Stopping drinking

cumulusjames wrote:No. I am still drinking and will do until it finishes me off in a couple of years. I've got no other way to live now.

There always is another way. AA/NA for instance. LifeRing has been recommended by others as well. I used to think that I couldn't not drink -- well guess what, I managed 15 months clean, and after a brief mania-related relapse I've been sober for 7+ months again.

You are not a slave of alcohol. Every time you pour or order a drink, it is you making a choice. Every hour of every day you can make a choice to stop.

Unfortunately I have nothing to live for so no possible incentive to quit. Quitting just me and unbearable boredom and loneliness and having to face the misery of my life all day every day. The relief I get from alcohol is all I have in life.

* Getting a job
* Volunteering
* Learning a new skill or language
* Going back to the university
* Writing a memoir

Here's a few things you could be doing instead of drinking. Especially volunteering. It's interesting how our self-pity diminishes when we help people who REALLY have a tough life. Obviously, I am speaking from experience.

I felt I had nothing else but alcohol too. I still feel this way sometimes, but at 34 days sober, I'm starting to see little changes in my life that wouldn't be possible if I was drinking. As time goes on, I'm sure I'll see more and more positive effects. I'm not expecting a miracle, but any improvement in my life and outlook would be great. It's a big adjustment, but if you give it a shot, at least you can say you tried.

I might try not drinking tonight. I really can't afford to carry on with it every day. It's pushing me further into both poverty and depression.

This is so great to hear. Please let us know how it goes and keep checking in even if you drink.

I did drink in the end. I felt a bit manic. I'll try again tonight.

Has your doc ever talked to you about Seroquel? It calms down mania and reduces cravings for alcohol. I don't take it regularly but I have a stash for mania emergencies. It also makes you sleep like a champion.

littlewing wrote:Has your doc ever talked to you about Seroquel? It calms down mania and reduces cravings for alcohol. I don't take it regularly but I have a stash for mania emergencies. It also makes you sleep like a champion.

You mean quetiepine? I been on that nasty $#%^, didn't like it at all. Was like a zombie.

It's definitely not for everyone.