Alcoholism Support Group

It can work, but I'm afraid I've heard more about the failure of this method than success. It's just that by the time you are addicted, it can be VERY hard to cut back slowly and to be in 'control". The whole reason we are addicted is because we are out of control.

If you decide to do it this way, be brutally honest with your wife about your consumption. And tell your wife (today while you're thinking about it) that she should not trust you in the short term. She should second guess, and look over your shoulder. That may sound harsh, but addicted individuals tend to lie, despite the best of intentions.

I don't know if you are an actual alcoholic or not, but you should at least take a good long break from drinking , once you are able to wean yourself from the alcohol. You need to heal your body and learn how to live sober in order to understand yourself.

I have an idea- why don't you check in with us each day (on the forum) and tell us how your doing? It's an extra level of accountability.

Thanks Jack. They were very useful comments.

I will come on once a day and say how I'm doing - whether good or bad.

Eddie

Sounds like a plan Eddie. Welcome!

no exp with this one sorry

It is much easier to get off all at once as long as you are given medication to alleviate the withdrawls. I have taken Ativan and also Oxazapam. Oxazapam worked best. It was given to me in the hospital because I also had overdosed intentionally while drinking.

I tried it your way a couple of times but never worked for long. I felt better with the medication to stop the wine binging. Talk with your Dr. it really is not a negative issue for most Dr.'s...they understand and appreciate your desire to improve your lifestyle and health.

Of course people have weaned off alcohol since the dawn of man. It's how alcoholics used to do it before medications were available or they just went cold turkey. Your risk factor has increased for DT's and very bad withdrawal because of your age. If you absolutely want to wean then you have to be honest and watched like a hawk. I would recommend you do see a doctor. Things can go south rather quickly but weaning and sticking with it SHOULD be OK. None of us is a doctor so if you don't feel right then see a doctor ASAP. You need support after that and during this process. It's good of your wife to do this but you also need a plan to stay sober and not get yourself to the point where you're binging for 10 weeks and then withdrawing. Very hard on the body the more times you go through withdrawal. They get worse everytime. I wish you well, keep checking in and welcome!

What you propose to do may be like a Harm Reduction treatment method, here's a link to some information on the topic:

http://www.camh.net/Public_policy/...

Would you treat a diabetic crisis at home? Of course not. This is no different. Please seek some professional hope. There probably is no "safe amount " for you.

yeah and it get's worse over time, good luck to you. You will find it will get much harder everytime you try to wean yourself off alcohol. Tell your wife to hit some alanon meetings. When you want to stop for real there is a group and it is called AA, give them a call.

Hi everyone,

My attempt at a gradual wean of alcohol just didn't work. I cut down for a couple of days but then reverted back to drinking even more than from where I started.I was then getting quite desperate and decided to go 'cold turkey' and this has worked so much better.

I am now 150 hours since my last drink. However, I still would like a drink and wonder what my next step should be. Should I consider trying, at some stage, to just drink up to 3 units a day . I am due to see an alcohol counsellor on Wednesday so she might give me some advice on staying off.

Eddie