New To Forum

[Bob185]

Hi - I am new to this group, but there seems to be good support and encouragment here.  This past summer my world as I new it ceased - years of drinking and relapsing cost me my marriage, house, and the family I love so much.  I am struggling with hoplessness, depression and remorse.  I plan to attend an AA meeting tonite.  I currently
(and recently) on effexor,campral and remeron (for sleep).  I am trying to build a  support group within AA - the old-timers tell me things will get better with time, just pray, go to meetings and don't drink.  Try to stay connected. I will be turning 50 next week (God willing), but struggling mentally and emotionally.  Did a re-hab last month for 2 weeks - I was told I am "spiritually bankrupt".  This disease is insidious.  Feel like such a loser - I had it all, just could'nt quit.

[ibizan]

i rarely go out to dinner with anyone...usually its a lunch...but when ppl have drinks around me and thats cool for them the alcohol smells bad to me....stinks...i can smell it across the table!and then if someone talks to me and has alcohol on their breath it just stinks!yuck.......and i can remember how good i thought it smelled years ago.....oh how we change and for the better!

[working dog]

wow thats something about your drinking not being a problem untill your early 40s..mine wasn't untill right around 40...and even at 40 it wasn't too bad...by mid to late 40s mine got bad...i was in denail for a long time...in fact refused to beleive i was going through withdrawals for the first few days....i went out to dinner friday night and everyone had at least one drink..i just had oj...no problem.... it will get easier....billy

[ibizan]

ur wise 2 see that and must keep it forefront in ur mind as that BEAST impatience will creep in along with many other goblins....but we battle it no alcohol and the rest in time falls in2 place!

[Bob185]

your right - this didn't happen overnite - my drinking didn't become a problem until i was in my early forties - that's what baffles me - at any rate too much PRIDE and SHAME kept me doing something about it sooner - -have lost alot - must be patient, pray and do the right thing - thanks, bob185

[Bob185]

thanks for the comments - i am impatient to right alot of wrongs, i have to remember i am a good person with a bad problem

[Bob185]

No real side effects - I actually do think it takes away some cravings - thanks for welcominig me -bob185

[TJack]

Welcome Bob.  You will find lots of encouragment on this site.  Come here often and post.  You mentioned you are on Campral.  How is that working for you?  I got my script yesterday and started it today.  No side affects so far.  6 pills a day sounds like a lot but i ma gonna take them.  How long have you been on it?   Hang in there and go to meetings.  They do help.  TJ

[working dog]

it does take time...after a year you should start to feel a lot better..but to feel like a new person could be more...like 2 or 3 years...i feel bad for so many folks that are in the first 6 months..lots just don't make it...alcohol is nasty..if it just killed you that wouldn't be so bad..but it affects you mentaly and thats a drag...the anxiety can be awful...on the good side it does get better in time...you have to set goals..if you were a big drinker and have kids you'll get along much better with them without alcohol...i find myself talking with my kids a lot about drinking...anyway...good luck...billy

[ibizan]

if u take a look at how long u were drinking for and the severity of problems it caused ...it really takes a few years for things to resolve somewhat.....and the first year of sobriety like a emotional rollercoaster.....physically,emotionally and spiritually so much repair has 2 be done!i got sober/clean at age 28...am now 52......time has gone so fast.....its unbelievable in the b-ginning it dragged....but it does get better...u will learn patience with this....and that is a lotta work in itself!