Hello Kerela,

You have taken an important first step in admitting that you have a problem. The next step is to fully accept that you cannot drink and to become willing to do whatever it takes in order to get sober.

Taking it one day at a time is a good approach and posting honestly on forums such as this will also be helpful. You may find that once you accept the reality that you cannot drink safely and make sobriety your number one priority that you will be successful in reaching your goal. If however, you find that it is a struggle, do not be afraid to look for outside help. There are several options that your doctor can recommend so talk honestly with your GP.

It is likely that there are AA meetings close to where you live but you will not be aware of their locations until you start searching. You can also give AA a call to find out if there are people from your area who could give you a lift to meetings in nearby towns. AA members will gladly go out of their way to help you so do not be afraid to accept their help or feel that you are under some sort of obligation for accepting such help.

Agree with PJ. Also if you can't get to meetings try intherooms.org. They do live online video meetings based on 12 step programs. I'm in the UK too just outside London. I've not got much sober time but I'm getting there slowly but surely. Plenty of meetings near me. I found out about it by ringing the national helpline and getting a number for my local intergroup. Well done for admitting your problem that's half the battle. Now you have to actually do something about it and you can't do it in isolation. Best of luck. And friend me if you wish.

Best

Manda XXX

Thanks PJ and Manda. I have been doing some searching and found an AA meeting about an hours drive away. I am going to my first meeting on Sunday. Thanks for your support x

I'm glad you have decided to get some help. I just couldn't get and stay sober without the help. Of others that had btdt. See I could quit and did many times. Especially after a bender in which I embarrassed myself and was so ready. But I would quit on Monday and by Friday I would start feeling better and think ... just a couple and I would be back on the nipple of the bottle. I needed some help to stay sober. I found a room of aa and it saved my life. My meeting is about 45 minutes away and it is worth it. Actually in the early days I needed something to do to not get bored and drink.

Life is better , but I had to find something to replace the drinking. Because just quitting drinking never worked. I had to GET sober. It's the only way I found to keep going.

1is2many

I have no idea who you would call in the UK but the others above me can help you with that, I am sure. Many AA members love giving back by giving rides to meetings. One of my sponsers' use to pick me up every Sunday morning, I'll never forget and he was very happy for the chance to help me! I use to go to Sunday morning meetings instead of Church services, I seemed to get more out of the meetings for some reason.

Good luck in your recovery. Life is great when sober, I can attest to that. I am happier now then I have ever been.

God Bless!

Hi Kerela
I too live in the UK and haven't sought the support of AA but I did ring the drink aware national telephone number who arranged for me to visit a local dependency service who offers CBT counselling and support. I see a "sponsor" on a one to one basis as often as I need which started off at once per week and now I'm once every 3-4 weeks. I've been attending sessions for over 1 year. I was originally assessed as being "tier 3" which leaves the number of sessions open.
Drink aware were very helpful non judgmental and ensured I got a referral appointment quickly (within a day or so).
I'm not saying I won't at some point attend AA for more support but due to family commitments and caring responsibilities the meetings don't at this moment in time fit into my daily schedule and working hours and home life. I'm not religious either but I'm told I don't have to be to receive the benefits of AA.
Stay strong sweet - we are all here for you xxx T

You can do it! You have everything you need to stop drinking inside of you already. It's not easy, that's for sure. But it's possible. Seek support, DS and AA are great places. Feel free to message me if you are triggered or craving. Just try to stay positive for the time being. It may get super boring and aggravating but that's just your brain trying to trick you. Don't buy into it. I have been sober for almost three years, so I know anything is possible. I used to drink as much as I could as often as I could. Now I drink tea and water. Don't discredit yourself, either. You ate taking on a mighty challenge that only the strong can endure. I know you can do it. stay strong and time will begin passing normally again.

I went to my first AA meeting yesterday, 9 days sober and think I have made the right decision. I wanto to do this and need to do this . Thanks for the support.

Hi Kerela,
You have my support! You should be very proud of yourself for recognizing you have a drinking problem and for caring enough about the relationships you have with your friends and family to do something about it. That’s awesome! I’m glad you are taking care of your health also. Since you live remotely and can’t get to an AA meeting, have you thought about attending one remotely? AA will assist individuals to attend meetings remotely by teleconference, online meetings, signing up for a sponsor, or by providing literature and speaker CDs. I hope you find this information encouraging and helpful. I will be praying for you my new friend.

Imagine life without all that shame , guilt, and remorse. I am so happy you are getting sober. Because I "quit drinking" so many times I lost count. Today I take actions and fill the void that was alcohol. Get into action and you will be a more fulfilled person and happy and then you won't need to pour a drug down your mug.
1-2

Hey Kerela!!! You are not alone!! I'm thinking about you and praying for you!! You can do this!! I know you can!! Stay in there and hang pn!! Keep posting!!!