Any one out there quit drinking recently?

Question

I want to quit, but am having a very difficult time. It seems like the more I try to quit, the more I drink. Any advice? I can't go to treatment, I have a husband and kids to take care of. My drinking isn't so bad that I can't function, but it makes me feel like a loser, like someone who needs a crutch or can't cope with life.

Answer 1

Here is a great online AA site. recoverychat.com. There are so many wonderful people in there to chat with. They also have online AA meetings. Just go to the sign in page and enter...

Answer 2

I quit drinking on June 29 of this year after 14 straight years of alcoholic drinking. I believe I was ALWAYS an alcoholic, but like any other illness, it can lay dormant for a time, and flare up at times.

If you "want to quit," it tells me that you think it's a problem. "Normal drinkers" NEVER think "I should quit" or "Maybe I need treatment..." Your drinking may not be so bad that you can function NOW, but alcoholism is a progressive illness. It doesn't go away without treatment. It always gets worse, never better.

If you say you "can't" do something, there are only two reasons for this: either 1) you don't WANT to do it; or 2) you don't know HOW to do it.

If you say you "can't" get treatment because you're too busy, the answer is to find a WAY to do it. Millions of people have gotten treatment and most of them have jobs and family commitments. But your health is #1. If you succumb to the addiction of alcoholism, who will take care of your husband and kids? But that's beside the point. If you don't quit for YOU, you'll never quit. At least go see a doctor - a psychiatrist or therapist who speacializes in addictions.

I also suggest attending AA meetings as a start. They are everywhere. People there can help you. When you go, ask them, "How do I get treatment if I don't have the time." Many will tell you how THEY did it. Look up AA on the internet, and you can find meetings in your area. O, and "online meetings" don't count. You need to make real human contact with others who have had your experience.

Let us know what happens...

Love, Jack

Answer 3

Get rid of all liquor or alcoholic beverages in your house. Avoid it all together. You might just have to quit cold turkey. It's hard, but you can do it. You will be so glad you did. Don't buy any more liquor. Dump out what you have currently. Shut it out of your life!

I used to drink, and I wasn't an alcoholic but I could have turned into one until one day I just said, this is stupid. I exercise and diet to control my high blood pressure and keep my heart healthy, yet I'm drinking this poison? And I quit. It's been almost 18 months since I've had a drink. I won't lie, I crave it sometimes, sometimes I really miss it, and would KILL for a shot of something hard! But then I try to find an activity to occupy my mind so I don't think about it, and 15 minutes later, I have forgotten that I wanted a drink to begin with. I've been a much happier person since then.

You can do it, if you really, really want to. Good luck, and God bless ya!

P.S. Ignore the dipwad who said that it's good for you. That person will be the one who ends up lying drunk on the side of the road in a few years.

Answer 4

I quit drinking almost 20 years ago. It's all a matter of really wanting to quit or just saying you want to quit. It's kind of tough at first, but if you persist, you will feel a lot better about yourself in the long run....and you might have a little extra money to do other things that you always wanted to do.

Answer 5

No one can do this on his/her own. If you have a family that depends on you, that's all the more reason to go to AA. Try calling Alcoholics Anonymous. Do it for your kids, please. Let me say this again: You will not be successful on your own. This problem is much bigger than your will.

Please keep in mind that those who say they quit haven't said for how long. Drinking in our culture is much more accepted than smoking cigarettes. One doesn't quit drinking cold turkey as easily as one might quit smoking. Please don't fool yourself by thinking they are the same. At least join a support group.

Answer 6

I did. Stay away from bars and drinkers. It's always hard for me because my fiancee is younger than me and she drinks. I'd say find a new hangout, new hobbies, new friends, the whole shabang. When you quit drinking, not only are you quiting drinking, you're starting a new lifestyle and changing your life for the better. Stay strong and good luck!!!

Answer 7

You probably have to actually go and buy it...so if you don't do that, you'd have nothing to drink. I used to drink about every night of the week. Now I am down to about once every two weeks...what can I say, dollar taps at Applebees on my only night off...

Just stop for a few days, and you should just get used to it.

Answer 8

if you don't get counseling for this or AAmeetings, then the problem will only get worse....then you won't have a husband and kids to worry about, so do it for your family if not for yourself....god bless and have a great day♥♥♥

Answer 9

just hang on im having the same problem and am trying to quit try going to church and ask god into ur heart and he will help u out it seems to be working out for me but just hang on and god will help u and ur family out dont worrie ur in good hands girl

Answer 10

You won't be able to do any good for your family unless you heal yourself first. Consider treatment. It's too hard to do on your own.