I think I've tried everything

[paulinator]

I bought MWO. Topamax side-effects were too much.
I tried Campral/Acomprosate, Naltrexone, both "without" drinking and with (Sinclair Method, 6 months). Naltrexone "maybe" was starting to work, I dunno. But it made me drink even heavier when I did.
Baclofen was nice for anxiety and sleep, but at the higher dose I couldn't take the side-effects.
Alan Carr's "Easy Way" didn't work.
An Iboga session (in Mexico at IBeginAgain) actually worked for a while. Was clean for 2 months. But the session was an *ordeal* ! And it wore off. I'll try Ayahuasca in a couple weeks.
Also tried Julia Ross's "Mood Cure" protocol (aminos mostly).
I tried "The Vitamin Cure for Alcoholism" (big doses of Niacin, C, etc.). Didn't work.
I tried "Seven Weeks to Sobriety" (lots of supplements). Didn't work; very difficult to follow.
I've gone to both AA and SMART-Recovery groups, sporadically.

I'm just sick of all this trying and failing.

I don't drink in the day, but evenings I am drawn to around 375ml of vodka. 8 years of this. I am pretty functional during the day. Fatty liver now though. The only thing that sometimes works is a *very* intense weight-lifting session at 5pm. This keeps me away from the Alc maybe 50% of the time, but I can't do this every day.

Not sure what to do next.

[Supercrew]

I think I've tried everything

Not to be a hard liner, but it sounds like you still like drinking.

The only way I was able to quit was for me to decide that I didn't want to die and I had to learn to love sobriety more than I liked drinking.

It seems like you are looking for some magic pill or program, but if you really want to stop you have not let drinking ever be an option...ever.

I was in your shoes for a very long time, and I had to find a way to flip the switch in my head that said it was ok for me to drink. Until that happens no system or pill or group or counselor will work for you. Only you can really control whether you drink or not. If you want to drink you will find a way.

All this means is you have tremendous willpower. The only problem is you are using this willpower to continue drinking instead of using it to stay happy and sober.

You get what you focus on, and focusing on not drinking doesn't work. You have to focus on being sober, happy and healthy. Until the focus changes you will continue getting the same results.

[FlyAway]

I think I've tried everything

Hi Paul and welcome to MWO.

Well you certainly have tried a lot of things, so kudos to you for that. It shows that you know better than to rely solely on willpower because willpower is not enough.

I know you said you tried some supplements; have you tried L-Glutamine and kudzu? I haven't tried kudzu myself, but L-Glut did help with my cravings.

Have you read Kick The Drink Easily by Jason Vale? Similar to Carr's book but better IMO. Another book that is supposed to be very good is Breaking Addiction: A 7-Step Handbook for Ending Any Addiction by Lance Dodes. I haven't read that one yet but it was highly recommended.

Have you tried hypnosis CDs or going to a hypnotist? You can order hypnosis CDs from this site or Google for others. Actually seeing a hypnotist may be better. Have you considered acupuncture?

I found it interesting that you mentioned weight lifting at 5pm usually works. If that is around your "witching hour" it stands to reason that some other activity around that time will help as well. As long as it's not a part of your usual routine. Often changing your routine around your drinking time will help. If it's an off day from weight training, can you go for a walk? Or to a library/bookstore? Bike ride? Anything different from "normal" and preferably something that distracts your mind.

Have you read the Tool Box for more ideas? Here's a link: https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...box-27556.html

[Cinders]

I think I've tried everything

Paulinator,

First off, :welcome:

I, too, have tried many things: Topamax, Naltrexone, Baclofen, a weird lady who supposedly can make you sober by "reading you," three rehabs, yada yada yada.

Unfortunately, I never did find an easy way out.

So, today, after a horrible stay in the hospital because of my drinking, I am staying sober by not drinking. For the time being, this is not difficult as the memory of my pain and fear is still fairly fresh but I imagine it will get difficult and I will need to pull from some deep reserves to stay sober. I will, though.

Perhaps you should reevaluate to see if you are truly willing to do whatever it takes to get and stay sober. If you are, then you are on your way. I don't think it will ever get completely comfortable for some of us.

Cindi

[SAUSAGE]

I think I've tried everything

Welcome

Watch the "rain in my heart" documentaries on You Tube - there are 10. You say you already have a fatty liver, so these should be a shock tactic on what could happen if you keep drinking.

You have already been given a link to the Tool Box, why not try posting in the Newbies Nest in the just starting out section, where you can be accountable and gain lots of support from others. Hope to see you around, keep going. It will get so much easier if you can just get through the early days / weeks.

Sausage
Day 117 AF

[K9Lover]

I think I've tried everything

Hi Paul and Welcome!

You've tried a lot, so that means you must really want this. I can think of one thing you haven't tried: Antabuse. Are you familiar with it? No, it's not a "magic pill", but it's pretty damn close in my opinion. Once you take it, you simply CANNOT drink. I have been on it a long time, so if you'd like more information, I'd be happy to share!

K9

[mama bear]

I think I've tried everything

ditto what K9 said Paul
when you are ready...you can and will do this
much love and support

[Sunbeam]

I think I've tried everything

Much good advice has been posted here already. It sounds like you may be looking to the outside for help, and maybe you could look inward more to do that. Meditation, various forms of self-analysis. Ways to relax in addition to exercise.

[retteacher]

I think I've tried everything

Paul: I tried everything as well. Even MWO didn't work. A trip to the emergency room was my bottom. I actually joined AA. I went even when I didn't want to...which was most of the time in the beginning. I finally found some meetings that I really liked. I got a sponsor, worked the 12 steps, & haven't had a drink in almost 3.5 years. Sporatic attendance doesn't work. The only thing that worked for me was a true committment to the fellowship of AA. I recognize that AA isn't for everyone. Plenty of people stop drinking on their own...my brother is one of those people. Mary

[bicyclesurfer]

I think I've tried everything

In the Toolbox....please try reading on page 2 "Do you deserve a drink today'?
I hope it helps.

[bicyclesurfer]

I think I've tried everything

Here is the link. I apologize.
https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...box-27556.html