Can't quit the vodka

Even though I did not drink for over 50+ years, I have been drinking vodka for the past year. At first I did it to give me liquid courage to do things against my conscious. Now, I just do it. I don't even enjoy the feeling really, I just find myself doing it. I would like to quit. I find 12-step programs very ineffective. I've tried personal studies and home courses but do not follow through. I am going to ruin my health and brain. I need to stop, but how?

Please read "A Warning To Heavy Drinkers" further down on this forum. You may not be a "heavy" drinker but you're drinking Vodka, and that is very damaging to your liver.

If you read that, you will find out where you MAY end up.

Please stop before it's too late.

I personally find AA very helpful, but you tend to get out of it, what you put into it. But there are lots of other self help groups, Secular Organization for Sobriety (SOS), SMART recovery. I find having IRL support really necessary.

You might want to consider Rehab, just to break the cycle you're in. It gives you structure and accountability and teaches you coping mechanisms for living sober. I needed rehab multiple times to get and stay stopped.

Trust me, alcohol can destroy your life as well as your health. If you're having trouble stopping that means you have a problem - get help.

splitimage

...Hi heart111...

...Welcome to PC...

...Oh yeah...That was my drink of choice...I couldn't get enough...100 proof straight out of the bottle...nearly killed myself...The story goes..."Then I started drinking vodka"...It's in every Alkies story... when they say vodka the end is near...I went to detox because I had the DT's and seizures...8 days in detox helped break the drinking pattern...It's great that you admit you have a problem...thats half the battle...hope you find a program thats the right fit...Stay sober your worth it...

get into treatment.
you can stop.
absolutely.

If you cant afford rehab, you can always get yourself 5150'd. detox while youre in there andhave 24 hour care available... counselors around.

You can try going to the ER saying you feel very sick and dehydrated. maybe they will help detox you there, get your system flushed with IV fluids.

my advice would be to get yourself to some type of medical facility and go from there.
after you detox, you can figure out the unmet needs you have that cause the drinking behavior.

your life is waiting for you to live it. sober.

to paraphase whay u said you needed 'liquid courage'. this is one of many stepping stones to alcoholism. eventually you found you drink for no reason at all and continue to do so. it's called a 'compulsion' or 'obsession' to drink. i'm glad you posted. i can't qualify you as an alcoholic cuz only you can but at the very least you exhibit the signs of alcohol dependance. why not talk with your doc. he may have suggestions to help you. detox treatment at a medical facility can break the cycle you are in. but it's entirely up to you to follow thru and not drink thereafter. you're on a slippery slope but you can turn this around. becoming an alcoholic can be hell. so much to lose including your identity, dui's, financial irresponsibility to list a few. you say you want to stop drinking. that is the first step to recovery. take that desire and use it to get well. and 'put the plug in the jug.' toss out all booze in your home.

Please go get help. I have been there and got help and now am sober for 7 months.