Alcoholism Support Group

Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.

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NewSeeds 11/11/2012

When I first decided to stop drinking cold turkey, I didn't know what to expect. . I was worried about how much damage I had done to my mental faculties. I had heard tales that the urge to drink never goes away. That was a frightening thought

But to all you cold turkeys out there, I don't have any urges. I did in the beginning. I did count every day. I did have some really strong urges that had me screaming at myself in the car. I had one really stressful day over some financial concerns that made me really want to buy a bottle and drink my financial problem away.

But, somehow, with the grace of God I didn't.

Today I just figured out I am on day 79. I stopped counting the days. I do accept that I am different from most people in the world in that I cannot ever drink one drop of alcohol for the rest of my lfie. I am totally afraid of alcohol even wine at communion.

Now, I sleep great at night. It's wonderful not waking up with a hangover. I remember what I did the night before. No blackouts, No headaches.

My mind has gotten sharper and my memory seems to have improved, although I have a poor memory for names my entire life.

I am much more effective in my work. I used to be pretty shaky in the morning at work and my performance wouldn't improve until after lunch.

So my message to anyone going cold turkey or considering going cold turkey, it gets easier the longer you stay sober. Your mind recovers. It's great to live without blackouts and hangovers. You won't suffer painful urges to drink after a period of time. It will be OK.

Thanks to all of you who write posts, send messages of support, and to the people who run this site. I don't think I would have done this without the knowledge about alcoholism that you have shared with me.

Go!! Cold Turkeys!! Go!!

deleted_user 11/11/2012

Thats great New Seed. I am glad cold turkey worked for you. However in light of the mental and physical stress that happens during detox I wouldnt recommend "cold turkey"to everyone. A doctors opinion is always the safest way to detox.
Greg

stickywick 11/11/2012

Good for you! Still detox can be deadly for the serious alcoholic.
When in doubt, see your DR.
Not worth the risk.

As for "cold turkey" yeah...I did that a dozen times. A few times I even quit drinking for over a year. But without a program I was on my way toward a drink. I'm so grateful to AA -- now my life isnt about staying dry, its about being useful, helpful, of service, and its about doing the next right thing. For me that's a miracle.

deleted_user 11/11/2012

I really needed to read this. Thanks and Congrats.

deleted_user 11/11/2012

keep up the good work, and please keep a count of your new birthday. it will be very important to you in the future.....

ExJerseyGirl2 11/11/2012

I quit cold turkey too. There was no way I would have been able to taper off first!

And I totally agree -- it gets easier and life is pretty damn good without drinking and without wanting to drink.

Your post made me smile -- thanks!

citychick2011 11/11/2012

good for u

deleted_user 11/12/2012

I quit cold turkey and it has now been over 3 years!!! I do not really experience "cravings" or feel this need to drink on a bad day, either. It has been strangely easy for me, I have read horror stories about going sober, I have been told I would not make it, I "need" meetings or else I will go back, etc, but against all odds I did it! I guess for some of us, we reach that point where we are just done with it and want absolutely nothing to do with it.

Nowadays, I even work in a bar where I am in direct contact with alcohol every night and I still have not been broken down. It is taking its toll, and I do have difficulty some nights but it has been so empowering. I do feel like I am putting myself in harms way though, and dealing with the drunks is rediculous at times. Note to all of you curious recovering alcoholics out there, if you ever want to be scared straight, go to a bar completely SOBER, do not have one drink and watch the effect alcohol has on others. It has the same effect on you. Watch as nice people become angry, say things they never would sober, cant find the bathroom or the way back to their seat, puke/piss in areas they should not, harass women, watch as nice women behave like sluts, exposing themselves without noticing, etc. Then watch in horror as the night goes on, fights arise, people get hurt. Watch in complete horror as bar owners let drunks leave without sobering up, into their cars where they can harm the innocent. Watch as peopel go home with others they should not, watch as the alcoholism provides the gateway to do harder drugs, watch as the married man cheats on his wife (and the other way around) It will be enough to make you never want to have a drink again LOL. Sorry to laugh it is really not funny. Even normal, non alcoholics, suffer due to alcohol. They go out that one night and turn into monsters, fortunately for them they only do this once or twice a year, not every day like alcoholics. And luckily, they do not remember what they did the night before, if they did they would be very ashamed in their own actions and lack of self control due to the all mighty bottle.

Ok I probably should not suggest that anyone interested in recovery go to a bar, but seriously, the reality is disgusting. It will shock and scare you. The cold hard truth hurts, but it is the truth.

abshoefreakshow 11/12/2012

I had to stop kidding myself and saying 'I am gonna quit this week and I am gonna do that by only having 3 drinks today, not 7 plus'. That did not work for me because I still would end up having 7 or more. Finally just told myself "there has to be more to life than this''... I actually tried quiting 1000 times before. As of today, I have 2 months plus sober on my side, the longest ever for me in over 15 years. If I quit smoking and all the other 'fun stuff', I can quit drinking. I no longer have cravings or plan to start drinking again either. I am 37 and do not want to be a bar fly at 50+ still addicted to booze and PARTYING!!!

deleted_user 11/12/2012