Drinking too much as a coping mechanism

**worrywart** · 14-05-2011, 03:30pm

The thought of AA petrifies me to be perfectly honest.

**Julesb** · 14-05-2011, 03:32pm

Originally Posted by worrywart

The thought of AA petrifies me to be perfectly honest.

What is it that frightens you so much?

**worrywart** · 14-05-2011, 03:46pm

Admitting it to someone else. Here is different, no one knows me on here and I can admit it to myself and hide, but reality is different. I have read a bit about AA and it seems very religious, that puts me off too. If someone can tell me otherwise then great.

If my family found out what I was doing- I would be mortified.

I want to stop it but the thought of not drinking scares me, but the thought of what I am doing to myself and those around me is just as bad. Pouring my first glass of wine just now is what has kept me going most of the day. Considering I was severly hungover this morning from a night out last night, where I fell asleep and had to be taken home by my friend. I also said stupid things which I am beating myself up about.

**Julesb** · 14-05-2011, 03:53pm

Originally Posted by worrywart

Admitting it to someone else. Here is different, no one knows me on here and I can admit it to myself and hide, but reality is different. I have read a bit about AA and it seems very religious, that puts me off too. If someone can tell me otherwise then great.

If my family found out what I was doing- I would be mortified.

I want to stop it but the thought of not drinking scares me, but the thought of what I am doing to myself and those around me is just as bad. Pouring my first glass of wine just now is what has kept me going most of the day. Considering I was severly hungover this morning from a night out last night, where I fell asleep and had to be taken home by my friend. I also said stupid things which I am beating myself up about.

Well, i wasn't religious and my first AA meeting was over 15 years ago and i'm still not religious, so please don't let that put you off.

Do you mean if your family found out that you were drinking too much, or if they found out that you went to AA that you would be mortified?.

**Elvisola** · 14-05-2011, 04:10pm

Can you not take teeny steps yourself to try and cut down in the first instant?

I used to drink too fast but would force myself to have water between glases of wine. I would down the water to get back to the wine but then I would feel too full to drink the wine so fast and it would slow down the effects as well iyswim.

You could also try and not have a drink tonight. Buy yourself something nice for dinner, get a book, magazine, dvd and take it one minute at a time. Dont have any alcohol in the house. Once you have got the first night over with the second should be easier, then the third......

**worrywart** · 14-05-2011, 04:52pm

Both Jules.

Thanks Evisola but I don't have the strength. And don't know where to get it from.

**Day_Dream_Believer** · 14-05-2011, 05:41pm

Why can you not see your GP about this? S/he is bound by patient confidentiality, s/he can't just go telling anyone. Yes it would be on your medical record but better now than when it's because of much more serious ramifications of alcohol abuse. You would be referred to the community alcohol team in this area, I'm presuming other areas have the same or similar. Another reason for seeing your GP about this is that depending on how much you have been drinking, you may need medical support to withdraw.

My dad died of alcoholic liver disease. Don't let that happen because you were too scared to ask for help.

**'Line** · 14-05-2011, 06:15pm

AA are an amazing bunch of people. They will give you all the support that you need. Admitting that you are worried about the amount you consume is a major step. Be kind to yourself xx

**worrywart** · 14-05-2011, 06:25pm

It's just not possible, DDB. I wish I could.

Sorry about your Dad.

Thanks Line. I have been looking today and will try and contact them this week.
Right now I am scared and worried. drinking has a horrible 'stage' effect on me. I get happy, then sad, then really sad, then happy. To get to the last happy I need the extra drink by which time I am drunk. The more I worry about it- the more I think 'I need a drink'.