Hi all, feel like this is the right place to share my story,
Firstly i have to say after reading several posts, this seems like a very nice, genuine forum.
Ok, this is my tale, it was towards the end of last year that i thought i may have a drinking problem, before then i thought that only happened to other people. So i started checking out some sites and found some lists of questions for 'do you have a drink problem' i could answer yes to several of the questions. Drinking alone, blackouts, drink was beggining to affect my job etc. But i ignored it and hoped it would all go away.
It got to christmas, i wasnt feeling very festive (unusual for me) but i drunk a fair bit as usual, one morning i woke up with a hell of a hangover.
So of course to feel better i went and got more booze, this went on for four days over xmas. When i finally sobered up i felt terrible and a few panic attacks hit me (never had them before) Plus i felt anxious and restless.
But i continued to drink most nights until one week ago, after a very big session, i woke up in the morning and the attacks hit me real bad, i couldnt sleep for days, i didnt eat, felt restless etc etc. There were times i really thought i was dying when the attacks hit.
Anyway i thought enough is enough, i plucked up the courage to visit my gp today and was completly honest with my drinking levels. She told me not to worry about attacks etc but they will come back if i drink again. Ive got to re-visit her in 3 weeks and hope i can tell her i havent touched a drop. She also mentioned AA which had not crossed my mind, so i thought id check out some AA support forums which brought me here.
Ive not had a drink for 6 days, since that last big session and dont plan on having one ever again, i know its not going to be that simple but has long as i dont forget what ive been through the last few weeks, its a dam good start.
Anyway guys, sorry for the ramble, i thought id share my experience and hopefully get some feedback from people with similar experiences.
This sure is a good place to start. Glad you found this group. Although I'm not one of the regular regulars here, I'm trying to post every day now. This a group has been a great supplement to my regular AA program. Its full of experience, strength, hope, and lots of laughter. If you get a chance, I'd strongly encourage you to try out some face to face AA meetings. They saved my life. Anyway, good to see you here and I look forward to hearing more from you.
Mike in Boston
Aside to Phil: Man, oh man. I had visions of another Super Bowl and then the train hit! Hats off to Peyton Manning, but I'm with you and Justin on this one - Go Bears!!
Welcome to MIP Mark. I'm glad you reached out and found us. I agree with the others, the immediate support is great in AA, where you can really relate face to face with others. It sounds like you got here like many of us did, a wake up call. I know that after finally stopping after a good run, my withdrawal included panic attacks also. The more your body detoxes, and all your chemistry starts to balance out, the better you should feel. This is a good time to make sure that you are getting lots of rest and eating properly. We are incredibly hard on our bodies, without even knowing it, when we drink. I hope you come back and share often, the newcomer is what keeps us focused and strong. Welcome again, Chris
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"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
Hi, congrats on your 6 days ! Welcome to recovery. Like Wren said,, take care of yourself now,,, eat right, rest, balance, exercise.. it gets better and better.
love in recovery,,
amanda
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do your best and God does the rest, a step at a time
Welcome to MIP. And, congratulations on 6 days sober!
I have found this forum adds so much to the quality of my sobriety, but it's not the same as going to face-to-face meetings. They really do help me to keep sober. Perhaps you could check out AA in your area and try out a few meetings. You'll meet some wonderful people there.
But, please keep coming back here and let us know how things are going for you, won't you?
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Congratulations on your 6 days Mark! Keep it up. above all, be honest with your g.p. as you have been. Mine knows all of my history with alcohol and my struggles to stay sober. It's a great arrangement and I wouldn't change to another doctor for anything. It becomes a matter of trust; he/she in your honesty so you can be evaluated and treated properly, and you in his ability to understand and treat your problem with addiction. Most of the burden though falls on you to accept a diagnosis...if you are alcoholic or not. Seriously ask her opinion and what she recommends for you to do. You're lucky to have her. ..Tim
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"We posess the eyes through which the universe gazes with wonder upon its own majesty."
Ill try and post here regular to let you know how its going and ill maybe get more involved as time goes on, but just the respones i got from this post makes a world of difference.
Agian, thanks all.
P.s. Maybe im being blind here but what does MIP stand for??
AA is learning to live life w/o drinking, not so much stopping. When the drinking stopps, the thinking starts. AA gives you tools to cope witout the need/want of Alcohol.
