So, I've been reading the posts for awhile now, lurking in the shadows and have reached a point where I feel I need to get this s*** off my chest. I've been drinking heavily for awhile now-6-9 beers a night w/ no dinner and have had repercussions from it-lost two jobs. While unemployed from my last job, I got into debt w/ my landlord and have to fight to stay in my apartment. I have a job, but it doesn't pay much and this city is expensive (I live in Boston). I have a feeling I might be evicted from my apartment due to the debt accrued while unemployed and am scared about the consequences. I'm 32, but emotionally feel like a child. I feel like I've failed in my first attempts at adulthood-I can't seem to pay my bills and can't manage my money. All of these feelings are compounded by the f***ing depression I have from the alcohol. I want to quit but don't have insurance to do a "medical" withdrawal. I know I can't drink and still maintain my sanity. Any advice? And please, while I appreciate the sentiment, don't tell me to just go to a meeting. Thanks for listening. It's hard to share this with other people who don't understand the drinking aspect.
Howard:
At 6-9 beers a night you don't need a medical withdrawl, thats for people who drink for days and days straight--hard alchohol.
Did you mean rehab? Do you want rehab? I found that I couldn't try to clean up my life messes and then get sober it had to be reverse.
What do want to do if not join a fellowship?
At 6-9 beers a night you don't need a medical withdrawl, thats for people who drink for days and days straight--hard alchohol.
Did you mean rehab? Do you want rehab? I found that I couldn't try to clean up my life messes and then get sober it had to be reverse.
What do want to do if not join a fellowship?
Howard,
Maybe try reading some books. It helped me. I do not go to meetings. I went once but haven't been back. I read a book called, "Drinking, A Love Story" and it put some things into perspective for me. It was written by a woman and I can't get the author's name if you are interested. It may not be the book for you but when I went to Borders book store I couldn't believe how many books were written by people afflicted by addictions. I think AA and the fellowship works but I don't think it works for everybody. You have to find your way. Drinking N/A beer has also helped me but I haven't found anyone else on this site that has responded in a positive way to N/A beer but it definitely has worked for me and kept me sober. Reading other peoples stories may also give you some other ideas to try to see if they work for you. Don't give up. Once I realized I was an alcoholic and was able to admit it myself (very difficult) I have still been up and down but when I am sober I feel so much better. Getting there is stuff and slipping sucks but I keep trying. There is hope. Good Luck.
Maybe try reading some books. It helped me. I do not go to meetings. I went once but haven't been back. I read a book called, "Drinking, A Love Story" and it put some things into perspective for me. It was written by a woman and I can't get the author's name if you are interested. It may not be the book for you but when I went to Borders book store I couldn't believe how many books were written by people afflicted by addictions. I think AA and the fellowship works but I don't think it works for everybody. You have to find your way. Drinking N/A beer has also helped me but I haven't found anyone else on this site that has responded in a positive way to N/A beer but it definitely has worked for me and kept me sober. Reading other peoples stories may also give you some other ideas to try to see if they work for you. Don't give up. Once I realized I was an alcoholic and was able to admit it myself (very difficult) I have still been up and down but when I am sober I feel so much better. Getting there is stuff and slipping sucks but I keep trying. There is hope. Good Luck.
howard, regarding the comment in your post regarding your emotions, many who work with alcoholism and addictions will tell you that one of the effects of chronic alcohol abuse or addiction is that the alcoholic's emotional development is "stunted" or inhibited. so your comment makes sense. most alcoholics, once they truly hit bottom and are totally miserable, will go to any lengths to get and stay sober. most find that they can't get better and do it on their own. they need the help of others. and help is available. there are other alcoholics who, in order to stay sober themselves, make themselves available to fellow alcoholics to help them get started and help them get through the rough spots. many of them make it a priority in their own lives and have decided that it is their responsibility to be there to help other alcoholics when they reach out for help. but they won't impose themselves. the alcoholic has to ask them for the help -- that's just the way it works.
post a note here if you think you are ready to go to any lengths to get and stay sober. and enjoy the better life that sobriety brings.
post a note here if you think you are ready to go to any lengths to get and stay sober. and enjoy the better life that sobriety brings.
Thanks for the advice. I've tried to quit before, but have always gone back. I've gone to AA meetings but didn't find any where I felt comfortable. I went to some SMART meetings and liked those better. I've read Drinking: A love story and certainly saw myself in it. Can't write more now but will later. Thank you again, it definitely helped to purge all that I had been holding back.
