counselling

[peacelily59]

where can i get one to one alcohol counselling i am prepared to pay if i must

[LAJ123]

Good morning,

In previous posts you have said that you have a diagnosis of cirrhosis from four years ago and you had your drink driving conviction 6 months ago. You don't say what was the cause of your liver disease but you were still drinking, which is certainly not recommended in any liver condition.

Its taken quite some time to decide upon counselling, but at least you are taking the first steps.

When I was first diagnosed I was offered counselling and later the transplant unit, as a condition of being listed sent a direct referral to a drug and alcohol counselling service.

There are plenty of organisations out there, some I would recommend and some not, but that's really according to taste.

You really don't need to pay as a referral from your GP or liver team will send you to the appropriate point of contact.

The following link could be a start for you to find the best route to becoming alcohol free.

nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pag...

hope it works out for you.

Jim

[LAJ123]

PS

nhs.uk/Service-Search/Alcoh...

[Hidden]

This sometimes it isn't as easy as it may seem as some people are often put off.

Most, if not all local councils have a drug and alcohol addiction recovery program. Just google your area for more information. I should also add that a lot of people are turned off by the AA approach as some meetings can be of a spiritual nature and some people don't like this idea of bring God into the equation. But having said that, if it works then don't knock it as AA have helped thousands of people over the years in all countries.

The other problem is that as alcohol can be an addiction you could be treated the same as a person with a drug problem. I personally don't like this approach as alcohol is a much harder addiction to treat than say heroin (so I'm led to believe)

Some groups hold meetings that can last anything from 6-12 weeks, so be prepared to commit both yourself and your mind to these sessions. I've know some recovery centres try to make the services available to everyone by holding meeting sessions in the evening or at weekends for those who have working commitments. I think one of the bad things they can do is to do the sessions in a higgledy piggledy fashion, let me try and explain what I mean.

Supposing a certain support group offered a 6-weeks course. They may say that you have to complete week one and week six, but the other sessions can be carried out in any order you like. I personal disagree with this method for two reasons. Firstly you should be able to show your willingness to complete the six week course in the correct sequences as this shows how committed you really are, The second reason, is that at a lot of these meets people are opening up, baring their souls and confronting their demons. At the first meeting everyone is quiet as they feel unsure and don't know anyone. By the sixth week everyone is talking and swapping phone numbers etc, because they have shared this journey together. If someone was to do week one, and then the next meeting he or she does week five, and then week two, they are going to be a fresh face in the group so the whole group goes all quiet again and no one opens up. I hope this makes sense?

Remember, these courses are giving you the opportunity to confront your demons, their about getting to know the cause of the problem. Don't be put off by it, but confront it with a determination and vigor.

Many years ago, I used to work on the London Underground. They had their own alcohol support group. Here they really did go to town on you. They stripped you down and broke you. Then they set about rebuilding you again. It was quit common to see big strong strapping men crying. But it had to be done. The London Underground operated a policy, that if you felt you had a problem with alcohol or drugs you could seek help. If you did this you'd be given all the help and support you needed. If on the other hand you failed a urine or specimen test, then you were/are fired instantly on the spot.

Help is out there. Just reach out and take it.

[Hidden]

Hi. Where in the country do you live ? I'm in Norwich. We have the Mathews project here. He didn't pay it was a referal by his liver specialist at the norfolk and Norwich hospital. It worked for him. He councellor was incredible and got him dry for 3 months but he was so severely ill through his alcohol abuse he died.

[Hidden]

Ooh half of that message was missing. I'll try again......

My husband was refered to The Mathews project here in Norwich by his liver specialist in the Norfolk and Norwich hospital. It was an excellent programme and was dry for 3 months. Unfortunately he was so ill he died during before it had ended

[Paulio]

youtube.com/watch?v=yzTvJNx...(Not working as expected?)

[Isabelle2]

Hi

For anyone serious about wanting to stop drinking I suggest Soberistas. They have helped me enormously. It’s an online community of about 48000 ex drinkers, and those trying to quit. Friendly, no judgemental, people of all walks of life and ages. Try them out, free 1 week trial then it’s about 40£ for a year. soberistas.com

[peacelily59 in reply to Isabelle2]

thank you so much for your reply am really serious about stopping drinking if i dont i am afraid there will only be one outcome i will click on your link and get back tomorrow thanks again john