Beating Alcoholism

Posted by Recovering wannabe (688 days ago)

I've recently discivered I'm an alcoholic.

I know that sounds odd, but this is my story:

I've always liked the odd drink in the evening, I rarely drink during the day and never in afternoon/morning. I never drink in excess except maybe at New Year/Birthdays etc... Prob. less than once or twice a month. So I didn't think that I had a problem until I tried to stop. I've tried this several times now and it's always the same.

I thought I'd 'have a night off' as it were and I found it torture. My head was spinning with thoughts, my hands were all sweaty and I was drenched with sweat within about 10-15 minutes of going to bed. My stomach was going nuts and I could not relax. I got up, had a beer and the inner relief was instant. It was as though my whole body just exhaled.

I was shocked that my body had reacted the way that it did. Usually I have about 5 cans of beer a night or 2/3 vodka tonics or 2/3 gin tonics. If I got out then it's usually 3 or 4 pints.

I've always thought of an alcoholic as someone who downs a bottle of whisky a night or the typical drunk with a bottle of something in a brown paper bag. I know, I was dumb and narrow minded in thinking that. Here I am in the same boat.

I'd really like to cut down on my drinking but not stop all together. I want to be one of those 'normal' people who can have a glass of something and then call it a night but it seems that I either continue down the road that I'm on (I just saw my father die due to liver cancer and that is definately not the path I want to go down) or I stop completely, forever.

I'd like to maintain a balance, somewhere in the middle that I could stay at or have I gone too far, is it all or nothing now I have a problem?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by pinolino (688 days ago)

Alcoholism is a very, very complex field. I.e. it does not mean that quantity is the main issue. If someone drinks as much as you, you might become addicted but the other one not ! You need (now) to contact professional people who are able to give you correct directions. Everything else does not help you in the long run. All the best !

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cammy1 (688 days ago)

Contact the people at Alcoholics Anonymous - they are the professionals, tell them your story and let them help you - 2522 5665.
All the best.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Matilda (686 days ago)

In my experience there is no halfway solution. Once you recognise there is a problem (and that is the biggest step you have taken), the only solution is absolute abstinence as the tendency is to drink more and more to achieve the ‘calming’ effect as you so well describe.

Alcoholic Anonymous is still the best forum to get advice and help, as well as the support to get through the first rough period when your body gets used to not receiving alcohol. It is highly recommended. Don’t feel embarrassed, the most ‘normal’ people in society attend.

Once you have taken this step you could eventually consider the balance you are thinking about.

It is a big effort but the best investment in your life you could take.

Matilda Medical Centre - 2537 8500
Matilda International Hospital
Hong Kong
http://www.matilda.org

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Recovering wannabe (686 days ago)

Thank you Matilda, I've been on the AAHK website and discovered that there is a meet near me on a Tuesday evening. So I'll probably go and sit in the carpark outside trying to pluck up the courage to go in.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by pinolino (686 days ago)

Sure you go in ! Do not start excuses...that is what most people do in similar situations..Do us all a favour (and for you !) and let us know in here what you have experienced, ok?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by JoeCheung (685 days ago)

Acupuncture can help to fight against alcoholic addiction,see

http://www.health2joy.com/servicesEnglish.html

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tidings2 (684 days ago)

Please tell us more about accupuncture and addiction.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by JoeCheung (683 days ago)

Pls visit the above web site, in which there is a sub-heading :

Addiction & Substance Abuse

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by msnglnk (683 days ago)

i am in the same boat. i was curious to find a AA chapter in china. i to have realized i need help. my alcoholism has gotten me into some really dangerouse situations i have made some really bad choices under the influence. i live in a small town pretty close to h k. the chinese really don't get as concerned about alcoholism as we do so the chances of there being any "self help" or "group help" here is slim or none. i am sure in cities like shanghai, or shen zhen one might find help of the sort. i like going to h k when ever i can and its only a 1 hour boat ride across the pearl river delta.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by green (680 days ago)

http://www.aa-hk.org/

Take a look at the hong kong website msnglnk. There's also a link for other parts of China. I wish you the best of luck.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by msnglnk (674 days ago)

alcoholism is a disease and treatments like accupuncture and other physical treatments are good methods for "beating" the addiction.like most other addictions alcoholism is both physical and mental. threfore a balanced treatment is necessary for meaning accupunture alone will not guarantee long-term success.

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by mhabitat (648 days ago)

If you believe alcohol addiction is both physical and mental, you might want to look up www.hypnosis-hk.com. It will address the latter aspect.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 0707 (601 days ago)

How are you coming along with the drinking now. Tom

(I am based in Unspecified)