan
__________________
Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Romans 8:6 , The Message
We all played with the idea that we could "cut down". If you're obsessing about drinking more and more, you're probably beyond "cutting down". There is deffinately a "tipping point" in alcoholism that can not be reversed. One of our favorite sayings is "Once you're a pickle, you can never be a cucumber again".
If you think about it, there is no good reason to drink. If you can't drink safely any longer, then not drinking would be the obvious course to take and with any other issue it would be a clear cut one time decision. Such as a jogger that started having joint problems due to age. The Dr. would advise that he/she no longer jog but find a lower impact way to exercise and that would be that. But that asumes there is no driving obsession like we have with drinking. It's the only disease that tells you that you don't have a disease.
That's why we forget, and why going to meetings helps us to remember where we came from. Also working the steps will cause the obsession to go away. Most of us consider that a spiritual experience, but that's not a requirement. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Hey Mrs London, Welcome. Yes, it was very common to have people minimize my situation. I finally got to the point where I would look them dead in the eye and say "you do not understand, I am a drunk and if I drink anything I will die, please don't ask me again". I only had to do that in my 20's because as your friends mature, they have more tact.
__________________
"You're in the right place. That's the door right there. Turn around."
I find if others are not in the same boat, they have absolutely no way of understanding....Most people still view alcoholism as a social issue, they have no idea that it's a disease.
Welcome to MIP. I'm very glad you're here.
~Jen, alcoholic in S.C.
__________________
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
I've found that unless someone is an alcoholic, they don't understand that we simply can't cut down. That was certainly how it was for me. And, it's great to be in an AA meeting were everyone understands that and I can get strength from that. I do hope that you'll go to a meeting soon.
Please keep posting and letting us know how things are going for you, won't you?
Take care,
Carol
__________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Thank you for the warm welcome. It is really great to be amongst people who understand and have been there. I will definitely continue to keep coming. Thank you.
Hey Ms London Welcome!!!! Glad you found the board!!!! When I first came to AA I was going to meetings everyday and continued to drink. I didnt think I was all that bad but I kept hearing the word...."yet!" It finally dawned on me after listening to others that, "yea, I was an alkie and needed help!"
It doesnt matter what others think of my drinking, I have to do what is right for me!
Good luck and hope you hit some meetings!!!
Lani
__________________
"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Welcome to MIP, Ms London. I'm looking forward to hearing your story & recovery as it unfolds. You're in a great place here & you've been getting honest with yourself already. This will help you to recognise how putting the drink down will be leading you onto to a better life after alcohol. It takes practice & a lot of growth but with your willingness you'll do really well. I wish you all the love & luck in the world to get where you want to be. I hope you'll check out some meetings too. It really helps to spend time with likeminded people who are trying for a better life after alcohol too. It is possible. I'm 19mths sober with the help of this board & the fellowship. Let us know how it's all going for you. Danielle x
__________________
Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
