day 1

[Old Soldier]

With the help of my wife and my shrink, i finally realized that i have a problem with booze. I also realize that the only way i am going to beat this thing is with help from family and friends. Unfortunately almost all my friends drink, and i know that is going to be one of my biggest struggles. I have been reading this forum, and am filled with hope. My shrink prescribed me Campral, and i will be picking up that scrip tomorrow. I have the distinct feeling this will be one of the hardest things i have done. But i feel i have no choice, if i keep walking down this road i foresee nothing but paid and loss. normally i would be 4-6 beers deep and well on my way to a bad night's sleep. It has been so hard to admit to myself that i am a alcoholic. I think this site will help me recover.

[scrubbly]

day 1

:welcome:

Sounds like you already have a good start, in your wife and your doctor's support.

Have you downloaded or bought RJ's book? It has other stuff about supplements other than the Campral that can help you in the early days too, taking the edge off cravings, helping with the anxiety you will likely get, if you have any sleeping problems, etc. It really can help.

And coming here a lot, reading other people's stories, posting questions as you go, knowing that you are not doing this alone, all that helps too.

You can do this!

[The New Me]

day 1

Welcome to the journey... This site will help a lot. Keep posting and learning about the beast...

[DriftyAlison0]

day 1

You came to the right place and welcome to the journey.

[TimeToLoveMyLiver]

day 1

Hi Soldier.

Like you, I don't know one single person who does not drink. It's a bit of an Olympic sport here in Australia. That for me originally was the hardest part. It's something you have to overcome. To be honest once you stop drinking, you may find the only thing you have in common with some people is having a drink.

I wish you luck with your quest.

Being sober is a pretty nice place to be.

Cheers

Brett.

[Long Road]

day 1

Hey Liver lover

I'm Aussie too and if u have a propensity 2 drink Ur cactus. At least U understand what I mean. Luv U mate. Keep sane. Like Barnsey

[Tabbers (a.k.a. KTAB)]

day 1

Hello Old soldier and welcome, you have found a great place here. I also suggest you download and read the book asap, it will help you to work out a plan which will hopefully suit your needs. Well done on taking the first important step, you will recieve plenty of support and advice here from people who have walked the same path.
Keep safe
KTAB

[tiptronic_ct]

day 1

Welcome, Old Soldier.

I second what KTAB has said!

Good luck!

[Tulipe]

day 1

Hi Old Soldier,
It takes a lot of strength to decide there's a problem and we have to fix it. I was very scared my first AF day too. I took Campral, and still take it. My md also gave me some benzos (a version of valium) to help with withdrawal. There is a withdrawal thread in the Need Help ASAP section you may find useful.
If you make it through the first 3 days, it gets better, a lot better.

[National]

day 1

Hey Old Soldier - I'm on day 1 as well. A majority of my life has centered around the drink. Nevertheless, I have to change my ways. Good luck and hopefully we can both post tomorrow that we are on Day 2! Cheers. National

[greeneyes]

day 1

Hi Old soldier and :welcome: It is a good first step (albiet difficult) to admit to a problem but now you're on your way up! You will find much support here as you deal with all the theings that come up (I think we all had / have drinking friends) and you have the good fortune to have the support of your wife and shrink. Good luck and stick close!

I bumped the tool box thread for you. It's very helpful.

[Old Soldier]

day 1

Thanks for all the responses. Day 2 has been ok, slept like crap but i think that is part of it. My demons came out on the way home from work and i really had to fight hard not to stop and pick up some brews. you see i usually don't drink on Monday or Tuesday, and start on Wednesday and generally drink through the weekend. I used to use the non drinking days as evidence (in my mind) that i was not a alcoholic. i realize now it was just an excuse to drink more the other days of the week. Any how thanks again.

[Popeye]

day 1

Hi Old Soldier,
We've got our own drinking culture over here in Scotland too and it's difficult to get away from, but I've found that looking at it from the outside is much better than being a part of it.
I drank solidly for many years thinking that's just the way I am, but I was wrong. It turned me into a morose, cynical, dark-hearted loser who couldn't see much point in waking up in the morning. Since quitting I've got back my self-respect and so much more.
It's scary, but not half as scary as the alternative, and with each success the fear evaporates and is replaced with a simple joy for life.
Stay strong Soldier.