[Winger77]

I had gotten to the point where I was drinking every night. I drank at least 5 beers and 2 shots every night.

I know that this is alcoholic behavior, but felt like it was not an alcoholic because there were days that I didn't drink.

So, I have decided that I am not going to drink anymore. I have been three days without drinking.

In my case, drinking is a way of running away from stress and depression. So, I am going to not use it as a crutch anymore, and deal with things without it.

Hello, Winger77. Please remember taking away drinking creates a void. Finding a way to fill the void in a healthy way is the challenge.

I wish you well.

[spartiandbumble]

Good for you. I wish you well. Trying to lose yourself in drink is so very tempting. But we know it is not the easy way out. Looking after yourself will give you a good semse of achievement.

[madisgram]

winger, i don't believe you will regret this decision. in AA they suggests, if we feel we have a problem with drinking we probably do. there are many ways of staying sober. AA has worked for me. i found people there that had successfully remained sober and they offered me ways to stop and stay stopped. it also taught me a healthier way of living one day at a time. it was like free therapy and self improvement. one of the things that will improve your success is avoid people, places, or things that you relate to your drinking. like bars, drinking buddies, etc. this is not easy to do but if your friends are truly your friends they will support you.
as byz said you will discover a void-in my case it was HUGE-in your life giving up the drink. i considered alcohol my best friend. it took away my depression and worries. then it turned on me. i was controlled by how much and how often i drank. my consumption increased over time. it became WORK to me but the compulsion to run to it was always there. filling that void is important.
i hope you will keep us posted on how u're doing. it is path to freedom staying sober.
here's a link for you re AA mtgs. in your area if you decide to try it.
http://www.aa.org/lang/en/central_of...m?origpage=373

[hopefultoday]

I wish you well winger. I stopped drinking 3 months ago and it really does get easier. My story is a lot like yours and my life has improved tremendously by making this decision. Take it day by day or even minute by minute at first.

Good Luck!

[Astridetal]

You've taken a great first step by resolving to quit drinking. Congratulations on making it three days. I wish you strength and hope you'll find healing for your depression/stress as you get sober.

[Willcat]

You wont regret your decision to quit drinking Winger77. There has come a lightness to my being without having the heaviness that addiction was for me.

I use a treatment plan to help me stay the course with my drug free life. I like SMART Recovery Tool among other healthy directions to help me stay not only sober, but to have a peaceful life even through the sorrows that pop-up from time to time.

Keep moving forward in your new life.

[lostlostnow]

Originally Posted by Willcat

You wont regret your decision to quit drinking Winger77. There has come a lightness to my being without having the heaviness that addiction was for me.

I use a treatment plan to help me stay the course with my drug free life. I like SMART Recovery Tool among other healthy directions to help me stay not only sober, but to have a peaceful life even through the sorrows that pop-up from time to time.

Keep moving forward in your new life.

I was chronic alcoholic at the age of 19 and nearly died twice. I suffered terrible withdrawel(DT's) which were more horrific than i could ever have imagined. I got clean and stayed sober for 3 years,but whilst sober constantly battled anxiety day in and day out,from this came terrible depression which i still battle to this day. Im 39 now,and have found a little solace in drinking 3 or 4 days a week,just a couple of beers. Im sure people will say im on the road to destruction,but i feel much happier having a small amount of alcohol a week,its a battle keeping it at a low amount but i manage it,and it gives me some peace from my day to day depression. The main thing that has stopped me drinking hevaily again was the nightmarish withdrawal from alcohol i suffered,it was hell but 10 times worse.

[Salmacis]

Winger77 - wishing you the best for your recovery! I know that the first thing I'm going to fill that void with is all the music I've been wanting to write (but was too drunk to get it from my brain to my guitar). I hope you have something that you enjoy just as much.

Salmacis

How are you doing, Winger77?

[Willcat]

Welcome to the Psych Central Forums Lost.

Originally Posted by lostlostnow

I was chronic alcoholic at the age of 19 and nearly died twice. I suffered terrible withdrawel(DT's) which were more horrific than i could ever have imagined. I got clean and stayed sober for 3 years,but whilst sober constantly battled anxiety day in and day out,from this came terrible depression which i still battle to this day. Im 39 now,and have found a little solace in drinking 3 or 4 days a week,just a couple of beers. Im sure people will say im on the road to destruction,but i feel much happier having a small amount of alcohol a week,its a battle keeping it at a low amount but i manage it,and it gives me some peace from my day to day depression. The main thing that has stopped me drinking hevaily again was the nightmarish withdrawal from alcohol i suffered,it was hell but 10 times worse.

There is a practice called 'harm reduction'; where an individual reduces the amount they drink, reduces the length of time they drink and reduces the frequency of drinking, with abstinence as the end goal. But without the goal of sobriety, its just substance abuse that can lead to substance dependance.

You write: "its a battle keeping it at a low amount but i manage it." I understand that battle. I have had serious problems in the past trying to manage the amounts I drank. There will be a risk of returning to heavy drinking for someone with a history of drinking problems. I hope you would reconsider using a harmful substance to treat a disorder. Maybe talk to your psych doctor about changing medication and seek the assistance of a therapist if can to better manage your depression and anxiety. Please do try to be safe.