Hello

[Fred]

Hello folks,
New to this, but took the plunge.
I am nearly mid 40's and have been a heavy beer drinker most of my adult life. The good news, never drink before 11pm, never drink and drive, and five beers will induce a comfortable night. ...The bad news, i can not sleep without beer on board, and i am very aware of my heart beating.
I find healthcare proffesionals very unhelpful, because all they seem to want do is pull the fire alarm. Don't think i need to go to AA, but do need support, and this forum might just be it.
Thanks for reading and hello once again.

[Cinders]

Hello

Fred,

Hi and :welcome:.

It sounds like you haven't gotten so far gone as many here have, like me.

Good on you!!

This site, the MWO program and the people here are all wonderful tools to help you achieve what you need.

Sleep, btw, is one of the things that leads us into this whole mess. Every drinker has issues with not being able to sleep without the booze.

I suggest you read RJ's book, if you can, read and post, ask questions, etc.

I can recommend Melatonin 6 mg 30 minutes before bed. That helps me sleep.

Others recommend Valerian, Calmes Forte and other herbal sleep aids.

You can get a good night's sleep without alcohol. You truly can. And the sleep you get is so much better.

Cindi

[~iirene~]

Hello

Hello to you Fred.

Love the name, reminds me of Freddie Fender.

:welcome:

[Popeye]

Hello

Hi Fred,
Sounds like you caught on before things got too bad.
Glad you found us.

[greeneyes]

Hello

Welcome Fred! Sleep is so much better when you have it without alcohol. And you will. It may be elusive at first, but be patient. It's so worth it.

[The New Me]

Hello

Hi Fred,

Welcome to MWO!
I just want to make a quick comment on your experience with medical professionals. I could not agree more with what you said. Becasue most of us drink in isolation, we have no idea if we are in real danger or not. However, any time you mention this to a doctor, they have to make a fire alarm of it!
Most of medical professionals are totally unequipped to deal with any alcohol problems. They have only one solution - they will send you to AA. That's what most of them know.
Which is why we look for other solutions and thank God, they are available!
When it comes to treating alcohol issues, the medical profession is in middle ages.
I am glad I vented...

[tlrgs]

Hello

:hello2::colorwelcome::wave::groupluv: and try some melatonin it will help with your sleep .. good luck stay strong and think positive .. you can do this

[Winefree]

Hello

Fred, welcome aboard. Great advice so far. Love what Cinders had to say. I too drank to help with sleep for many years and it got worse and worse. Sleep is elusive at first, but does get better.
I drink sleepytime extra with velarian before bedtime and then take velarian capsule to assist with sleep. I also use the CD's to help lull me to sleep.

Give it a try.

Winefree

[mario]

Hello

just like to say :welcome: fred

[42cat]

Hello

Hi Fred. This is a great site. You will find lots of support here. As someone mentioned, how about trying a sleep aid? If it doesn't work, you can always have a beer, and try something new the next night. I'll bet you will find something that works for you.

Someone mentioned valerian. The sleep aid "Nytol" has a herbal version with valerian in it. I tried it a couple of times and it seemed to work just fine. A hot cup of chamomile tea before bed will relax you too. Others use melatonin (I think that's what it's called) and I'm sure there are some other great products and ideas too.

Just keep on trying - something will click at some point. Looking forward to seeing you on the boards!