I drink every other day, after dark, for 3 years. I'm 26 and my drinking is effecting my work, social life and ability to maintain a positive relationship with my family. They have no idea how bad I think it is but I can't stop this cycle. I'm sick all the time and have lost myself. I'd like an outpatient program but dont know where to start. I work for a bank and lead a "functional" life. In hous rehab is not an option due to my deadlines. I also suffer from an unsual anxiety disorder. I give speeches all the time but cant sit in a classroom or go to the dentist. Looking for help. Thanks in advance
Hi JB and welcome. You're story is very average and you'd do well by joining this program and attending meetings at the times that you usually drank. For me, that was every day. Pick up a copy of the AA "big book" (lower left corner of this page is a picture and link) and read it. I think that you'll find yourself in there. The sooner you deal with it the better the rest of your life will be. Alcoholism is a progressive disease, meaning that it will get worse. Most people have to lose a lot of assets before surrendering to the idea that they just can't drink safely any longer, but you sound like the proactive type, which is good. You need an education about what's out there for you yet, if you continue to drink and effective ways to keep from drinking one day at a time. Meetings will provide that, and a fellowship of good people who share the same interests.
Welcome to MIP. It certainly adds to the quality of my sobriety.
Try going to a few AA meetings in your area. I couldn't have got sober or stayed sober without the help and friendship extended to me in the meetings. I used to drink every day and I was losing everything that I valued, especially my loved ones and my health. But, today it isn't like that. I have a new life that is better than I could ever have hoped for.
It could happen to you, too. Just give AA a try.
Please keep posting and letting us know how things are going for you, won't you?
Take care,
Carol
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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
Welcome!!! Youve taken a first big step in realizing that you have a drinking problem. Now be willing to go to any lengths and move forward. Hitting some A meetings would be a great start. You dont necessarily need a rehab to get sober. Go to a meeting, listen and see what it has to offer!
The last thing I wanted to do was quit drinking. I thought life would be to hard without it! Didnt hit a huge rock bottom as I think alot of us thought, "i havent lost a house, my family, etc" But I did lose ME!!!!! My life is great today, have about 9 monts+ sobriety! I always think, if I can do it, anybody can!!!! Good luck! Dont drink today, hit a meeting and take it one day at a time!!!!
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"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. "
I too have anxiety. Not only is AA great, but therapy has been helpful for me. I also asked the psychiatrist about the effects of certain substances relating to anxiety. Alcohol may initially reduce your feelings of anxiety, but the results days after are not good. From my own experience, I gave up caffeine too. Or shall I say, I am not drinking coffee all day everyday-Decaf. I also have terrible acid reflux...which both caffeine and alcohol contribute too....alcohol really messed my tummy up and my head. My confidence is slowly getting better in alot of areas. this last week, a lot of "tests" in life have come my way, and i can say I am sober today. I have found joy in the things that I have turned my back on due to conflicts and struggles. Now, I have returned with a new attitude. so far so good. I believe getting rid of alcohol will resolve many if not most of my "issues" from the past and anything that comes my way in the present.
You will find all kinds in the AA meetings. Doctors, lawyers, housewives, mechanics, artists... what we all have in common is a desire to stop drinking, and a WAY to make that happened, as outlined by a simple plan called the 12 Steps, which you can use to build a foundation to relieve the obsession of alcoholism.
I agree, try AA first, as you can always resort to treatment if you need to. But AA has worked for millions upon millions of people just like you and me, and in hundreds of countries. We don't HAVE to lose everything before getting sober, but some do. Itis great to make the choice to give AA a try before that happens.
Welcome to the forum here, and keep coming back!
Joni
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
