Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Chatting => Chatting on the Plot => Topic started by: Goosegirl on January 06, 2020, 13:35
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My dear friends. It has taken a lot out of me to finally admit that I've become an alcoholic. The reasons why are so complex, but I've just got to the point where I cannot continue to trash my life along with others who have always done their best to help. Tomorrow I am seeing my GP to get some professional help. I'll let you know how it goes and give you updates as and when. If anyone wants to privately email me then please do so.
Love to you all out there.
GG. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Good luck and stay strong. We are all here for you.
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GG to admit you have a problem to close friends at home is one thing but to come on the forum and tell
all, is a big thing to do for you and i think that is half the battle done for you and all the good people that
will help you from now on so i think its all good for you, all i can do is wish you everything to get you back to good health,,,
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Hello you could try Guinness Clear it's alcohol free tastes good if chilled jezza
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You are very brave admitting your problem.
Wanting help is the first step.
wishing you all the best
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All the best with your recovery, both of my parents were alcoholics, but sadly neither of them would/ will admit it despite all the problems it has caused.
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What a brave woman you are, not an issue I know a lot about only that you have taken a huge step in recognising it for yourself, plus you musthave discussed it with close family & friends & to come on here & admit it just shows that you are committed to changing your behaviours. My very best wishes to you for your recovery (((big hugs))) xx
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GG - you have already taken the first, most important step of all, and that is to admit that you are an alcoholic.
Our son came to us three years ago now, having survived an almost successful suicide attempt, dressed in rags and painfully thin. His marriage had broken down, he was taking drugs, living in his van, suffering from undiagnosed depression, and yes, he is an alcoholic.
It has been a long, hard road, so we know what you are going through, and it isn't easy, but the support is there if you look for it. Hopefully you have family who will help you, and yes, you will probably have the odd slip along the way to recovery, but it doesn't mean that you aren't making progress, so never give up.
Not only your doctor can help you, but there are other sources who can support you with talking therapy, and it is important that you get this and can talk with people outside of your family in confidence. You may find, as we have done, that you will have to fight for this help, but don't be fobbed off, it is very important that you get it. Never feel ashamed - this is an illness not a lifestyle choice, and it's a difficult one to live with, but it can be done, and you will be surprised how many others are in the same boat as you are.
I'm sure that everyone on this site wants to support you, and we'll always listen if you need to talk, vent, or whatever you need to do to help you on your way through this.
Well done for taking the first step, and a big hug from me to help you on your way.
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I'm trying a dry January as much as I can. At least cutting out as much booze during the week as is practicable and being mindful not to then 'catch up' at the weekend. Not easy though!!!
Alcohol is the not so hidden problem of our age I think.
Good Luck GG!
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Good luck to you GG.
You have already done the hardest thing in admitting you have a problem. There are many people here who will give you support !
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It's not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. Keep your mind on the prize and I wish you all the best.
I'm sure your OH will be backing you all the way, as will the rest of your friends and family. Everyone on here will be cheering you on as well :)
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I'm not alcoholic, I think, but I doubt I'd sleep as well as I do without the couple of large Scotch and waters before going to bed. The reason I don't think I'm alcoholic is that I never imbibe alcohol before about 10 pm and am usually in bed asleep after a quick shower by 11.45pm
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GG how did it go today?
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Well done, GG!
First step an' all that! You'll be just fine!
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Good luck GG, be strong and you'll be fine :)
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We all wish you well and are here for you. It's so brave to admit in public you've a problem which shows you have the courage to cope.
Getting proper help is important. I've lost some good friends to addiction. If it helps, think of the effect on your loved ones. And don't forget, if you 'fall off the wagon' - you can get back on.
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Realising and admitting you have a problem is half of the battle, or so I've heard so Very Well Done.
Hope yesterday went well and your getting support.
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Congratulations on realising you have a problem and taking steps to deal with it. It's a brave person that can make that announcement in public. Please know that we are all here to support you on your steps to recovery.
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Having now announced it to us all, which as everybody has said is VERY brave, you now have got to do it !!!! because we all want to know and help. Mrs Bouquet
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Jaydig, I've just copied something wot you rote which is: "This is an illness not a lifestyle choice." These are such profound words which I'll take under my goosewings to keep them near me when I need their wisdom. My wonderful GP grabbed me the only appointment left for an NHS-based dependency unit so I can have a jolly good chat on a one-to-one basis however she warned me not to go cold turkey because you can get very ill if you do. It didn't help that I've got a real bourgoier of a cold so the only way I know how to deal with that is a large glass of tinctures and watch another Poirot DVD accompanied by a warm fire, my OH, cats and some soup. I don't consider myself as being brave because I'm just someone who needs a lot of help and support, but I posted this because I want to help others in the same situation.
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GG - It's true that you shouldn't go cold turkey. Our son's tipple of choice is vodka, but when we were trying to help him to come off it I bought him some cans of lager which isn't as potent, but prevents the system going into shock and organ damage through lack of alcohol. I'm sure you will get the right sort of guidance going forward, and everyone's journey is different, but never forget that a slip isn't a failure, just a bump along the road to recovery. I forgot to mention that if you feel low at any time, try picking the phone up to Samaritans. They are non-judgemental, and really good listeners. We tried to get our son to talk to them, but he wouldn't, but the next day I had a call from them myself, and it was the gentleman I had spoke to initially, who was so concerned about me, because I was very low and upset myself when I rang them, that he had rung back to check that I was ok, and to suggest that perhaps I needed help too, and that I was to ring any time I needed support. They aren't intrusive at all, but just another helping hand if you need it.
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GG - It's true that you shouldn't go cold turkey. Our son's tipple of choice is vodka, but when we were trying to help him to come off it I bought him some cans of lager which isn't as potent, but prevents the system going into shock and organ damage through lack of alcohol. I'm sure you will get the right sort of guidance going forward, and everyone's journey is different, but never forget that a slip isn't a failure, just a bump along the road to recovery. I forgot to mention that if you feel low at any time, try picking the phone up to Samaritans. They are non-judgemental, and really good listeners. We tried to get our son to talk to them, but he wouldn't, but the next day I had a call from them myself, and it was the gentleman I had spoke to initially, who was so concerned about me, because I was very low and upset myself when I rang them, that he had rung back to check that I was ok, and to suggest that perhaps I needed help too, and that I was to ring any time I needed support. They aren't intrusive at all, but just another helping hand if you need it.
There’s also Silverline if you just need an anonymous chat, they have a befriending service too where a ‘friend’ will contact you once a week/month or so to just chat, they don’t know your number or you theirs or where you live etc, it goes through a call centre, there’s a chap in our gardening club that is a volunteer for them & we thought it so worthwhile we made them our charity of the year a few years ago
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I didn't know about Silverline, that's very useful information Snowy. Thanks
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Jaydig, it was set up by Esther Rantzen after she was widowed & realised how lonely she got.
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My very best wishes GG. AS everyone says, you have taken the first step which is usually the most difficult. Now, it's one step at a time until you reach your goal. We're all rooting for you!!! XXXXXX
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Just to add my words of support, GG.
Well done on acknowledging that you have a problem and for seeking help. We're behind you every step of the way, and reach out to whatever support you need whenever you need it.