hello, a new person

[Marie1971]

Hi all,

Glad to have found your site - you all seem very supportive of each other.

I am needing help, and today it is time for me to stop drinking.

I'm 40, a mother of three, married to a wonderful man, great extended family, lots of good friends, and i think i am an alcoholic.

Every night, around 7pm, i pour my first red wine. I have 2 or sometimes even 3 glasses, and it settles me down and allows me to sleep. If i have 4 glasses, i end up feeling sick.

So, I don't drink enormous amounts. However, i cannot go without it. That's what scares me.

I also smoke cigarettes - have done for 20 years.

What worries me is my health, and that my kids are learning that "this is what mum does". My lungs hurt, my body is tired of it, and i am sick of feeling crappy.

I think i have low self-esteem, and would be horrified if anyone knew that i am so dependent on something.

As a nurse, i've seen some awful things in the past few years, and each one stays in my mind and makes me look forward to my wine each night. I feel a bit traumatised about some of the things i see at work.

Anyway, today is the day. I've told my hubby that i'm joining this site, am reading some good books about self esteem and valuing myself, and tonight there will be no wine.

Cigarettes are next on the list - i have tried everything, and i now have some patches to begin soon...

Scary to imagine life without my crutches:o

Thanks
Marie

[carol]

Marie1971, welcome! Please be sure to read Patrick's excellent article on how to stop drinking in the archives at the home webpage if you haven't already done so.

Please join in on the main "how to stop drinking" thread and say hi. You'll find a great community of people who are all committed to stopping and at various stages of doing so.

[carol]

PS, there's a whole group quitting today. I'll let them know you're joining them!

[Julliet]

Welcome Marie! You've taken the first and most important step! Congratulations.

[Christy]

Welcome Marie-Go over to the main thread of how to stop drinking. Lots of supportive people sharing their struggles of wanting to quit drinking.
Sounds like you have a wonderful family and life and enjoying it sober is the way to go.
I also smoke too, have for about 12 years now. I started later in life, but still difficult to stop. That's next on my list too.
Good Luck!

[serena]

Welcome Marie!! Definitely go to the main thread of how to stop drinking. This entire forum is a wonderful place of support and understanding. Congrats on taking the first step!!