Hi, this my first ever forum post discussing my alcoholism. Iām 37 years old, a husband, a father and a teacher. My life is good until I drink. Iām what youād call a problem binge drinker. I drink Fridays & Saturdays and generally drink until Iām unconscious on those days. My wife knows I have a problem, she doesnāt know the extent as I hide it pretty well. Sneaky whiskeys in the shed etc. I feel terrible after abusing myself & family. I have done two 6 week stints alcohol free this year but always sink back into itā¦ Itās like I canāt understand life without it after this amount of time. Iām really hopeful this is it. Any tips would be much appreciated x
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Welcome! Any clue what caused you to sink back into it? How did it play out? Might gain some relapse prevention insight, if you identify risk factors.
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Hi and welcome! This is a great place to be, thereās so much support here. Search, read, reach out - Iām sure you will find a lot that you can relate to. This thread is a really good place to start:
I read a book called This Naked Mind which helped me change the way I think about alcohol. Thereās a book by Allen Carr which is similar and I know others here have found useful.
Find a new weekend routine - get an early night, get up with the sun and make the most of the day. Go for a walk or try out that thing youāve always wanted to do but never got round to because you were too busy thinking about the next drink. It takes a while to get used to but stick with it and it will become your new normal 
Being sober isnāt all sunshine and rainbows but there are no blackouts, no hangovers, and a lot less said and done to give you regrets!
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Hi, I think the pattern of work triggered the last one. Iād been off work on half term, 1st week back I battled through the cravings, 2nd week I failed. I also tend to fear a life without alcohol, I tend to worry about a future without it & letting people down.
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Thank you for your insight, I will definitely checkout this naked mind 
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I am an around the clock style alcoholic, and quite heavy at that, but my strength is committing to quitting. However, I struggle with frequent relapses too. Iām in detox #13 in the 4 years Iāve had a drinking problem, (12 of those in three years). I like to think about the freedom to do whatever I want sober and stop feeling icky about hiding my habit. Writing down a list of all the reasons you want to stay sober, big and small (I recommend doing so on paper and keeping that w with you, in your wallet for example) can be hugely helpful. Take it out and read it and remember how valuable sobriety is.
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AA has been invaluable to me, it could work for you too. Welcome.
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Hi @Changingman ā¦ first of all well done for asking for helpā¦I am also a husband and father. My problem is also alcohol and I too have had many lapsesā¦
The fact you are here means you are serious about doing something about thisā¦ from your short post it is difficult to ascertain how bad the situation is for youā¦ but one thing is very very likely and that is it will get worse.
My experience could become yoursā¦I nearly lost my wife and access to my kidsā¦home would have goneā¦ all sort of family upsetā¦ plus would probably lost my job and shortened my lifeā¦ but I stopped drinkingā¦how I did that was to make sobriety the most important thing in my lifeā¦! If I start again I will definitely start where I left offā¦and the above will happenā¦ you can also stop this nowā¦
Make a planā¦go to meetingsā¦(I do smart)ā¦see your doctorā¦tell your wife and familyā¦read the suggested bookā¦ this naked mind and also āthe unexpected joy of being soberāā¦
The key to sobriety for me was to change my thinking towards alcoholā¦a change in mindsetā¦ so I actually donāt miss itā¦ now I donātā¦
Stick around the forum keep asking questions and find the āchecking in to maintain daily focusā threadā¦I could write so much moreā¦but please believe me that being sober can be and is so much better than drinkingā¦ take care mate and good luck 
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The key to sobriety for me was to change my thinking towards alcoholā¦a change in mindsetā¦ so I actually donāt miss itā¦ now I donātā¦
Not good at the quoting function on here. Robketts posted this. The change in mindset has been key for me. I like reading books so I recommend Allen Carrs Easy Way.
I also notice alot of AA people on this sight with many days of Sobriety . You should probably try going to a meeting. Im 83 days sober but I will be attending my first meeting Sunday.
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Thank you so much for everybodyās help. I have plans in place & know my triggers. I have found a site called alcohol mastery which seems to work for me, also the naked mind podcasts sound good 
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