Not been on the BLT site for a while, but I've just had an uneventful anniversary, yes, it's trying to give positive advice to those who maybe struggling with the demon brew(alcohol ) since my journey has begun I've not only physically improved but my overall mental health isn't as active, drinking caused numerous problems for me, financially as well, never thought I'd be around to share this journey, but to have a better life is the ultimate goal. Yes, I damaged my nerve endings and have the painful neuropathy, perhaps its not so well advertised that drinking causes this problem, and in general I don't think that just showing how many units damages your health on the back of a bottle of alcohol is enough to warn people of the dangers that alcohol causes, I still feel a slave to drinking as my medication is a reminder of the damaged caused, however I've NEVER been tempted to drink again, I've " met" numerous people on here some for a long time individuals and some not so long, so I wish you all good health, and hopefully any new people can understand things can sometimes get a better outcome 😀
12 years sober 😇: Not been on the BLT... - British Liver Trust
12 years sober 😇
Well done! I’m just 3 years sober, but can vouch that stopping drinking is the best thing I’ve done. Not only am I alive (which if I’d carried on, I wouldn’t have been) I’m also mentally and physically well. I sleep better, look better and have shed a fair few pounds by ditching the calories that alcohol contains. I can’t pretend I didn’t miss it at first….when I was stressed my go to was a glass of wine…but now I don’t crave it at all. I’ve found new coping strategies. I’m a mere novice compared to you at 12 years, but I think we’re both agreed that life is better without the booze!
Well done 👏, everyday is an achievement, it gives hope to those who start out on this journey, we never stop learning, and unfortunately I was caught up in a couple traumatic incidents that caused my downfall with alcohol, it sure is a coping mechanism to change the mindset regarding alcohol, but with the right support anything is possible, once again congratulations on your sobriety, thanks for your kind reply 👍
Well done. I’m at the start of my journey wanting to quit alcohol. It’s easy to drink too much and hard to quit. How did you quit? What are your coping strategies? Thanks.
Yes firstly I had to have counselling, I had deep rooted issues from ptsd, I was originally a " working " alcoholic and it then overcame my life, the slippery road had begun, I never had chance to sort out the problems that caused my downfall , it gave me the opportunity several years later to seek advice and help of course, I'm know longer carrying the burden that caused my ptsd, and of course the various drying out periods as well as hospital stays.
I try not to get involved with other people's problems, as stressful situations can lead to more problems especially if your dealing with your own issues, I'm definitely not selfish, but time has come to understand who I was, dealing with numerous things started to get on top of me, i dealt with each phase with the support I received I managed to deal with things logically, whereas if the brain and body are out of alignment it meant that nothing would work properly, I can go on sometimes especially on the liver site, but I feel I need to explain my personal circumstances that caused my drinking problems, you can get different problems and stories that each of us struggle with, families, bereavement, financial issues , and health worries, mine was ptsd related, we ALL have complex lives and it's a minefield that others might not understand, we are all different and I'm lucky I survived the process of years of heavy drinking, don't set your goals to high, deal with things one at a time, each day is a challenge, but one day turns into a week, and then the weeks turns into months, and finally the year's start to build up.
I didn't want to be associated with drinking alcohol anymore and made a conscious decision my time was done with it, slowly and now looking back the years have flown by,I can go into pubs or restaurants knowing I'm happy drinking Coca-Cola or sparkling water, but not so much as I've got older (60) I've had T shirt, and read the book, I've had enough of drinking, and even though I feel young in the head, I don't think my body would tolerate any more drinking , it affected my whole life for many years, and the shackles of the demon brew have released me from my own self destruction, I know it's long winded, however if it helps towards anyone struggling I'm more than happy to try and help anyone who's finding the right reasons to quit, best of luck on your journey, good luck 👍 😊
Thanks for sharing your story. You made an interesting point that we all have reasons for drinking so much. That has got me thinking. Also I wonder how many women have alcohol issues and how many many have them?
I'm sure that people are in denial and ignore the recommended amount of alcohol intake, and don't think that a bottle or two of wine is beyond their limits, and of course doesn't do them any harm, the amount people consume is probably higher than what we think, each addiction comes with a high price, gambling, drug abuse, and causes different problems, I have an addictive personality, and thankfully I have avoided the other scenarios, drinking is seen as a way of " relaxation " apparently or those are the excuses given, or of course celebrating, or even mourning someone, even losing a pet people can reach for alcohol, or the demise of a relationship, there's numerous reasons people indulge in drinking, you need to be wary on how we associate ourselves with drinking, it's so easy to reach out and start drinking, and the amounts easily run out of control, I often wondered if someone went to the pub and were shown 10 pints of milk lined up on a bar instead of the beer they drink how or what reactions you'd get, they'd say your crazy, but in reality that's what people can drink, some people can control a certain amount of alcohol, but as people we always want more, I don't have the answers towards the solution, but my own journey was complicated, and having issues in life only adds more pressure upon us, and of course we can't see the problem that alcohol brings until our bodies give different warnings, there's different people who think that drinking is a normal way of life and its just part of their routine, routines become a habit and as they say old habits die hard, well I hope you can continue to take any advice, and continue your path towards a better life ahead, and of course I wish you and your children a healthy future 😇
Congratulations!
I will be 4 years 8 months sober this Valentines Day.
My last drink/drunk was June 13, 2019 I was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Long and short of it I was in hospital 16 days with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and alcohol hepatitis. The horrors of what I went through physically and emotionally did it” for me. I tried years of trying to cut down, cut back etc. In and out of AA , all different ways I tried, reading, researching, journaling, Inthiught if I could find the answer, figure out why I drank to excess I could cure myself. I didn’t go to Drs for years so I didn’t realize what it s was doing to my liver. Today I have turned it around, my liver is compensated etc. I reached a point through this experience, that it doesn’t matter why I drank etc. Bottom line I am someone that never should have picked up a drink. I drank for 30 plus years it progressed to cirrhosis. I am grateful for my continued sobriety, and I don’t crave a drink I haven’t since being so sick. I am tough on myself in terms of you..it’s poison to me, it’s life or death, it almost did near dam well kill me. So it’s simple now, as odd as that sounds being so sick made refusing booze so much easier. It’s not an option, I don’t have to try and figure why? The reality of what happened to me paved the way to a peaceful, life, one absent of drama and regrets, and self loathing. Sure I used to love to drink and swim in the good feelings it gave me , the temporary bliss….until I became a slave to it, and it was literally trying to kill me.
To All Struggling Honestly it can be done
Adapt to a new way of life, I never take it for granted, but I keep it real and remind myself how scary the booze really is. Whatever works for you, keep doing it. Only you know yourself, and what will make quitting work for you.
Sorry for the long rant!
Susan
I was very ill in hospital. I had a deep rooted infection which had tipped my liver into acute on chronic liver failure. My consultant told me that if I carried on then I could die. It focused my mind! It had become a habit which had mushroomed into a real problem. Alcohol had become an integral part of my life. I had a stressful, demanding job. When I got home from work I immediately poured a glass of wine. Then another as I cooked dinner. My partner and I would have a couple of glasses with dinner and by then I’d consumed a bottle, frequently two. On weekends after all the domestic stuff was done, I’d socialise with friends and consume a lot more alcohol. Rugby in the winter, bbqs in the summer. I held down a responsible job, had a busy family and social life around which alcohol was deeply intwined. I was consuming 120 + units per week. I did that for years and eventually it caught up with me. I haven’t touched a drop since I was admitted to hospital. Thankfully, with a lot of tlc and hard work my liver has recovered. I have cirrhosis but the cause has been removed and my liver is stable. I feel very well. I went through a detox in hospital and then when discharged had the help of an alcohol support worker. I was using alcohol to relax. I had to find other ways to do that. I knew that if I continued to drink I would die so there had to be another way to chill out. I exercised, focused on recovering my health, had a long soak in the bath rather than reaching for a glass of wine and instead of having an alcoholic nightcap, drank milk! Soon my brain had reprogrammed itself. I associated alcohol with pain instead of relaxation. I became a bit addicted to milk for a while which became my healthy alcohol alternative. Then slowly didn’t need any alternative. I just don’t drink now. It’s not a part of my life and have found other things. There’s alcohol in my house which I’m not tempted to consume. I go to pubs and restaurants and drink water. I’ve been to weddings, funerals and been through a couple of xmases and not touched a drop….or even been tempted. I’m lucky that I don’t find it hard. I know some do. At first it was will power, then it was safe alternatives now it’s just not a part of my life. I don’t even think about it.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with me. You’re a brave and strong person. A lot of what you said resonates with me. Though I am a stay at home mum and carer to my special needs son. Plus I’ve another child. Plus I don’t socialise like you do.
I got a few wake up calls yesterday and I downloaded the drink free app.
Sorry my reply isn’t as detailed as yours. I’m full on with my kids and other things too.
There are services out there to help. I had Turning Point which is a charity. I had a support worker who I saw for a bit. He listened, advised and helped me find my own alternatives to alcohol. You don’t have to do it on your own. Your GP will be able to help and refer you to local services. They have seen it all before and have the tools to aid.
Hi, I also have a disabled special needs son with complex needs, and "ALL" that entails, as I'm sure you know to well. I have been his sole carer for a number of years now.
I had a stressful career, baggage from an earlier life that I never dealt with and some ptsd from a previous services career etc.
Thankfully, I've been alcohol free for a few years years now. But it has not always been that way. Hospital stays, jaundice, Ascties requiring paracentesis x 5, Edema, Portal Hypertension, HE, decompensated 3 times and catastrophic mental problems at times, the list goes on.
Over the years I have sort help from a variety of services such as Addaction, detox and rehab facilities as well as AA.
I have NO definitive answers for you, only many of years of experiences if they can help.
You appear to have made steps already by being on here and downloading the 'drink' app.
Wishing you the very best in your journey.
Well done. I'm 12months sober on the 24th of this month and will never drink again
That’s great. You’ll find that 12 months soon becomes 18months and soon you’ll stand back and realise it’s a few years.
Your words are a big inspiration to me. Once I’ve completed my journey to quitting alcohol I will make it my mission to encourage and help others on the start of their quitting journey.
I used to keep a diary every day writing down days sober, my food intake, steps done, exercises achieved etc. but I become too wrapped up in that diary and would worry if I missed anything out if I didn’t have it around with me to jot down stuff as and when it happened or I ate etc. It served its purpose as it kept me going the first few months, now I only know the date and year I stopped drinking, 4th of March 2023. So you are right, days turn into weeks, weeks months and so on. I remember thinking bloody hell I have x months to get to 6 how will I manage, next thing I’m on 10 months and now a year is coming up.
Amazing, congrats and well done you. I’m coming up to a year very soon and while it’s been hard and some days, well the temptation is always there, my wife and kids are all the incentive I need to stay sober forever. Here’s to the next 12 years to you👍
Try not to look at this as a " challenge " it can put pressure upon yourself, each day is an achievement, so keep on chipping away at the good work your succeeding at, we are the strongest people who have difficulties in trying to overcome a personal battle , your family will be grateful for everything you do, and it gives you more time on this planet, each day your free from alcohol your giving yourself a longer period of time to spend with your wonderful family, good luck on your journey, it's a privilege to share information 😀
Thanks and very wise words indeed. I was quite lucky in that I was t really a larger or beer drinker just a really really heavy whiskey drinker, so although it’s been hard and will continue to be hard, it’s easier if that makes sense. In the last 12 months I’ve never thought to myself I could do with a nice cold pint or craved a beer or larger.
I'm just blessed to be alive as I was at death’s door 12 months ago with likely decompensated cirrhosis (juandice and ascites, 2 weeks in hospital) and now it’s just moderate fibrosis, I say just, it’s bad full stop that I’ve damaged my liver regardless of how well it seems to have recovered by going sober and eating healthy with good regular exercise.
I want to be around for as long as I can for my wife and kids and sober me is much better me in every way.
I too suffer from alcohol neuropathy which at first was really bad I could barely walk, researching the right diet though has helped massively. I haven't reversed it and doubt I ever will, but it isn’t as debilitating as it was and if that’s the main downside to the decade or so of heavy drinking, I’ll take that as I’m alive today, and feel mentally the best I’ve ever felt and physically I’m getting there, some days I’m at 90%, other days half that, but I force myself up and out and to get fresh air and to walk and excercise.
Well done on 12 years sobriety.I'm comein up to 3 years without a drink. I need a liver transplant but at the mo the meds are doin a fantastic job. From WHAT I was to WHO I am now is a complete difference.
I abused my body and I'm paying for it now. I was warned and didn't listen... I wish now I had.
Anyone struggling with any addiction especially alcohol then please get the help that's out there. Stop drinkin before it's to late. Good luck everyone x
Well done, thats amazing going 3 years. Alcohol is so damaging in so many ways it needs regulated more IMO, the sale of it anyway and especially the advertising of it. Having said that, I didn't think that when i was blissfully drinking myself to death and I've since learned that I'm the one with the problem not the world when it comes to drinking, it’s me who has to moderate myself around drinking as for every alcoholic there are tens of thousands who aren't. I hope you wont need a transplant in the future, good luck!
I gp to AA give it a try. It works. If ever you need a chatvabout anything then please just ask. Ur be fine.... you just gotta belive. Best of luck😀
Thanks, I went to a local alcohol and drug recovery type place briefly a year and a half back and then for a bit after I got out of hospital, mainly to occupy my mind and to get me out of the house, but to be honest it wasn’t for me, nor is things like AA, but I know they world for many people. I know everyone says the same thing but I’ll never drink again because if I do I know what happens, I’d literally be committing suicide and I love life and have everything and everyone to live for. I’ve never been happier and have such a renewed energy about me. I used drink for all kinds of reasons, stress, to sleep, to deal with past trauma and because of my social life. I’ve realised I can do everything and anything so much better and more as sober.
Do what ever in life makes you happy.... we ain't here long x
Yep exactly
Hi im just learning about neuropathy my hubby 18 months post liver transplant 3 yrs sober in oct . He suffers with neuropathy i didnt realise this would be a issue i stupidly thought transplant fixed all it saved his life which i am forever thankful and now we tackle the rest of the fallout from alcohol and past demons . Hope your well and cope . Thats all we do these days is cope with whats thrown our way .take care.
Well done sir, if I may ask which medication was it that caused the neuropathy.?
My neuropathy was caused solely by alcohol, it's intense burning sensations or pins and needles are constant, it's mainly in my lower legs and feet, however I have numbness in my hands occasionally, other things can cause neuropathy like diabetes, chemotherapy, it's essential to check your feet for any wounds as most people don't have much sensations in their feet and ulcers or cuts can cause problems, trying to describe neuropathy is difficult as believe it or not the pains come in different guises, people use different words to explain the feelings, unfortunately I've been like this for nearly 12 years and take medication to try and help,it takes the edge of things, but I was told if I ever started to drink the pain would be even worse, and my neuropathy only started after around 3 months of quiting alcohol and there was me thinking I'd got away with any long term damage, how wrong was I,there's numerous other conditions caused from heavy drinking that could affect you later in life, korsakoffs psychosis, or " wet brain " is another wording for it, symptoms are very similar to dementia, all in all I've still got enough brain cells to function properly, thankfully I'm doing quite well considering my exploits with alcohol, I hope this gives you a bit more information, thanks 😊
Thanks for getting back to me, you certainly have more than your share of grief. I can only wish you the best.
A really big congratulations from one alcoholic to another mate it’s fantastic news it is a great feeling to have another anniversary I always enjoy mine 👍
Stay safe all
Dogbot 🐶🌈Dave
Cheers buddy 👍, I mustn't forget all the good people on here, they've all helped ,and sharing our stories some good and unfortunately some not, having the hope and inspiration to show people who are struggling that there's people who can fight the demon brew and give them courage to fight the battle that causes so many families heartache and distress, stay strong 💪 as always many thanks for your kind reply 😇
Hello Chris thanks for sharing this congratulations I never knew about nerve damage as such until you told you told me, and as you know I came on here as one of my liver counts was bad from.drinking back then lucky 3 months abstinence sorted that, and thank yiu for your support back then our chats certainly helped me stay focused, I remember we met on here lol and 2 years gone, I wish you continued success in life's struggles I know you've a lot to deal with 🤗✨🧚
Hey sorry I've not been in touch,I hope you're keeping well, and many thanks for your reply, how's your journey going? Are you away from the demon drink, and managing your health, yes hit the big 60 last year, a few more "niggles "
started with arthritis, boy life can certainly throw a few curve balls, the years just fly by, I must try and get on the BLT site a bit more, it gives others hope and influence to give people education, many people probably don't know about neuropathy, and of korscof syndrome, or the layman's terms is
"Wet brain" a form of dementia, well still up 2 .27am my back is constantly aching and don't sleep to well these days, anyway I'll sign off for now , and hopefully you'll be doing OK?😊
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