For those in recovery...?!
Question: I found out my boyfriend & father of my infant child was having an affair in Nov. He left home & moved an hour and a half away. We are trying to work things out & he seems sorry about everything. The bigger problem is when I found out I didn't take it well. I started drinking to ease the feelings of overwhelming sadness. In the past few months I have gone from a few beers a night to about a 1/2 gallon of vodka in 2-3 days. I drink from the time the kids go to bed until I pass out almost every night. I know I have a serious issue with alcohol and I know logically that I should just go to an AA meeting or something like that. My ex is a recovering addict with 2+ years clean. AA was his social circle here & I am terrified of reaching out to these people because of that. I know I should just do it but is there any suggestions you can think of to help me get over this fear I am having? Is there a way to get somone in the program to take me to a meeting? I just need help taking the 1st step
Answers: I found out my boyfriend & father of my infant child was having an affair in Nov. He left home & moved an hour and a half away. We are trying to work things out & he seems sorry about everything. The bigger problem is when I found out I didn't take it well. I started drinking to ease the feelings of overwhelming sadness. In the past few months I have gone from a few beers a night to about a 1/2 gallon of vodka in 2-3 days. I drink from the time the kids go to bed until I pass out almost every night. I know I have a serious issue with alcohol and I know logically that I should just go to an AA meeting or something like that. My ex is a recovering addict with 2+ years clean. AA was his social circle here & I am terrified of reaching out to these people because of that. I know I should just do it but is there any suggestions you can think of to help me get over this fear I am having? Is there a way to get somone in the program to take me to a meeting? I just need help taking the 1st step
First off, if you two are trying to work things out then why don't you support each other and go to the AA meetings together. If you are not comfortable going to the same meetings as him, they have them at all different locations as well as everyday at different times so you may be able to find a means to get yourself into the program if that is what you think will help you. If you are having withdrawals when trying to quit drinking (and if you have money or insurance to cover the costs) you could go to an addiction specialist and talk about seeking therapy as well as going on a medication that helps you to be without the cravings like naltrexone. I have been reading a book called "How to Quit Drinking Without Going to AA" (don't be fooled by the name they suggest that you try it out but if you don't feel it is helping you, don't think that is your only resort to seeking the treatment, support, and help that you need) that is interesting in learning about the addiction and some other ways to fight the addiction. You shouldn't be afraid of seeking help because you cannot do it alone. I have been struggling with alcoholism for about 2 years now but have finally realized the impact it has had on me. I had always been a drinker but it became daily after finding out about my husband's (now ex) affair with some lady at work and going through the divorce. I like you, reached for the bottle instead of facing the feelings and reality of what was going on. I would put my daughter to bed and start drinking. It took me to see someone else's downfall and hitting rock bottom (from opiate addiction) to see how I was harming myself and how it wasn't solving my problems or helping to escape anymore, it just made matters worse. It has been two weeks and I have drank on two occasions but considering that I was drinking everyday, it is a big step in the right direction. I have severe anxiety and am going to talk with an addiction specialist to get into counseling and to see if naltrexone would be right for me. The pill is not a permanent fix but it can help you function while you learn the reasoning behind your drinking and how to properly handle it sober. I wish you nothing but the best of luck because I know what is like to both be mistreated and hurt by someone cheating on me and I know how alcohol can seem like the easy way to cope. However, I have a daughter and even though she doesn't see me in my state she is effected and was motivation as well for me to quit, maybe your child could offer you the same....Good luck to you in your recovery and I hope and pray that you find the strength to get back on the right path. Take Care : )
Have him go with you, im sure he will be glad to. I am sure if you call them on the phone and say im scared can someone come with me there, I am sure someone would do it.
Just understand that people there are not going to look down on you because of this, they have all went through the same thing you have gone thru and they understand.
best form of defense is attack. just phone up and ask. somebody is bound to help you. how do you think they felt when they first started. so be brave and think of your child as well he or she needs a strong mother. good luck.