I've hit the bottm

[Guest]

I've hit the bottm

Hi mike205 and welcome.

Glad you`re here. Good thing about hitting the bottom is that that the only way to go now is up, right?? Don`t be ashamed........we`re all in the same boat and have all been exactly where you are tonight........it`s the drink that`s shameful, not the person inside the drunk.

Great to hear you`re going to the doc......doc gave me med to withdraw, although I chose to do it without.....only because I knew I wasn`t physically dependent....had cut down to a btl/ wine per night before going cold turkey, although was drinking a helluva lot more before this past year. Meds from the doc will allow you to withdraw safely.

Am just into my 6th sober week Mike........thanks to M.W.O. and the endless support to be found from so many caring people here.

If you really want to get sober, Mike...........M.W.O. is the best port of call.

Love and strength to you,

Starlight Impress x

[mike205]

I've hit the bottm

Hi, my main question or fear is how do you deal with the people in a social setting like a party, work event, wedding etc. who will say just have one it won't hurt. The thing that is making me nervous is that I have clients who ask if I want to go grab a quick beer after work. I don't want to offend them by saying I can't go.

Also, I live alone and very often go out to bars for dinner or lunch. I've lived here for a while and have my local restaurants (not pubs) where I go. What willl they think when I order club soda. Will they think I'm anti-social? I have all these thoughts going throgh my head here. What if I go out on a date and can't function in a social setting because I'm scared of ordering a drink or been with someone who would enable me?

I guess this could normal irrational thinking I'm just not sure. What have some of you guys done in these situations? Do people think you are a bad person if you say you are an alcoholic?

I can't wait until tomorrow so I can call my doctor and really take the next step.

By the way, you guys are really awesome people. Thank you for your support I'll be here tomorrow too. I'm looking forward to tellling you that I made it through the first full day - honestly.

[janka]

I've hit the bottm

Hi Mike, you don't have to tell anyone about being an alcoholic if you don't want to. In social situations where drinks are being served, you can say no thanks ... I'm on medication or a diet, just getting over an illness, whatever.

[mike205]

I've hit the bottm

Hi Janka,
That's a great response that I'm getting over an illness. It's not a lie either.
I wouldn't have thought of that. I thought I might have had to say, I can't because I'm an alcoholic and I'm sure people could judge you on that. I also know I have some great friends and when I tell them they will support me. If they don't then they are not true friends and I should drop them.

I opened up to my ex-girlfriend on Sunday and told her about it, she's been awesome about it. She knew I was a drunk but didn't know how bad it really was. It's funny that she doesn't drink, smoke or drugs but does have her own demons - anorexia so she had been really understanding. I owe her big time. I hope I don't tick her off to much during the next week or so when the detox really takes a hold. You seem to always hurt the ones that are close to you and I'm worried that I will be taking my irratibility out on her. I've told her not to come over until at least Thursday.

Like I mentioned in my first post I feel as though I'm rambling. Just so many thoughts going through my head.

This is so helpful to be able to write this down and actually seeing responses is even better.

By the way, I have no beer left in the house. Tonight, I plan on laying on the couch and watch the Red Sox. I've often wondered how boring baseballl would be without the drinking that goes along with it. I guess I'll find out tonight.

Best regards all
mike

[betty boop]

I've hit the bottm

Mike, My aim is mods .... I gradually cut down from 3 bottles of wine every day to one, and then aimed for 30 days af but only managed 17 ..........

Go for the 30 days..... you can tell your friends that you are on medication for this short time and then choose to moderate if that is what you want .......

BB xx

[gabby]

I've hit the bottm

Hey Mike, I think your doin really good. Beer was my drink too. And so much like your story. I love this place. I do take topamax too. But I havent had a beer in 15 months. So you can do it.

And your social concerns will go away after you become AF if thats what you wanna end up doin. You'll find a comfortable answer for yourself. I used to have madeup reasons for why I wasnt drinkin cuz I wasnt for sure trusting myself and didnt really know if I was never gonna drink. Or gonna just take a break or moderate or whatever. When you gain your own confidence and strength about where you are goin with this....you'll know your answer.

Now I just say plain and simple, "No thanks I don't drink. But I'll have some ice water please." And that ends it.

[mike205]

I've hit the bottm

Hello guys, I hope you are well. I got through the night last night. I woke up at 2:30 this morning sweating but not as bad as I though. I'm fine at work but do feel a little anxiety creeping in but not as bad as if I drank all day yesterday. I manage to get some chicken and potatoes for lunch. Not a lot but enough.

I talked to my friend / boss this morning. He's a great guy and totally understands. I have a 2:30 Dr's appointment this afternoon so that will be interesting. So, so far I've opened up to two people who haven't judged me. Next will be the Doc. It's like shedding a huge load off your back. Also, now I'm not just doing it myself, I'm doing it for them too. I've always let myself down but rarely have I let friends down.

I'll let you know later how it goes.

Thank You all so much.
mike

[betty boop]

I've hit the bottm

Hi Mike, thanks for checking in an :goodjob: :goodjob: :goodjob: !!!!!

Keep going .....

Love & Hugs, BB xx

[retteacher]

I've hit the bottm

Hi Mike:

I came to MWO in April. I was drinking to black-out 3 - 5 times per week for years. I was isolated & anxious. It was an uphill struggle of going AF for a day or 2, then slipping until July 10th. That day (it was a Wednesday), I woke up & said "enough is enough!" I didn't drink for that day & didn't think ahead to any kind a life wo/alcohol. Then I did it again on July 11th etc. In other words, I took a one-day-at-a-time approach...especially in the beginning. I've now accumulated 57 AF days, & my life is completely different.

I went to about 5 or 6 parties/gatherings during the summer & didn't drink. It got easier & easier. Usually, I walk in w/something in my hand (a bottle of water or tea) & sip that as the host is getting drinks for others. I find the first few minutes of a party the hardest. Parties are different wo/the social lubrication of a drink, but I've never been able to stop at 1, 2, or 3. I'm like you in that I don't have an "off switch."

Even during my worst days of slipping in May, June, & early July, I came to MWO every day. I kept track of my drinking w/DrinkTracker. It was encouraging to see the zeros mount up. I was able to go AF wo/supps or meds, but that's not for everyone. I definitely have trouble w/sleeping (even now), but it's a real gift to wake up simply feeling tired instead of hungover. Good Luck, Mary

PS: Because I have no "off switch", alcohol-free instead of mod works better for me.

[42cat]

I've hit the bottm

Hope all goes well with the doc, Mike. Looking forward to hearing about it. Nice job on telling your friends too .... Good luck to you with everything.

~Catt

[mike205]

I've hit the bottm

Hi folks,
I'm really happy with this site and the support that comes along with it. As I get better I will certainly be around to pay it back.

I went to the Dr and told her I was an alcoholic. We talked for a while and I told her my game plan. This is really my 2nd night free. On Sunday, I finished what beer I had in the fridge in the morning.

She told me this would probably be a tough night but the 3rd is the most difficult. I asked for some tranqulizers for a crutch so I can take 1/2 of a 50mg klonapen tonight before bed. I took one last night and was in bed by 10. I did wake up sweaty around 2:30 but was able to drift back in and out until 5:00am. When I got up I felt great much better than 10hrs of passed out sleep.

I'm glad I was never into pills though as that would have made me a lot more nervous taking meds even though this dose is very low.

I'm going to see if I can handle the temptation of my wine collection. I've been collecting for around three years but never drank it. It was usually for dates or when people came over. I'd hate to have to give it away as it cost me a small fortune. I should try to sell it though.

I'm looking forward to chatting with you in the chat room after I finish work.

Stay strong and thank you for your support. It's awesome,
mike

[janka]

I've hit the bottm

Well done Mike, look forward to hearing from you soon

[planetjanet]

I've hit the bottm

Hi Mike 205,

Read your thread over the weekend and I just wanted to welcome you. It's a great place to be and the support group is overwhelming. :goodjob: for taking the steps to tackle this madness in your life and always know that you are not alone.

Hi Benno,

How was your weekend? Mine was greeeeat. Got lots of sun and was able to get a couple of good runs in. Wow, do I have a great story to share with you and everyone else, will post tonite it, it really helped out my boyfriend in being really wanting to be AF. Work is really crazy right now, which is why I can't write it now, even though I am soooo eager too.

Hi Janka,

How are you? Feeling better, I hope so.

Hi Mike (the guy from Israel)

How are you doing? Stay strong and keep posting....

Anywho, hope everyone had a great weekend and are doing well with their "program"

Big hug :l
Janet
AF Day 7

[Andy1111]

I've hit the bottm

Mike,
I live in Massachusetts as well and found out that Alcoholics Anonymous was the only way to get me sober. This site helps, as does taking medication (I take Campral), but when it comes down to it, a lot of people find peace and happiness talking to other drunks. Give a meeting or two a chance. It'll save your life.

I used to drink EVERYDAY. Pint of vodka, five beers, plus some nips and suffered tremendous anxiety attacks -- I once went to the hospital because of one. Turned out I was OK< just suffering from an alcohol induced panic attack.

Now, I am almost 100 days sober and rarely think about having a drink. It's a miracle and I have AA and my docs and family to thank for that. PM me anytime and I'll call you over the phone.

Andy

[42cat]

I&#39;ve hit the bottm

Good to hear that your Dr. visit went well. And congrats on Night 2 AF. Selling the wine collection sounds like a good idea... or giving the bottles as gifts (say at Christmas?) ....... that is, if you don't foresee using it with company .. and are able to exlude yourself or limit to one glass.

Is today your Day 3? *many strong AF vibes to you!*

~Catt