I’m starting my quitting alcohol journey…

[purpleash]

hello, I cannot sleep as I’ve had too much too drink today from 11am until about 4pm. Also, I feel ashamed, stupid and anxious because of the drinking. I can’t even remember certain things I did today. I remember lashing out at two family members which wasn’t fair to them. I am a shy and private person when I am sober which is every other day.

I don’t know if my liver is damaged. I’m too scared to find out. I’m too ashamed to see my GP.

I need some members to suggest ways to quit drinking and stop feeling so bad about myself. Thanks. 🙏

[FatOldMan]

Hi, if you have any reason to believe that your drinking has damaged your liver, you must see your GP. It could save your life or it could even alay your fears about the state of your liver. Don't be embarrassed, you have nothing to be embarrassed about, he/she will deal with much more embarrassing things.

We all have our own different ways of trying to stop drinking, my own way is to remind myself how awful I felt after the last time I had a drink and the health issues that I have now because of alcohol. When I think that the people in my life don't seem to understand what I'm struggling with, I come on here and share my thoughts with people who understand, sometimes I just have a good old rant .

I'm sure others on here will tell you how they cope and you will find a way that works for you.

One day at a time, good luck.

[purpleash in reply to FatOldMan]

thanks so much for your words. They mean a lot to me. If I was single and male I would feel ok about doing that. But I’m a female and a mum and so there are 2 “stigmas” attached in my case. I’m worried the GP would report me to social services. not that my drinking has massively affected the kids. I make sure they have everything they need, there’s no abuse going on and I don’t leave them with strangers. But I know how social services work and they will use anything against mums these days,

[SoberDrunk1]

Welcome to the forum. Its a very vulnerable state once we put down the drinks. Our emotions run helter skelter. We have been medicating our condition with alcohol. If you have some friends that can help, you may detox under their care. But its risky if you have been alcohol for too long to detox without medical supervision. Find a local AA meeting, people understand the nightmare you are going through and they will support you. Also try to read the book Alcoholics Anonymous. There is a chapter "More about alcoholism" that illustrates how the alcoholic mind works. It tricks us back into taking that first drink. See if you can relate looking back at our drinking history. If you have any questions about the program or on how to find an AA meeting please let me know I will be glad to help.

[Jampacked]

I think you need to start getting your toolkit together. First and foremost download Try Dry and take the drinking risk quiz. This will give you an idea whether seeing a GP to quit is medically necessary and the symptoms to look out for. It also has a wealth of information and resources. Buy some quit lit, kindle, audible or world of books have loads. Plan every day so you know what your doing when and instead of alcohol. Social services should not be interested in mums who are quitting just mums who are still drinking. Alcohol damages your central nervous system and you are feeling this anxiety because of this it will pass. Not drinking doesn't make life easier but will make you feel much, much better about yourself your brain and body will eventually renew and you will regain optimism and hope. People won't be surprised your quitting and your real friends will support you. Remove yourself from unhelpful others. It's a long journey but so, so worth it. I am cheering you on. AA or Smart have online meetings too. The sober girls society have a saturday morning meeting and you can turn your camera off and just listen. We are cheering you on. Get support, get your toolkit together and believe it can be done.

[SavageGold]

For me, I've found colouring books to be very helpful as a distraction. And a good cbd pulse point balm once a day at the time I'd normally start drinking desensitised my stress system. I like crunching pop corn while I wait for my tea as its cooking instead of doing shots now. And I like cans of Liquid Death as they look like cider, taste like weak beer but have no alcohol. They've no caffeine either so suitable at bedtime. Worrying about your liver might be your way out, if your goal is to be around for your kids future that could be your big focus. I went to my Dr. He put me intouch with mental health and after I was assessed they labelled me as in recovery, not alcoholic dependant. I hope that helps.

[purpleash in reply to SavageGold]

Some excellent tips. Thanks for sharing them.

[chrisbuy63]

Hi if drinking made us all feel great all the time then no one would want to stop but unfortunately or maybe even fortunately, for many of us, it has a horrible effect and we suffer agonies of shame and regret after we have over indulged and also have the health issues to think about.

I would suggest you make an appointment with a gp who you feel comfortable talking to and ask for help, there is a medication call Naltrexone that can help people to break free from the habit/addiction. Do some research on it first so you can go and discuss with gp .....Naltrexone.

Your gp would keep confidentiality unless there was a safeguarding issue but it does not sound like there is and gp would be able to monitor you and could attest to the fact that you are serious about your decision to stop drinking.

You could put the money you are saving away in a 'fun fund' so you can take your children to have fun days out in the school holidays or make weekends more fun,this will give you the incentive to go on as you all look forward to planning some lovely family times together.

There are organisations that can help you too but I don't know much about them.

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador]

I understand where you are coming from. Been there. Done that. Alcoholics Anonymous has been working for me for over 45 years. It works if you work it.

[BoopFan]

One day at a time. Stay positive. I am 288 days sober. I began tamping down a few weeks ahead of time. Then put my mind to it and I was done. I do drink NA Beer, which some might not agree with but I don't think it would have been possible without it, so do what works for you. Keep busy, find a release. Crafts, coloring, crossword puzzles, reading, whatever works for you. I cleaned the house nonstop for the first month, anything to keep me from sitting down and thinking about it. Focus on those little ones. Remember how important it is to be sober and healthy for them. Don't worry about the what ifs, if you have liver problems you cant change it but not drinking will stop any additional damage. I'm cheering for you! Stay strong.

[purpleash in reply to BoopFan]

Thank you for your kind and positive words. I’ve now gone 2 days in a row without alcohol. Tomorow I will make it day 3. I am determined to stop drinking all together. I cannot just have 1-2 drinks ever.

[BoopFan in reply to purpleash]

Proud of you.👏