Alcohol addiction

BrianSATX

New Member
I just can't seem to stay away from drinking too much. I started drinking 5 years ago and have had some success at sobriety but at most about 3 months at a time. I tried AA but it seems like a one size fits all program. I feel like some of the steps don't apply to my life experience. When I do drink I drink about 6 shots of whiskey about 3 hours after lunch and then all these feelings start coming out it's like an artificial way of venting my emotions I know it's bad for my health but I still do it.
 
Well it's already quite brave of you to even admit you have a problem. Acknowledging that is always the first, and often, the most difficult step so kudos to you.

I can't say that I've been in a similar situation but -- from what I've observed anyway -- there are a few things you can do:


-Make it a point to always remain positive and don't even let yourself begin to sway from that. It will happen, but that's precisely the moment to take a step back, breathe deep and remember what you want to achieve and that addiction is treatable.

-Do a ton of research on the effects of alcohol on the body and mind. I cannot stress this enough. Understanding how and why the harm caused occurs, can be one of the best deterrents to shaking a habit.

-Try to pick up a hobby like kickboxing, soccer, archery, or whatever else that interests you. It may help you let out those pent up feelings and frustrations as well as achieve a more calm, relaxed state. The added benefits of exercise are always nice too.

-Give therapy a chance. A group setting like an AA meeting may work for some, but not others. It sounds to me like you'd benefit more from a 1 on 1 session. If you don't particularly find that it is working out once you try it -- don't fret. There are likely far more therapists in your area than you may have even been aware of, and sometimes a different approach is all it takes.

-Talk to your family and friends about it. Sure they may all have their annoying quirks, but ultimately -- they care about you and can be a very powerful tool in overcoming difficult situations.

-On a similar note -- try and speak to people who have been in comparable situations and have conquered them. You can find plenty of inspiration, pick up a few neat tips, or just take comfort from having someone else who can relate.

-And last, but certainly not least -- don't give up. It's very easy to, but in the end you have to remind yourself why you're taking a stand and use all the motivation you can muster in trying to achieve that blissful state of sobriety. It will feel liberating and wonderful, and you will be healthier for it. Let that be your focus 🙂
 
Think positive or give less f*cks. You should drink alcohol only to uplift your spirit, otherwise it's useless if youre going to feel like **** when youre buzzed. \m/!!!
 
I just can't seem to stay away from drinking too much. I started drinking 5 years ago and have had some success at sobriety but at most about 3 months at a time. I tried AA but it seems like a one size fits all program. I feel like some of the steps don't apply to my life experience. When I do drink I drink about 6 shots of whiskey about 3 hours after lunch and then all these feelings start coming out it's like an artificial way of venting my emotions I know it's bad for my health but I still do it.

Finding the cause of your drinking may in lay the answer to your addiction. Your not alone either with regards to using alcohol to vent emotions, people abuse alcohol purely for this reason because they have no other means to do so. Talk to your GP and see if there any alternatives from AA, possibly a combination of therapy and medication and a well rounded support network could ease things for you. With that being said, you have to want to change, which I assume you do or this thread wouldn't exist, if you don't and embark on a drink free route in life you'll end up on a hiding to nothing.

I wish you the very best of luck with your issue, I've seen what the power of addiction can do. Not a pretty sight. Alchol sure has a lot to answer for.
 
What about living in a no-alcohol home?

What about living in a no-alcohol home?

It seems to me that you don't have any external restrictions. If you did, all the time, that might start to solve the problem.
 
^^ Yeah I did that also for six months and kept smoking and drinking. Very easily. I'm guessing you're some kind of super charged bionic saviour to those who couldn't graciously follow in your almighty footsteps? Thought not.
 
Sorry to hear that

Sorry to hear that

Hi, I saw your post. I am sorry to hear about your struggles. I know that is very discouraging. I am just going to be honest with you and tell you what I know works. The only way to be free is calling out to the Lord to help you. Only Jesus can set you free from alcohol. I have experienced freedom in every area of my life. He has impacted my life in ways that you cannot imagine. All for the better. I know a lot of people will say stuff like this and they are hypocritical and not genuine but I am being totally real with you. No games no ploys. Just the honest truth. Only He can set your free from your addiction. He loves you and cares about you and doesn't want you to be addicted to anything. If you would like to hear more about it I would suggest that you ****** "Joseph Prince message on addiction". He has some wonderful you tube videos that I have been very impacted by and my family also. Best of luck to you! 🙂
 
Hi

Although I don't drink, I have some experience with people who are "substance misusers" whether that be opiates or alcohol.

I would say with alcohol addiction, there are two sides that you need to tackle. One would be the mental and cognitive side of your behaviour and the second would be the physical or medical side. Your body is used to alcohol, taking it away abruptly may result in withdrawal symptoms that you are unable to cope with. You could go cold turkey but its not reccommended. Sometimes its advised people "medicate" with alcohol, i.e. reduce the ammount they are drinking over time, if youre drinking 6 shots a day, maybe cut down by a couple every week.

You are less likely to experience any withdrawal symptoms this way.

with the cognitive or mental aspects of drinking - that is where I would have thought some kind of group therapy or AA meeting would come in useful. You might find it helpful to read about "the cycle of change" there are different stages, contemplation, preparation, action,then maintenance/relapse. The cycle is quite encouraging really, because it accepts that relapse may happen - but is not the end of your efforts.

Just remember that nothing will happen if you dont try. Good luck 🙂
 
I just can't seem to stay away from drinking too much. I started drinking 5 years ago and have had some success at sobriety but at most about 3 months at a time. I tried AA but it seems like a one size fits all program. I feel like some of the steps don't apply to my life experience. When I do drink I drink about 6 shots of whiskey about 3 hours after lunch and then all these feelings start coming out it's like an artificial way of venting my emotions I know it's bad for my health but I still do it.
you asked a question answered your question and you love your own answer !
 
I just can't seem to stay away from drinking too much. I started drinking 5 years ago and have had some success at sobriety but at most about 3 months at a time. I tried AA but it seems like a one size fits all program. I feel like some of the steps don't apply to my life experience. When I do drink I drink about 6 shots of whiskey about 3 hours after lunch and then all these feelings start coming out it's like an artificial way of venting my emotions I know it's bad for my health but I still do it.

When I was twenty one, I started drinking quite reguarly.... being an alcoholic isn't always an every day thing, but a mindset that you NEED to drink on a certain date, time, etc to where it becomes a standard routine in your life.... I was downing 151 vodkas and 80 & 100 proof Yukon Jacks and double Jack & Cokes on a regular basis. It went from being a weekend thing, into a twice a week thing, etc until one day I woke up and drank a beer and the thought in my head was: "Now's the time to stop," and I effectively did.

Now, that being said, I still do drink but only on occasion or for stress relieving purposes (as I have OCD, anxiety, depression) and helps me unwind, loosen up and get to sleep better. But I can tell you, from experience, it's all mental. You have to find something that you love to do, or what interests you, and keeps you busy in your life to take up the room left behind when you put away the alcohol, weed, drugs, etc. because its the MENTAL and EMOTIONAL stimulation that alcohol and drugs produce that is the addiction, more so than the physical.

Human beings are quick to adapt, quick to adjust, and the physical addictions are easily overcome. We may feel like crap, go through withdrawals, have the jitters, have mood swings, etc but it passes sooner than you think. It reminds me (somewhat) of a saying about relationships.... "Sometimes its not the person you miss, but the memories" and that is what alcohol and drugs are like. We love the feel, and live for the feel it gives us. But at the end of the day, its no good. All things in moderation. :thumb:

Hope this helps, and Jesus bless!
 
You need a supportive friend who you can call on whenever you feel like you are going to drink too much so that they will come and stop you. I have known people with addictions and it is awful. Stay strong. Realize how important your kids are and do it for them, so that they can grow up with a mother who is strong and able to care for them. Focus on that. Hope I helped : ). Feel free to email me if you want to have a chat.
 
I am facing same problem.I get to drink early in morning and few days i will stop it and again i will start.I am tired myself and many people dont like me.how to get rid of this lifestyle.
 
I'm a former alcoholic, so I want to tell my story. Maybe it will be interesting and useful for someone. I started drinking when I was 15. My parents tried to make me stop, but you know it was that age when you think that you know everything and that you are old enough to make decisions. About two years passed and I was in the same condition, and still thought that I was fine. Until I realized that most of my friends were going to enter colleges and I wasn't sure I would finish school. That was time when I realized that I needed help. And I asked for it. My parents found out about free alcohol rehab facilities https://addictionresource.com/drug-rehab/free-rehabs/. I entered one of the programs. It took about 2 months. I've been clean for about 8 years now. The hardest time was when I got out, sometimes I thought I wouldn't cope with it. But I understood that it was only me who could do this, and I continued to struggle. I graduated from the University, I'm married and have two children. I love my present life. So, don't give up fighting, don't hesitate to ask for help, think positive and know that your life will be much better without your addiction.
 
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