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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new here - day 4

jimindy
jimindy
Hi Everyone,

I'm new here and sober for only 4 days. I've been drinking heavily since my teens, ongoing for about 15 years. Alcohol is starting to take a toll on my health, but somehow I've managed to become successful in my career and have been blessed with a great wife and 3 young kids. I need to quit to be around for them. Have a doctors appointment tomorrow and as always I fear for the worst.

Seems I don't really know how to start fresh and begin a new life without booze. I'm sure this is a familiar story for many. My dad is an alcoholic and I always grew up in the party atmosphere. I've always idolized my dad and saw this lifestyle as the way to live and have fun. It's to the point now where I don't know how to have fun and be myself without picking up a bottle. Pray that God will give me the strength to overcome this terrible vice.

Thanks for listening. Hope everyone has a great (and sober) day!
forestfreek
forestfreek
Welcome, jimINDY, and congratulations on day 4:)

I think it's awesome that you are taking steps to get help. This is a very supportive and encouraging group. Good luck on your doctor's appointment tomorrow. Be honest with him/her and I'm sure they can also help to point you to other support groups that may benefit you in your area if you are interested (AA, etc). Glad you are here and may you get much benefit from this site!

Jen
jimindy
jimindy
Thanks Jen, really appreciate the input. I always downplay my drinking when I go to the Dr, but last time I went was diagnosed with fatty liver (couldn't hide it any longer). This time I'm sure it'll be worse so really have to quit to avoid permanent damage.

Not sure about AA. Fear of the unknown I guess. Also, never been the type to pour out my feelings to strangers...except behind a keyboard :)

Thanks again,

Jim
AnnaB12
AnnaB12
Coming here is a great place to start! I think it has been what has helped me the most. Have faith in yourself, you can do this :) We've all been there.
parthgalen
parthgalen
Welcome! I'm only 35 days sober but it's the longest I have ever gone since I was in my mid 20s and I'm 51 now. Keep coming back and glad you are going to the doctor to see what if any damage you have caused. Certainly be honest w/ him or her. I wasn't honest w/ my doctor for the last few years until I finally admitted that I had a problem and was ready to do something about it once and for all before it killed me. There is a lot to process but if you have already admitted that you are truly powerless over alcohol (which is tough to admit) and you can no longer have just a few, then you are on your way. Hugs, PG
jimindy
jimindy
Thanks Anna and PG. Good to hear from others with the same issues. Seems like a great support group so far. Now I just need to get my family and friends onboard and supportive. Appreciate the replies.
MinGab
MinGab
Hello JimINDY-
I'm as new as you in sobriety and on this board. I too have a successful career and a husband (who drinks also but not daily like me) and 3 young kids. I'm happy that you're seeing your dr. I need todo the same and be honest. 2 years ago I had my first ever ER visit (47 yo) and it was a pancreatitis attack and gall bladder. And yet I'm drinking. Feel like an idiot! And I don't wish to go the AA route.
Hang in there.
jimindy
jimindy
Thanks MinGab. I have always felt terrible about not having control, especially around the kids. I wait until they go to bed and drink until I can pass out. Wish I would get terrible hangovers to prevent me from me from drinking, but I just feel a little cloudy in the mornings and start the vicious cycle all over again. Maybe the fatty liver and high blood pressure is enough to call it quits...I sure hope so. Thanks again and good luck. Seems we're both in the same boat. Keep up the good work. I'm feeling great after day 3, but the first few days were rough. Stay strong!
1is2many
1is2many
It is possible. I am 42 and I have been sober for three years. I just couldn't shake the monkey for many many years. I too have loving family, job etc. but I just always overdid it with booze.

I have learned to be able to live without a drink in my hand. It is possible! Cmon!

1-2
Community Leaderbobinmaine
bobinmaine
Both my parents were drunks and I was also raised in the party atmosphere. I will never forget those weekend parties when the whole neighborhood showed up at our house to get wasted!

Alcohol killed my mother and indirectly killed my dad also. It almost killed me but I sought help from God and AA. That was 7 years ago, Today, I live my life buy the 12 steps and I have never been happier.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless!
robertalcfree
robertalcfree
Congrats on taking the first step Jim! Recovery begins with a decision and you're headed in the right direction friend.

I understand your point about not knowing how to have fun without a drink. When I first told my close friends that I had stopped drinking, they asked "Forever???" in a puzzled expression. Yes guys, forever.

They just couldn't imagine a life without drinking. It took me awhile to adjust as well, but now I not only have a life, but a better life. And I quit just 90 days ago.

Welcome to the group and feel free to reach out to me personally by message if you like. I'm originally from Indiana and speak fluent Hoosier...

Robert
latrisha001
latrisha001
You just spoke my life, but I'm not married and my mom is the drinker I Idolized . This is my 5th day sober and my 4th or 5th attempt I pray this is the time that works. Congrats on your 4 days I know it is in know way a small feat stay strong and stay dry, Sending you hugs and lots of encouragement.
jeffneedshelp
jeffneedshelp
Jim,

Welcome. I am a father of three, with a wonderful wife who has supported me. You can do it. Life is great without alcohol.

Feel free to message me. I've been where you are.
jimindy
jimindy
Thanks again everyone. Went to the Dr today. The drinking has inflamed my liver, still have fatty liver (no surprise), but reversible and no permanent damage...yet. However, I have to quit now, for good. Glad I found a great support system here. Day 5 almost done! Looking forward to a sober life. Alcohol has officially pissed me off. :)
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