Where to even begin????

[SportsGal]

:new: Good grief I don't even know how or where to start .... I am sure you all have heard that a thousand times so sorry for the repeat.

Well I am here so I must believe that I have some problems with how alcohol effects my life and those in my life. I have been drining heavily since I was 21 or so, I am 42 now. I run marathons...not fast but I do run them. I work higher education and deal with college students daily, I don't miss work b/c of this but I know my abuse/dependency is not RIGHT. I know my dad, sister and partner are all concerned or have had concerns over the years. I have had limited discussions about this with each of them and know it is the one subject....NO ONE will bring up. It is like, yeah, she parties hard and over does it but she is successful. I would never think they think I have it under control, they know I don't ...heck, I am just now ready to admit, I don't have control.....if I did, I would not be here. For a self admitted contol freak...that is a big step.

I want to not have this control me. I can drink 2 beers or 10 beers, or 1 glass of wine or the whole bottle. I did not drink last night and INTEND to not drink to night...you all know how that goes...wish me luck, send me so vibes/support.

I can't say I am an alcoholic...yet...but I can't say that I don't make bad decisions in regard to alcohol and I can't say that I don't think about having a beer or good wine after work and on the weekends ... when 3 becomes 5 and then I can't/won't stop. Please help...I believe I definately abuse and depend on this and finally I am ready to deal with that fact.

[Preciouspinot]

Where to even begin????

:welcome: SportsGal! Nice to have you in our little community. Read the book first. Then read posts and get familiar with the site. I have found that the supps, the CDs and regular exercise are the key to my success. Diferent aspects work better/different for different people. We all have our ups and downs and for me, the minute I get "relaxed" about my program, my drinking can escalate. Welcome, once again and I hope we/this site can assist you on your journey to better health!

[satori]

Where to even begin????

Hiya Sportsgal - and welcome. :welcome:

I could have written your post (with a few minor alterations) - but the good news is - you CAN do something about it.
I used to party hard - and be succesful in most aspects of life too - I too ran marathons, half marathons, competed in triathlons, do rock climbing - you name it - I did / do all manner of sporty things fairly well (good genetics I guess???)

But - I too couldn't control the drinking - Well... Duh.....that is why I'm here replying to your post!

Have you downloaded the book yet? - if not - I suggest you do so - read and digest it - and take out of the programme the things you think will work for you. There is no set programme.

I have been here 9 months or so - and have not had alcohol in any form now for 4 of those months.

It IS possible.

The folks on here are just brilliant - nay time it gets tough - just pop on here and we will see what we can do to get you thru' 24/7.

Hope to see you around and hope we can help get you where you want to be.

Love

satori

xxx

[Accountable for Me]

Where to even begin????

:welcome: SportsGal!

I just wanted to welcome you!

[Bunky]

Where to even begin????

Hey Sportsgal! Welcome..I am new here too and keep coming back to chat.....good luck we can do it

[BILLYJACK]

Where to even begin????

SPORTSGAL,
Welcome aboard.. The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem.. If you do not believe you have a problem with alcohol, than your chances of dismantling this horrible disease will be troublesome at best.

The next step is, are you ready to do something about it? Many of us know that we have issues with alcohol, but are not yet ready to do much about it in terms of abstinance. If and when you address the above equations in the order I mentioned, than your chances of recovery will increase.

No matter what you decide, come to MWO often, nobody here will judge you, we will only try to help you along with your Journey.

God Bless,
Bill

[Saint Jude]

Where to even begin????

Sportsgal,
:welcome:

We're not ALL about "steps" and telling each other what will & won't work for each other here...
Just to clear that up...:H
Some of us actualy moderate.

In any case, glad you're here. I'm a bit of an exercise fanatic myself. Nothing like marathons... but I do a lot of kayaking & beach hiking,biking, etc... the old knees won't take the impact of running or skiing anymore.
This is a wonderful place. looking forward getting to know ya.
Judie

[Gret]

Where to even begin????

SportsGal, I'm a lot like you too. I don't miss work, I don't let people down, I don't think most people would even think of me as having a drinking problem - really. My husband does, I'm sure and maybe my kids, but not my friends. I don't even drink too much at parties or out with people. I just drink too much at home all the time. Or I did. I don't now. Or at least I haven't for the past four weeks. I decided I have one life and I don't want to spend it drunk any more. I like being clear. The topamax got me sober. I don't like how it made me feel initially, but now it's better and I'd rather be this way than drunk or hungover. At 48 I'd rather be someone who isn't always worried about whether I have enough vodka in the house. My 22 year old son is more responsible about alcohol than I was! Genetically I pre-disposed to alcolism so it's not all my fault, but I can get myself out of it so that's what I'm trying to do. If you need help, you're not alone.