An alcoholic in denial

[mario]

There are some alcoholics who are never going to stop drinking, even unto the brink of death. No matter how much they are admonished or scolded, how much encouragement and understanding they are offered, how much love and concern they are shown, or how ill they become, they will never make the decision to completely stop drinking.

It may be that these alcoholics view death as the ultimate escape from the pain and shame they desperately try to drown with each drink. Some have made the conscious decision to kill themselves -- slowly, deliberately, legally committing suicide -- one drink at a time, hour after hour, day after day.

Sadly, there is nothing that we can do or say that will make them change their minds and stay. I am sure many people here have already seen far too many of these types of alcoholics in there lifes. I hope and pray and am very happy that i am not one of them.

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

An alcoholic in denial

Hear hear, it is a sad fact of life but true. Until the decision is made with 100% commitment nothing will change. Some people can cut down/moderate but the vast majority can not. Acceptance of our situation is the first step if we want to live a full life.

[mama bear]

An alcoholic in denial

Thanks Mario....I needed to hear that!!

[momof3]

An alcoholic in denial

My brother has been addicted to pain and anti-anxiety medication for many years. He has had so many "bottoms" that I can't even count them anymore. He has had lots of help and support but at the end of the day, he has to be the one to say "enough is enough" and commit 100% to beating the addiction. It is a very painful thing to watch.

[Tommo]

An alcoholic in denial

I think people with low self-esteem often cannot handle contentment and punish themselves. Some of us need a bit of luck to break the cycle.

[Guest]

An alcoholic in denial

It took me 7 years to stop my cycle of drinking. During that time everyone tried everything to stop me and yes I had many, many rock bottoms. It was only this year, just after Christmas that I started looking at the suicide clinics in Switzerland. This was because I could no longer live with myself or my drinking. Luckily I got to my turning point, but only when I was so lost, I didn't know who I was anymore.

I do know of active alcohlics locally for whom, no matter how bad things get they still continue to drink. I'm amazed how their bodies carry on each day, how their livers still work. The denial I observed when speaking with them was so deep it was unbelieveable. "I drink because I don't have a girlfriend", "because I'm lonely" when the reason they didn't have partners or families was because the drinking had driven them away. They'd even say I must have some sort of illness because I would sometimes be sick on my 3rd bottle of red wine.

No it was simply the amount of alcohol I'd consumed in such a small space of time.

[ThisWayOut]

An alcoholic in denial

My Dad ( bless his heart) was a "functional" alcoholic for 40+ years. Progressively got more addicted as he aged and became non-functional. Much help from family and friends over the years. Intervention, Programs, Detox, Rehab, Medicine, AA, etc. etc. He tried so many times and different ways of quiting. He was so determined to find a way. His best try was in the AA program where he stayed AF for 2+ years and actually ran the local meetings. We were all so proud and still proud of him doing that for himself and his family and community. Man he was a fighter! Fought to the very end to try to beat this AL Monster. Yeah, some people never stop drinking for whatever reason. My Dad was one of those People. God bless them all. TWO.

[Ringing Cedars]

An alcoholic in denial

LOVE TO YOU ALL

[ThisWayOut]

An alcoholic in denial

Love

[clare]

An alcoholic in denial

Thanks mario i could sure relate to that denial of myself & others, thankfully i am still a work in progress but getting there

[Doggygirl]

An alcoholic in denial

There was a time in the depths of my alcoholism that I truly wanted to die. I'm grateful today that alcohol didn't kill me and that I was too chicken to kill myself. Alcohol would have taken me had I stayed on that path.

It's hard to believe when I look in the mirror today that I was once that lonely, desparate, depressed person. Alcohol sucks the life and spirit and soul right out of us.

DG

[momof3]

An alcoholic in denial

I'm glad you made it through DG. Look at all you have done with your life now! And, how much you give to all of us here. :l

[clare]

An alcoholic in denial

Yes doggy girl you are a pure inspiration around here and your story is a sad but joy to read in how far you have come.