Group Support for Alcohol Problems
An important factor in solving your problems with alcohol is talking to other people who understand what you’re going through, who won’t judge you for it, and who will genuinely share their experience without just trotting out the old clichés about drinking. I’m sure you’ve heard these many times from friends or family, like – “oh you don’t need to worry about it, you don’t have a drink first thing in the morning do you”, or “I don’t understand why you can’t just have a couple like I do” etc.
Of course most people immediately think of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings when they consider getting support from a group of people with drink problems. But again, many people are intimidated by the doctrine of AA, as the 12-step model it follows has certain expectations for you to fit into (though not all AA meetings strictly adhere to these principles). Similarly, some people are so uncomfortable and embarrassed about their drinking that they don’t want to admit it face to face with others, even if they are strangers.
Luckily there is now the option of communicating online, where the computer screen can grant you that cloak of anonymity (much like a catholic confessional, but without the “forgive me Father…”). As such you can exchange comments with others on any of the posts on this site, or more effectively you can join our alcohol support forum – day or night there will always be a wide range of people logged on who can give you feedback, support or advice about your drinking and an idea of how to make some changes. Check it out and if you like what you see, register for an account (free of course).
12 day last night was rough feel shakey than i did a week ago dropped a val but still feel like breaking out or someones nose will these cravings go
I MUST confess that when I’d heard about ‘online counselling’ years ago, I thought ‘how the hell is that going to work?’ Well, I do attend AA meetings to keep myself aware that I have no control over booze. In other words, once I start I cannot stop. However, AA meetings DO have to draw to a close, so people are a little vulnerable outside of those AA hours. This online information, here is JUST FANTASTIC!! It means, for me, at least, that I can visit regularly and just remind myself again of the pain that long term alcohol addiction causes. The worst thing any addict can do, after a period of abstinence is to get complacent. I find that, visiting this site, reading the information that is relevant to ME and reading REAL peoples stories, comments and reactions, really is a great bonus to me. Thank you ‘Bright eye’ for providing a superb service!