Afraid to quit

[DoneSon!]

I'm afraid to quit drinking. At first, I get really excited about being sober. The thought of being able to enjoy life without alcohol is extremely exciting! Then a cloud seems to form over me. I'm suddenly filled with doubt and worry. It's as though a part of me is going to die, or I'm stepping into a losing fight. I dread the whole situation.
I blame my job for stressing me out, but that's not the truth. I have allowed myself to fall into a routine of work, drink, sleep, eat and repeat. I can feel myself slipping out of control. It's to the point where I crave alcohol and I'm depressed until I know I'll be able to drink soon. I've tried to quit alone but I cannot. It's time I reached out for some serious help. Please help me. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

[42cat]

Afraid to quit

Hey there, Done. Very nice to meet you. I'm still early in being sober (I drank a 5th of hard liquor, all day long, every day). This site, and these message boards, are so wonderful. So many understanding, non-judgemental people .. so many ideas, etc. Lots of different people working things out in their own way. I have learned so much.

You asked for encouraging words ... Here's one from me: I'm two weeks sober after MANY years of hard drinking. I didn't think it was possible. I was really scared too. (The first week was a toughie .. full of that doubt and worry that you talked about, not to mention anxiety, fear, sadness, uncertainty, and the list goes on.. I filled that time by walking a lot, cleaning, distractions, making plans). It really does get easier with time .. your body heals, your brain clears .. with each minute, hour, day. I'm just now realizing that I'm still the person I always was - I thought I'd be different - LOL. Funny how ALcohol messes with your mind, huh....... Making little changes in my daily routine seems to be helping a lot ... For me, my personal Step 1 was wanting to (you obviously do too - you're here!) .. Step 2 was making a plan and toughing out the withdrawals (or getting help if you need it) .. and now I'm onto continuing and building on this sober life, which is pretty cool I must say!

Read through the sit and different message boards .. make notes if that works .. maybe a list of vitamins and supplements to try, maybe a doctor's appointment for meds, or whatever might work for you ... And if your initial plan doesn't work, change it around and go again .. and again and again ... and learn from each experience if it doesn't work the first time .. and you'll get there. Just don't give up. You deserve a happy life .. It belongs to you, not to ALcohol .. AL has taken your life for way to long. Take it back .. You can do it.

Looking forward to hearing more from you!

[cacky]

Afraid to quit

Done, Welcome. When you make a decision to give up AL, you are making a decision to break up with your very best friend. It does hurt and it is scary. I think what you are feeling is normal.

[Lavande]

Afraid to quit

Welcome DoneSon,

Have no fear, you have lots of understanding company here!
Giving up alcohol is like giving up your best friend and everything you know. BUT, you will be OK.
As your head begins to clear and normal thinking resumes you will see that you've done the best thing for yourself. I know it's hard to imagine right now but it's the truth.
Get that first AF day under your belt, then another, then another. You will begin to feel amazing, honestly.

Wishing you the best!

[last call]

Afraid to quit

It is scary Done, but you'll be amazed how soon that goes away once you have some AF time. I see that your in the marine corp. You should be very proud of that. I would think that they would have some programs for their soldiers. Why don't you look into that. Keep reading and posting and asking questions here. It really helped me when I detoxed. The best of luck to you.

[Boss.man]

Afraid to quit

It scared me to death. I spent years dreading it; adding to my anxiety. Haha, it's just the insidious effect of alcohol. Boy! That stuff makes one act strange. Don't worry, life is fine without it. Better!

[LilBit]

Afraid to quit

Welcome, Done! Much of what you're feeling now is the AL clouding your thoughts and emotions. If you can take the supps (they really help), make a plan, and tough out the first few days, you'll be amazed how your views of everything will change.

AL is a liar! It tells you that your life will not be fun without it. It says you can never beat it or break your routine. Don't listen to all that. You can do it. I'm 40+ days AF now after many years, and I can tell you that life is SO much better, richer, and more fun on the other side. Please stick close, post as much as you want, and read others' stories here. It really helps.

Love,

LilBit

[Winefree]

Afraid to quit

Done, I could have written what you did. Many similarities.
But I am here and finally getting serious, on day 47 AF here and since 4/8 a total of 67 days AF. On 4/1 I would never have said it would be possible.

Read and post, get the supps, try AA, it can be done(pun unintended)!

Winefree

[Tulipe]

Afraid to quit

Hi Done,
The first day is the scariest. Get some meds if you can. Read, post, keep trying. I'm only on Day 4 so what do I know, but if you like, read my post on this is how I feel and you will see what I seek.
- Tulipe