Drinking depressed

[Chloe89]

So I think I’ve just come to terms with the fact I have a major problem with alcohol ... I’m so depressed and sickened with myself. I have children and I’m so scared to reach out for help with my depression in the fear I’ll lose my kids? Or be seen as an ‘unfit mother’?

[Aaronsis]

Hi Chloe89

Congratulations on what I am sure has been the most horrific realization for you, the fact you can admit to yourself that you have a problem with alcohol, that is so very brave and you are to be commended on your admitting this to yourself. Welcome to the forums and here you will be totally supported and cared for with love and never judgement, you can share as much or as little as you like.

The great news is that there is so very much support in the community for you to address your drinking and for you to get some help. There are the awesome people at ReachOut and the website is here for you:

https://au.reachout.com/tough-times/addiction

There are also people here at the Beyond Blue chatline that can help you with some information on who to contact and to support you too through your journey to being sober, the number is 1300 22 4636.

I am so proud of you and you have made the biggest choice today, to choose you and to choose your children, how empowering and how very awesome, we are here Chloe89 to support you through this, reach out to us.

The journey is not going to be easy so please be kind to yourself and have as much support at hand as you can, like anything in life it is not always success first time round so if you do fall down, it is the way you pick yourself up and continue on that is important, and we are here for you.

Hope to chat to you some more.

Well done Chloe89

Hugs

AS

[iamanxiety]

Hi Cloe,

goods start in posting here there is a lot of knowledge on this forum.

it may be hard to come to terms that you have a drinking problem but recognising it is the first step to recovery.

I personally had deppresion since my early teens. I had no support or family in Australia and so turned to drugs .I kicked that habit at 21 but then binge drank most of my adult life. it caused caos and made my deppresion worse.

in my mid 30s I sought help for my deppression and anxiety and realized I was self medicating my whole adult life.

antideppresents have helped me get my life back on track and I could function properly.

there are many options to address the drinking but focusing on the cause will make the help with your drinking easier to handle.

all the best and feel free to pick my brain if you wish.

don't fear reaching out for help ,if anything it shows you are a good parent in trying to better yourself. I can't imagine anyone faulting you in getting help. oh I also have kids so I know the feeling.

Andrew

[Soberlicious96]

HI Chloe,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and well done for reaching out.

So my username 'Soberlicious' is because I too came to the realisation that I had a terrible problem with alcohol, and I am now very proud to say that just last Wednesday I ticked over 23 years without a drink!!

Of course, admitting it is one thing ....... doing something about it is another. I can tell you that I got LOTS of help. And I mean LOTS. I'd had some major trauma's in my childhood (which perhaps triggered, and that I used as an excuse) which I believe contributed to my terrible mental and emotional health, as well as my bed behavior when drinking. I spent a lot of time in AA meetings and seeing a myriad of counselors - sexual assault counselors, trauma counselors, financial counselors, etc. You name it. If it was there for me to get the help I needed, then I did it. I had just gotten so sick and tired of being sick and tired with myself.

If you would like to consider going to AA, you can find your nearest meeting from this link:

www.aameetings.org.au

Alternatively, if you would like to chat to someone first, then call 1300 22 22 22.

There is no per-requisite for turning up to meetings, the only 'cost' so to speak is that they pass a basket for people to put change into to pay for the tea, coffee, biscuits, the rent of the premises, and the literature. But you don't have to put any money in at all if you can't or if it's your first meeting. Also, you'll probably hear a bit of talk about God, or a Higher Power, but again, it's not a requirement. Just take what you like, listen to the similarities, and leave the rest until later on when you may or may not want to find out more.

Getting sober, for me, has been by far the best decision ever. And the way to start is by not picking up that first drink, just one day at a time.

I wish you all the very best in rising above this issue. And again, well done for reaching out! It takes guts to do that. The type of courage that is often missed by many. But not by you, and not today!

Anyway, I hope that helps at least a little. Please feel free also to come back to this thread as much as you like. I will be thinking of you.

Regards, Mel. xo

[MsRufus]

Hi Chloe89,

Admitting you have a problem is the first and probably the hardest step! Not many people even get to this step so well done!

The next step is seeking help, do not worry about the kids, in fact I think working on yourself will make you a better parent! Maybe not instantly but it sure is a great motivator!

From my understanding medical and psychological professionals are bound by confidentiality, and so they cannot actually tell anyone unless you are a harm to your self or others, but it sounds like you are ready to work on yourself for the better!

It is important to seek help, and if not for you think of your children.

You sound like you are on the right track! Congratulations and good luck!