Today, for the first time, I asked for help to stop drinking. I am obsessed with drinking, and haven't been able to cut down, never mind stopping altogether. I'm in my mid 50's, have a good job and a good family, but alcohol is interfering with those parts of my life, and impairing my health. I drink 5 days a week, between 5 and 15 drinks per day. I need to stop. I'm going to go to an AA meeting for the first time. I feel good about getting some information from CAMH today. My doctor gave me their number and the person with whom I spoke was helpful. I registered in the Alcohol Help Center today. I feel positive about taking these little steps. I don't know if I can stop, but I have to try before it's too late!
I am an alcoholic. I haven't stopped yet. Drinking is a significant part of my leisure time. I think my wife is an alcoholic too, but she denies it. We enable each other. I'd like to hear stories from others who have an enabling spouse. It's not her fault that I drink; but it is very hard to watch TV, eat meals, converse and read -- ie live together -- when she always has a glass of wine in hand and I want one too!
Thanks Dave848, Foxman, Camiol and David! I fear how abstinence (if I can do it) will change my social relationships. It feels like i will need to turn my world upside down and my friends won't like me as much if i stop drinking with them. But my bigger fear is what will happen to me if I don't stop.
Turquoise, I have been wondering what to say to my friends when I suddenly stop drinking. I suppose I could say "I've got to stop because it's killing me", which I feel is true. I don't want to tell too many people I'm an alcoholic, at least until I can also say I've stopped drinking for a long time. Your comment prompted this train of thought -- thanks.
Dave, I don't feel the fear at this moment -- funny how it comes and goes. At this moment, I have clear memories of all of the bad physical effects of drinking. I wish I could so vividly recall those memories when the craving for alcohol is filling my mind, leaving little room for sanity. Easier said than done!
Thus is the beginning of the 3rd day since I have had a drink. I had a good sleep, but I have a headache and feel hungover and irritable. Is this what happens when one stops? I was drinking 5 to 15 drinks daily. It's been so long since I haven't had a drink for 2 days that I can't remember how it feels. It feels like a drink would address these physical conditions! I'm in my mid 50's and otherwise healthy.
Very glad to find this thread because I've been wondering what others experience. Just a bad headache and anxiety for me right now near end of 3rd day. But a strong craving. Got to get through this evening! Yikes!
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