I'm an alcoholic, and starting tomorrow I'm not letting myself drink

yellownickel · June 2016

Doesn't get much more honest than that, huh?

I've been a 'functioning' alcoholic for about 9 years now. I call myself functioning because I've never missed or been late to a single day of work, I don't drink until I black out, I don't drink all day long, I'm not in debt because of how much I drink, and most of my friends and family don't have a clue. But I can't go a single day without a drinking. I've tried multiple times and have been unsuccessful.
I know that most of my weight can be attributed to alcohol. I am constantly active. I eat healthy. But I'm still overweight. I drink between 6-12 beers every day that are incredibly high in sugar, sodium and calories. So it's time to accept the fact that I won't lose the weight if I don't change my habits.

I'm looking for help because this is all new territory for me. If you can offer non-judgemental help, send me a request.

Thanks

carefreekitties · June 2016

It sounds like you've got a good plan going. You saw something that you wanted to change and you are taking a huge step. You've got this!

Hornsby · June 2016

I have no advice at all, but still wishing you good luck. You can absolutely do this.

BurnWithBarn2015 · June 2016

Kudos to you!!!!

You can do it, kick it girl Life is to valuable to waste it!

itsalifestylenotadiet · June 2016

Hello and thank goodness for you. I would love to connect with you but I have a kitty passing in my arms at the moment and it's hard to type one handed. I have never been an alcoholic but my children's father passed from the disease so I have lots of experience from the other side. If you would like and need someone to talk too, please message me and i'll get to it as soon as I can. Good luck, you can do it.

JeffS435 · June 2016

I sent you a friend request. I would be glad to support your efforts at recovery

BlendaBrenda · June 2016

Congratulations! Make sure to be safe, and watch out for DTs! You can do this!

yellownickel · June 2016

Thank you all for your kind words. It really and truly means a lot. Up until a few minutes ago, my husband was the only one that knew. I don't think my 12-year-old son even knows -- I wait to start drinking every night until he's asleep, even if that means I'm up until 3am.

I have to say, I feel a little less shaken already. The kindess of strangers really is something.

And @itsalifestylenotadiet , I'm sorry about your kitty. I'll be thinking about you. I sent you a request, but right now that's not important.

queenliz99 · June 2016

Best wishes!

druasmith · June 2016

You're right 6-12 beers per day is a lot of calories. You might want to check in with a doctor. There's a medication they can prescribe that makes alcohol taste unpalatable. I forget what it's called but it makes a sip of beer taste like a mouthful of yeast.

lenoresdream · June 2016

Congrats on starting your journey! You got this!

OlyCapitalChick · June 2016

I hope the best for you. I am in the throws of watching a friend go from a "you" to nonfunctional version of what you describe. The calories also got this person. Which makes it additionally hard (feeling fat helps no one!).

I don't have much advice, learning about this stuff now. But from what I can tell, getting to the root of "why" you started or continue to consume the beers is key. Surfacing it like you are, is also key. Connecting with folks who have been there before and don't drink now is also key.

congrats on your new journey!

yellownickel · June 2016

@OlyCapitalChick, I'm sorry about your friend. I understand and see how hard it can be to go from where I am to where it sounds like your friends is. I hope they can save themselves before it gets to be too late. Truly.

Thank you.

joserw15 · June 2016

I would say switch to hard liquor and ice. Whiskey on the rocks or whatever. ETHANOL does not get stored as far. Beer has carbs which is calories. I'm sure you know that. I'm not the right guy for advice. Best of luck though and add me if you'd like

JP_909 · June 2016

I'm with you! I've been in a similar way for a while. Glad to hear I'm not alone

dlkfox · June 2016

You can do it! Just don't give up. Best of luck to you.

nutmegoreo · June 2016

Please reach out to your doctor for support on this. I have seen many people going through withdrawals, and several were drinking less than you do. No judgment here, I just want you to be safe while you make this transition. Withdrawals can range in intensity and can be pretty brutal for some. Develop a plan that includes knowing what signs and symptoms to look out for and have hubby support you when/if these things start happening. Early symptoms can be fairly mild, but they can get pretty bad. Best of luck to you.