Learning to be honest with my self

[Agrowingman]

I like drinking but it's affecting my relationships with family. It's a selfish thing. I keep losing my phone, wallet and keys every month or so. I know I should stop but I don't really want to. I think I may be covering pain with alcohol. 

[Happylife]

Hi Agrowingman,

Hello and welcome to the forums. Firstly, I would really like to commend you, it takes a lot of bravery and courage to reach out and share this to everyone. 

It can be very tempting to drink when you are feeling depressed or unhappy, but alcohol is never a solution, it only makes things worse and spoils relationships. It may temporarily suppress your feelings of sadness or pain, but it won't last.

As you rightly said, you may be covering some deep-down pain by drinking. It will only temporarily numb your emotional pain but will not heal it. It would be good if you could identify the root cause of your pain or sadness and find a permanent solution. 

If I may ask, is there any triggers/patterns that make the urge for you to have a drink?

Have you consulted with your GP/mental health professional or addiction specialist, who can provide you proper guidance and recommendations for possible treatment options?

Also, you can reach out to support groups as below (if you haven't already):

Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org.au)

https://aa.org.au/

Alcohol and drugs | ReachOut Australia

https://au.reachout.com/challenges-and-coping/alcohol-and-drugs

Please reach out to professionals as soon as possible as they can give you proper treatment.

I really want you to get better and wish you a speedy recovery from the bottom of my heart. I am here to listen if you want any help...

Take care

Happylife

[BlueLily]

Hi Agrowingman,

First of all I want to appreciate your username, a-growing-man. Adding to Happylife's praise's, you are here because that you realised there's an issue and you have taken the first steps by coming to the forum to ask for help. That is a massive step to growing.

I myself don't drink often because it can make me sick and I get drunk very fast. But there was a small period that I was not able to sleep so I found the quickest solution, drinking to fall myself sleep. It was helping me fall asleep but if I were to wake up in the middle of night I was having the issue all over again, not able to go back to sleep. Also waking up tired and with a headache.

Then I realised the underlying problem is not drinking or sleeping but I was going through a very depressive phase and then rather than socialising with friends or family I was drinking alone at home. So I decided to speak to my family who I was annoyed about making me worry till late while I was trying to fall asleep. Even if there was no magic solution that fixed the issues with my family, at least I was able to communicate my worry and have a discussion about it. That brought me some relief knowing that I wasn't suffering alone and hiding. 

Also I reached out to few friends regarding any tips on how to help myself fall a sleep. Sometimes we feel very vulnerable and insecure to admit and reach out to others for help. But doing so with trust worthy family and friends can bring so much relief and comfort to all that's bubbling up inside us that we are covering with alcohol. 

Take care

[Happylife]

Hello Agrowingman,

Just checking to see how you are doing. I hope everything is well with you.

You are not alone, if you feel like talking - happy to listen...

Take care

Happylife