how do i keep on the wagon?

Question

IM a recoverin alcoholic,, detoxed last nov ,, how the hell do i keep of it ? i now suffer panic atacks so cant get out ,, no self confidance at all , i need a kick up the *** help meeeeeeeeeee

Answer 1

Hey :)
I'm a recovering alcoholic who suffers with anxiety and social phobia, and haven't been able to get to a meeting yet.
One thing that I've found useful is the chat rooms online at http://stepchat.com/
They have a chat room that is always open, and they also hold scheduled online meetings.
I don't know if you want to go down the AA route - it suits some but not others - but please don't assume that it is just for Christian folk or anything - I follow the 12 Steps and I'm a Taoist, and don't believe in God. As long as you believe in a power greater than yourself, the 12 steps might suit you.
Other than that, the only thing that I find helps me is talking to people in a similar situation. I'm a member of a forum, and we discovered that several of us were in a similar situation, and we talk alot about our illness - some of us do AA, but others don't.
I've learnt now to seperate my thoughts from my alcoholic voice - and I'm getting better at ignoring it.
This illness is awful - the lengths it goes to try and get you to drink, but if you recognise that it isn't your thoughts, its the illness talking and you can tell it to shut up its easier.
If you want to talk, feel free to get in touch.
Best wishes and remember ODAAT - one day at a time (and sometimes one second at a time.)

Answer 2

You need to have a strong support programm. Wheather you choose AA or a church organization, you MUST have a support system. You need to be on board with your doctor as well. The panic attacks may need professional treatment but be careful not to trade one addiction for another. Surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. Avoid the crowd that you spent time with while drinking. Look into some day programs until you are stronger within ourself. You have gotten through the toughest physical part. Now is the emotional fight you need to keep on top of. My best wishes to you. I have worked in Drug and Alcohol recovery in the past and know that only with support will you have continued success. If one day at a time doesn't work for you, start with one hour at a time... it that doens't work then one minute at a time. You are an important person in this world or you
would no longer be here. Whatever your "higher power" is, embrace it and use it for your strength.
If you are having trouble with the panic attacks and can't leave the house, find a sponser or friend who will come to you. A one hundred mile walk starts with one step.
You have my prayers and best wishes.

Answer 3

Without a doubt go to an AA meeting-they'll teach you in a variety of steps that you can't get drunk if you don't lift the first drink-a simple philosophy and it works-my best mate in the whole world has been sober now for 11 years and I thought he'd have been dead by 35(he's now 42) if he carried on the way he was.Trying to get him to find a self help group that stops him phoning me up for 3 hours at a time now-lol.
Good luck and god bless my dear-the first two years will be difficult and then you'll look back and laugh at the absurdity of some of the situations you let yourself drift into.

Answer 4

Great question

I tried going with the 12 steps several times, but it just doesn't make sense. It's an ideological approach that has no research in proving it's core principals effective.

I've suffered through alcoholism and substance abuse for nearly 13 years and over the past 3 years, I've been in and out of various treatments.

3 Months ago, I joined a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy group that specializes in substance abuse. I see a psychologist weekly and attend group sessions twice a week.

Through this center, we discuss how the brain works, different thought processes (cognitions) and behavior patterns that we've reverted to in our use. Once identified, we weigh the costs vs. the benefits of drinking for different parts of our lives (family, work, social situations, sex, finances, etc.) then analyze our past behaviors and plan out healthier behaviors to help avoid using.

Through group therapy, we cover vairous stages of recovery, coping skills, social effects, sexuality, depression/moods and share our experiences, problems with other users and counselors. Overall, you will understand more about how your brain works in regards to addiction, how to change your thinking and behaviors and be happy without abusing substances.

Cognitive behavior therapy is a scientific, research proven form of therapy that really works.

In addition to psychotherapy, I'm on medication and I attend meetings through an organization called SMART Recovery aka "The thinking persons AA"

http://www.smartrecovery.org

You can probably find a local behavioral specialist in your area, and I gaurantee that after a few weeks into treatment, you'll feel much stronger and better equipped to live your life on your terms without the ambivalence you're feeling now.

Good luck

Answer 5

A kick up the arris wont control your addiction. Once an alcoholic always one and it doesn't matter if you've been without a drink for several months or years it will always be there.

The question is how do you gain self-control? I would get some counselliong into the reasons for you wanting a drink in the first place and ask yourself when did it all go wrong?

Answer 6

You need to build up some other interests? Try Joining a gym? I find especially when I start to feel down, the Gym really helps, normally as no one cares what or how you look, in fact other people always seem to look worse than you! You are out of the home enviorment and you are doing somthing posative, work up slowly and you will feel loads better, In time it will become easier to avoid drink, and more so as you expand you. Be proud of how far you have come, and what you have achieved.

Good luck

Answer 7

I know how you feel, don't go back on it i found that eating well and exercising has made me feel three or four times the man i was and people even comment that i look well these days, people are starting to forgive my mess ups from that time and i have built bridges and back on top at work, i couldn't imagine going down that road again.
Please keep the chin up i know it's hard at this time of year but f**k it, your confidence will come back try getting out a little bit at a time in environments where there is no drink or with people you truly trust and love they will look after you.

Answer 8

I believe the others; it sounds like you've a short circuit, which motives the fuse to blow. For protection's sake, do *no longer* use a fuse more effective than the production unit score. The production unit particular a fifteen amp fuse for a reason. You run a intense possibility of a hearth by utilizing a more effective fuse. you want to have the project clinically determined and right fixed.

Answer 9

Do not buy alcohol, do not go to bars, do not let your "Friend's" talk about what thier doing or did involving any sort of alcohol, try and get an anabuse perscription,definately make new friends without an alcohol interest. Become a mentor for others. Go to places where there is no booze involved - become a volunteer, tell people that you have a problem and let them know that your overcoming it.

Answer 10

my bf went through the same thing... he is on anti depressants to help him. You have to be strong. believe in yourself and you CAN do it.

The best thing is Alcoholics Anonymous, it helped my fella a great deal, talking about everything that made him start drinking in the first place etc...

Friends are also important in supporting you through this. Talk to them and explain things. maybe they might suggest having get togethers where alcohol is not allowed so you will be able to see it isnt needed.

Hope this helps! good luck!!!!