Hi, first time admitter of alcohol abuse.

[Niah]

Hi,

I'm Niah. I'm 35 and a mum of 6 beautiful kids. I am a proud Aboriginal woman. I work full time. I'm happily married. I've been drinking every day since I was 21 years old, my Mum passed just days after my 20th birthday and my Dad kicked me and my little sister outnof home at the time.

I know its a big problem in my life (alcohol) but I don't know how-to make it stop.

[monkey_magic]

Hi Niah,

Sounds like it's been a struggle. I've been a binge drinker at times in my life. Have you ever thought of trying alcoholics anonymous they were seriously a great help when I used to go.

Sorry about your mum passing while you were so young. It's great that you found a partner that makes you happy now too and you have all the kids.

Congrats for admitting to yourself and others now that you want to do something about alcohol. It's a very big step well done. It's also setting a good example for the kids.

Hope u get many more replies.

MM

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Niah,

You sound like such an accomplished woman. You juggle motherhood, full-time work and a happy marriage. I feel that’s pretty incredible 🙂

You have also clearly been through a lot. It must have been so painful losing your mum. I feel it’s always hard, but especially at such a young age.

Also, to have been kicked out by your dad not long after the loss must have really hurt...I think it’s a testimony to your resilience that you have come so far, and that you’re now raising 6 beautiful children 🙂

I think it’s brave to admit that you’re struggling with alcohol. I also have a tendency to drink, so I can definitely relate...perhaps you might like to consider some of Monkey Magic’s suggestions...

Is it okay if I ask you how have things been since your opening post?

Kind thoughts to you today,

Pepper

[baet123]

Ni Niah,

Welcome to the forums and it is great to have you here and thank you so much for posting and sharing your situation with us. I can tell that your extremely strong, resilient, brave and courageous and these are amazing qualities you possess!

Sounds like you have been through a lot but I am glad that you have a great family and support network around you. 6 kids! That is amazing! I am sure their extremely proud of you! It is extremely encouraging that you understand and are aware that your drinking is a problem and this is the most important part of the treatment/recovery process in my opinion.

As Monkey mentioned above, AA would be the best place to start or seeing your doctor and discussing possible treatment options. Group therapy works wonder and is definitely an option you should explore. Group therapy is attended by several clients who confront their personal problems together. The interaction among clients is considered to be an integral part of the therapeutic process and you are able to interact with other people whom you have similar stories and shared experiences with.

Another option you may wish to consider which has the ability to yield great results is rehab. Drug and alcohol rehab centres are known as therapeutic communities. A therapeutic community is a treatment facility in which the community itself, through self-help and mutual support, is the principal means for promoting personal change.
In a therapeutic community residents and staff participate in the management and operation of
the community, contributing to a psychologically and physically safe learning environment where
change can occur.

In a therapeutic community there is a focus on social, psychological and behavioural dimensions
of substance use, with the use of the community to heal individuals emotionally, and support the
development of behaviours, attitudes and values of healthy living. This is definitely something you should consider but you would have to take into account not being able to be with your kids every day and night for a few months and your work commitments and the like.

As mentioned above, seeing your GP and discussing treatment/intervention options and ensuring about AA and therapeutic communities is something you should consider doing. You have the drive and the desire to improve and that is the most important factor in the recover process.

Hope this helps and have a great Friday/weekend.

Look forward to hearing back from you.

Nick.

[quirkywords]

Niah,

I too want to welcome you to the forum.

Pepper and Nick have given you supportive helpful suggestion.

I admire that you have written your first post and been honest enough to look at your drinking and want to change.

I was wondering what if any steps you have tried so far to deal with your drinking?

You are looking after 6 children and working fulltime and so are functioning very well.

I was wondering if there is a program in your local community that acknowledges your cultural background.

Quirky