Trying To Quit? 06/25/12
Struggling to control how much you drink can seem like you are on an uphill climb. You can start the day intending to stick to one glass or wine or a bottle of beer, but before you know it you’ve downed the whole bottle or finished a six-pack.
Or perhaps you promise yourself that you’ll stay off the booze altogether for a while only to find that you’re heading for the nearest off-licence because of an argument with your spouse or a problem at work.
I’ve been there so many times myself in my drinking days. The battle going on in my head between craving a drink and not wanting to drink was like torture at times. No matter how much I tried the alcohol always won and I always ended up consuming much more than I meant to.
Although I wanted to quit or even to cut back on how much alcohol I was consuming, it seemed like nothing worked. I tried reducing the amount and changing the type of drink to a weaker strength. I put myself in situations where I couldn’t drink, such as offering to be the designated driver, but then ‘white knuckling’ through the whole event because I was craving desperately.
And concerned comments from friends and co-workers seemed to have the opposite effect because I felt so guilty and ashamed of what they knew and what they didn’t know about the extent of my alcoholism.
There were two main reasons that I had couldn’t control my alcohol consumption.
1. I didn’t realise that I had both a physical and psychological addiction to drink.
2. I was trying to quit by myself.
Despite the fact that drink nearly ended up killing me, deep down all I wanted to do was to be able to control my drinking and be ‘normal’. It was only when I could admit to myself and others that I needed help that I could start recovery.
Getting sober and staying sober takes perseverance. But if falling off the wagon isn’t failure as long as you want to get back on it again. Keep on trying!
bluetufty
After a 20 year battle with the booze I am now proud to be 13 years sober. Living life as I was meant to be and hoping to inspire others. Freelance writer originally from London now living in N.Ireland.
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15 Responses to this article
I am so proud of you Carolyn that you are an alcohol overcomer; so many people strugle with this issue in their lives and their lives are ruined by this nasty addiction. I applaud you and will send people to your site who need to hear your testimony!
Thank you so much for your encouragement Olga. Alcohol abuse is an issue that affects so many people and I’m pleased to have you spread the word that it can be overcome.
Very truthful and honest testimony. Thank you for your boldness!
Thank you Mary! It’s actually a great relief to be able to be open and frank about my addiction after spending so many years hiding behind the bottle.
Carolyn, you are a LIGHT to the world! Your vulnerability & honesty is exactly what people need.
Recognizing the “physical and psychological addiction to drink, ” & “trying to quit” alone —2 key steps to realize!
Keep up the awesome work Carolyn!
Jenny, you are so kind! People do need to hear the truth and know that it is possible to quit with the right help and a lot of determination.
Thank you for being so open and honest with us. It is exactly what people need…We live in a world of just shoving it under the rug and that doesnt help at all, you will defininately help set people free!
Very Proud of your steps in deliverance!
Thanks Penny for your great comments. It’s the shame and guilt of addiction that prevents those who are addicted as well as their families from seeking the help they need.
Your articles are so encouraging! They help people to understand that with God all things are possible to them that believe.
As a drinker you think you are in control but its the addiction that has the hold over your life. To get free from it requires something much greater and for me that was finding my faith.
I think about Joann Thomas’ quote when reading this article. “Sometimes the best helping hand you can get is a good, firm push”. You have the power to help many who are struggling.
What a brilliant quote Claudia. Love it! Sometimes it’s good to have a push in the right direction!
Carolyn, this is so true with any addiction ~ food, alcohol, work, etc…. we have to realize it’s hold on us and ask for help when we need it! From a health perspective, most people don’t realize that what they put into their bodies is stored in their cells, causing them to want more of it, too. That’s why detoxing is so important. Good article!
Thanks Jessica! Our bodies are amazing in that so many health can be put right with a detox of some kind. You don’t have to be addicted to be unhealthy!
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