Hi CB, All I can tell you is what worked for me so my tip is go to AA today, tomorrow and the next day. Depending on how much you drink, you should probably let your physician know you are quitting for a couple of reasons, There are some serious physical dangers and doctors often know of some good support resources in your area.

Yep, talk to a doctor, talk in an aa group, drink plenty of water... I read your post earlier and gave this some thought. And what I would like to share comes in part from the man who responded first to your post. Stepone. He said something a while back that really stuck with me and has guided and inspired me. He pointed out that recovering alcoholics (addicts) have the emotional level of a child. Of course when I read this my ego hackles raised up and reassured myself that I am a professional adult, yada yada.... so here’s my advice; admitting you have a problem is a great step. Admitting that you can do some work to look at strengthening your emotional health is next. This is how I have maintained my sobriety. By doing soul searching. Accept change as a good thing. A necessary thing. See it as a journey of discovery that you have denied yourself all your life (if you are anything like me). This is what’s possible when we free ourselves from addiction. I didn’t go to aa but those here who did have given me some great advice. And one day at a time is number one for me. I know it’s said alot. Don’t dismiss it. It is the key. Not only do we make the choice not to drink one day at a time but we allow ourselves to heal one day at a time. Otherwise it’s too big. You can have a whole new life if you choose.

Talk to your doctor, as the others have said. Your doctor will be the first to give you support. I remember my doctor congratulated me and she shook my hand....she was so proud of me! Don't be shy and when you are asked how much you are currently drinking, tell the truth. It will only help the doctor figure out the best treatment options available for you. In the end, it's your choice.

I decided to go to AA meetings but when that didn't seem to be helping, I went through outpatient treatment. It turned out, I had some underlying problems which were triggering my addiction like depression and a few others. Outpatient treatment helped me with that.

11 years ago, I was where you are now....desparate and looking for some answers. I will tell you that alot has been learned about alcoholism in the last ten years and there are many ways to attack this problem and your doctor knows them all, I guarantee it, so don't be afraid and do nothing because inaction will come back to haunt you, with more cravings resulting in more binges and more anger from those who love you.

If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.

Keep us posted.

God Bless

I found that I needed to find a replacement. I quit drinking a million times. But would get to feeling better and then back in the bottle. This time I pop by an aa meeting 4-5 times a week. I can see both ppl that are ahead of me and try to do what they are doing and maybe more importantly, I see ppl that are fresh off the bender. I decide not to do what they did.

The other key was to work thru the underlying emotional baggage I was carrying that made me drink. See I was full of fear and guilt and remorse. I needed to peel the onion and get better mentally and now I’m happy and don’t need to drink.

But tips?
Lots of water, if the craving hits, drink a coke or get a shake. Alcohol is all sugar and the mind can be tricked with some sugar.
Get the booze out of the house. The mind will obsess on that one little bottle that is behind the cabinet etc.
find some new friends. Aa has given me new buddies and they really care how I’m doing and we lean on each other.

The site is great , welcome and here’s to good sober you and dreams coming true. Life is waiting

1is2many

There is some really good advise here. I would add that it is important to find something positive and booze free to add to your life. I did a lot of reading and shopping/window shopping when I first stopped drinking. It helps work as both a distraction and helps you feel like you are accomplishing something. AA is great for support from others that are either going through or have been through what you are experiencing. Be sure to eat well and don't skip meals. It will help keep you feeling balanced emotionally. I found that I had to get to the root of why I was trying to drinking my anxiety away. It was hard work but it was so very worthwhile. I explored my feelings with a counselor and discovered that I didn't owe my truth to everyone. Stick with it and you will be amazed at the changes you will see in all areas of your life.

What has worked for me is I latched on to a positive aspect not to drink. When I first quit I kept track of how money I saved by not drinking. I actually put that money aside.
I hope this makes sense I am not eloquent writer.
“I am sober” app. Really helped me and still helps me.
I am approaching a year one day at a time.

Hi - I just joined too...11 days sober. Love to hear your story and rely on each other!

Read the book alochol lied to me. Different from AA model. Just don't buy into his website . The book is enough
The AA model is good but not for everyone.

Craig Beck. He points out that most of the stuff we believe about booze is bullshit. It does not relax us and we don't need it to socialize. It's a drug that would never get a patent if it was discovered today.
We feel relief after taking booze because it ends our desire/addictive need for booze. Booze gives you a headache and then demands booze to end the headache is the best analogy I can make
Society has been fooled by a huge marketing drive

First of all find a group or someone in your life to be accountable to. I was lying a lot in the last few months I drank and coming completely clean and being honest with myself helped. I joined AA and got a sponsor that helped me a ton. I know AA isn’t for everyone, but I am a control freak and it helped me to get spiritual and to let go of all that I had been trying to control in my life. If you are a reader I highly recommend finding books on addiction and reading that as well as the big book. Best to you all.