I am brand new as in 5 minutes ago. Your timing couldn't be better. The shorter answer would be what don't I need to know. I have just accepted the fact that I am an alcoholic and the only way for me to save myself is to never drink again. What now?

More specifically...Do I have to physically go to meetings, or is an online support group sufficient?

Go to a meeting and keep going back most definately!

i use both. i go to at least 1 meeting everyday but anytime i am at home i log on to this site so i can continue the process and maybe be of some help to a newer newcomer than me. devon

Hi May 12, you are very welcome to this group and hopefully you are reading though the discussions that have, and are, taking place here.

If, when reading a discussion, it raises a question with you, just type in a "reply" and this will take it to the top of the list so that we will read you addition and respond. Or start a new discussion, that is entirely your choice. It is only by questions and answers that we can share our experience.

It is always best to go to face-to-face meetings as that is the fastest route to real recovery - you will need a sponsor (like a mentor and friend) to guide you through the recovery process one-to-one. Having said that, you can also learn a lot in between meetings here and get as much additional support as you require.

The ones I come in contact with when I tell them there not ALONE

Hi may well it depends on if your a real alki or a problem or heavy drinker. If your only a problem or heavy drinker than just not drinking will be ok. you wopnt need a spiritual solution for that. But if your the real alki described in the Bb in the dr opinion and chap 2 and chap 3 of the Big BOOK of AA then you will need a spiritual awakening to not have to drink anymore acording to that book. And for that I had to not only go to face to face meetings but also get a sponsor and do the 12 steps then begin sponsorin others. Thats my exp

Hi may12182, welcome to the site, getting to a meeting is the best idea. You will meet lots of people who will understand where you are and be able to help you.

I also suggest you get a copy of the book Alcoholics Anonymous (in AA we call it the Big Book) - you should be able to buy one at any meeting you go to.

You can also check it out online at http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/
in the meantime.

This book contains all the information needed to diagnose yourself as an alcoholic, along with the instructions for working the 12 step program to recover.

As Gailly said you would need a sponsor to take you through the steps but reading the first part of the book - starting with the forewards to each edition and the doctors opinion would be a good start.

Any questions just ask.
Good to have you here.
Nicky.

I am drinking alot and want to stop. I am scared of bad wihtdrawals. What shall I do.

Hi scouser, do you have a doctor that you can go and talk to or any local drug and alcohol services?

Withdrawal can be dangerous and is best to seek some medical advice before you start. They might be able to offer you some medication so you can detox at home or recomend that you go to a detox. There might be a waiting list if you have to go to a detox, around where I live it takes about 6weeks. That is unless you can pay of course in which case you can go to a private place almost straight away.

It is great that you want to stop and I know it is scary, but it is possible.

Maybe you could speak to your doctor or local services and let us know what advice they give you.

Nicky.

For me,it came to a point that I had to take drastic measures just to make sure I couldn't get anything to drink.My last drunk ended up with me in the hospital for a week to detox,then,two dry weeks later,I checked myself into a 90 day treatment program.I had to break the vicious circle of drinking,passing out,then drinking more.I was simply too sick,too worn out to keep on drinking and wanted to stop bad enough to do anything.Working and living this program has kept me sober so far.If I don't keep up a good meeting schedule,if I don't try to help others,if I don't stay in contact with my sponsor,if I don't keep trying to live as the Steps suggest,who knows when the circle will again take me.I can't stay sober without action.Sitting around worrying and fretting over my problems won't make them go away.There is help out there,but only if you're willing to make the most out of it.This thing takes work,and a lot of it,especially at first.Be willing to do anything it takes and then jusdoit!

As we have quite a lot of new members to this group, please be aware that we would like to be a question forum as well as a discussion forum.

There are a lot of members with a happy and solid foundation in recovery willing to help!

Sending this back to the top again

For the newcomer.