I quit a lot. I would be drunk before the sun set. I just couldn't cope with life without booze it took going to get some help from other alcoholics to be able to string together some time. I had to have help I just couldn't do it on my own. I tried many many times

To answer your question the only way for me was to quit and not pick up a drink. No taper would ever work because I get the first taste and I start craving more. So it's just saying no thanks to the first one not the second, or 12th, or ???

1is2many

I was a full blown alcoholic and there was no way I could cut down. I had no control at all.

I went into detox for 4 days followed by a 3 week outpatient program followed by 3 months of group counseling. Throughout all the counseling I had, AA meetings were mandatory. It took all these things to get me sober and keep me sober.

Thats what worked for me when nothing else did.

I hope you find your path to recovery.

God Bless!

Westdenali, I believe you've already answered that question for yourself via your Reply to Rich's post on Jan. 29th "Back to Zero"
"Why am I reading about me? Rich...you are me. Its like reading my life story. I tell myself every night I need to quit..." you know the rest.
Its impossible to know in advance the outcome of any method. My philosophy is "Hit it with everything I've got to make sure I've done more than enough to succeed." I was luckier than most here, God simply took away my urge to drink. I was, like you, basically sick of having it in my life and He took it away. I still needed to change my mindset from one of a drinker to that of a thinker; one who now considers the far-reaching consequences of my actions. You've started your research with this post. Look into all the various methods: Treatment, CBT, Therapy, AA, Opiate antagonist meds, Meditation, Cold Turkey, Supported, Unsupported, etc. You're setting the route for the rest of your life, choose the path you feel in your heart will most probably lead to your success.

I was drinking about 14 shots of vodka every day when I quit. I had some withdrawals -- shakiness, felt bad, fuzzy-brained, but nothing serious. I quit cold turkey -- tapering was beyond me. Once I had a sip, i had to have a gulp and then another and another.

If you do quit cold turkey, read up on withdrawals first so you know the symptoms to look for. Get to a doctor if you need to -- don't mess around. Drink lots of water. Sports drinks are good as well. A medical detox is safer, but I can understand if you decide not to do that. Take care of yourself during the quitting process -- it is a strain on your body and your head. For mental support getting through the early days, having a friend stay with you, going to counseling or a support group might help.

Good luck!

Visit your doc ASAP and quit drinking completely. I am so excited for you! You are going to be free from the slavery of alcohol.

Hi westd - I am the same. Holding off counselling or AA at the moment. I have so far halved my alcohol and have one unit each weekday but always feel yuck next day as the alcohol is well out of my system. Then when I drink at weekends, I feel much better. So I am actually very scared to go cold turkey. I am frightened of seizures as I have drank for 40 years.
I thought the doctor would give me something to help me wean off but she gave me a leaflet for counselling and asked me to refer myself to them and they would also look into CBT and methods to get me clean and that they work in conjunction with the doc who referred me and would inform her of my progress.
I am not liking the idea of sitting in a room full of people- I would prefer a one to one situation.
It is worrying which route to go down.
I will post which way I do go. Keep posting - it really helps and you dont feel so stupid for getting into this state when you don't feel so alone.

I quit cold turkey. I had some shakes on day one.

I tried AA. It did not work for me. I frequently got loaded after a meeting. I don't like group meetings. I like the DS online, because I can ignore posts from some of the problem personalities, who would be the center of attention in a live meeting.This DS group is basically a cross talk meeting, which AA does not allow.

You have to find what works for you. Many members here, also go to AA. It works for them.

You can quit alcohol. Cold turkey in a medical detox setting is the best way to do it.that's what I did. Then I did outpatient rehab, one-on-one therapy, outpatient dual diagnosis day program, a year of AA then I left, then yoga, and meditation.

Now I have two years sober. AA was part of my journey but it's been two years since I went to a meeting. It's worth a try, it can help, but it may not be for you. It's totes okay if it's not.

I have found outpatient rehab, one on one therapy and yoga be more effective, personally. There are many paths to sobriety. You must find the one that's best for you.

Congrats on your new resolve to get sober. I hope you make it.