Stopped drinking AGAIN!

[FatOldMan]

Hi, I don't have a drink problem, or so I kept telling myself. 3 ltrs of Vodka and a couple of bottles of wine per week. Who was I kidding? I am obese with diabetes and hypertension, which if I am honest is all self inflicted. I have joined this group today with great intentions and joined a fitness and an alcohol tracker.

I will probably be on here just to chat to like minded people who understand because those around me just don't get it.

Thanks for listening.

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador]

Welcome to our community. We have a lot of good support here. Are you interested in stopping or moderating?

I’m one of those drinkers who can’t moderate. Once I have one, I’m off to the races.

[FatOldMan in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Hi, that's me, I can't just have one. When I start I drink until I fall asleep or fall over. I get obnoxious and belligerent. I'm lucky so many of my family are still around even if they show a complete lack of understanding about alcohol addiction.

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to FatOldMan]

Have you ever tried AA? Certainly that’s not the only help available. But it saved this alcoholic from a life of misery.

[FatOldMan in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Hi,Not tried aa but did speak to my doctor a few years ago and was referred to a therapist who didn't seem to think that my problem was bad enough to need her support. I was then referred to a psychologist who talked to me like I was a school child. So it was easier just to stay in denial and carry on drinking.

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to FatOldMan]

Sent you a link.

[Flo19 in reply to FatOldMan]

My partner has a drinking problem and like you the support from counselling he has received is appalling. It’s a real a tough time for the drinker and the family. Rant here anytime.

[chloe40]

Welcome to our friendly Community FatOldMan

Glad to have you join us, you've already found that you have support here, so

I'd like to wish you well on your journey, you can do this!

Chloe

[FatOldMan in reply to chloe40]

Thank you Chloe.

[Hammered]

Morning Homer. Well done for joining. It’s the biggest thing admitting to yourself and others your problem with alcohol. I am 19 days sober and those 19 days have been hard. I was drinking 2-3 bottles of 13% wine every night. More at a weekend. A functioning alcoholic in a constant hangover. If you can make the decision for yourself to get straight and not for others it becomes easier. For me anyway. Keep going and keep in touch. It’s not easy buddy but it gets easier as the days go by.

[FatOldMan in reply to Hammered]

Morning Hammered,Thanks for the encouragement, although I only joined this group yesterday I'm actually on day five sober but strangely this is my worst day so far. I have been thinking about booze almost constantly. Maybe just a little treat this evening a glass of wine or two. But I know it won't end there. Must try to keep myself busy and distracted but I know that this evening is going to be hard. Anyway off to the dentist now, that will take my mind off it for a while. 🤣

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to FatOldMan]

Happy you have a few days under your belt. But I found early on that carrying days stressed me out. The more I can take each day at a time, the easier it is.

It was really rough to admit I was (am) powerless over alcohol. I wanted to control my drinking and found out I can’t. Left to my own devices, you put me in a room with a bottle (with no treatment) and I HAVE to drink it.

Keep talking. Good luck at the dentist.

[Hammered in reply to FatOldMan]

Hi Homer. No Problems. Have you tried ginger beer. It’s non alcoholic but when it hits the back of the throat it’s like a spirit. It works for me .👍🏻

[FatOldMan in reply to Hammered]

I haven't had ginger beer for years. Thanks for the tip, I will have to try it.

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to Hammered]

Congratulations on your 19 days. Keep checking in. Let’s stay sober today!

[Hammered in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Thanks Lily. Every day.

[DicCarlson]

Welcome! Well, I'm a skinny old man! I quit last November, approaching 6 months sober. I was drinking 4-6 drinks a day. Frankly, I have had enough. I'm 71, very fit - bike, hike, xc-ski. Anyway, I lost 15 lbs and 4% body fat almost immediately. The best help I found is the "quit lit" found on Medium and AINYF (Alcohol is not your friend).

medium.com/

ainyf.com/

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to DicCarlson]

Thanks for sharing the resources. I know there is more than AA. It’s just that that’s only where my experience lies. Glad for other options.

[FatOldMan in reply to DicCarlson]

Thanks for the links that you sent, I will have a look later. I am the same age as you and very unfit. I was in the army until I was forty and was able to run marathons. There was a real drinking culture there but there was also long periods of enforced absence for operational reasons which was great as it kept the drinking under control. I had huge problems adjusting when I left and thats when the drinking became a problem. I always find excuses for not exercising but the real reason is the hangovers . The diabetes and hypertension diagnosis have been the real wakeup call. I notice that you quit just before the holiday season, that must have put extra pressure on you. Well done.