Observing my peers at 68 I've become a believer that alcohol is deadly. We go to the store and spend money on something that is taking our lives away.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
I am an alcoholic, alcohol affects me when I am not drinking it.

Well, There's the answer.
After that, it's the "You can lead a horse to water, but you cant make him drink it"

No reason to "Roast" you or anyone with a problem that they want to fix! It seems like you want to fix the problem.

It's been said multiple times about Sig Forum: There's a vast array of knowledge and experience here, and we're always willing to help out each other. I'm not saying that this new road you're on is going to be easy, because it's not. And it's going to take some work on your part. If you read the past posts, many here have been standing in the same spot you are right now and have made their way down that road successfully.

If you need anything, we're here to help and support you! Don't be afraid to ask for a little help!

Hearing it from you son had to hurt. Use it, make the changes, get the help, and be the best father you can be. I don’t know about being an alcoholic, but I do know about being the son of one.

You got this.

Holy shit man, what an incredible opportunity for you. You’re in tune with your son enough that he was able to convey it, and you’re introspective enough to know you need to take the steps. Finally, you’re vulnerable enough that you’ve allowed us to walk with you for as long as you’ll have us. You already know this is going to be a test of your mettle, and I’m grateful you’re allowing us to help, such as it is.

I often agonize that I can’t reach back in time and physically coerce my own father to live a healthier lifestyle. My kids are 15b, 14g, 12b, 8b, and I wish he was here for these moments.

He also has the opportunity of using just turning 40 as a mental divide. Psychologically, I think it will help. Up until the age of 40, you did such and such. After the age of 40, you threw off that old, bad habit.

Here, Otto. This is for you.

I'll probably work with upwards of 200 addicts, including alcohol, this week. IMO, you've taken the first step by acknowledging your addiction.

I'd suggest you check to see if your insurance will cover in-patient treatment. I've seen a lot of success with a good program. The problem is the time and costs as the best programs are usually 30-90 days. If not, an intensive outpatient program is a good alternative.

You may want to talk with your physician about Antabuse as well.

Good luck!

The Gold Standard these days is 90 days inpatient. Oh the other hand AA is free. Ninety meetings in 90 days. You will meet interesting people. A good friend of mine ran into Clapton at a meeting.
Very few make it on their own. They may stop drinking but they are miserable people. Dry drunk is the term. Good luck.

Pulling for you J. Maybe in a journal or small note book. Start on page one with everything you are grateful for be specific. Leave space so you add things. When you feel like it. Write down somethings you are feeling. Or that you did. Even things you are looking forward too. Mostly positive things. Keep it handy. You might find it to be helpful, even therapeutic to a degree.

Another thing you might try. Find something that you enjoy eating. A treat. Something that you really enjoy and will feel good to eat. And have it by yourself in your own time. Just you and Jelly.
For me it is Wiley Wallaby classic black licorice.
Two or three little pieces is all it takes.

Lastly coolrich mentions some Scripture. I do not know how you feel about that. If you don't or aren't sure or if you are curious a suggestion is read some new testament. The Gospels are easy reading. Mathew, Mark, John and Luke. Also the Psalms and Proverbs. You might enjoy them if you are not familiar with them.

I wish you the best buddy. And as others have said. Not easy, but nothing worth doing is.

Prayer sent.

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
I don't know anyone that quit drinking and stayed "quit" without a relapse or two.

Now you know another one. Me.
11 years and counting.
OttoSig- if you continue to do what you do, you will continue to get what you’ve got. Those of us who have been there and done that are right here, and willing to help you.
Email is in my profile.

I always read threads like this with interest but seldom will comment.

I drank alcohol most every day of my life from age 21 to 60. It was a thing that I did in the evenings starting from the time I got off work until bed.

I got a DWAI in the early 2000's and that made me very careful not to drink and drive. Didn't stop me from being hammered at home every night, though. Always worried that something might come up where I needed to drive.

I have no off switch when it comes to drinking. I would only have one drink but it never got empty.

One night I just stopped. Didn't have even one drink for almost three years. I went on an a three day motorcycle trip with some friends three years ago come this September. Someone went to the liquor store and came back with a decent single malt. The next sound I heard was the thud of me falling off the wagon. Drunk as fuck. Massive hangover the next morning. Felt like shit all over. Guilt ridden for giving up three years of not drinking. I mean just miserable.

Since then no real urge to drink again, ever. Thankfully.

Please email me. This is a subject I'm very familiar with. 6/28/88.

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:

I'd suggest you check to see if your insurance will cover in-patient treatment. I've seen a lot of success with a good program. The problem is the time and costs as the best programs are usually 30-90 days. If not, an intensive outpatient program is a good alternative.

OP is active duty military, so inpatient may not be an option. AA 90 meetings in 90 days should be an option other than those days that he might be on 24-hour duty.

quote:

AA 90 meetings in 90 days should be an option other than those days that he might be on 24-hour duty.

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Good point. AA also stays out of the service record if desired.

Takes a big man to put that out in the public, and glad your son took the initiative to give you a push. Good luck on the process, it can be done!

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
My son told me he’s scared for how I take care of myself.

Do this for yourself. I know that you must love your son to post this, but you should love yourself too. YOU deserve to feel good, strong, loved, happy.

I walk 10,000 steps a day and try to row at least 4x a week on my machine. I also do a stretching routine for about five minutes each morning. While I never had a drinking problem, I certainly had an eating one, and so now I fast 16 hours 6x a week and really watch my intake. My father died at 53 years, as did his. I'm 54.

I do these things because I wanted to be there in my family and because I want to be better for myself. I share this only to let you know that you are not alone and I'm more than willing to help you in any way you want.

First update: I weighed 222lbs yesterday when I got out of the shower. Had every intention of going to the gym this morning but I could not fall asleep last night.

Laid in the dark until 0200 and woke up several times before getting up at 0600 for work. Probably my body waiting for it's usual sleep medicine.

I do plan to go at 0600 to the gym tomorrow though. Headed home to cook for the kids. I won't drink tonight, though today was a stereotypical work day I would have looked forward to one.

Venting a bit but also holding myself accountable for the gym tomorrow morning. I'll try something light tonight like the rower to maybe help facilitate sleep.

Para: Thanks for that song. I actually played it on repeat while I read in bed last night.

Here's what I know about quitting a bad habit: you need to get something to replace it. When I quit smoking, I started jogging. First day, I nearly passed out going around a city block. I finally got to doing 5 miles but I developed shin splints from ignorant running.

You also need to avoid situations that get you to drink. I was in the Navy so I can understand how that can be difficult for you if you're active duty. Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
First update:

This is a good start. We do not get where we are, overnight. And we're not going to get out of where we are, overnight.

Take it in 24 hour chunks, OttoSig.

The chains of habit are light
Until they become too strong to be broken.

And
If you always do what you always did,
You will always get what you always got.

After a month of "two a days"
At my tiny town gym,
I really missed not going when I had to quit.

Dawn of a new day
When you think you've seen it all
It's Zen-bendable