Hi Warmest:)

I love this thread because it is very honest and something we all can relate to. We ALL liked to drink....

I also like to eat unhealthy junk food, not exercise and in my younger days intake a chemical substance or 2. Oh, and throw risky sex into the mix at one stage in my life, as well. All the makings of rock star but without the guitar!! LOL.
Anyway, most of us here would likely STILL be drinking if not for the inevitable outcome that being an addict usually brings - choosing between life and death. Literally if you keep up the behaviour you will die. Figuratively (as LLB said so well) there are a TON of things life has to offer other than been drunk and hungover. When we default to the booze all of the time we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to find those other things.

I was not a huge fan of AA for myself but as I always say, find what works for YOU. A support group? Therapy? On-line support? We live in a day and age where it's all sitting right there for us and there is no excuse not to reach out and get help. It's just us having to make the first move.

Glad you are here and may you find much encouragement from the people here that are on the same journey as you:)
Jen

MissRascal, yes I've read the Big Book. I went through all but the last couple days of rehab with a strong 12 Step approach including daily meetings. I know it is life saving for many, my sister for example. I think coming here will help me. I hope you find the life you seek.

SoberBlonde, There was some good stuff at that link. How did I go through rehab (and continuing therapy) and only heard about the 12 Step programs? Thanks for the link. And how do you post live links here?

I think you have to have a plan....try something that you think might help but try to have an open mind. If it doesn't work then try something else. Never give up.

I remember having a counselor who asked me to do something and I told her I would try and she replied, "Nope! I will not accept that answer!" and when I asked her why not, she replied, "Because when you use the word try, you leave yourself open for failure!"

So I did what she asked me to do and it helped!

God Bless!

Why do you like to drink?

I like to drink because it takes my mind somewhere else..I don't have to think or feel anything.

I hate to drink because it makes me lazy, irritable, uncaring, sloppy, selfish, and fat.

So when I weigh all of it....I realize I really don't like drinking, but I can't stop anyway.

So, do you really like it? Or do you just like it more than not drinking?

If you are already to the point of the doctor saying it's affecting your health, do the pros really outweigh the cons? PS I'm not trying to be judgemental....I'm just interested in your view.

I'm new and trying to quit and learn about other's processes. Hope you figure out what the best way for you is. :)

The worst part is when you still like it, still enjoy it. When the only reason you can see to give it up is that it is "not good for you".
Then it becomes more (or did in my case) and you stop enjoying it as much, when you need it instead of want it. When you go from fine red to cheap Franzia because you get more for your buck and one bottle doesn't do much for you any more. Then I asked myself? Do I like this?
Nope

I'm pretty sure I just right clicked on it, hit copy and right clicked where I wanted to put it and hit paste. having said that, I'm not really tech savvy so it's very possible that I did it that one time and might not ever be able to do it again...LOL! As for your comment regarding rehab not offering any option other than 12 steps, I guess that's because the 12 step programs have helped so many people, they're widely available and cheap. I do believe there's a serious lack of other solutions out there. For you, Warmest, please keep looking for resources and keep trying things. YOU CAN DO THIS!!! Get your life back. :)

Your health is more important.

If you can, then cut it down to just the weekends, or Friday night, or only a glass of wine every other night. If you can't then that is something to seriously explore, in my own opinion.

Most people who drink, do so because they like to. But for an alcoholic, it becomes an obsessive NEED to drink. It happens over time.