turning over a new leaf

[tribalhope]

I am new to this forum and have decided I need to stop drinking becasue I don't want my children growing up like that, I worry for my health I have had several close people die from drinking and they were in my age range and that really freaks me out and I want to feel like a normal person again.  I have two kids and I want to be there as long as I can.  I recently had a physical and my liver levels were "slightly increased" whatever that means I am American Indian so hardly anybody in my community dies from natural causes and most are alchohol related.  I really hope I can do this.  Lately I have been experiencing night sweats, insomnia and shaking during the day.  My habit was to go to work get home and drink until bedtime, everyday.  I got a perscrip for xanax and that seems to be helping during the night I took 1/2 a pill last nite woke up at 3am and took the other half and felt ok just a little tired.  I had been experiencing chest pain, my face has gotten red and I constantly examine myself for jaundice and kidney problems.  I can no longer live this way.  We will be burying a friend of mine this weekend she was about 37 and left behind 3 kids she died from cirrosis.  I don't want to b next but I need to support from ppl who understand cuz it is really humiliating to admit. Thanx

[BeautM8]

Tribal, that's a great way to start with exercise and nutrition. Exercise helped me when I first got sober. Started out with light walking and increased it from there. It was a change to my previous lifestyle that's for sure. Good to hear you've got your H support. Keep at it, change is good. :}

[tribalhope]

I haven't drank since Thursday and began the xanax on Friday and have only taken 1/2 a pill here and there when I felt shakey and it calmed me down and helped me sleep.  today is Monday and I feel pretty good. My H also quite at the same time as me so we have each other for support he is not as into it as me so it wasn't a real prob for him.  we have also joined a weightloss contest so we have been eating healthy n excercising.  Oddly enough I still seem to have slight diarreha but I think this may be from the healthy type of food we r eatn.  I wouldnt combine the pills with liquor I have 2 family members that died that way beside I doubt it would feel very good as the xanax makes me feel sleepy and when I drink I prefer to get things done (house cleaning ect) but all in all it seems to be going well.

[BeautM8]

Thats a good question Jacker. Tribal, have you stopped drinking? If not, youve got a deadly combo going on there with the drugs, so be honest with your Doc and don't be ashamed. Nothing to be ashamed when you stand up and say you want to get well yeah. Detox will kick you a bit to start, did me for about 3-5 days. If you need to see a Doc during this period, do so.

Hey, it's very brave of you to reach out. A mighty first step, and yes, that vicious cycle can be broken so our children can live a happier life. My daughter was 3 when I finally reached out for help. I also grew up in an alcoholic environment and watched my Mother die. The buck stops with me though. I don't want my girl going through what I did. I am responsible. Do this for yourself and your children. Stick around and let us know how your going.

[Jacker]

Have you stopped drinking yet, or are you just thinking of stopping? I think you should go to your doctor and tell them you intend to stop drinking.  They can monitor you, and give you something to help with withdrawal.

The first week is hard and also the most dangerous.  This is my immediate advice, but in the long term (after you kick the addiction) you need a program that will help keep you in sobriety.  Check back and tell us how you're doing, okay?

[rod44]

From my own experience I would say Zanax along with other drugs such as Atiavin and Valium are all drugs you need to try and avoid when recovering or detoxing from alcohol.....as ibizan & Sara have suggested try other recovery care programs......

good luck

Ray

[dominosarah]

Please get into some type of recovery care.  Zanax is just as evil as alcohol.  Do this for you and your children.  There is help out there.  Reach out and you will be amazed at the outcome~~~~~sara

[ibizan]

Yikes!the worst drug u could take is xanax with alcohol....and it is habit forming.Such a high death rate for Native Americans with alcoholism especially the women....have you checked out other recovering NA's and their path of recovery?I know there is such a thing for u!please don't leave this hellish genetic legacy for ur children to repeat.....or possibly end up dead leaving them motherless as well.