Introductions

[The New Me]

Hello friends,
I've been posting for few days w/o introducing myself. I had some tech issues, which seems to be resolved by now.
I have been very impressed with the quality of posting on this site. No preaching, just compassion for suffering that this poison put us through. I have tired AA, but found it too somber and too depressing. And frankly, I found myself thinking - I am not that bad, but also knowing, I will get THAT BAD, if I continue on this slipery road. I have respect for AA, but would not like to hit the bottom required by some AA groups.
My issues are lonliness, isolation, lack of employment and belief that AL is a cheap, effective way to relieve all of the above. At the same time, I am aware, I will be stuck in the above, if I keep my bottle as my best friend. It is just fermented grape juice so far, one bottle a night, no big deal??? Well, it has kept me locked in the house, ashamed and hang over, so it is a big deal...
I have read every possible book on drinking, including all nutrition stuff. I tried to take the supplements and still drink, all aware that I am wasting the money on both. No supplements will do the job, one just has to stop drinking...
Hence, I am here, with you all, in awe of how some managed to stay of this stuff.
Not sure what to pledge, but I want to be healthy and happy without AL!!!!

[ronnie]

Introductions

Hi New me
I can so relate to your post, loniness and isolation was a big factor for me to drink, but as soon as I put my mind into not drinking and I am taking vit. B and when the going gets tough I take l-glut for the cravings, my life has got so much better, I am only on day 7 A/F at the moment but I feel great, I am spending more time with my kids and I am liking myself again.
New - you can do this and you will beat the booze, keep posting & reading lots here and keep very very busy.
Have you got any A/F days under your belt, if not have you got a day that you plan to start A/F
Take care

[The New Me]

Introductions

Ronnie, thnak you for your reply. I feel motivated, but scared at the same time.
Like many if us, I am determined to bit it on my own, but also aware, that I am just human and need other people. I think the isolation is a big part of it. I will make an efford to reach out to people, even if I have to admit to my drinking...

[macbarry]

Introductions

Hi, New Me!

Hi, New Me, and welcome to this site. I, too, am new to this: I read the MWO book, got the supplements, etc (you can see my journey so far by reviewing my previous posts).

Also, I, like you, tried AA and though I have the utmost respect for the program, it did not match my needs. What I have found on this site is an amazing group of people who are honest, helpful, and hopeful in advancing towards a life free from the bondage of alcohol. I have been a binge drinker for years, but I have made it through June AF, and I am feeling so much healthier, happier, and socially I am far more accessible, as I use to drink in isolation without anyone knowing about it.

I'm so delighted you have found this site; you have clearly advanced today in attending to your drinking issue by doing so.:welcome: I look forward to your future posts! Macbarry

[Lavande]

Introductions

Hi New Me,

Welcome! I'm glad you found us, there is a lot of support & encouragement to be found here
I understand your fear, we all had a bit of that in the begining, so many unknowns........
If you haven't already, read the MWO book, it's full of useful information to help you make your plan. We are all a little different & have different needs and learning styles.
Keep reading and posting here, you will soon feel very comfortable. I've always been a pretty private person, AA meetings would have never worked for me either although they are great for others. I really did isolate myself as my drinking escalated too, which is not good. A lot of us here would understand that. Just know that you will have all the support you need to meet your goals, please stay close.

Wishing you all the best!

[The New Me]

Introductions

Macbarry,
Thank you for your encouragement. I have moved to the new state for a job, and, found it way too easy to lock the door behind me and open the bottle of wine. This is never really been my way of living, but I am sure the dormant alcoholic was just waiting for an opportunity. Many people move away to new places and take new hobbies, find things to do, make new friends. I have to recognize that it is not the circumstances in my life that made me drink - I probably had the propensity to begin with...
Tomorrow IS a new day!

[The New Me]

Introductions

Lavande,
The isolation has been my main issue. I needed to keep the public persona intact, while I was getting smashed at home. I have never been drunk in public, or at the party, always together with not much effort. As a matter of fact I am questioning, how can I be an alcoholic if I find myself drink LESS in public than anybody else?
When I am in a social situation, having a good time, I do not need to drink much. It is home alone when I need a drink. Perhaps my need is for human contact, not for a drink?

[startingover]

Introductions

Hi NM,
I think drinking isolates us anyway. For me, my guilty little secret was isolating in itself. sometimes I would also let myself down in public too. But it was mainly at home where the damage was done.
My experience has been that through quitting drinking, my mind set has begun to change and I am no longer a slave to that insidious liquid to change my mood. Yes, sometimes I feel down, but the lows are nowhere near as low as when I was drinking. Life is much more manageable.
I can honestly say, I feel happy and healthy without AL.
All the very best to you.

[sparrow]

Introductions

Hello New,

I can really relate to your story. Actually I dont drink that much compared to alot of people 2 to 4 glasses of wine every night, but then I realized most people dont drink every night.
Alot of poeple dont drink at all. I read a book that said 46% of all poeple either dont or rarely use AL.
This was a big wake up call for me. Also almost all of my family members have al problems. So what am I doing? Why do I need this stuff?
Every morning I would say today Ill quit, but then by the evening I would tell myself why bother I dont drink that much. This has been going on for the last 12 or so years.
The reason I know I have a problem is because Al takes up a lot of mental real estate for me. No I never had a dui, or got myself into any real trouble, YET. I could not really quit on my own but this group is really helping me. No one is trying to tell me I dont have a problem when I know that I do. My friends are always trying to talk me into drinking.
I just dont want to think about it anymore.
It was a mystery to me as to how I would quit. 26 days ago I had my last headache. It really isnt that hard. I just remind myself that AL if a fake it really dosnt help me.What ever the problem is Al doesnt make it better.
I know I can have it if I want to, But why do I want to? I read that book the "easy way to stop drinking" It has helped me see AL in a new light.
I know Im still at the beginning of this journey so Im no authority, but I will be hyour buddy too!
Good Luck
Sparrow

:welcome:

[sparrow]

Introductions

Hello New,

I can really relate to your story. Actually I dont drink that much compared to alot of people 2 to 4 glasses of wine every night, but then I realized most people dont drink every night.
Alot of poeple dont drink at all. I read a book that said 46% of all poeple either dont or rarely use AL.
This was a big wake up call for me. Also almost all of my family members have al problems. So what am I doing? Why do I need this stuff?
Every morning I would say today Ill quit, but then by the evening I would tell myself why bother I dont drink that much. This has been going on for the last 12 or so years.
The reason I know I have a problem is because Al takes up a lot of mental real estate for me. No I never had a dui, or got myself into any real trouble, YET. I could not really quit on my own but this group is really helping me. No one is trying to tell me I dont have a problem when I know that I do. My friends are always trying to talk me into drinking.
I just dont want to think about it anymore.
It was a mystery to me as to how I would quit. 26 days ago I had my last headache. It really isnt that hard. I just remind myself that AL if a fake it really dosnt help me.What ever the problem is Al doesnt make it better.
I know I can have it if I want to, But why do I want to? I read that book the "easy way to stop drinking" It has helped me see AL in a new light.
I know Im still at the beginning of this journey so Im no authority, but I will be hyour buddy too!
Good Luck
Sparrow

:welcome:

[DancingGirl]

Introductions

:new:

I took my first drink thirty years ago in September, a month before my 14th birthday. I got drunk for the first time the following February and hammered (and very, very sick) the following April. I realized even then that it needed controlling and had a personal pact to limit myself to three drinks at parties.

Now, in my mid-forties, I have been drinking every night and have had trouble trying to limit myself even to three. But just in the past few months, I've not been able to stop. Even last summer, I was able to not drink for an evening, or stop with one or two. So, not being able to stop is scary. I decided that if I couldn't not drink for even one day, I had a real problem. Saturday - Alcohol free; Sunday - 6 or 7 (I forget) and a big headache yesterday. Yesterday (Monday) I didn't drink again and did a lot of reading on the internet, and found you people.

I want to drink moderately. I enjoy social drinking and generally don't have a problem controlling myself in public. I guess there are enough distractions and also more serious consequences. But I don't want to be drunk at home every evening. I can't answer the phone, I don't sleep well, and, well, we all know the many health consequences.

Sorry to go on and on - but just writing this is therapeutic.

[The New Me]

Introductions

Sparrow,
You are so right about normal people - they may overindulge one night, but they do not go home and open a bottle. My thinking on how well I do in public is another form of denial.
I want to hang on the illusion of control.

[Long Road]

Introductions

Boy did you come to the right place Dancer. Buckle up and you'll go for a world wide ride. You'll meet folks who can't stop drinking 2 glasses a night to those who've drained the Scotish valleys. Whatever your aim, introduce yourself and feel at home. I'm LR and I from OZ. Sober 18 months. Whatever.
Good people here. WELCOME!

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

Introductions

Hello and welcome Dancing girl. You keep on writing, I understand about it being therapeutic. Opening a bottle when I got in from the pub was a favorite trick of mine also.

Sparrow,You are so right about normal people - they may overindulge one night, but they do not go home and open a bottle. My thinking on how well I do in public is another form of denial.
I want to hang on the illusion of control.
Reply With Quote

TNM I totally agree.
Guys changing your life around is possible as many on here have proved before us and continue to do so.
Keep safe
KTAB

[Evie.Lou]

Introductions

Welcome HOME......you have a new family now !!!
We understand, we really do !!!
Stay close to this site. Read lots, post lots and know that we are always RIGHT HERE and that we care !!!

I'm Evie and I am always only a PM away...OK ???....OK !!!