should I just give up

[Kett1549]

Hi, I've deceided that I've got to come off booze - I used to drink 2 and a half bottles of strong wine a night. Then I cut it down to beer. I got as good as 4 cans of beer every night, 5% strength. But every time I cut down, it zooms back up again. So I cut down the strength of the beer - from 5.6% or 5% to 4% or 3.7%. That helped, but I just carried on drinking and drinking, sometimes as much as 10 pints per night. I average about 7-8 pints every night - like, every night - I find going without alcohol for a nihgt really tough. Anyway, I've devided that I've got to stop. But is it like smoking? I used to smoke 30 cigarrettes a day, then about 15 years ago,m just stopped. It was hell for 4 months, but gradually got better, and I've never smoked since. But researching giving up alcohol on the Web suggests that I shouldn't just stop abruptly, but tail off gradually - or am I kidding myself? Is this me making up another excuse for carrying on? I ought to add that I've got bi-poalr disorder (manic depression) and am medication to control this.

[spanky595]

      
It sound like you need detox then treatment center for alcohol.  Does the UK have AA meetings Iam sure they do.  You can get into treatment just talk to one of the leaders in AA and they will help you.  You can do it

[donewitis]

Hello there in the UK,
The good thing is that you want to stop. Google your area for an AA meeting..no doubt they have one there too. You'll get the support you need, and friends you have yet to meet. I wouldn't be surprised if the medication you need and the booze you don't are a toxic combo. I have never heard of tapering alcohol..nope. You have the willingness and desire..that's half the battle. Support and listening to others who are going through the same thing can help immeasurably.
Wishing you all the best..that would be a sober life for you and your kids!
Let us know how you are doing.