Thought I'd give you guys an update. I had wanted to quit drinking for quite a while and did a lot of research on the internet on the best way to do it for an everyday heavy drinker like I was. I just couldn't seem to be able to do it. If I went even four hours without a drink my hands would start shaking, I couldn't concentrate, your basic alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

I thought about asking my boss for a week or two off so I could detox but couldn't bring myself to do it, I mean, admit to your boss you're an alcoholic and need help? Well, instead, I just kept on drinking because I was physically dependent and my body needed it. Well guess what, my drinking cost me my job. That was the catalyst though to get me to get serious about quitting. I drank my last twelve pack the night they let me go.

I probably shouldn't have, but I quit cold turkey after drinking every day for four years. That was last week and withdrawal was a living nightmare. I couldn't sleep, my whole body would shake and tremble, and when I did sleep, I'd wake to having a seizure where my arms or legs would be flailing around. I did get some meds to help and have been taking vitamins like candy and this week I almost feel like my old self again.

I just got back from my second AA meeting. I do find them a bit strange but it's nice to be able to talk to people who have been through the same nightmare and have made it out

I want my life back

congratulations.. you're on your way to getting your life back.. good for you

cold turkey is sometimes the only way to stop a bad habit.. just keep focused on your goal and your rewards will be plentiful! wishing you continued success

we're here for you if ever you just want to chat, vent, freak out, laugh etc..

Im glad I checked the second page on this thread cuz I was going ape but I was relieved to see your update and glad you're on a roll.
This life man.....seriously!tut!I Sympathise with you!

Have you ever thought of leaving the country..maybe crossing over one of those massive ponds and maybe starting fresh somewhere?....just curious


;-)

I have always felt that addiction to alcohol was more of a symptom for some other underlying problem, but I know your body can get physically addicted to substances. However, giving up the booze is not going to solve the problem, because drinking is a symptom of the problem.

I also view people who don't take care of their health, who smoke, drink, eat unhealthy, are careless, and do drugs, etc, as a sign of someone who is basically committing suicide very slowly, and are unhappy with their life or life in general.

I think its a spiritual problem. People tend to shrink from life. Perhaps we are afraid of it. So many people are in pain, lonely, etc. Life is full of one challenge after another and to some, death is the easy or the only way out.

The minute you are born, you begin to die.

I have decided that I would like to live until at least 94 or 100. In planning my future from here, that is only 30 years. I picture myself at 94 and I don't want to be in a nursing home or a wheelchair or in pain dying slowly. I want to be active, and healthy at 94.

So, I don't drink, or smoke or do drugs and I am trying to improve my diet and exercise. I am also taking care of my teeth. I have a life insurance policy that will pay for my death expenses, so I do realize I will eventually die.

The key is you have to decide to get busy living or get busy dying. So many people are are busy dying.

Don't worry, be happy, live authentically. Life is a challenge. Try to feel good, and do good. That is my mantra.

Good luck and love!

P.S. Alcoholism runs in my family and my grandfather was one and my younger brother was a hopeless alcoholic with schizophrenia. He was 20 years younger than me and he died last year of an over-dose of prescription drugs after having major back surgery. He had been an alcoholic all of his adult life. He hurt a lot of people who cared about him.

Life is precious.

I am glad that you are in AA. I have heard from many people who are recovering alcoholics that it has been a great support for them. Do you have a sponsor yet?

I think I read in other posts that you had anxiety. Have you ever thought that you might be drinking to quell your anxiety? Just a thought.

In the uk,the first step would be being referred to substance abuse centre via your general practitioner,after which,they prescribe you a medication which you must everyday to aid you with the physical symptoms of withdrawal i.e anxiety,tremors etc for a week.On top of that,you'll be assigned additional support in the form of one on one C.B.T therapy for as long as required!On top of this,making certain lifestyle changes i.e a form of exercise you'll enjoy,eating healthy..engaging in anything positive you've thought of or even havent thought of...use your imagination/ask google..and who knows....you may even start to have alittle fun by accident.
Any more updates...were here for you buddy! X:-)

WorW,
This is all going to depend on your will power,your strength,your thirst for a better you.....sure,we are here for you-even from a distance,we'll talk,we'll empathise,we'll sympathise,BUT,it all starts and ends with you!
BE strong,Keep strong! Best thing is,you have already taken the Big step needed to get to where you want to be! Kudos!
Walk on my friend,walk on! We'll push you on,urge you on....we are behind you!