i'm trying to quit, but my craving for it won't leave me alone. right now i am extremely stressed, hating myself, depressed, angry, and confused. what is a healthy substitue that can take the pain away rather than my usual drink? (besides exercise)
2007-11-01 07:42:23 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
thank you so much for the support you all have offered, i appreciate your responses but to be honest i am actually shaking with fear after reading them... i can't quit, not yet... i'm already going through a hard enough battle as it is and i am NOT eliminating the only thing that makes me function...
thank you, and i greatly admire those of you that have been strong enough to overcome this disease!
2007-11-01 07:57:17 · update #1
Hey Mickey W-
one or two drinks doesn't cut it, that's why it's called alcoholism. if i have two drinks, that leads to another, then intense cravings, and there is no such thing as "control". it owns me, takes over my mind, to the point where nothing else matters. do you kind of understand that?
if only it were as easy as you thought..
2007-11-01 08:00:09 · update #2
I haven't read any of the other posts - so maybe what I am about to say has already been said, I don't know.
My dad is an alcoholic and has been sober now for about 5 years. My 44 year old sister of 5 beautiful boys is an alcoholic. She is currently in treatment and has been for 2 weeks. It isn't an easy step to make, and I can't even say I understand. I only know what it's like to be on the other side of alcoholism.
What many don't realize is when a person is so dependant on alcohol it can actually be dangerous to try and sober up on your own. Because even though your body doesn't want alcohol, it needs it. If you try and detox on your own and of course this really depends on how deep you are in with alcohol, your body that is. Depending organs can literally shut down on you, this is why it is so important and for the best to go to a treatment center where you will have doctor supervision, IV hook ups, counseling, etc.
My sister, the reason she checked herself in is partly because she had to, but yet is at a point where she "could check herself out", but isn't because 3 1/2 weeks ago one of her boys who is 17 committed suicide and he had MAJOR issues with his mom being an alcoholic. Is that the only reason for his death, no there were unfortunately additional things stacked against him, but it certainly contributed. I mean ok, my sister I truly has never intentionally caused emotional pain for her kids, however she has because of her having this what many don't think, but it is disease of alcoholism. My sister is also dealing with some past problems she hide the pain away with alcohol, such as my dads alcoholism and his behavior, her husbands (my nephews dad) suicide 8 years ago, etc. You can however only "hide" these things for so long - they WILL eventually come out like it or not. As not all, but many alcoholics do have unresolved issues/feelings that must be dealt with, but can't be dealt with until one is sober enough to face them.
I can't and won't pretend to know what you are going through, but from what I have seen it is easier to try and use other stressors in your life as reasons to not quit. But if life has taught me anything in my young age of 27 it is there is "never" a good time to quit anything!
As cliché as it is, really the 1st step truly IS admitting you need help. That is HUGE and I don't even know you, but am proud of anyone who gets to this point. You have to get here before you can even consider getting better. So please, check into places within your area or even ask me and I will do my best to help you in finding a place to check in to get help. I can't even imagine, but I'm sure it's scary to think of even doing this - but in the end it just might end up saving your life and maybe the life of others!
Best of Luck to you and I wish you all the strength you are going to need to most likely be fighting the hardest thing of your life! Please let me know if I am able to help at all further.....
2007-11-01 11:43:58 · answer #1 · answered by Pam 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lucy, you are just going to have to find what works for you. I mean everybody is different. For some, yes, AA works. For some maybe finding the Lord.
Personally, I went to my primary care physician. I told her about my drinking and it got blown up pretty big. I was embarrassed, and I kind of got scared straight. The thought of having to go to an inpatient or even outpatient rehab got me kinda freaked out; when I wasn't in control any longer. Also, I didn't think I was that bad, but after talking to her I realized I just might be.
Also, I have had a few injuries that occurred when I was drunk. One time I fell and actually got a scrape over my eye. Everybody thought my husband hit me. Then another time I ran into a sliding glass door and broke my nose. (I got so much more depressed about the disfigurement from this one). Another time, I punched a wall. Now this might not be a big thing, but I use my hands a lot for work and it really affected me at work, along with the time I fell and hurt my other wrist.
So I guess, I kinda just said "ENOUGH!"
Don't get me wrong... a year ago, I had no intention of ever quitting drinking. Even if it meant losing my husband. I was absolutely terrified at the thought of quitting. And I'm not perfect and neither is my record. However what has helped is that I told myself that I was "slowing down" or "taking a break for a while." And it has helped me.
Like I said, everybody is different, and maybe you aren't ready, but you'll find your way.
Also what helps is (for mood) fish oil pills. I promise you, they help!
2007-11-01 11:44:48 · answer #2 · answered by MoMoney23 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alcoholism is an obsession of the mind coupled with an allergy of the body!
I know it's hard to abstain from drinking, our normal state is to be drunk. staying sober feels abnormal!
But; It does get better!
There is hope!
You gotta have the desire to actually make it through.
Recovering alcolholics and dope fiends are some of the smartest, most tenacious people on planet earth. And there are millions of us out there functioning in society without mind or mood altering chemicals.
Get yourself to several Alcoholics anonymous meetings, find a way to check into a rehab if you can't break the cycle on your own. If you go to a meeting, dont just hide in the back of the room, share during the meeting or try to talk with someone
during the break or right after. You gotta reach out,...
Our disease kills. Don't let it get you!
2007-11-01 08:23:39 · answer #3 · answered by parkermbg 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God bless you, I completely understand.
Listen to them, kiddo. AA is the way to go.
Look up "Big Book" online.
Then read the story, "More About Alcoholism."
If you see yourself in the first several paragraphs, then you might have a problem with alcohol.
A true alcoholic has tried almost everything to stop drinking.
Most will go to any lengths to control their drinking before they finally "concede to their innermost selves" that... nothing else works, besides the 12-Steps.
Some people do go to treatment centers and get acclimated to doing without. But unless you can afford a good, private one, for a "rest, and getaway," I can tell you to not bother. Because once you come out, there's no choice but to go to AA anyway.
Another alcoholic UNDERSTANDS another alcoholic better than anybody.
GOOD LUCK! AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS!
E-mail me if you like......
2007-11-01 07:58:55 · answer #4 · answered by C Sunshine 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lucy in the sky (with diamonds?)
Hi, I am a recovering alcoholic and addict. I have been clean for over a year. I have tried everything imaginable to quit over the last 10 years. I also tried substituting one thing for another.... That just led me to pill and other addictions. I was always told to go to A.A. meetings. I tried them with arrogant skepticism. It wasn't until I finally had enough misery that I finally decided to go to meetings and keep an open mind. I also tried to focus on my commonalities with others. where as before I focused on my differences. As an alcoholic, my problems were my thinking/head. I drank to medicate myself. Stress, anger, depression, and confusion is normal. If you want to aleviate those things then go to meetings. I have learned how to live a much better life. I feel better than I have ever felt. Even before I used alcohol to self-medicate. You will feel so much comfort in being around others who all have shared your similiar experience. Contempt prior to investigation. I know that I had to attend meetings and give it a good honest try before I could dismiss it as "not for me". The way that you feel is normal for what you are going through. There is HOPE!!! Keep reaching out like you are doing today. You are more than welcome to e-mail me. I also see someone else has made that same offer. use it. As alcoholics in recovery, we had many who helped through out our recovery. And it is an honor and a privilege to help others. In the mean time, get with another alcoholic and just openly talk. Be easy on yourself. This is a disease. If you had cancer, you would take your medication. Well, you have alcoholism, so take some medicine by continuing to reach out for help. I wish you the best. You deserve it!!! We are all here for you....always!
Best Wishes
Marty
2007-11-01 09:07:16 · answer #5 · answered by Marty G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I resist a drink before 11 a.m. but usually drink far too much in the rest of the day.
The problem is that I enjoy it too much to stop!!!
I, too get very depressed at times. (I'm now sitting at my PC with a large glass of Highland Park malt whisky - and really enjoying it.)
I can't stop - probably because I don't want to - or really appreciate why I should!
I do have some painkillers that help - "Tramadol hydrochloritie" which help me through the day(I have continual pains in my back, shoulders and ribs - to mention a few!)
On the positive side do try to find things to do. I study, do voluntary work, and really look forward to holidays with my wife.
I socialise in the pub to an extent but always play (machine) quiz games with a pint,
2007-11-01 08:05:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is one of the strengths of the AA program (and others like it, if AA isn't your cup of tea).
They buddy you up with someone who's already been through the initial stages. You can call that person any time and say basically what you've said here.
They will talk to you, or meet you for coffee, and help you get through the worst times.
You may want to consider getting hooked up with a group of some sort, that has the same feature.
There's nothing like being with someone who really knows EXACTLY what you're gong through.
In the meantime, call someone you like, that cheers you up and can help you distract yourself.
2007-11-01 11:10:51 · answer #7 · answered by tehabwa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got sober in January of this year and it's been a tough road. I would not be able to stay sober without AA. I drank from age 12 until I was 28. Drinking was a HUGE part of my life. I know how it feels.
Email me if you have any questions and I can try to help.
2007-11-01 09:52:05 · answer #8 · answered by Pico 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You really don't want to swap one dependancy for another. Are you accessing support services. Often they will provide good advice and provide some one who has been there to help you when craving get to much. They look at the triggers that make you drink and help you understand your self. Good luck
2007-11-01 07:46:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't try to quit—quit. Some people drink cranberry juice or chew gum, but you should know that the physical symptoms should stop in about a week. Think of your accomplishing something very important. Try a support group. AA has helped millions..
2007-11-01 07:49:35 · answer #10 · answered by DrB 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋