Getting off alcohol

[MGM155]

I've finally decided after very heavy drinking for about the last 2 years, ever-increasing tolerance, and lying to myself and those around me that I have to quit.  I'm planning on trying the home detox method by gradually cutting back, giving the bottle to my guy when he goes to work (I work at home doing transcription).  I have a prescription for Klonopin that I can refill next week and figured this would help some with the jitters.  

Lately, I've been drinking about a 5th a day to every 3 days.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to do this without going through a hospital, but I'm going to try.

Any suggestions from you guys would be very much appreciated.

By the way, this is my first post, and I'm glad I found this place!

[rpooo]

Hello Jaisel and welcome to MedHelp!

I'm sure can relate to the stress in life. I could look through your story and pick it a part to try and help you that way but the fact is the alcohol would still be your biggest problem. Drinking in moderation can be great but when it gets out of control it has an effect on every aspect of your life.

I know this from my experiences, I am 40 years old and was an alcoholic for 20+ years. I was perfectly content with how my life was going until at the age of 38 I was diagnosed with end stage cirrhosis. I thought this was it for me but I stopped drinking immediately and 2 3/4 years later I finally can see how good life really is and what I have been missing out on all these years. My cirrhosis is no longer progressing and I'm much more confident and happy. $600 a month is what I was spending! Imagine how much that could help out.

I don't know if you realize this but once you’re an alcoholic you will never have the ability to drink social or in moderation. It is all or nothing. I hope you make the right choice and I wish you the best! Take care,

Randy

[jaisel68]

I came across this forum because I am concerned that I have a problem. I am the daughter of an alcoholic. I am 44. I am female. I first experimented with alcohol at 12 years of age. I was a casual drinker until I got older and the stress of life kicked in. I drink mostly at night before bed in hopes I will sleep without worrying about money, life, survival. I have three sons 20, 15  and 12. I have been married and divorced three times. I currently live with my two younger boys and my boyfriend. I keep wanting to only drink on hte weekends. But I can't cut it out. I am athletic and run races and do whatever I can to take the edge off in other positive ways. I am constantly worried about job security, etc. I know the responsibilities and stress of my life cause me to be this way. My mother, rock of my life, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years ago and has quickly gone down hill. So much has me crying daily. I went to my doc and asked for some kind of help. I am now on lexapro which helped a little, but I still hit the wine and rum at night. After working all day, cooking, cleaning and exercising, I feel I deserve that drink at the end of the day. Unfortunately, it turns into more than one. I don't get hangovers, but worry about my overall health. Went through thyroid cancer 3 years ago, and just not sure what my problem is. Glad I found a place to vent.

[laurie80]

What happened to MGM? I hope the battle wasnt lost x

[rpooo]

Wow that is really quite the story and I am really sorry to hear how bad things between yourself and your husband got but most of all for your children. It seems you are both doing the right and responsible thing by eliminating alcohol from your life. There can be no discussion of turning back now with an attempt at controlling your drinking. You have both come too far and neither of you will ever be able to control it. This is the life of an alcoholic. Reasons for alcoholism:

The chemistry of alcohol allows it to affect nearly every type of cell in the body, including those in the central nervous system. After prolonged exposure to alcohol, the brain becomes dependent on it. Drinking steadily and consistently over time can produce dependence and cause withdrawal symptoms during periods of abstinence. This physical dependence, however, is not the sole cause of alcoholism. To develop alcoholism, other factors usually come into play, including biology, genetics, culture, and psychology. You can find a further explanation in this article

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/alcoholism/causes.html
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"....I am yet to find the answers to what makes me pick up that glass of wine and not happy until I have finished the bottle......Other people are content with just a glass but for me one glass is never enough."

Often times alcoholism is hereditary as the article explains. It doesn’t mean it’s your fault but by choosing abstinence you can have your life back. This is the only control possible at this point. You have both proven you can do it and be happy. You have also seen what that other life is like and I guarantee you if you go back to it you will miss out on what could be the best part of your life. Continue your sobriety for your children and husband but most of all yourself. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life with regrets, you deserve better! I hope the best for you and your family.

Randy

[funnomore]

Hello everyone

I was searching for answers to my problem with alcohol on the internet and came across this forum (which I am glad I have found).  My story is probably similar to many.

I started drinking when I was around 16 (I am now 43), the only time I have stopped drinking is when I was pregnant.  I am only a white wine drinker and don't touch spirits but do have the occasional cocktail on special occasions. I have 3 wonderful children and a great husband but something has always been missing from my life and I found wine to be the answer to whatever was/is missing in my life. ....I am yet to find the answers to what makes me pick up that glass of wine and not happy until I have finished the bottle......Other people are content with just a glass but for me one glass is never enough.

Recently a turning point came to me when we were on a family holiday abroad and I got so drunk whilst out one evening.  Like most times when I am drunk I tend to get aggressive and on this particular night I picked a fight with my husband, apparently I was 'in his face' shouting and ranting about heaven only knows what, at this point he pushed me out of his way and I tumbled down some steps and smacked my face.  My husband left me there and who could blame him.  Some locals picked me up and cleaned my wounds.  The next day I was horrified and totally embarrased and ashamed of myself.  I decided enough was enough, our holiday was ruined, my children had witnessed some of the nights events but thankfully not all.  The next day they told me how scared they were for me, that what if I had died due to being in such a drunken state. Totally ashamed and saddened by what I had done (and have done so many times) my decision was made to stop drinking to extreme levels and try to get it under control.  

I like a lot of people is wanting to be in control of alcohol and not let it be in control of me.  Having read this forum, I am not so sure I should ever go back to touching alcohol again.  I have not touched a drop for almost a month.  So far apart from being really tired I am not finding it too bad.  My husband has also given up booze and we are really trying to make a go of it.  I am really glad at finding this forum and just by reading some of your stories has helped me already so thank you all x

[rpooo]

Hello Jim and Welcome to MedHelp! Here you will have no problems finding support and making friends. It's so sad how much of an effect alcohol can have on our lives and actually I'm still pretty bitter about it. I'll never let it in again I know that. It has now been 2 1/2 years since my diagnosis and I am doing quite well but this is a battle I will live with for the rest of my life. So even though I quit, it hasn't quit me. I sure wish that wasn't the case. The first time I sat in front of my doctor disscussing liver transplantation really brings some reality to what I've done to myself.

It sure sounds like you have done a lot of things you regret as well, I guess we all do. You know what though, it's just like you said
"I bounce back with the determination not to ever touch the stuff. I work at burger king and Im thankful. Beats living in pine box"

You are absolutely right my friend, It's like Ibizan always says "just take little steps at a time, whatever it takes to keep making things work for you."

Keep holding on to the good things in your life and surround yourself with good people give it time and you can be doing as good as you want to be! Waking up the each day more confident and without hangovers and regrets will surely bring you good things and happiness. Thanks for writing and I am glad you found us. Take care!

Randy