Mine was to look join this group, then the next step was to find a room of other people that understood. Granted I was terrified of being around ppl and wanted to isolate. That is what booze does to me. but I summoned up the courage and walked in a room of aa. That was june 9 2012. Three years + ago.

The thing is I couldnt quit on my own. I tried many times. Once i stayed away from alcohol for 2 yrs, but I was miserable and always went back. This time is different. I work on the things that MADE me drink. I deal wiht the issues life throws at me not hide from them

it is possible. I too switched drinks many times too. It all resulted in the same demoralization. Shame , guilt and remorse consumed me. Also depression. But amazingly those feelings disapeared when the booze was removed.

I wish you a good journey to happy sobreity. It is possible. cmon!

1is2many

Hello bella51,

Several years ago I found myself in a similar position to where you are now and have turned things around completely. My drinking story is not that interesting but I will refer to it briefly in order to show you where I was and where I am now.

I drank for several decades and for the most part enjoyed it very much. Eventually I ended up drinking more or less all day, every day. When I tried to stop I found that I could not, although I had quit for short periods in previous years. I was determined to solve the problem on my own and tried different things but drinking got worse instead of better. It was at that point that I lost all hope for the future as I could not see any way out.

I was not aware of internet alcohol forums at the time so I cannot say if posting on DS would have made any difference. The only remaining option that I could see was Alcoholics Anonymous and so I reluctantly went to an AA meeting. That first AA meeting was the beginning of the rest of my life. Not only is alcohol not an issue today but I also have a totally different outlook on life and a freedom to do things that I would not have thought possible when I was a slave to drinking.

You ask What is the 1st step and that is a good starting point. In general, I would say that the first step is recognising and admitting that you have a problem. Most people who have lost control over alcohol will do their best to avoid facing this reality and will try different things in order to convince themselves or others that they are still in control. I think that one major difference between those who get sober and the ones who continue to struggle is that the former group come not only to admit but also to fully accept that they cannot drink.

It can be very easy for an alcoholic to stop drinking but extremely difficult to stay sober for the long term. In most cases it takes some sort of transformation in the way of thinking and this change often requires outside assistance. There are many ways of bringing about this change of thinking and any method that works is as good as another. My path to sobriety has been through AA and I have found that to be the right way for me.

Regardless of whether you choose to go with AA or some other road, it would be wise to learn more about alcoholism and the possible solutions to the problem. You will find good information at the link below. The bottom line is that there is hope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVBDQPC2XQ

I rode the roller coaster of alcoholism in my late teens into my early 20s, then as a parent in my 20s, until I finally had my last drunk at 41. Wednesday I celebrate two years sober.

in the hours before my first AA meeting, I realized my first step. My wife didn't know what to do and one of my kids didn't believe that I would ever stop. They had all dealt with me before, and heard the broken promises.

AA has changed my life. It took me about 6 months to fit in, but slowly but surely I realized that I wanted what they had. Then I volunteered and began sticking out my hand to everyone in the room.

I have a new family that keeps me sane, and helps me understand why drinking is not the way to go. Life happens, but you don't need to drink over it.

You're never too old to join AA, and you will find many there that will embrace you. Welcome.

I had a family member that I loved dearly who once told me that she quit drinking. Her version of quitting is not drinking Vodka daily and replace it with wine.
You had your 'fun ' with alcohol. Now it's time to change. Change your way of thinking. Don't think you are 'loosing anything fun or missing out on any exciting time' by choosing to quit alcohol.
Replace your alcohol with water or sparkling water. Come to this site daily. Talk to a professional. Do whatever helps. I love coming here, it has helped me A LOT!!!
What sealed the deal for me was reading The Easy Way To Stopped Drinking by Allen Carr. It is on Amazon, hardcover only. It is cheaper than a bottle of wine.

Hi Bella -- Thanks for coming here. This is my first day on this site (or any site for that matter) I am 51 years old and for the last 4-5 years, I have been drinking anywhere from 10-15 beers or that combination of beer, wine and alcohol almost every day. I start at 9 AM and don't finish until 6-7 PM. I have a wife and son both in the house and have been very sneaky at hiding it (as well as my level of intoxication) I can hold a surprising amt of booze w/out stumbling around.

I went to my first AA meeting last night and again to one at 7 AM this morning. This will be a tough journey but I know I can no longer kid myself into thinking I can quit on my own. It really was helpful to be there and to hear other people's stories -- some of which were really heart-breaking. I would find a meeting today and go to it. Take that first step and know the universe is out here to help you, sometimes in very mysterious ways. much love to you...

You have taken the first step by admitting you have an addiction to alcohol. Next is to convince yourself that you will be happier and healthier if you stop drinking alcohol in any form, in any amount. Educate yourself on the science regarding the addiction to alcohol and stay attached to this or another similar discussion group. Use AA if that works for you, but if not, there are other groups out there with different approaches to gaining sobriety. Ultimately, the choice is yours and only you can make it happen. I have been much happier since becoming a non-drinker and can see no option that allows me to consume any alcohol. I have convinced myself that all alcohol ingestion is damaging to my body and mind and therefore I do not want to use it any more. I am free at last.