It's so hard, We feel your pain. I'm feeling bad & trying desperately to focus on coming out on the other side, without drinking. Don't go it alone, seek support. In addition to us, maybe AA or doctor ... But we're here for you and we are all in the same boat.

I made it thru yesterday, but still feel quite unwell. I'm not craving a drink... I'm craving normalcy. I know I have to dry out, detox, & Quit for Good for normalcy to happen.

Feeling this bad is convincing me 100% of the horrid health effects of abusing alcohol. Admitting I can't drink without abusing myself made me reach out to get help, & stop drinking. .
Join us Emmt. It's hard But not impossible because we're in charge of our own actions. & we're in this together

Thank you seaQ, I can't believe how tough it is, I just to feel normal again and enjoy my life like I used to without feeling like I need alcohol. How many days have you not had a drink for? Are you in Aa? I went to my first meeting there on Monday and although it was good to hear other stories of recovering alcoholics I still can't imagine never being able to have a drink again... It's been part of my life for so long and I still enjoy the first few drinks but it's because I never ever stop at 2 or 3 that I know I can't be a normal drinker again

Hello Emmt85,

Even though you are in a bad place right now, you can turn it around completely and enjoy a sober life. It will not happen though without commitment and effort on your part as you are dealing with a serious problem. It will be easier if you keep an open mind and do not rule out anything that may help you, even if you are uneasy or do not fully agree with some things.

As I see it, there are two things you need to do. The most immediate problem is to safely stop drinking. You are now suffering withdrawal symptoms and while these will gradually diminish over the coming days, sudden withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous and an honest talk with your doctor would be a good idea. Otherwise, drink plenty of water, get a lot of rest and eat sweet things in order to replace the sugar that you have been getting from alcohol.

While quitting drinking can vary from being relatively easy to very difficult, staying sober for the long term is often where the real challenge occurs. If you are an alcoholic, just quitting may not be enough. You may need to deal with the underlying issues that lead you to drinking. There are various ways that you can do that and regardless of what method you use, the objective is to bring about a change in thinking so that you can deal with life issues without resorting to alcohol.

When I was where you are now, I did what I said I would never do. I went to an AA meeting and it was the best thing I ever did.

The thing is I have everything I want and I just seem hell bent on wrecking it. My partner is my rock and has been very supportive, we have a great relationship but he is losing all hope in me and his patience is wearing thin... and I don't blame him. As I can be a really nasty person to him when under the influence, and I am not like that when sober but being sober is coming less and less. I'm stuggling sleeping, I have no energy to do anything, I can't be bothered to do anything, I just wish it was year 1 instead of day one.... I know things will get better but I know it is going to take time. How long did you suffer withdrawal symptoms for? When did you actually start to feel better about yourself and felt healthy and energised?

Withdrawal from alcohol varies greatly from person to person. In my case, even though I was drinking a huge amount every day, the physical withdrawal was not really that bad and only lasted a few days. It is said that it takes up to three months for all traces of alcohol to leave the system but the worst is usually over after about 3-5 days and it gets noticeably better with each day after that. I would like to stress again the importance of consulting with your doctor as sudden withdrawal can cause severe and serious health problems for some people.

I started to feel better about myself as soon as I accepted that I could not drink again. I then knew that I had to do more than just quit drinking. After a few months of going to AA meetings I got a sponsor who helped me through the Twelve Steps and that was when the real change occurred. It was like a feeling of being released from slavery.

I saw my doctor last Thursday and they advised me to contact another group in my area, he knew how much I had been drinking but that is all that he offered me and I couldn't get to see them until Wednesday of this week so to be honest the doctor was pretty pointless, 6 days of torture to see someone just wasn't very helpful in the state I was in! I am halfway through say one nearly and feeling less ill than I were this morning, I'm strong plenty carbs down me and drinking sweet coffee, had a bath and tidied my house so feeling more positive now, just wish the rain would stop then I could at least go out with my daughter and dog. I am back in work Monday and they have helped me best they can, will have a meeting with my boss when I am in which I feel slightly axioms about but she knows the state I got myself into this last week. My daughter is hard work for me especially when she sees I am in a weak position as I have depression aswell so I need her to keep calm for me as that pushes me over the edge and makes me feel like I need a drink more just to shut her out of my head.

I was addicted to alcohol. It is a drug , plain and simple. The way to stop is to find a replacement. I tried for years to stop on my own. I too, couldnt imagine a life without booze. It worked so well to remove all the bad crap and feelings from my mind. Problem was it was a Giant Boa Constrictor and was killing me. Keeping me from enjoying life and living.

I will pray for you to find a way out. The thing is I just couldnt do it alone.

1is2many

Hi 1is2many, how did you do it in the end? And how long have you stayed sober for? I've done really well today so fingers crossed its not going to be to hard. Has anyone heard of the st clear method? Or something like it? And has anyone tried it?

Hi, I went through the same exact thing.. and what is worse my doctors told me to not stop the drinking because it could give you a seizure, because my body was so reliant on alcohol. Therefore in my mind making me have even a more reason to keep drinking everyday. It wasn't until my sisters wedding when I realized I needed to so something about it and went to a 4-7 day detox facility. Which helped with all of those problems. I think your best bet is to go to DETOX.. it will make you feel soo much better!!

I was going to suggest supervised detox. Wishing you all the best

Emmt I had the same thinking as you about AA. I used to think no way I can give up my life. Lol. After I put some days together,
I got stronger and worked with people. I'll have 3 years next month. I Never think about a drink and never worry about alcohol ruining my life.

AA have me a path to greatness. I have an amazing life now.

I made it through Day 5 & TGIF at that. I still feel cruddy.
Illness brought on by low immunity brought on by abusing alcohol.
I can not wait to feel good again & my own well being will help to motivate me. Plus all the good advice here. Thank you

Thank you all for your comments. I made day one without any mega issues and feel loads better this morning, no hangover! I have thought of detox but it means missing more time off work and I am due back on Monday and I don't want to risk losing any more time and respect. Day 2 here we come

Congratulations on Day1! I am just trying to not drink today. That s all I think about. Also even though you may not like A.A., sitting in a room with others who are trying to stay sober may be comforting. You don't have to do or say anything.

Just tuning into this site every day for support has worked for me so far. I was fortunate in that I wasn't to the point that I needed a detox facility, but if I kept going the way I was, who knows? Reading the stories here of how bad alcoholism can get,I think 'scared me sober'. I have made it 10 weeks so far, and still don't crave or want a drink. I have tried to stop drinking many times before and failed, and I really think the group here was enough of an inspiration to me to make the difference this time!!! By all means, get whatever help you need though. I thought life without alcohol was unthinkable, but 10 weeks of this new life has been wonderful. Best wishes and good luck to you!