7 years later, can anyone help?

[michelle]

I’ve been on this journey for too long, I want off the ride. Can anyone tell me how to stop drinking??? I want this over.

Is there confidential counselling or any direct support that can be anonymous and virtual??

[angelina1512]

Hello Michelle,

you need help, some sort of help. My name is Angelina and I have been sober now 6 years, but it wasn’t an easy road at all. It takes a huge commitment, from yourself and someone else you can trust. Some go to AA, some try forums, some try medication but for me it was this place.
this forum use to be really busy, anytime day or night someone was here to help.  It doesn’t have much traffic at all but if needed they would come back to help you. Some people come, we reply and then we don’t hear from them again. 

if you can tell us a little more about yourself, then we have some information to go by. I live in Tasmania Australia, so my time difference is huge but others from America come on if needed.

so let’s start, if you need us, let us know.

angelina 

[Mark_LA]

Hi Michelle and welcome,

Not a lot of traffic here these days but I'll share a couple of ideas for you to consider regarding stopping drinking.

In order to stop drinking, first you must *stop drinking*. Going through withdrawal isn't pleasant and can be dangerous (don't hesitate to seek medical assistance for detox), but once you can manage a bit of sober time, things may start to clarify a bit. It's hard to solve your problems using a brain that's addled by the substance you're trying to quit.

Stopping drinking is actually the easy part. Staying sober is harder. This is where help and support come in. My supportive tip for the day is that the main ingredient for lasting sobriety is *desire*. You have to WANT to stay sober MORE than you want to get drunk, and be willing go to any lengths to maintain this mindset. There is help for this. Have you considered Alcoholics Anonymous? For many, AA can be a lifesaver.

You may not get many responses on this forum, as it hasn't been very active in recent years. There are other forums offering help and support out there. Just do a search for "alcoholism recovery."

Best of luck, and I hope you'll check back in soon!

[doc74]

Hi Michelle,

I am new here as well. I've found the couple of folks I've interacted with (including Angelina) to be very helpful and positive. It seems that taking the initiative to reach out is a good step. Keep exploring options and find something that works for you. I think the recommendations that Angelina and Mark_LA have provided are excellent. I can recognize the benefit of a daily check in through this forum... it's a small way to take action. I hope that you stick with the forum and that you continue to seek help.

All the best.