Alcoholism Support Group

Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.

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My First Post Here

smccarthy
smccarthy

This is my first post here. I have been lingering on and off of this site for several years. I would always come here during my futile attempts at getting sober by myself. I failed misserably many many times. In March my wife sent me to inpatient treatment. I recultanly aggreed to go. The first few days were tough and I didn't want to talk to anyone and didn't want to participate in groups. I slowly came around after a few days and started to become very active in groups. I was there for 18 days. I learned so much about myself in that time. Most importanly I learned that my addiction was way worse then I was ever able to admit to myself on my own.


I have been sober for 77 days now. One of the longest strecthes of sobriety that I have had since I started drinking when I was about 13(50 years old now). I am much happier now and I am feeling great these days. It is nice to have a clear head all the time. It is also nice not living with the guilt of being drunk all the time. I can wake up in the morning and not have to wonder if my wife is mad at me for being drunk the night before :)


Sorry for the long post, but one thing I learned at treatment and IOP afterwards is that sharing my feelings and my story helps me and makes me feel better. I also go back to my treatment facility each weekend to meet with the current residents. I like the feeling of being able to help someone else struggling with addiction. It is good therapy for me.

finallyawakenow
finallyawakenow
That learning about yourself is what has inspired me to stay sober more than anything else. It’s been such a fascinating journey that I don’t want it to end. If I had been able to realize how exciting life can be with a clear mind years ago........But that’s the past and right now I am thankful to have grace in my life.
Community Leaderbobinmaine
bobinmaine
I really think guilt is the single biggest trigger that all of us had so it's important to accept things as they are and practice forgiveness on a regular basis....and be kind to ourselves because we are only human and we make mistakes so we forgive ourselves for making those mistakes and we forgive the underlying reasons that triggered those mistakes and they generally come up at times when I least expect them to or I will see them in my dreams as just a gentle reminder of something from my past in need of healing....something that needs forgiveness. ...

Congratulations on 77 days! You are welcomed back anytime to share your wisdom, and your story with us!

God Bless
eastcoast
eastcoast
I just joined this group and cannot figure out how to start my own thread. I read your post and identify with it. IO have dealt with addictions my whole life, and I am now 69. Alcohol started in my 20's. Benzos in my 30's. I took benzos for 30 years and was forced to go CT off them, plus 2 ADS. I drank on and off all those years. I am so tired of depending on alcohol, as I know it will kill me in the end. My father died of cirrhosis. What holds me back is utter fear that I wont be able to sleep if I stop drinking. If you have any suggestions for me I will listen.
1is2many
1is2many
Well welcome to our little sober corner of the web. I’m impressed with your 77 days I would hope for a long and happy journey for you. Keep posting.
1-2
smccarthy
smccarthy
Thank you 1is2many. I remember seeing you posting frequently over the years when I was lingering on this site. Going to try to take a more active role now for my own sake. Seems like being open and sharing is the best thing for me.
smccarthy
smccarthy
eastcoast have you considered going to in patient treatment? I know it is not for everyone, and not everyone can do it. It was the only thing that worked for me to get me headed down the path of sobriety. I hated being there for the first few days until I realized I really needed to be there. It was at that point that I decided I was going to get the most out of every minute I was there. I came out a different person then when I went in and so far I am doing very well. Going to treatment was the best thing that every happened to me.

As far as not sleeping it may be tough at first as your body adjust. I sleep so much better now without the alcohol.
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