It's time to quit. Again.

Hi All,

I posted here a few years ago whilst getting help to come off alcohol, not sure anyone would remember me. I stopped posting but it was a success working with Alcohol Services and ultimately I was sober for a year and a half.

I kept up with appointments and I raised possibility of just drinking occasionally. They were happy to let me try and for a while it seemed okay and I stopped getting help.

I kept drinking once or twice a week with small amounts but over time it crept up. Fast forward to now and I'm not using as much as before but still massively too much.

My occupational therapist suggested I refer back to Alcohol Services. We were always clearing cans from my flat. So i agreed and recently had my initial appointment. It went well I feel but I know it's just the start of a long process.

I feel like this may be me done with alcohol for good. I can't risk it taking over time after time. I think in many ways that it's a coping mechanism so not sure what I'll do in future to manage my stress and psychosis.

As for now I've got a drinks diary to fill out but I do have a fairly good handle on knowing how much i drink.

I'll keep you guys updated, it's a week until my second appointment.

Sounds like you have a solid plan and that you effectively used your prior experience as a learning opportunity.

Other than alcohol, what are your ways of managing psychosis? Which antipsychotic(s) are you on and are they helping you? What about their side effects?

Thanks.

Currently I'm on Clozpaine for my psychosis which works very well overall. I still hear voices though. My usual coping mechanisms are playing games or watching TV or listening to music.

I'm also on venlafaxine and mirtazapine for anxiety.

ALcohol for me boosts my mood, but at the same time I don't want to keep drinking all the time.

I am glad Clozapine works very well overall. For many people it is truly a miracle treatment. And it sounds like you have your coping mechanisms lined up, have anxiety treatments that help, and just need to maybe drink a little less? But if you would rather completely stop, and you actually can, that might be the best option. Plus, for physical health, without alcohol is better.

I was meant to see my social worker from alcohol services but it got called off due to illness.

I’m largely managing to keep a drinks diary but I am very keen to start reducing.

I expect a call as soon as my my social worker is better. Not too long i hope.

So an update. After a couple of missed appointments I had my second appointment with alcohol services.

Today we talked about how I’m going to start withdrawing.

I will be cutting back fro 8 cans to 6 over the next week a a half before my next appointment. I might find it hard at first but I’m determined to beat this .perhaps the hardest part will be leaving 2 leftover cans in fridge and not using them

My dentist today told the hygienist while he was fixing my temp crown that he accidentally bought non-alcoholiv Guiness. And then they discussed how some people might want the taste without the alcohol. Might this be an option for you?

For me although some non-alcoholic beers taste okay, it still feels like drinking. Like the muscle memory of drinking, so not so helpful.

So thought I'd update.

I've been gradually reducing with help of alcohol services and I am now down to 3 cans of beer / 6 units.

I was told I should be able to wean myself off within a month now.

I can't wait to be free of alcohol again.