So I'm checking myself into detox....

[Colonel Green]

Haven't posted here much lately due to work constraints (used to have a job that allowed me to post all day, now not so much), so I'm not even sure why I'm posting this. All I can say is that I value you guys as a sounding board.

I have a serious drinking problem. I've gotten it under control from time to time over the years, but it always comes back with a vengence. I made a decision to stop drinking completely about a month ago, didn't make it a week. I've been going to AA, which is helpful, but I have issues with the religious overtones.

My wife is very supportive, I honestly don't know how I'd get by without her. I'm hoping that my employer will be willing to give me a week or two off to deal with this shit. I've been working at a call centre for ppl on welfare and disability for the last 5 months or so, I've been told that I do a good job so hopefully I won't get canned.

I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. Any advice or lessons learned from personal experience would be greatly appreciated.

I`m off to see the intake ppl now, be back in a couple hrs

 

[ShamelessMcBundy]

Dude good luck!

 

[Kestra]

I don't have anything really wise or useful to say, but we're all behind you. Glad you're taking steps to take care of yourself. Keep at it, no matter what happens.

 

[JarodRussell]

Wish you all the best.

I've been going to AA, which is helpful, but I have issues with the religious overtones.

Surely there must be non bullshit AA groups around, too. I hate it when they use other people's misfortunes as opportunity to evangelize them. That's just as bad as military recruiting in slums, taking advantage of the bad conditions they have to live in.

I'm hoping that my employer will be willing to give me a week or two off to deal with this shit.

Want my honest opinion? If he doesn't, screw the bastard. Get well, that's the first and foremost duty to yourself. You will find another job.

 

[Mary Ann]

What Kestra said. Well done for taking this big step.

 

[Kestra]

I've been going to AA, which is helpful, but I have issues with the religious overtones.

Surely there must be non bullshit AA groups around, too. I hate it when they use other people's misfortunes as opportunity to evangelize them. That's just as bad as military recruiting in slums, taking advantage of the bad conditions they have to live in.

Part of AA is recognizing a higher power. This doesn't have to mean a god, but some people have trouble with that wording.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Yeah, best of luck to you!

 

[JarodRussell]

Part of AA is recognizing a higher power.

Why would that be so damn neccessary? Why can't one stop drinking without getting esoteric?

 

[Kestra]

Part of AA is recognizing a higher power.

Why would that be so damn neccessary? Why can't one stop drinking without getting esoteric?

It's how the guy who founded AA, Bill W., designed the program. There are many twelve-step programs that are modeled after AA but do not include recognizing a higher power.

To quote someone wise, "A. A. isn't for everyone, because every recovering addict takes a different path. Some people need a 12-step group. Some people need outpatient treatment/group therapy. Some people need inpatient treatment or even residential treatment at a place like Hazelden. Some people can just quit cold turkey and never look back. Some people need a combination."

 

[auntiehill]

Best of luck, Colonel Green. I come from a long line of alcoholics, so I never, ever drank myself. Watching what my dad, my sister and others did because of it was enough to keep me and my other sister completely sober. I know several people who have gone through detox, and for all of them, it did indeed take years before they felt like they had a handle on it. But all of them have said that it is a lifelong battle. In fact, a dear family friend just got his 5 year chip, and said he still has to remain vigilant, and still has moments of weakness. His son was deathly ill last year, and he almost fell off the wagon; the need to drink was that strong. But he's built up a support system--like his son and my parents-- and found techniques to help him cope.

You can always use us as one of your supports; anytime you want to vent, feel free to come here.

 

[WillsBabe]

Good luck. It's a big step to take such a big step. Change is scary. I can relate to being sick and tired of being sick and tired. I hope that you will soon be feeling better about things.

 

[trampledamage]

Good luck, Colonel.

 

[Nerys Ghemor]

I think that if you check yourself into detox, you may actually come under the Americans With Disabilities Act and your employer should be required to treat you as a person with a medical condition. Since you are seeking treatment, I believe that is what would put you in the "medical condition" category.

(Bear in mind, however, that an employer is perfectly within their rights to fire you should you show up to work intoxicated. That is different and not considered a medical issue in the way that seeking treatment is.)

This is not legal advice; you should speak with HR and/or a lawyer if you have any questions. But I think your employer could be in hot water if he/she fired you.

 

[K'Ehleyr]

I hear you CG and my sincere best wishes and congratulations on making the step. I was helped by my really scarey doc who made me fill in a 'drink diary'. I had to write down every unit I had a day. And she made me have fortnightly blood tests.
I could not stop immediately but found by cutting out wine and adding more and more diet lemonade to the beers worked for me.
I also found an unusual liking for herbal teas! But still drank them out of a huge wine glass ~ it just comforted me

I slip from time to time ~ not helped by friends who think a bottle of wine is a good birthday present, but then again I haven't really 'come out' to them ~ I should. They think it's 'just me' and not 'a problem'.

Your wife sounds great, you are lucky to have someone so supportive. My Man is really good too, he struggled but succeeded with giving up smoking, but still has a hankering for a gamble. He used to 'play on the horses' a lot and when, on my wish, we went to a casino for my birthday I could see him biting his arm off not to stack up a pile of chips! We stayed for our £20 limit and left.

So I understand addiction and it's a bitch.

The only advice I have is to get a good doctor involved, kiss your wife more and tell her how much you love her.

I hope your work are understanding if your honest with them it's only to your mutual benefit.

And it took me about 3 months to achieve an 'acceptable level' ~ in that time I lost 14kg in weight, looked 5 years younger and felt 10 years younger!
And didn't feel sick and tired all the time. Go for it Colonel

 

[SmoothieX]

Get straightened out, feel better, and come back soon. Ignore all the naysayer whiners here trying to get you down.

I ner had a drinking problem, but developed liver problems in my late 20s that forced me to stop even drinking socially. That was tough, and I didn't even have an addiction to deal with. You'd be surprised how much ginger ale and Dr. Pepper it took as a substitute when I felt like a beer until I just didn't feel like a beer anymore.

 

[trekkiedane]

Good luck with it

 

[Robert Maxwell]

Get straightened out, feel better, and come back soon. Ignore all the naysayer whiners here trying to get you down.

What "naysayer whiners"? People in this thread have been nothing but supportive.

 

[Amaris]

Take care of yourself, Colonel Green.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

I wish you well! I'm sure this will not be an easy journey for you, but it will be soooo worth it! Next month will be six years of sobriety for my former husband. The difference in him is totally amazing. He's going to be visiting me here at the hospital this evening -- I'll ask whether he has any words of encouragement for you.

 

[Skellington]

Wishing you every success, Colonel.