Hi, so have not written here before but thought I would now.. I am really struggling, I am a gambler which I have managed to overcome November 2024 and not done since and not really thinking about it but alcohol is another evil on a different level. I managed to give up for 60 days and then went back hard on it again (still drinking) I have been to gdas (Welsh AA) I have spoken to doctors and therapists but none of them seem to understand the struggle I am going through, the problem is we get labelled alcoholics and we are all different. For me alcohol has been a way of life since I was 14, now 48, I have become an assh**e to my wife of 15 years and now do not know if I can carry on trying to give up, I have contemplated suicide many times and have been so close, I have had police around to check up on me because people are worried (I am not thinking of suicide anymore) but I was wondering what sort of techniques that people use to help them overcome there alcohol addiction so far all I can think of is rehab but that cost money
My hearts filled for you man
You’ll need to experience sobriety to understand the good that can happen in it.
Yes there is withdrawal and cravings and yes, still terrible days but I’ve never said to myself since I got sober that, sobriety is bad because of this or that.
Sobriety is good
It can be life altering in a very good way
If I were you, I’d start by doing the next right thing for yourself by helping another person while expecting no good in return; help another person while expecting nothing back.
If someone gives you attitude for helping, use your skills as much as possible to avoid bad situations
Keep reading
Keep posting
Welcome to the forum Steve! Im glad ur here! Sounds like ur ready to make some big changes.
Techniques I have used to overcome my addiction would have to be:
- Rehab
- 12 step meetings in person or online (get a sponsor and do the steps, be of service)
- This forum (daily check ins, reading, helping others)
- Reading recovery literature
- Meditation/prayer
- Group and individual therapy
- Writing out my reasons why I quit and referring to this list every time i have a craving
- “Playing the tape to the end”
- Exercise for those feel good hormones
- Distractions when having a craving
- Self care
- Doing the next right thing
- Having a morning routine focused on recovery was big for me and still is. It starts the day off on the right foot
I think for me anyway, its about not picking up that drink/drug no matter what.
I would come on this forum FIRST before i used so that people could help me thru it. NA, AA, CA have beens huge part of my recovery as well.
Nothing changes if nothing changes and we must be willing to go to anything lengths to get sober.
Glad ur here! Keep reading and posting
I would suggest going to 12 step meetings again my friend, and getting involved with other people in your area that are also in recovery. That’s what made the difference for me, and I have been clean for almost 7 years.