You've taken a very big step in the right direction, not only realizing it's a problem but CHOOSING to do something about it. My congradulations to you. This is a good place with good people, and have more in common with you than you can imagine---keep reading the posts and you will see. We are all here to listen, and there are many resources beyond this group to help. Can you talk about what made you realize you wanted to do something about your drinking?

Welcome. Like you my alcoholism was progressive and when I tried for 12 years to quit on my own I found i never could for any length of time. Each time I ended up worse than before. I finally gave up and found a great support group in an aa women's group....difficult journey but well worth the efforts. Best of luck on your journey.

Hi, Ambler!!!!
That's the way I drank!!! Slowly, insidiously, over time, my drinking got worse and worse and worse!!! I finally got so sick of myself, I just quit. I can keep away from that first one (so far!), but if and when I DO pick up a beer, I will not stop until I pass out. I'm a blackout drinker, too, so waking up almost always consisted of my thinking 'Oh, God. What did I do last night?' Yuck!!!
So I joined the Alcoholism Support board, and also this one to keep it fresh in my memory what drinking does to me. And I like the 'peer pressure' that I find here!!!! I would really hate to have to post on here a literary Walk of Shame!!! LOL!!!!
Good luck to you!!! I wish you success!!! (((((Hugs)))))

Welcome.

You quit for a month and it was the best month you had in years. Then why did you start drinking again? Probably not a simple answer and it might be a question worth exploring, so when you quit this time it is for good.

Glad you found us -- I found the people on this site gave me lots of good support, especially during tough times.

Welcome Ambler. I was in the same position 1 year ago, but with me it was wine. Once I started I just couldn't stop until I blacked out. I knew I had to change my life and fast. I found this group and with their support I will reach my 1 year anniversary New Year's eve. I can't say it was easy and there were so many times I almost lost this fight - this week has been tough with the holidays and all the drama my family brings tempted me in so many ways. But this fight is mine and I am SOBER and alive. I remember all the moments of my life when I wake up the next day. I don't wake up and worry, OMG, what did I do, what did I say, how did my daughter get to bed. As I write this I realize even more how I need to continue this fight for my life. Just coming here and reading the posts help me so much - reading your story encourages me to go on and makes me realize I can help support you and others and give back to the group which has helped me through this and has helped me to win the battle against alcohol.

Welcome! This group is very supportive. When I "quit" in '83 I went to AA for a few meetings. I am not a "co-dependent" person and do things better on my own. I have not had a drink since May 15, 2009. I have had to learn what my triggers are and to find different friends and people to hang out with. I do not hang out with drinkers. I do not go to bars, except to listen to live music and then I drink water. I also pray everyday for God to help me stay sober. You will have to decide to change your life. It is a wonderful decision. Being sober is awesome! When you feel like drinking, post on here and the support from others will help you to not drink. Good luck to you and know you are not alone.

I'm new here, so not sure whom I'm replying to, but what to say Thanks. Many Thanks. for the kind and helpful replies. Jacker2, CarlaBent, poobear23 and all others, your thoughts mean a lot. I'm beginning to understand where I'm at and what the recovery process entails. Please keep your kind words coming. I need your help.

Hi Ambler. Welcome. It is so important to reach out.

Have you ever too considered going to group therapy and/or individual addictions counseling? This was so helpful to me at the beginning especially. I was so desperate and miserable-I would have tried anything.

I know this is not an AA group-but I do think that early in recovery so many of us need one on one help. Perhaps if AA is not an option-go seek out a counselor.

I think that in the meantime start with this: go to primary doc and get a complete physical. Find out where you are with your health. Be very honest about your drinking-if you fib, he/she cannot help you get better. Have them do a work up to see if you have done any damage. We alkis are great at not taking care of ourselves so I think this first step is vital!

Everytime you want to drink-think it through completely. WHere is this going to take you? I know for me it was months of daily hell. I could not just drink and stop for a few days. I drank and went crazy. So think where that first drink is going to take you.