Alcohol addiction

W

Wtf

Active member
Hello. 1st posting and long time watcher on both forums.. Has anyone here recovered from alcohol addiction? I am going into rehab in the next month or so and I am scared shitless. I have no one I can turn to but I just want to put some words somewhere and this is it... I am Conservative and that doesn't sit well here I know. :D

This isn't a plea for help more of a support type question...
 
Hi WTF, it doesn't make a different if you're a Conservative there are many people on these forums that will offer you help, guidance and support. I'm a staunch Labour man but wouldn't watch anyone struggling if I could help them in any way, regardless of their political persuasion. That's the true beauty of this forum in that we can argue and debate until we're blue in the face and yet if someone reaches out for help they'll get it without question.

I've not personally been through alcohol addiction (which is surprising given I support the Boro) and so not really able to offer any real help or support other than to say the private messaging facility is there and if you need someone to chat to, let off steam with or share concerns with I'm a patient listener.
 
Good luck in your recovery. I have a good friend who I believe to be a "functioning" alcoholic, it is heart breaking watching them destroy themselves. You can't even tell them it is something that they don't/won't believe. I suspect that they might fail a breath test on many a morning. But I have no idea when they drive or if they are over the limit. I have watched them put away two bottles of wine with no obvious effect and suspect they have had more before. Doesn't prove anything, I don't know, I just wish they would stop. Admitting you have a problem seems to be key. Don't beat yourself up if you relapse, you can beat it.

Keep visiting here (we'll make a Trot of you yet) (y)
 
The first steps are said to be the hardest. You should be proud of doing so. Well done wtf, WeeGord was spot on in his comments. Stay focussed and you have my best wishes (y)
 
r00fie1 said:
Youve already taken the first steps by getting this far.
You clearly have had the balls to battle to get accepted for rehab.
It will be tough crossing over the front step, but once you are inside - thats the biggest step you have ever taken.

Is it residential rehab or outpatient?
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Residential
 
Lemmy_kilmister said:
Serious question... Is there, or can there be a difference between an alcoholic, and being drink dependent??
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Honestly.. For the last few years i said I was dependant.. But after a liter of vodka a day.. I have finally addicted I am an alcoholic.. I have never thought I would type or say that word... But waking at 6am and reaching for a bottle and not a coffee.. You just know. Fu kme I am breath g like a nutter right now..
 
Wtf said:
Residential
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Try and adopt an open attitude:

Hold on to what youve got.

You are the most informed expert or therapist you will ever meet.

If someone offers a listening ear - take it and tell them as much as you feel comfortable with.

If you have a question - dont feel "stupid" - its probably not the first nor the last time that question has been asked.

Alcohol dependency effects anyone and everyone - you are not a failure or weak - or lack strength of judgement.

They are the opinions of ignorant people.

It is the start - youve got the balls.

There will be slip ups and temptation to deal with stress in the old way.

Its not human to change lifestyle overnight, so dont blame yourself if its not a smooth journey.

You dont "fail" - you relearn and reappraise how you deal with things differently.

Take tiny steps and set yourself realistic acheivable goals.

Keep coming back on here if you feel comfortable.

Take care.
 
I used to work in alcohol services for a local authority/pct as a commissioner. I had responsibility for approving (or otherwise) applications for funding of residential detox and rehabilitation so I saw lots of applications from desperate people, some on more than one occasion. From what I saw people did better in detox and rehab when they had a plan in place for aftercare when they leave the facility. I'd love to tell you that these establishments are 'magic bullets' but they aren't, they are the first step on a long road, so please think about what you have in place for when you leave, before you enter. Also having visited lots of these establishments the general consensus was that the ones with 5* hotel like facilities were least effective as residents felt like they were on holiday and not living their real life so to speak. Some of the best are no frills but keep residents grounded.

Good luck with it, stay strong, listen to others and learn about yourself a day at a time as the rest of your life starts now 👏👏👏
 
I gave up alcohol 20 years ago when my kids were young. I hadn't reached the alcoholic state, but I was heavily dependant and I couldn't cope with my little kids seeing me in a mess in the morning. I have an addict personality and have to avoid things that I will get hooked on. It was hard at first, but soon got easier and I can quite happily mix with friends who are drinking while I have a coke. Although I think I am addicted to fizzy diet drinks now. My mates have always been supportive, although I do end up being the driver.
I much more enjoy my life being able to remember what I did last night.
 
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Cullenbohannon said:
I used to work in alcohol services for a local authority/pct as a commissioner. I had responsibility for approving (or otherwise) applications for funding of residential detox and rehabilitation so I saw lots of applications from desperate people, some on more than one occasion. From what I saw people did better in detox and rehab when they had a plan in place for aftercare when they leave the facility. I'd love to tell you that these establishments are 'magic bullets' but they aren't, they are the first step on a long road, so please think about what you have in place for when you leave, before you enter. Also having visited lots of these establishments the general consensus was that the ones with 5* hotel like facilities were least effective as residents felt like they were on holiday and not living their real life so to speak. Some of the best are no frills but keep residents grounded.

Good luck with it, stay strong, listen to others and learn about yourself a day at a time as the rest of your life starts now 👏👏👏
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I am no frills due to budget... I have said each day is the last for years. I am sick to death if feeling numb and needing a drink. I have lost 3 relatives due to this and I won't be number 4. I have aftercare all be it sick as **** of me...
 
Smog in Wilts said:
I gave up alcohol 20 years ago when my kids were young. I hadn't reached the alcoholic state, but I was heavily dependant and I couldn't cope with my little kids seeing me in a mess in the morning. I have an addict personality and have to avoid things that I will get hooked on. It was hard at first, but soon got easier and I can quite happily mix with friends who are drinking while I have a coke. Although I think I am addicted to fizzy diet drinks now. My mates have always been supportive, although I do end up being the driver.
I much more enjoy my life being able to remember what I did last night.
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Thanks smog. No kids here but I appreciate your honesty.. It does help
 
Wtf said:
I am no frills due to budget... I have said each day is the last for years. I am sick to death if feeling numb and needing a drink. I have lost 3 relatives due to this and I won't be number 4. I have aftercare all be it sick as **** of me...
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It sounds like you've reached rock bottom and found the clarity that sometimes comes with that realisation. Be honest with yourself and your support network will be there for you and by that I mean your family, friends and the recovery community. You can use what you go through to help others in the future and that will give you an enormous sense of purpose and value.
 
Lemmy_kilmister said:
Serious question... Is there, or can there be a difference between an alcoholic, and being drink dependent??
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Well done and best wishes WTF. Key factors tend to be ownership, commitment and responsibility for change, i.e not looking for excuses to justify using alcohol. In response to the question; the term ‘alcoholic’ is associated with a disease model, often used in 12 step programmes such as AA, it is a label which some find has some value. The other model is a life-choice model where alcohol and other substances are choices we make. I prefer the life-choice model. With regard to dependency, there can be physical, psychological and social dependence to alcohol. All are significant but physical dependance needs to be managed correctly as it is unsafe to stop or reduce alcohol suddenly if physically dependant, such as experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Psychological dependance may be the reasons why we feel urges to drink, possibly to cope with distress or discomfort, social dependency may be about lifestyle, how we occupy our time and relationships and are important to consider to maintain change. Good luck.
 
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Thank you. I'm not one for looking back and don't want to count the days of when I last had a drink, etc but i hope to be looking ahead etc.
 
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