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Browse through 411.742 posts in 47.053 threads.

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new here and nervous


15 years ago 0 62 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
This is my first time seeking help, and I am very nervous too. I hate admitting I have flaws, and admit that I am a perfectionist and have control issues (as well as being out of control when it comes to drinking, it seems). I know that I need advice and help though, because I've tried cold turkey alone and it didn't go so well.... in fact it ended in a drunken screaming match with my husband who is currently disgusted at me.
15 years ago 0 12049 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Ryan,
 
Welcome back and good for you for strengthening your resolve and refocusing.  We are always here to assist you, so please take the time to post with us and let us help and listen.
 
Be ready  and make lists!
 
How do you occupy yourself?
Which situations are tempting?
What are your triggers?
What are your coping mechanisms?

Get writing and know that being prepared is essential to your journey.
 
Keep us updated!
 

Josie, Health Educator
15 years ago 0 9 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi folks...well I am back. I was here many months ago and felt that I was on my way and I sure was..on my way back to where I started...Never the less I am back because this site was my lifeline in the past...not that I posted alot but received alot of support from reading the postings. I am now 23 hrs free from alcohol. I too always look over my shoulder funny hey!! anyway lets try this again and fingers crossed this will be the start of something wondeful.
15 years ago 0 28 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
hi spirit,
good for you for starting to look for help and support when your heart is telling you you need it.  I felt really nervous when i first posted here and kept checking over my shoulder to see if anyone was looking, even though I was completely alone in my own house - lol!
i've found over the past few weeks that just by joining in and replying to other posts and letting out some of my own thoughts in the process I've actually been 'healing' myself and I'm finding it easier to talk to others in 'real' life about my problem drinking just because I know I'm not the only one who struggles.  I've also checked out some of the online chatrooms available through AA and Al-Anon, which give a more real-time feeling, if you like that more ... although I have to admit, I find this site much less judgemental and more encouraging!  Keep checking in on the boards and I highly recommend the diary as you can keep a 'secret' record of your 'true' drink tally to help you see your patterns and how real (or maybe not real) your problem is ....
 
 
15 years ago 0 823 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello Kdb,
 
Welcome to our support community and on taking the first steps to getting the help you need.
 
Everyone needs help now and then - especially when they try something new. Remember, changing your drinking isn’t any different.

Other people who have successfully gone through the same process share a few things in common.

In addition to the online tools, here are some suggestions:

Talk to Others: Think about who you could talk to for advice or support. It’s important to find someone that you can talk to while you make changes to your drinking. Consider friends, relatives, professionals in your community, your health care professional, a favourite teacher or profession, a respected colleague, a church leader – or anyone who you can trust and wants you to succeed. If you’d like to remain anonymous, simply join us here in the discussion forums.

Hear What Others Are Doing: Find out about groups in your community that meet regularly to share ideas about changing, contact an addictions agency or find a family service that’s right for you. You don’t have to register to read posts in our Online Support Group – so feel free to browse the Support Group and see what strategies are working for different people.  
 

It Helps to Talk to a Counsellor: Professionals who are trained in addictions counselling can help you achieve your goal. They are trained to listen without judging and help you understand what’s happening with your body and your emotions. They can also put you in touch with other resources.
 
Please post as often as you need to.
 
 
Faryal, Health Educator
15 years ago 0 151 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Spirit and KDB - Welcome!
 
I know the fear you are facing and how hard it is to face this. I have been sober since July 17/06 so it is possible. I got sober through 12 step groups such as AA. I found it helpful to connect with people that understood me and was given numbers to call if I needed help. That might be something worth considering and trying.

15 years ago 0 5 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I know exactly where you are coming from.  I have been doing the hiding and sneaking thing as well.  My wife left this morning to give me a few days of contemplation as to what I am going to do about the drinking.  I desperately do not want to lose her.  I don't think that I can quit all at once, but I don't know what else to do.  Is there a plan that can work over a period of time?  Hang in there "new here and nervous".  I guess we both have taken a step forward by coming to this site.
15 years ago 0 823 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello Spirit,
 
Welcome to our wonderful support community and thank you for sharing your story and your fears. It took a lot of courage for you to reach out and we are all here to support and encourage you in this journey towards freedom and better health.
 
Start working through program, a big component of it is learning about yourself so you can better understand your addiction.

Some people find that taking a break from drinking for a while really helps them get control of their alcohol use.

Start reading through the forums. I think you'll find there are many people out there you can relate to. The forum is also full of advice and will offer you the wisdom of many diverse experiences in relation to alcohol addiction.

Check back soon and let us know how you're doing. We're always here to answer any questions you may have or to provide you with some feedback. You can also launch the Instant Messaging (IM) function which you will find on the forums page. This allows you to chat with others in real time as you need it. Let us know if you have any difficulties setting it up.
 
Stay close,
 
 
Faryal, Health Educator
15 years ago 0 15 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
hello! i am new here and have decided to quit drinking. i know i have a problem and am scared. i have no one to talk to about this and have a long history of problems - eating disorders, depression.. etc. i don't think i am a severe drinker but i know that i am at a crossroads and i need to make a decision. i have a son and am worried if i talk with anyone about my drinking that they will get social services involved or something so i feel very alone.
 
i am sad and ashamed of myself
 
i sneak drinks when my husband isn't looking. i am on medication and shouldn't even be drinking but we agreed one a day is ok, although i never stick to that.
 
how can i set up a support system in real time (ie not online) so i can have a better chance of reaching my goals?
 
i am happy to be here - but scared

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