The giving up/cutting down alcohol support thread! Part 5

dreamonsu

Some very interesting posts today. I don't have personal experience of AA but my brother in law is a recovering alcoholic (he would never say recovered)and last year celebrated 25 years sober with the support of AA. He is in no doubt that he would be dead if he hadn't walked into a meeting all those years ago. He lives abroad and travels extensively and one of the first things he does when he is in a new place is find out where the nearest meeting is.
The funny thing is when my BIL is visiting I hardly drink at all (although he is fine with other people drinking around him) and I don't think he knows that I have a problem. We do however talk, when my husband's not around, about my husband's (his brother) probable alcohol dependency and when he talks of the support my husband needs I nod and agree go figure!
Not AF yesterday so still on 2 but it was just one bottle of lager. We went out for a curry and it's the only time I drink beer. With hindsight I could easily have drunk fizzy water instead so a bit cross with myself. On the subject of fizzy water I have discovered a lovely fruit cordial; it's called Blossom Cottage Morello Cherry Cordial. With fizzy water it looks exactly like a Campari and soda so would be great for kidding people you are joining in the alcohol 'circus' while actually remaining AF;).
Have a good day everyone.
Su x

gien

I just want to say thank you to everyone for so many thoughtful and honest posts - they really get to the heart of the problem, how we deal with it, what we call it and how we see ourselves.

PBT, I do remember that moment, very well, and I have slipped lots of times since then but everyday I feel as if I'm getting closer to the person I want to be (with respect to my alcohol use). Middle age is creeping up and telling me to look after the body I have if I want it to last.

Jo, I hope that the person from AA found you at the hospital and you get some help from them - I have nothing practical to say just that I am thinking of you.

I probably won't be able to get online over the weekend so have a good one everyone.

Lurkio

gien wrote: »

Middle age is creeping up

Same here, but from behind :rotfl: :rotfl:

gien wrote: »

I just want to say thank you to everyone for so many thoughtful and honest posts - they really get to the heart of the problem, how we deal with it, what we call it and how we see ourselves.

PBT, I do remember that moment, very well, and I have slipped lots of times since then but everyday I feel as if I'm getting closer to the person I want to be (with respect to my alcohol use). Middle age is creeping up and telling me to look after the body I have if I want it to last.

Jo, I hope that the person from AA found you at the hospital and you get some help from them - I have nothing practical to say just that I am thinking of you.

I probably won't be able to get online over the weekend so have a good one everyone.

Have a good one gien. :wave:

shopaholictiedtheknot

graemecarter wrote: »

AA will not work for everyone, I agree. You must have been to meetings to be so informed about it yourself. It's just that Steph went to meetings and stayed off the drink, so it's a good insurance against drinking.
AA is not handed to you on a plate - you have to work at it. Just turning up is not enough - there has to be the desire to stop drinking too.
I see many people that is has worked for, and there are many who go to a meeting and never return, and drink again. So you could say it doesn't work for those people, but you could say they need to give it a chance.

There are of course limitations to AA, but if it is the least worst option, then surely it's worth a shot for many. However, there is no point going unless you are totally, 100% committed. So googling "Does AA work" will not be a true reflection as a) it is the internet and I can find people who believe Elvis lives on the Moon on the internet and b ) you need to try it for yourself to really know

One thing is for sure though, left untreated, alcoholism may not kill you, but it will make you miserable.

Good post shaggydoo - thx

He doesn't you know - he lives on Mars :rotfl:

I tried an AA meeting but it wasn't for me, I have no religious beliefs for one thing and the group I went to was very religion-based and also I found it a bit cringeworthy especially when we had to all hold hands at the end (sorry to anyone who does go just my personal opinion )

Jo sending you (((hugs)))

Miss_Piggy_2

Just been to Sainsbugs and it was HELL:eek::eek:

Was just doing my normal shopping but I think some people think we're entering another ice age....they had trolleys piled high with bread and milk and salt. I felt I had to buy a tub of salt just to fit in!:rotfl:
:rotfl:

Miss P
xx

Lurkio

Miss_Piggy wrote: »

Just been to Sainsbugs and it was HELL:eek::eek:

Was just doing my normal shopping but I think some people think we're entering another ice age....they had trolleys piled high with bread and milk and salt. I felt I had to buy a tub of salt just to fit in!:rotfl:
:rotfl:

Miss P
xx

I've heard about people panic buying. Crazy.....

Miss_Piggy_2

Lurkio wrote: »

I've heard about people panic buying. Crazy.....

Its mad isn't it???? As I was fighting my way round I was actually working it out in my head.....if we were snowed in for 3 weeks I would still have food in the house and we wouldn't starve! People really go over the top. Complete madness.......:rolleyes2

Miss P
xx

graemecarter

Lurkio wrote: »

I would disagree. I think that most ARE addicted, but maybe to a lesser degree than with cigarettes

I know a lot of alcoholics, a lot of heavy drinkers and a few very light drinkers. I'd say most people are not alcoholics, however alcoholism is more common than people realise (as alkies hide it well)

Lurkio

graemecarter wrote: »

I know a lot of alcoholics, a lot of heavy drinkers and a few very light drinkers. I'd say most people are not alcoholics, however alcoholism is more common than people realise (as alkies hide it well)

agreed.

I would say that the 'heavy drinkers' are addicted, just as 'light smokers' are addicted. They say they can take it or leave it, but 'choose' to take it, not realising that it is not them choosing it so much......

winebox

yellowmonkey wrote: »

It was the same when I smoked . Got to nearly £5 before I saw the light.

Pun intended?

Lurkio wrote: »

Same here, but from behind :rotfl: :rotfl:

:eek::eek::eek:

Lurkio wrote: »

I've heard about people panic buying. Crazy.....

I was panic buying yesterday - panicking due to lack of food in house! (haven't yet done the post-Xmas re-stock).

Oops, is it too early to mention Xmas?

Edit - I only left work 2 hours ago & am 2 pages behind already!