Welcome to DS Lisa.
To me DS was the initial, and still only source of knowledge and support. I've been a member for more than 3 years with sobriety of approximately 6 months now, this time it looks like it has solid base to be the lasting one. I want to tell you that every step that you take toward sobriety matters, even a single thought in the right direction. As you see, my battle lasted several years, so don't get discouraged by defeats, if they happen. You may be able to do it the first time, or it may take quite a time, but just keep working on it, take small steps forward, think a day, even minutes ahead of time. To me, books recommend here gave me the definite edge to UNDERSTAND first, and then beat this crap. You can emai me if you want the list, as at times it looks to me my posts are being repetitive. I found useful reading the posts, even the old ones.
Keep coming, and keep us posted.

Have you considered a 12 step group? I didnt stick with it, but it really helped to focus my attention. Saying my name I'm Dinah and I'm an alcoholic was so devastating I started crying and couldn't say anything else. Admitting it was a major first step. I have had a few slips but have been sober for 6 and a half years and life is way more manageable. And enjoyable, healthy, no remorse embarrassment or unexpected one nite stands. Its all good. Welcome to DS and keep coming back! x

Hello Lisa0406,

You are very welcome to the DS forum. You are in a difficult place right now and may be fearful about the future but I would like to tell you that you can not only overcome the drinking problem but you can also go on to have a great life without alcohol.
You have taken an important first step in recognising that there is a problem and in accepting that you have to stop drinking. I would suggest making this your very top priority for now, even if it means temporarily giving up other things such as going out with your friends. For now, you need to avoid situations where temptation would come your way.
Try to educate yourself about alcoholism as it can be difficult to solve a problem until you understand the exact nature of that problem. Once you understand what you are dealing with, there are various paths to recovery. It will be easier if you have acceptance of the reality that you cannot drink safely, which you seem to have already, an open mind and a willingness to do whatever it takes.
It may be that this DS forum will be all that you will need in order to succeed and hopefully that will be the case. Remember though that alcoholism involves an obsession for alcohol and it can sometimes take a lot of work to remove that obsession. Therefore, if you find that you are struggling to stay sober or if you are unhappy with life without alcohol, don’t rule out other forms of support and help.
The video below will give you a good understanding of alcoholism and a possible means of recovery.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVBDQPC2XQ

Welcome it is possible to live without having to drink every day. I found lots of help here and then in the rooms of AA. I found out I'm not a bad person, I just have a predisposition to drink too much. If I have one I want more and more until I'm blacked out. It's manageable if I just don't start. But additionally I had to learn how to cope with life without my booze. See I was reliant on booze to cope. I was addicted. But with some work on how to deal with life I don't have to drink today.

Glad you are here and it is possible to enjoy life and live without all the guilt and remorse And shame. The three horsemen were my masters. Now I'm free to live. It is great

1is2many

Good luck try AA

Welcome! I started here; and it was super helpful. what it really helped with was the denial and delusion. Members here would call me on my alcoholic drinking; even when I couldnt really admit to it yet. they also introduced me to the idea of AA. I hadnt met anyone who went to AA; or at least that I knew did; and I didnt know it existed as a resource to me. I am so grateful and have been sober; so far; a day at a time since my first meeting over 5 years ago. strongly recomend you give it a shot!

Lots of support on this site, Lisa. After joining and reading everybody's stories, I was able to see what I really was and admit it. After many failed attempts at quitting, now that I am aware of the problem in great detail, this sober spell may stick!
Welcome and good luck!

Welcome Lisa. I have found sobriety using DS. I don't go to AA. If you need live support there is AA and other non 12 steps groups. It depends upon what it the best fit for you. DS is the best for me.

The first step is admitting you have a problem... So good for you. Now I recommend AA, but I know it isn't for everyone. I have found it helpful to just be accountable for my drinking.

I feel the same. Hoping this can a push in the right direction. I try to turn down drinks but can't.

Like Imp said. There are many options. I do believe in AA. It helped change my mindset. I loved beer and wine. Loved it. But now I love sobriety and he gifts it has given me.