Many rehabs have out patient support groups that meet on a weekly basis to deal with issues around addiction in general. There is also NA and from what I've been told many people there consider themselves "chemically dependant".

There is no such thing as a dumb question. The only dumb question is the one you don't ask... That's what we are here for. To support each other. To share our experience, strength and hope...

I suffer from both alcoholism and codependency. My opionion is that you should seek help first for the disease that's more severe, which is alcoholism. Support and understanding is crucial when you are trying to get well, however, sometimes is not easy to get it from 'normal' people. And that's only because they can't really understand us. If you have close family and friends that you think will try to understand you and be there for you, sure, tell them. However, my experience has been that I got the best support from fellow alcoholics in recovery.

I think the most important step, that you have already taken is to be honest with yourself. You admitted that you have a problem. Now you are starting on the road of recovery.
I don't know how severe your condition is. YOu may need a detox, a rehab, halfway house.. there are a lot of options out there. Have you talked to a doctor about this?
Also, you mentioned support groups. In my experience, AA was/is the best thing in my recovery. I would try it. If you disagree, there are also other options out there. Inpatinent/outpatient programs. A doctor/counselor can probably send you to one of those.
Just please, try to do something about it before it's too late. This disease has no mercy. I am here if you need to talk. Take care!

I went to a couple of AA meetings six or seven years ago. It did not seem like there was anyone there I could relate to. Guess I need to venture out and try some different groups.

your recovery is your business, it doesn't have to be everyone elses. I have found help in NA as well as AA. Both to me are great programs IF you work with them, get a sponsor and WORK the steps!
A

Give AA another try.It really is the easier,softer way.Don't go to a couple of meetings and give up again.AA is successful at sobering up a lot of people,but there are no overnight successes.Try going to 30 meetings in 30 days,get to know people in the program and get a sponsor,most aa's will gladly try and help you.

Your problems are exactly that, your problems. Only those people who know already and those that you let in to help you need know. And if you are a serious addict, more people probably know than you might think. But you can put that behind you if you are serious about recovery. Go to a few different meetings in your area, meet new people like yourself, and find a sponsor to work with you. And that part is built on anonymity. Both AA & NA are based on 12 step programs, which can be applied to all aspects of life and turning it around. And that part is built on anonymity. Although the commitment may seem difficult, with sincere desire you can overcome your adversities. Just be open & honest with yourself. And consulting a doctor may be appropriate if you start going through severe withdrawals. Joining this site is an excellent start also, lots of people & experience here. So don't worry about "outing" yourself. Focus on your recovery & learning new coping skills. And try not to use the word dumb in conjunction with yourself, you have the wisdom to ask questions and realizing you need a change of lifestyle. Strength & courage to you in your decision!

First, you choose who you tell and what. That said, you have already taken the first step and you came here.

In my area there are AA/NA groups that also focus with what they call a duo-recovery program. This means that they not only focus on alcohol or chemical issues but other issues such as co-dependency as well. You may need to check with your local AA chapter and see if they offer meetings like that in your area or try an outpatient treatment program. Whatever you choose, you must take care of the issue at hand that is most serious to you. All should fall into place if you work your program the way it needs to be. Good Luck...I'm here if you want to talk

Try to go back if you can. It's not easy. But if you can, and try a few more meetings. And when you go, try to identify and not compare. It's very important. Try to identify with the feelings, the guilt, the shame, the pain... that's what bring us there. That's what get's us sober. And we can learn from people who've been there and who are sober now.

Hi you will survive, I felt just the same and then I did what your doing, I started to reach out for help, but for once I understood I needed it.

You have received some good advice here so I shall not go over it, I will just agree that you have to deal with one problem at a time, the first Alcoholism, we have to clear the drink, to clear our minds, so that the we can begin to understand our other problems and deal with them, it is impossible to deal with anything when our brains cannot think straight due to the alcohol we have consumed.

So first drink, then when you have got the hang of that, start to find help for other problems you may have.

As to what you tell people, much depends on you, at first I said I was taking a break, next that I giving up, and Now, I tell people that I am a piss head alcoholic that can't drink, always shuts them up.

All in your own time, but lets try and get the drink sorted first eh

Trickey