Trying to stop drinking

[Junebug]

Hi everyone,
I know I have a drinking problem. I drink about one bottle of wine almost every night. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but usually about one bottle. That's 500 calories I don't need, in addition to making me act like a jerk sometimes.

To make matters worse, I had active hepatitis, years ago when I was a teenager. The virus stayed in my bloodstream, and a couple of years ago I let my doctor run the test. He found out I have hepatitis C.

I know I shouldn't drink. One or two drinks, and I am really high. I did have a liver biopsy and am now seeing a liver specialist at a large university hospital. Thank goodness, there is no liver damage. But the biopsy was three years ago, and that was before I really started drinking this much.

I don't really know where to start; I think the best for me, perhaps, will be to just stop.
Junebug

[drinkingal]

Trying to stop drinking

Hi Junebug, if you have hep c then your liver is already being compromised and as hard as it is, you have to find a way to stop drinking somehow, someway and look after yourself, I know easier said than done but I think that has to be your goal. If you drink regularly you should have al tolerance, but if you are getting really buzzed on two drinks it's a sign your liver is struggling to process the alcohol and the more you drink the harder your liver is working to keep up. I'm sure you know all this, but I think you have to get to a point now and realise you can't keep drinking in any amount.

[ThreeDogNight]

Trying to stop drinking

Welcome, Junebug.

I have a friend who has Hep C--contracted over 30 years ago when she had her son and received sevearl blood transfusions. It was under control until a few months ago, when it was diagnosed at Stage 2. She has been on chemo since then, but they have had to stop the tratments, as the side effects have been intolerable. She can't eat very much, and is having trouble swallowing. She rarely drinks, so this has nothing to do with alcohol. But for you, drinking actively, this is very serious!
I hope you can find your "way out," as your life depends on it!
:lTDN

[Kaslo]

Trying to stop drinking

Hi Junebug, welcome to MyWayOut. This is a great place to learn how to quit drinking, and there are lots of wonderful people who will help you when ever you need it. I recommend you read a few threads, in particular the tool box thread...

https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...box-27556.html

That is in the Abstinence section of the website. Also Newbies Nest is great. So how long have you been up to a bottle a day? When I quit for good, I was starting to get back up to that, after moderating for a long time. what with Hep C, its pretty obvious that you really are going to have to quit if you want to have a healthy life. There are lots of tricks to getting through the worst days. Scout around the site until you find a spot where you feel comfortable, make a few friends, and read about some of the aides to quitting.

I also recommend you having a frank discussion with your Doc, it might seem scary to come clean with him or her, but you might need some advice on supplements or cessation drugs; because of the Hepatitus, you might need medical advice. It would not hurt to have your liver enzymes checked and see where you are.

I cant say enough good stuff about quitting drinking. It has made a huge difference in my life. I used to sit there and kill myself slowly with wine. Now I bike, kayak, ski, read, cook, garden....i.e. now I am a normal, happy and healthy person. You sound young, you are so doing the right thing to start now to quit, your body will forgive you I hope. Anyway, welcome again!

All the best, k

[retteacher]

Trying to stop drinking

JB: I've been a member of MWO since Apr. 07. I finally acknowledged here that I am an alcoholic but kept relapsing over & over. In Feb. 09, I went to the hosp for an alcoholic overdose. That did it for me. I joined AA & in Mar. 09 became a real part of the fellowship. I didn't want to go to AA but nothing else worked. I've now made many AA friends & live a sober lifestyle. I wouldn't have it any other way. AA wouldn't have worked if I hadn't given it a chance. Sometimes the meetings can seem a little weird but I'm accustomed to them now. I find I can identify w/the most unlikely people. Mary