How can i give up alchohol?

Question

i'm sick of wasting my days suffering from hangovers but my whole social life revolves around drinking. I have tried to go out and not drink but failed as i don't want to appear to be a kill joy or just stand by and watch everyone else have a good time. I wish i could just give it up for a month so i can experience the health benefits and get relief from the awful anxiety it gives me. However when it comes to the crunch i always start drinking because its so sociable and makes me happy and relaxed

Answer 1

first of you do not have a drink problem, you are just suffering from modern life. I used to worry costantly about this, however, at 32 got pregnant and life changed still enjoy a drink but simply can't do what I used to.

Enjoy your youth, something will come along that will change your life, don't be guilty about it as you get older the desire to be off your face goes. For god's sake keep away from the AA, all they do is sit around drinking tea and talk about all the mad things they did under drink and quite clearly miss it!

Your ok! Also, you tend to give up as you get older, you think the hangovers are bad now, they get worse as you get older.

From a former 'animal' enjoy!

Answer 2

If you think you are an alchoholic the first step is to admit it, if only to youself. The second, is to see your GP. If he is aware of your problem and you are serious about giving up he should be the one person to start you on the road to a better lifestyle. I was in your position and like you wanted to quit. My GP let me detox at home. That meant taking 9 valium type tablets the first day, 8 the second and so on, down to one. If people are heavy drinkers as I was to stop drinking suddenly can bring on fits. Hence the tablets. You cannot even think about having a drink whilst taking these tablets.. Then I had medication to stop the craving, also the drug Antibuse which, if taken with alchohol in your system could make you extemely ill. I KNOW where you are comming from. It has been 18 months since I had a drink, I still have fun.

If you want to email me you are most welcome. I have been there. If I don't hear from you
I wish you all the luck in the world.

Answer 3

It can be tough. Yes the anxiety is terrible at times. The toughest part as you mention is coming up with something else to do in your recreational time. Replacing the high of going out to loud bars/clubs and drinking is not easily done. Your nervous system has probably been torqued to want that level of stimulation so it will take some time to adjust. You need to train yourself to think differently so that when you think social and feel anxiety you don't immediately think drink to relieve the tension. You may need to substitute some other non-alcoholic drink for awhile. Kind of like retraining yourself to accept non alcohol as the stress reliever. You may also need to get some new friends. It's your life, you have to decide what's best for you.

Answer 4

It's hard to stop drinking, especially since it can be lots of fun to go out and party. AND, I would suggest that you might want to get some friends who don't drink. Then you can have a good time without being tempted to join the drinkers. I used to think I couldn't have a good time without drinking, but found that there are lots of cool folks out there who don't drink. And, I found that when I didn't drink, I had lots of time and energy (not to mention $$) for other things. There are plenty of healthy ways to relax, both alone and with others. Don't overlook sex (responsible and respectful sex) as a possible alternative to the relaxation and happiness you experience with alcohol.

AA is always a good way to help you quit. You will probably hear stories that are similar to your own as well as many that are much much worse. There is another group also, called Moderation Management. I found them by simply googling the word "moderation" and that was the first hit I got. I don;t have experience with them, but I believe they have online "meetings."

Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Hi Vixx,
in my experience, the first step to overcoming a problem, is to ackowledge that you have one. If you really want to give up drinking, you will need help as just too stop drinking without medical supervision can be very dangerous. You could ring alcohol concern in the phone book or attend a local A.A. group. I hope you will find that to realise true happiness, does not require a drink or a drug. Good fortune in which ever you decide to do.

Answer 6

That is the problem today... socializing has to mean drinking ! The fact that you already wish you didn't drink is a start. I do not feel the need to drink to socialize. Lots of people do not feel the need to drink to socialize. Try it once.... not to drink. It isn't hard. I smoked for 30 years and I stopped over a year ago. Now I socialize and... don't smoke or drink. My mind is more lucid and my conversation a bit more interesting to others, I suppose, without alcohol or nicotine running through veins and brain.

Answer 7

If you truly have a problem with alcohol, you can not self detox. Self detox is dangerous. Detox from alcohol requires medical supervision. Seizures or death can occur depending on the severity of you dependence. Ask yourself: have you ever tired to cut down on your drinking? Do you get annoyed when others try to talk to you about your drinking? Do you feel guilty about your drinking? Have you ever had an eye-opener? If you said "yes" to 2 or 3 of these questions, there is a suspicion of alcoholism and you are encouraged to talk to your healthcare practitioner. If you answered "yes" to all 4, there is a strong possibility you have a dependency and you should speak to your healthcare or mental health practitioner.

Answer 8

I went to the wild green places and camped by a river for three months, far from anywhere I could buy booze, and became free of it. After a while I didn't miss it at all. When you are confronted daily with the true things of survival, booze is way down on the list of priorities. I realize not everyone can do this, but it worked for me.

Answer 9

Go to an Alcohol Anonymous meeting. You may find that you have a lot in common with the others.

Try it before you dismiss this suggestion. I have several AA friends and they swear by the program.

Good luck to you.

Answer 10

i am a recovering alcoholic. i have been sober 8 years. anwser two questions as honestly as you can,to yourself only.1.have you ever tried controlling it, counting drinks,switching brands? 2.have you ever quit for awhile?normal drinkers dont wonder if they have a problem.we dont control what is not out of control.we dont quit things that are not problems.if you think you need help,contact a.a.it is not for everyone but it is a place to start.i have been there.feel free to contact me.i will be glad to help.