Name
dawn
Question
I've struggled with my alcohol problem for years. I have been in counselling and now have more control than I ever have before but although I don't feel the need to drink all the time when I do drink i completely lose control, upset those i love and embarrass myself. i just really want to stop but I can't seem to move forward from here
Answer
Hi Dawn, thanks for writing in. It sounds like you've made a lot of progress getting to this point and you feel that there's still a bit of work to do to get to where you want to be. From what you've said I can see that you are really putting in effort and time to reach a resolution. You say that you don't feel the need to drink all of the time - that's a great achievement from where you were before, so you're getting there. It sounds like you feel in control of your life and behaviour when you are sober. As you know, alcohol can affect behaviour, lowering inhibitions and sometimes causing us to make decisions or say things that we may later regret. The knock on effect of that is also that we may feel anxious or depressed in the days or weeks after, affecting our ability to cope. There's more information about this on the Alcohol Focus Scotland website (link below).
Another important factor is your personal safety. When you're drinking you are more at risk of becoming a potential victim of attack and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Make sure to stick with your friends when out and always get a taxi home from a reputable taxi company. There's a helpful leaflet on Alcohol and Safety available through the TCA Dundee branch 13 King Street Dundee DD1 2JD, telephone 01382 223965. Or you can email me at focusonalcohol@mail.com and I'll send you an electronic copy.
How do you feel about trying to stick to the sensible limit when you're out i.e. 2-3 units per day, maximum of 14 units per week (a unit being the equivalent to a small glass of wine)? Sometimes it helps to think about what triggers you to drink, perhaps list these and think about why you need alcohol for this, and if there are solutions. Talking it over with someone you know and trust can help. When you're out socialising do you feel pressurised to drink by other people? You could try talking to them, communicate your concerns and ask for support in drinking sensibly. You haven't said if you are still in counselling currently - you might find that ongoing counselling will help you achieve your goals. The Tayside Council on Alcohol www.alcoholtayside.com offers advice, support and counselling. The number to call is 0845 072 0190. There's a lot of support out there and it's a case of finding what works for you. You can also call the national alcohol helpline, Drinkline Scotland on 0800 7 314 314. I hope this helps Dawn, if there's anything I haven't covered that you'd like to know more about, please let me know.