Ok I am outing myself now after have a long talk with my doctor. I have a frigging drinking problem.

[Maraya1969]

Last edited Sun Jun 16, 2024, 08:22 AM - Edit history (1)

When I was 20 and had all sorts of phobias, fears OCD - I was a real mess I went to this doctor who insisted my only problem was I was an alcoholic. She was 100% wrong but I digress. But I went to AA anyway and way back then, (1978) I was a young and there were not that many young people so we all hung out and I had a lot of fun for many many years. I think I stopped for 35 years. But I just got sick of AA and I just had to get out. And then all the women in my home group literally shunned me! Even on FB. But I wasn't drinking and didn't drink until a few years later and even then it was not a problem. But after the gastric bypass a couple friends said, you better watch because a lot of people develop alcoholism after about a year or 2. I didn't believe them but guess what?

So now I am just going to honest and admit I've got a problem and tell everyone here and maybe find some other sort of support group - NOT AA.

Nice to meet you as a new honest alcoholic. It really sucks.

[Skittles]

1. it's a critical step, the admission you have a problem

and posting here is a bonus - remember there is always someone here on DU

[elleng]

2. :hug:

[Aristus]

3. We're here for you.

We care, and we're listening.

[wryter2000]

4. Good for you

As the other poster said, we're here for you. There's always someone on DU to lift your spirits.

[Deuxcents]

5. ((hugs)) This has been quite a year for you and I hope you are feeling strong for your journey

You’ve overcome so much and let us help along the way

[XanaDUer2]

6. Hugs

[Deep State Witch]

7. Secular Organizations for Sobriety

I know several people who are atheist, agnostic, or non-Christian who have benefitted from Secular Organizations for Sobriety.

https://www.sossobriety.org/find-a-meeting

Good luck, my friend. One day at a time, one moment at a time.

[mdmc]

8. I'm Christian

and attend Celebrate Recovery, which is like aa for Christians

[bif]

9. I highly recommend SMART Recovery

I've been doing it for 5 1/2 years. I like that it's not faith based. There are tons of meetings going on all the time. I do mine via zoom. Here's a link to their website:

https://smartrecovery.org

DM me if you want any more info. Or a link to the Saturday morning meeting I've been participating in for many years!

Good Luck!

[Maraya1969]

10. Just a little note here. It is Friday and not one drink! I know it is only 2.5 days or so but that is big deal

I think just being honest about it and reading everyone's encouragement helped the most because all of a sudden I have no cravings at all!

I am still going to check out Smart Recovery and whatever else was recommended.

I thank you all for your support. It really means the world to me.

[bif]

11. Hang in there!

You're off to a good start. It's a tough road to travel on, but with a bit of help, you'll do fine.

It's very early on your journey and you just never know when the urge will hit you. That's why it's important to be prepared. I found SMART helped give me the tools I needed to handle temptations.

[Maraya1969]

12. I did pull it up after the first time you gave me the link and I tried to read their brochure online but the words

are too small for me to see. I even opened it in a new tab and tried to larger it and I still couldn't read it. I was going to go to a meeting yesterday at 6pm but truthfully 6pm came and went and I realized I forgot about it. I have to set my alarm for any appointments now so I'll that for the next meeting

[bif]

13. Check your messages.

I just sent you a DM