I need help with my drinking.

[Globe]

Hello,
I need help with drinking, but don't know where to start. It's getting to the point where it's affecting my relationship, not only with my partner, but my children.
I know the drink is killing me, but can't seem to stop. My father passed away due to stomach and liver cancer from drinking when I was young. I dont want to end up like he did.
I want to kick this addiction, but I feel so lost and have no idea where to start.
Please help before I lose everything.

[Lhiver]

hey @Globe welcome to the Forums.

It's really great that you've reached out, sharing your story takes a lot of strength, so good on you. It sounds like you have a really clear motivation to cut down your drinking, and to protect your relationship with your family.

The first thing I want to say is quitting drinking cold turkey can have some side effects, so I would really recommend speaking to a trusted GP to help you set up a safe way to start easing off.

Secondly, is there anything you have tried thus far when it comes to reducing your drinking? You mentioned you feel lost, it can be difficult knowing how or where to start. I'm going to tag some other members who may be able to offer some advice, as well as our peer workers.

@Alvarosyd @Katiee @WildeReformed @Annie2405 @PnorkelPW @ScorpionPW @Minnie mouse @Simply me @Gizelle

Remember, you can always reach out here, we're here to support you.

[PnorkelPW]

Hi @Globe …….not sure of you’re still checking into the forums but I’ve just seen this.

My advice to anyone who’s starting to think about getting help is to talk to your GP and if your GP isn’t really confident talking about alcohol issues then find one who is. I think most GP’s these days are across alcohol issues because they’re so prominent these days. I remember talking to my GP and saying “I think I’m an alcoholic” and although it took a few years she was able to help me get on the path to recovery. I want to stress that it wasn’t due to her that the process was slow……….it was all down to me wanting to do things my way and not being honest with myself or anyone else who was trying to help me.

If you can talk to your partner that would help too. If they know what you’re trying to work towards then they can help you in the process and there’s one thing I know for sure………..it’s damn near impossible to do this alone. Being honest with yourself, your GP, your partner and anyone else who’s involved along the way is going to be paramount. It’s not just about being honest when things are going well either. You need to be honest when things aren’t going well too. This is when you’re support network can be of most assistance and you don’t have to fight it alone.

It took me too long to get honest and it cost me my marriage and almost my life. I told people I needed help and I started the process but I kept my struggles and feelings to myself because I wanted to stop so badly…………and I wanted everyone to believe that I was achieving the goal. That denial sent me further down the addiction path than I’d ever gone. The lying, the secrecy, the constant feeling of failure and the overwhelming build up of guilt, shame and remorse.

There are Peer Groups out there such as Alcoholics Anonymous who I found really helpful too………eventually. It took me a number of attempts but eventually I was able to understand what it was all about and that this is where people like me…….alcoholics……..go to find recovery. If AA isn’t your thing then I’d encourage you to look into SMART Recovery. Like I said, it’s damn near impossible to try and do alone so if you can join a Peer Group you’ll find that you’re not alone.

Like I said though………start with your GP. If you’re still around the forums I’d love to hear how things are tracking for you or if anyone else reading this identifies then tag me and I’m happy to continue the conversation.

[Zoe Skye]

Hi, this is my first time posting on this forum. I'm not sure what I'm doing yet. I found this post, and I identified with it, so I thought it might be a good starting point to say hello. I would love some peer support to help me cut down on alcohol successfully.

[PnorkelPW]

Hi @Zoe Skye...........welcome to the forums and thanks for sharing with us...........great work on putting up your first post too!!!

I'm @PnorkelPW and I'm one of the Peer Workers on the forums, @ScorpionPW is also here as a Peer Worker. I'm online two nights per week and @ScorpionPW is here 4 nights per week. We surf the forums and respond to posts, start new threads and share our experience of all things addiction and recovery. When you post anywhere and you want us to be notified just tag us and we'll get a notification..........the same way you should get a notification from this post.

The decision to cut down on alcohol isn't an easy one and nor is the pathway forwards. I tried many times over many years to cut down before finally reaching the conclusion that I abstinence is the only way I'll ever control my drinking. But that's my story and everyone has different stories. Some people can successfully cut down.



Have you spoken with your GP because that's where I recommend for people to start to make sure that they safely reduce their alcohol intake because depending on how much you're drinking you might need some medical assistance.

Can you tell me a little about how much you're drinking at the moment? What have you tried to cut down so far?? What's worked and what hasn't?? What's your ultimate aim?

[ScorpionPW]

Hi @Zoe Skye, thanks so much for sharing and letting us know a bit about what you're going through.

I know for me, it was that first step of admitting I needed help and then actually asking for help that was the hardest.

I'm wondering if you'd feel comfortable letting us know a bit more about what's going on for you and what you would like support with?