I am new to this forum although I suffered from a head injury 22 years ago. Although I am severely visually impaired, in constant pain and suffer from anxiety and depression, I muddle through life. I graduated with an MA two years ago.
One issue I have and I find it very difficult, annoying and hard to accept is that I cannot cope with alcohol. Once I start drinking I find it hard to stop. So, 7 months ago I decided not to start drinking. So, I have not had any alcohol for 7 months. I go to AA meetings but although the people there are very welcoming and try to be supportive, I feel they do not understand where I am coming from with my head injury.
The reason for this post is to ask is there anyone else out there in a similar situation? Someone with an acquired brain injury (I always think that sounds as if I went out and bought a brain injury as a style choice) who has had issues with alcohol and was or is frustrated by their inability to cope with drinking?
I have come to terms with my visual impairment. I have coping strategies for my anxiety, depression and problems with concentrating. I live with the pain and weakness. Although I acknowledge I have a problem with alcohol, I am finding it hard to accept it.
I hope my post makes sense.
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HarlequinsFan
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Hi , 24 years ago I went out and acquired my bi. 23 years ago I found out I don't tolerate alcohol.
Basically I'm a cheap night out as after one drink I'm completely out of it. I then crash for 3 days followed by the hangover from he'll for another couple of days.
Initially stopping drinking was a challenge . I think still dealing with my bi helped distract me but I stopped.
Was I an alcoholic, no by no means. Did I have a problem with alcohol , oh yes.
I basically realised I didn't have an option but quit. It helped and made it possible.
Having said that I'm rather partial to a 0% guiness theses warm days.
I used to drink a lot. Didn’t have off button. First 2yrs was difficult 😣 but now it’s been 15yrs I didn’t touch alcohol and I’m very proud of myself(and I’m only 40yo). Don’t miss it what it’s great (remember everything from parties and dates 🤣🤣🤣).
I know is hard but you can do this. Try to find something to distract yourself. Avoid parties with alcohol and people who drink around you(to start with). With time and self-discipline you can do this.
Always you can come here and share your struggles with us. It’s lots of lovely understanding people here.
You can find help in your council as well or your GP. They usually run AA meetings and general help.
But proud of you coz you admitted you have a problem and that’s first BIG STEP to recovery!!!!
sounds like me! Same history except my pain was removed when they took out all the pins that held me together, ten years ago was drinking a bottle of wine a night. Saw me through tough times, divorce etc. now only drink lager at weekends or Wednesday nights, try to find some place that y can make like minded friends, harder now, money shut my day centre down years since. Try headway or social services to see what they can offer. My social life these days is coffee every morning with old associate or elderly, other mental issues. Try art of some tripe, just doodling to whatever. May have to concentrate to the point y loose the interest in alcohol? Visit this site often, chat, get advice from strangers who’ve been through the milk too?!! Certainly saved me on several occasion. Take care and come chat soon!!
I guess addiction feeds on the reassurance of a familiar habit. I was strongly advised to avoid alcohol and tobacco after an ABI in 2011 and, though I was never dependent on alcohol, I often miss the stress-free effects of a glass of brandy or Jack Daniels.
But I was well and truly addicted to nicotine and tried for most of my adult life to stop smoking, often saying how I wish I could be physically restrained for a few months to get through withdrawal. 'Be careful what you wish for' comes to mind !🥴. But I haven't touched a cigarette since the ABI...
I don't suffer those particular cravings any more ; maybe they fade with time (and in my case with the help of a chocolate stash).
Sadly quitting drinking doesn't have a failsafe formula other than lifestyle changes to avoid temptation and congratulating yourself on each additional day of abstinence.
Stay strong H. I'm sure there are many here who're happy to rally round with encouragement and support when things get tough. All best wishes, Cat x
I am new to this forum too I have not smoked or drunk alcohol since my brain injury in 2020 but have seemed to replace both with overeating leading me to put on quite a lot of weight I suppose that it’s all to easy to self justify the overindulging by saying that I’ve quit smoking and drinking so what is there left but eating Perhaps once an addictive personality you always have that mindset My reasons for stopping smoking were obvious but since speaking to my epilepsy nurse I am allowed 3 units of alcohol a week which I did try over Christmas but decided I no longer liked the taste and couldn’t be bothered to go through that challenge again plus the fact that I am choosing not to drink which has given me back some of the control in my life which I feel that I’ve lost Hope all this makes sense and keep trying that’s all you can do
Hi, i couldn’t tolerate the effects of alcohol to my brain, so gave up drinking a few years ago. It can be difficult to explain to people when socialising, but it’s becoming more accepted i think, and we are lucky because there are so many decent 0% options now on the market to enjoy. unlike a few years back!
i wish you luck, i realise it can be a really difficult thing giving it up, but to me it was definitely the right thing to do for my health.
Hi there, My partner had a tbi abt 5 yrs ago. He too was an alcoholic. Post tbi, his doc advised him not to consume alcohol, as his threshold limit was lower with his tbi. Why dont you have a go with Heineken 0.0 beer, or the budweiser zero alcohol. Umm it doesnt give u a buzz but it sure beats drinking fizzy stuff.
I used alcohol as a coping mechanism for about 30 years. I gave up 10 years ago when I had a bad stomach (possible ulcer) and there was no way that I wanted an endoscopy. I'm not sure that I realised the psychological/emotional damage of following that coping strategy rather getting out in the world? It's left me in an isolated situation now that I've left work for good and I feel that I should be enjoying myself more but I haven't got the skills, friends, physical capabilities or motivation, but it is what it is, I'm still in reasonable place. I can understand feeling in the wrong place within a help group though. In my early days my GP sent me to some sort of counselling group for people with mental issues but it felt it was totally irrelevant to my situation.
After my brain injury I followed a similar pathway to you and doubtlessly many others did too. I tried to escape into alcohol a couple of years after the actual accident but as soon as things started to get real bad I quit drinking and stayed off alcohol for a full year. It was an escape method which did not serve its purpose at all. Getting pissed does not make you feel better emotionally or mentally and thankfully I quickly realized that was the case. My accident happened in 1999 so nowadays I drink beer but I try not to drink more than 3 or 4 beers once a week if at all and also try to do so after eating. I do not do it now to escape anything as brain injuries are inescapable, I know that now. Drinking, doing drugs etc etc. Is not going to cure me, you or anybody but I guess you know that too.
Regarding the AA people not understanding the brain injury part of your story, I am afraid it comes as no surprise to me at all. Apart from other brain injured people and a few psychologists I have met a blank wall every time I mention it, so nowadays I don't even bother. You could try explaining it to them if you choose that way but it's a long story and nobody ever seems to understand it at all from my experience.
It's good that you have identified the problem you have with alcohol and I am glad you have stopped drinking. Find another thing to do in your spare time which keeps you happy and interested and does not involve drinking and one day you'll forget about alcohol altogether.
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