I need help

[shermay]

Hello everyone.

I am an alcoholic.  Ok that's the first step:/  I start to drink at midday everyday and go  through 2 bottles of wine.

I stop after I have eaten, approx 8pm and then nothing until midday the following day.

My life revolves around my drinking time, and I want to stop ( I did before a few years ago but relapsed) I went cold turkey and it was tough, had severe ectopic heartbeats and went to see over 7 Cardiologists - but my heart is fine (was) fine - last check up was 6 months ago.

My VGM levels are high, and my DR picked this up and has me on Vitamin B12 and Folic acid.  He said you have a liver of an alcoholic, but I just couldn't tell him how much I am drinking - he would be so angry with me as I taking so many meds (I have MS).

I really want to stop drinking, but I just don't know the best way about this.  I am afraid of the DT's and everything else that could happen.

I can't believe I am telling anyone this - you guys are the first to know.  My Husband is aware, but it helps with my MS so much (takes the pain away in my legs) and so  while he is not happy with my drinking he does appreciate that it helps me.

Feeling frightened to be honest.  I can no longer drive anyway, and feel like I am gong like my Father and Family who all like their drink too.

Please help me.

[crash2323]

Detox only lasts a few days and they can give you meds to make everything easier.  Take books and magazines to read--some detox units have no entertainment.  If you are suffering in any way (no sleep, anxiety, etc.)  do not hesitate to see the nurse on duty.  They may be able to help you.  They will give you recommendations for outpatient as well.  It's not hopeless.  I wish all the best for you.

[spanky595]

         The first step in recovery from alcohol is being sick and tired of being sick and tired.   You need to go to your doctor and tell them you need to go to alcohol treatment center its not so bad I went 2 times before I got sober.  You will learn how to stay sober with the tools they give you in treatment.   You will meet people who are going through the same thing you are.         You can do it just make that first step.

[rod44]

Your doctors have a good idea of what is going on as far as your drinking goes. As someone with MS you may think the drink is helping but it is NOT. Alcohol is damaging your nervous system.
I understand some of what you are going through as I have a spinal problem some that causes a lot of pain. Doctors said that a lot of the damage to my peripheral nervous system was due to my drinking and this has made diagnoses and  treatment of my spine very difficult.
Depression is also something with chronic illness have to deal with. If you talk to any recovering Alcoholic they will tell you the hardest part of recovery is dealing with the mental physical & emotional damage that is left after you stop drinking. The physical withdrawals are just part of this and only last for a relatively short time but the emotional and mental pain can last for much longer, this is where a good recovery program like AA comes in. You need support and help with dealing with this and who better to help than one who has been through it.
Withdrawals or drying out should be medically supervised and with your MS it should be supervised by your GP as they know your medical history.

Good luck with your recovery  :)

Ray
  

[jrchop]

Hello I do not really know how to answer your question about MS I have heard it is very painful and gets in the road of almost everything you attempt to do. As far the wine I am not sure how to answer that question honestly. My ex-mother-in-law is alcoholic but has no desire to quit. I had several talks with her and she expressed she did not want to stop drinking. I have a sis that takes suboxone and it is excellent for withdraws and all the other things that bother you. It is a drug used specifically for people who abuse or use to much drugs or alcohol. I recommend highly you talk to your doctor and be honest with him/her. I know this medication works I reside with my sister and know her actions on this medication.I wish you the best in your journey and May God bless you and help you feel better.  

[Phtartist]

I sincerely feel for you. I have a chronic pain condition also. Alcohol helped with the pain, made me able to do the simplest of pleasurable daily functions like perhaps make a nice dinner. It is a double edged sword though, it helped with pain but brought more. I needed more and it made me sicker down the line.
I now am sober 16 years with the help of an in-patient detox and AA.  I do have pain meds now, which I do not abuse. Definition of that is I do not take them to change how to deal with life or to change my mood. When my pain is less, I appreciate a day not having to take them.
Your next move is to seek medical help for your addiction. For me alcoholism is genetic and possibly for you. This is not a crime.
For me, getting sober is an incredible journey, rich with life experiences I would not have otherwise had if I had not been a drunk or gotten sober.
Is life better? It is different but at least I'm not stuck and preoccupied in the never ending cycle of my next drink.
I wish you strength to do this.

[Punkinhead75]

Thanks for sharing and being honest.  I would consider a detox and or rehab.  Alcohol withdrawals can be dangerous and since you had trouble in the past it is probably a good idea to be supervised as you go through it.  I would then look into some type of aftercare.  I personally did an intensive outpatient program and continue to be active in AA.  Best wishes for you and your recovery!!!