Struggling with alcohol

[Geodog]

I posted a few weeks ago about drinking beer while I am taking Zoloft. The suggestions and support was great. However, I have continued to drink a lot, it seems to calm my anxiety. Even though I know the alcohol will increase anxiety, I cannot muster the willpower to stop. Every night I decide no more alcohol, but then the next morning, I start the routine all over again. I am self medicating and yet harming myself at the same time.

[Dolphin14]

Perhaps you need to seek help for your drinking?

[Geodog in reply to Dolphin14]

I tried to talk to my MD about it, but did not get any help or ideas. I tried an AA meeting, but was not happy that my anonymity was not honored. Another person recognized me and then came up to me at work the next day and said hey I saw you at AA in a very loud voice. Ugh. I’m not giving up though, I will find a way to get help.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Geodog]

That's awful any person going to AA should respect privacy. I'm sorry that happened to you.

And a doctors that doesn't want to listen to something like that is not a very good Dr

Don't give up. There's got to be some help for you that won't violate your privacy.

[Geodog in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you for the support, I appreciate it, and I will not give up

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Geodog]

I sent you a PM

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Well quit paying for Zoloft if you do. You’re wasting your time and the doctors time and effort.

Let’s take a step back. Chill a minute. You’ve already done Step 1 of any treatment. You’re not in denial. That takes incredible bravery. More than you realize right now.

Take that bravery and go to a meeting. They even have them online now.

Let’s start at the beginning and let’s get it right. I’m very proud of you.

Doaty💛

[fauxartist]

Sometimes we need a support group who understands alcohol and drug addiction, although this is a pretty open minded forum of very supportive people....many also are self medicating or not wanting to talk about this issue. I myself am 'dual diagnosed', I have two separate diseases, depression and addiction....both need similar support but for alcohol and addiction...you really need specific support groups that deal directly with this issue....ones who can help you understand addiction and how to live with it drug and alcohol free....when you are an alcoholic...if the ocean were booze ...it wouldn't be enough. There doesn't have to be a reason why we drink or use, it's just a disease that makes us predisposed....and like depression...there is no cure, just management.

[Geodog in reply to fauxartist]

Wow, lots for me to consider. Thank you

[fauxartist in reply to Geodog]

I've been in recovery for almost 30 years now...I had one slip 12 years ago briefly, and then back on track....the bottom line is....’what is your bottom?’, …where do you have to be before you decide that you’re willing to just not drink. We cannot decide not to be an alcoholic, we just are....but what we can choose is to not let it dictate how we live our life. I cannot drink..Period.

So....I got help.... and way, way back in the day there were only 12 step programs of the tried and true methods which have worked for hundreds of thousands of recovering alcoholics. My one of two recurring problem’s was the religious rhetoric sometimes.....I was fine with the higher power thing....and two, I needed to include my mental health issues, and back in the day it was not a consideration....it was poo pood and called ‘psychobabble’...and the only thing you needed to do was to not drink. That's true, you need to not drink, but many here self medicate because they don't see any other option.

Health care, the cost of meds, easily accessible programs that weren't expensive spa retreats for recovery...all out of reach for many here. And when you stop numbing your pain, all the demons come back when you’re sober. There are now non religious based groups not being labeled 12 step cults such as just one example, Recovery, etc. There are online meetings, chat rooms, all kinds of things you can do as easily as you can posting here....but ultimately...it has to be your choice. I just find that having a support group is important...and I wish you the best on what ever you decide to do for yourself.

Just remember....Drinking and Drugs are a family disease as well, everyone around us takes back seat to our addictions when we are active. Sure we can be functioning loving people....but bottom line is our addictions. Some suffer more than others. There is no judgment, shame or blame for what is out of your control, which is being an alcoholic, it’s the drinking and using that causes problems for many of us….this is a personal choice for you to make and you have to do it for you only.

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to fauxartist]

Good stuff, Sister.

[MRawPR in reply to fauxartist]

Geodog... it’s a lot to absorb, huh? fauxartist spelled it out for you. You need to want to NOT BE AN ALCOHOLIC... my significant other is struggling with alcohol too... but it’s been hard. I am a supporter and help him with trying to find things to do that will focus him somewhere else and not think of drinking, but in the end it’s all up to him.

[fauxartist in reply to MRawPR]

It's a hard road to be in a relationship with an active alcoholic and addict, and some need help too, it's a family disease. Have you looked into Alanon...which supports and teaches how to take care of yourself around an alcoholic or addict. Because even sober an alcoholic is still an alcoholic...there is a lot of personal work that has to continue in sobriety, and the partners also need support.

[MRawPR in reply to fauxartist]

I have not tried Alanon, but I surely will look for a group. Thanks for the advice and I wish you the best. Be safe! M

[Hidden in reply to MRawPR]

Alanon helped me a lot when I was learning how to deal with a family member with a drink problem. Gave me a strategy I could stick to that made sense to me. Good luck 😊

[1947treble]

I've been sober for three years through AA. Mostly because it's an amazing support network to fall back on, and because it helps with everyday life beyond just not drinking. Just a thought.

[fauxartist in reply to 1947treble]

congratulations......

[Geodog]

Thanks to all for your suggestions, info, and support. Somehow just putting this out there helps me.

[NeuronerdDoaty]

You all are so incredibly brave. I’m in awe. My dad self medicated with nicotine and alcohol. I know it’s hard. I watched him my whole life. I just want to give every one of you big hugs and peace. It’s hard but if you waste energy on guilt or shame that silliness will hold you back. You are valid and worthy. This is great!!

Doaty💛

[Mary-intussuception]

Are you taking a Vitamin B Complex tablet daily? Best taken early in the day with food.

I understand that alcohol depletes the 'B ' Vitamins and Vitamin C - but especially Vitamin B1.

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is essential for healthy brain and nervous system function, muscles & heart function.

If you take any , make sure you take no more than daily requirement.

Also a good tip is to drink a glass of water after last alcohol drink.

And to drink a glass of water last thing at night and first thing in morning.