Alcoholism

[CMH]

Re: Alcoholism

Best of luck with your goal.

It's not an easy one. I have family members that have tried, been sober for years, and then go right back to it on a New Years Eve celebration only to find themselves again out of a job, out of their apartment, and struggling.

I guess it comes down to realizing how your decision to drink could affect your future. It's easy to overlook because we don't see the pieces falling. But I'm sure you know people or have heard of people that have allowed drugs and alcohol to ruin their lives.

It's true, as someone already mentioned, that some people can drink wildly and not let it affect them everyday. It's still amazing to me that people can do cocaine and live their lives just fine. Then again, I know people that mess with cocaine and their lives are in shambles.

I think you should be proud of yourself for recognizing your problem and also seeing how it's something that has affected your family.

Do you have kids or ever expect to have kids? I'm sure you would hope that they don't follow in your foot-steps. Now is the time to save that future.

Again, best of luck and if you need to post here for advice or help when you get that urge, please do so. I'm sure OSers will gladly help you get through the day.

[mgoblue]

Re: Alcoholism

I quit smoking after the 4th-ish time by finding a really good reason in my mind why I should quit...and it wasn't my health or anything like that. I know that smoking is way way different than drinking, but maybe if you can find some true motivation can help (not crap reasons that you don't really believe in deeply).

Otherwise I'd suggest calling some of the phone numbers, or getting professional help. I'm not a doctor, and neither are most of the people here...I would think someone like that might be better fitted to help you in all aspects (physical and emotional).

[UNC_Pete]

Re: Alcoholism

Good luck.

Kind of had to post but #4 applies to me. On the weekends I'll be sitting around watching TV and just have the urge to have a 6 pack or so by myself..

[bsb13]

Re: Alcoholism

I really appreciate the advise guys. I'm reading closely to everything said and I appreciate it.

I really love this site because everyone is so mature and cool.

If I ever act drunk and stupid and say things that dont make sense...I'm sorry.

I love you guys.


Thanks for the kind words

[JiggidyJames]

Re: Alcoholism

I really can't give any advice that hasn't been given, but I'm pulling for you bsb. My dad is an alcholic (you never really stop being one because you'll always fight it). He'd fall of the wagon every year and make his annual trip to detox. It just about destroyed my family. Then 3 years,ago doctors discovered his liver was almost shot. That got him to stop.

I only say this because it's good to share. You're not alone and if you tell someone struggling with the disease your story, it opens up a suport system. This'll sound corny, but you're in my prayers, bro.

[bsb13]

Re: Alcoholism

I really can't give any advice that hasn't been given, but I'm pulling for you bsb. My dad is an alcholic (you never really stop being one because you'll always fight it). He'd fall of the wagon every year and make his annual trip to detox. It just about destroyed my family. Then 3 years,ago doctors discovered his liver was almost shot. That got him to stop.

I only say this because it's good to share. You're not alone and if you tell someone struggling with the disease your story, it opens up a suport system. This'll sound corny, but you're in my prayers, bro.

Not corny at all dude. Your dad is in my prayers too because my dad has drunk all his life and doesnt visit the doctor much but I hope nothing is wrong with him. He just turned 57 and I have reason to believe that something MIGHT be wrong with him, I hope not.

I'm thankfull for the support, I hate to sound like a broken record.

Thanks guys

[bsb13]

Re: Alcoholism

LOL, I've pretty much embarassed myself on this site because of my drinking to the point that I dont even want to come around here no more even though I havent really been banned lol.

I've pretty much have banned myself lol.

[themush]

Re: Alcoholism

One day at a time. One day at a time. Find something to do after work. Play some ball at the local Y, or coach a little league team, or just go watch a game. Do something, anything to get your mind off of alcohol. One day at a time. If you feel the need to go buy some brew or booze just take yourself to a gym or some other place where it's not available. Just remember you CAN do it if YOU want to. Good luck brother!!!!!

[bsb13]

Re: Alcoholism

One day at a time. One day at a time. Find something to do after work. Play some ball at the local Y, or coach a little league team, or just go watch a game. Do something, anything to get your mind off of alcohol. One day at a time. If you feel the need to go buy some brew or booze just take yourself to a gym or some other place where it's not available. Just remember you CAN do it if YOU want to. Good luck brother!!!!!

Thanks man.
.

[bsb13]

Re: Alcoholism

Thanks guys.


Thanks for the love friends.

[CFav]

Re: Alcoholism

Wow, a thread that really hits home...I never thought I'd see this on a sports gaming site.

Anyway, I'm a recovering alcoholic myself. It will be 4 years of sobriety on june 10th 2008 . Even though I don't like to get too personal on the 'net, I think I'll give you a quick rundown of what I went through and how i turned it around.

Basically my daughter was born when I was 19 (I'm 30 now). I enjoyed being a family man, but the bills and lack of money (from caring for her and w/ her mother not being able to work for awhile b/c it was a rough pregnancy) REALLY stressed me out. I started to drink 40's of O.E. regularly. It was one of those things where I'd drink one a day, then after a couple of months it became 2 or 3 a day. I didn't drink during the day either, just at night. But I thought about it often during the day, anticipating my daughter going to bed so i can break out my drink. Basically it got to the point where I could not go to sleep w/o drinking first. And forget it if I didn't have the money, I always got credit at the bodega or corner store nearby...and if not, then I would be up almost all night.

I did this for about 7 yrs. In the process, I lost my family (my fiance and daughter so to speak..still took her a few days a week though), my physique, my money(I learned how to hustle that up when I was broke and needed to feed my baby girl), my car my apartment...basically I lost everything except for my clothes and visitation w/ my daughter. It got to the point where I was EASILY downing a 12 pack of molson XXX a night(thinking about it now makes me kinda sick).

Alcoholism runs in my family and we tend to have a high tolerance for it. So we could blow through a 6 pack like it was kool aide and still be able to function like nothing was consumed.

Anyway, basically what ended up happening was my daughter, I think she was 6 at the time, started to ask me if I was going to drink beer after she goes to bed. I didn't even know that she knew what that was. I was shocked and basically ashamed of myself. She asked me to stop drinking and I BS'ed her about it for about a month. The straw that broke the camels back came in june 04. My baby wanted some outfit at the store. IT was cute, and I had something like $15 left until my next pay check came. She was doing really well in school and the year was almost over for her...she basically 'earned" the outfit she wanted. Well, long story short, I didn't get the outfit that day b/c I "needed" money for my 12 pack.
My daughter called me out on it, and I was so freaking ashamed and disappointed in myself that I just decided to leave drinking alone.
The first week or so SUCKED. I couldn't sleep, I didn't feel right (although I really did...the way I used to feel wasn't "right"), I didn't eat very well. I didn't want to go to AA meetings or counseling for my addiction. I did end up going to see a therapist twice, which was basically just for reassurance that I would be ok, and that I would feel good again at some point. Maybe three weeks later or so, I felt great. I mean, even the leaves on the trees seemed greener to me. No more drunken haze, no more stinking like alcohol...

Basically, to this day I still kind of wish that I could have a drink socially every now and then, but I just KNOW BETTER. It's all about will power really. Knowing what you can and cannot (or should not) do.

My advice to you if you really want to quit drinking, is to do two things(other than admitting you have an issue which you have done already).
1. Find a role model so to speak. Talk to someone that's been there before. Even if it's some substance abuse counselor. You want SOMEONE that you can share your "victories" with (there will be many of those if you stay sober).
2. Most importantly, think about someone that YOUR drinking affects. Someone that you truly love and care about. For me that was obviously my daughter. Let them know that you apologize for hurting them and that you want to make it right by not drinking anymore (or say it however you want...you know what I mean). Then, every time you feel the need to drink, just think of that person (or people) that will be so hurt and disappointed in your decision to drink again. The feeling of shame that you will feel SHOULD be enough to just make you walk away from that drink. Just picture the look on the persons face, and what it would look like if you told them you were drinking again or had a drink again. Also, think of how proud people would be if you just gave it up. The longer you go w/o drinking, the better the "reward" will be for you NOT to drink. Know what I mean?

Anyway, i wish you luck b/c I've been there, and it's not easy...but it can be done and has been done. ALMOST 4 years for me now. It has almost become like another birthday for me too celebrate (w/o a drink of course :wink. Again, GOOD LUCK and if anything PM me and I'll have your back...and that goes for anyone else here that's looking to quit. 1

[Matt Diesel]

Re: Alcoholism

You are 16? Dont you have anyone in your family that you can talk to about this? It would be much easier if you had someone there helping you. Its a disease, not your fault so no one should be mad at you if you ask them for help and a little guidence.

[CMH]

Re: Alcoholism

He said he's been struggling with alcoholism since he was 16. He's older than that now.

[bsb13]

Re: Alcoholism

He said he's been struggling with alcoholism since he was 16. He's older than that now.

Yep, I was 16 when i started drinking, but i'm 25 now with the same problem.

[CMH]

Re: Alcoholism

How is it going for you?