I can under stand trying to get away from the stress and depression. I used alcohol a lot for that and mine included boredom also. Admitting is always the first step. My kids kept trying to get me to stop but it wasn't until I admitted to myself that I had a problem did change began to take place. Did I slip some sure but you get up the next day and try again. It's now been since June 11th since I had a drink. Have I thought about it sure.... But I have a great reason not to drink just like you do. I have a 4 year old granddaughter that isn't allowed to spend the night with me because I drank. Your little one as well as your health are strong reasons to be strong. I feel comfort knowing I'm not along in what I'm dealing with.

My boss a few weeks ago said " Do something today your future self will thank you for".

Last night, somewhere on here, I posted how I am always in the midst of a whirlwind of drinkers. I've tried cutting back / quitting drinking for years. Here I am again, but this time I've given up on cutting back. I'm Quitting... I'm on Day 21, 3 weeks! I have an endless string of parties in view, but I know I can do it & you can too

Thank you both for your words of encouragement and congrats on your sobriety!!!

I remember when I was a kid, the other kids would call my mother a wino! I was so ashamed and embarrassed. It didn't do any good to complain to my mother about it, it fact, it seemed to make her drink all the more. She drank right up to the day I called 911 because she was dying from alcoholic liver sirosis!

It's a good thing to keep in mind that it is important to set a good example like you said. I know I had many problems as a result of my parents drinking and it took me 30 years to learn to let it go and to forgive.

I didn't have kids for my motivation but I almost died and that was all I needed to motivate me to get better.

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Please vow to stay sober for the sake of your family and do everything you need to do to make that happen. There is happiness in sobriety. I am evidence of that along with many others here and I am happier now then I have ever been. If we can do it, so can you!

God Bless

Thank you for sharing your story! The road I was headed on, I could see that being my son in 15 years or so. Not something I want him to ever have to deal with. I really appreciate your post!

The hardest thing about staying social are your friends who are not alcoholics but can drink. It is so hard for me to attend a social event without being under the influence. I have taken pride in my # of days! I am currently at 10. IF you take a sip then your number starts over. I am using my competitiveness to try to beat this thing. You can do it!

Hi Sam
I was headed down that dark path too. For years I mostly drank beer...lots of it. But more recently, the demon inside wasn't satisfied with the buzz, and I started in on wine. That's when the real problems began. It always ended with me passing out, and having long blank spots in my memory of the night before. Waking up to wine spills, broken glasses, ruined dinners.....the list goes on and on. Then one Thursday night for some reason I came home with a bottle of vodka. A big one. The sick day off the next day from work and the world-class hangover was my '2x4 upside the head moment'. I saw where this was going. By the grace of God and the angel watching over me, I didn't get a DUI, or have an accident, or hurt anyone (at least not physically), but if you keep tempting the fates it will catch up with you. That 'morning after from hell' led me to web searching which led me to this site and to this wonderful group of supportive people.
I think that last vodka binge was one of the best things to ever happen to me, because it convinced me to quit drinking forever, not just for a while. Today is day 90 for me, and I am loving my new life!!
Don't give up on yourself, Sam. You can do this!!!!!! Once you get past the very rough first few days, life gets so much better!!!! You won't recognize the new, energetic you!!!!!

Sam you tell my story. Unfortunately i didn't stop drinking when my first child was four, nor my second. Luckily I entered the rooms of AA when my third child was 2. He's never really seen me drink. My older kids are grateful. Wish i had done that a long time ago. 3 yrs next month.

Thank you all for sharing with me! This site helps me feel like I am not alone and not the horrible person I was feeling that I was. Day 7 and going strong!!

Have a plan, have some numbers to call. I remember early on when I had to go to the in laws and they would get loud and it would drive me mad. But my problem of alcoholism is not their issue. I would just drive to Starbucks and get a coffee. The issue was I would feel like I was missing something. But once the first event was over the second was easier and the third still easier. And remember, you don't have to go. If you think it's going to be too tempting, just pass.
1is2many

One week, Sam!!! That is great!!! Keep it up!!!

Thank you!!!!!

Time for a change. You don't have to drink every day to be an alcoholic.

PS - the shame of that DUI will wear off. It may not be for 6 months, but it will go away. Alcohol is cunning, baffling, and powerful. It will trick you to think a drink is ok.

Take that $10,000 court card and attend those AA meetings and listen.