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After drinking for 30 years, I've recognized that I have an alcohol addiction. Now that I'm coming to terms with it, I don't know what the best treatment for me is. I don't think that the traditional route of joing AA is the best for me, as it is religion based. I've thought about trying holistic methods, or just going cold turkey. I already take a mild anti-depressant, so maybe I should talk to my doctor about increasing my dosage. Anyway, I am acknowledging that I have an addiction issue. Perhaps I do this to hide the depression, but my drinking makes me feel better. Yeah, this is a definite problem, and it's time that I admit it.

I'm posting this thread on every forum I belong to, as I think it's important enough for me to come clean about it.

Great start. Good luck on your journey.

You are completing the first difficult and important step by publicly acknowledging that you have a serious problem. It might be an idea to ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist. It would be great if we could manage these problems by ourselves but most people need outside help. It is important to have impartial and objective advice.

Good luck with your battle. My sincerest wishes for a successful outcome.

In 1984 I quit drinking alcohol. Why? Because I only drank to get drunk, my family is full of alcoholics. I saw the writing on the wall. I quit cold turkey, but that may not work for you as you have been drinking for 30 years. Ask the doctor for advice. Good luck.

Consulting a doctor for advice seems sound advice. If going cold turkey is a option then that might be the best course. Having a project that occupies your free time might help you in the beginning.

Good luck on your journey.

Well you seem to have taken the most important first step, acknowledging you have a problem and come clean about it. Personally I don't believe in "taking pills" but that may be just me.
 I strongly believe in sports, and with that I mean exercise till you drop dead, and a healthy diet. No sugar, low fat, and loads of proteïne, lots of fruits and vegetables and nuts and seeds. Worked for me the last thirty years.
Personally I like a whiskey or two, but I do know it's a dangerous mistress. And I never ever drink during the day, only after 9 pm when the day is done so to speak.
Good luck with your journey.

Would you like occasional (say every month or three) non-judgmental questions from Forum members to see how you're going with this?

I do not drink very often at all, and when I do it is very modest indeed. Perhaps a glass or two of bucks fizz at Xmas, which hardly counts. The reason for this is because my Father had problems with drink, which as a youngster I witnessed and made a decision never to take that path myself. I do not know what the answer is, but I am sure you are on the right path. I wish you all the best for the future and hope and pray you get this problem licked. Take Care. Alan.

I have been there and you can escape it.

Seeking a doctor's advice is a good start. From my experience and the people I have talked to, a lot of drinking problems are an attempt at self-medication.

Good luck and hang in there.

Erwin,
Renounce your atheism & choose this religion based recovery program or else the Illuminati will exploit your weaknesses-

http://www.celebraterecovery.com/

First off Slacker, is it asking too much that you try and keep the silly shit off of serious threads? That post really makes you look worse than what people likely already think.

KG, the trick is likely finding out WHY you drink, and then fight THAT. Because a beer is just a beer the moment the reason for drinking it is removed. You want to declare war on the reason, because the alcohol isn't the enemy.

When you want that drink, you need to have something you prefer more, that does no harm, step in and replace the booze. Maybe the moment you feel like a drink, you life weights, or go for a jog, something that you can come to like, and also enjoy the healthy benefits that will result. It has to be something that you can give yourself, that has no cash value though so that you can do it on a whim, and not be at risk of needing to pay anything for it.

Good Luck KG Erwin. You can beat this!

Glenn, we all pulling and praying for you to beat this...keep the faith, you'll make it!

Patrick

ORIGINAL: wings7

Glenn, we all pulling and praying for you to beat this...keep the faith, you'll make it!

Patrick

Ummm...the dude's not religious man, so I'm guessing that you telling him that "we" are praying him is a waste of time. Anyway, speak for yourself.

Cheers, Neilster

As other have said, recognising that there is a problem is the first step and it's a BIG step. Take each day one at a time and get help from AA or any other groups in yer area.

Hang in there and keep yer chin up.

Cheers

Jev

DSWargamer-Newblette, First off Slacker, is it asking too much that you try and keep the silly **** off of serious threads? That post really makes you look worse than what people likely already think.

Im not joking about a topic such as this since I care about Erwin in more ways than anyone here can even begin to fathom. The link I posted gets very positive results and should be utilized without trepidation! [:-]

ORIGINAL: Alan Sharif

I do not drink very often at all, and when I do it is very modest indeed. Perhaps a glass or two of bucks fizz at Xmas, which hardly counts. The reason for this is because my Father had problems with drink, which as a youngster I witnessed and made a decision never to take that path myself. I do not know what the answer is, but I am sure you are on the right path. I wish you all the best for the future and hope and pray you get this problem licked. Take Care. Alan.

I saw the effect of alcohol on my parents while my dad was serving with forces. I remember with 6/7 years of age saying I would never drink, I havent touched the stuff (43 next month).

So I can hardly imagine what you are going through, but keep us posted how you are doing. It is not an easy battle, but with friends it may be a litte more easier.

Mat

ORIGINAL: KG Erwin

After drinking for 30 years, I've recognized that I have an alcohol addiction. Now that I'm coming to terms with it, I don't know what the best treatment for me is. I don't think that the traditional route of joing AA is the best for me, as it is religion based....

Don't stay away from A.A. because you think it is based on religion. According to We Agnostics--chapter 4 of the AA Big Book--regarding the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous: "....Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which will solve your problem....." That means that it is up to you to determine what that "Power" is. Right now, booze it your higher "Power." I think you can come up with a better one than that.

Alcoholics Anonymous has helped millions of people with their drinking problems. It is the most successful program for alcoholic recovery in existence. It can help you, too.

Whether you give AA a try or not is up to you. But I wish you good luck with your recovery.

When two beers became three then four then twelve... I knew I had I problem. Thruth is I've seen enough of the world to reliaze it full of shit. I've replaced drinking with wargames and I've kinda think you have too. Addiction starts with the mind. It's all in the mind. Change your mind and good things will follow. Sir find the inner strength and sir find some good friends. While I have never met you I'm here for support.! You can do this!!!

Good luck sir. I'll go to my grave knowing that alcohol took my dad at the wayyyy too young age of 61. I drink beer, but I know I could never drink like he did. He was hard liquor every night. I'm beer on the weekend during football season, at the most and even then it's probably been 4 months since the last beer.

Anyway, i went off about me and it's really about you. Good luck again.