drink problem

[james1976]

hi, i have a problem with drinking too much, and i would like to resolve it, i want to go to private counselling sessions, and i will and can pay for it, but i don't know how to find this in my area. would my gp/doctor be really able to refer me to someone private? im just worried he will refer me to some random group thing, which i really don't want. i really want some private (one to one) help on this matter. i have googled local stuff but can't find anything. i live in se london, so i know its very general/specific for this board, but i don't know what else to do and i really need to sort this out. thank you for your support.

[Bathsheba]

Hi James. What are you hoping to achieve? Have you made the decision to stop drinking altogether? x

[james1976]

i dont' want to give up completely, but want to be able to control the amount i do drink, since at the moment, once i start, i cannot stop until i'm very drunk, and i hate this. i'm so sorry, but i hate myself for having got to this way.

[Rosetta]

Though it is not specifically what you ask, AA are very good in the support that they offer and they have a support network that is countrywide.
Your GP may also help you through the detox process if thats needed

Good luck, its a wise thing you are doing

[craft1948]

sorry james...it's all or nothing....

[Bathsheba]

James, i feel for you.
Sadly, there are many folk who use alcohol in the way you describe, and i believe there is no such thing as "sensible, moderate" drinking for them/us.
If 1976 is your year of birth, then you've probably got 5 more years of overloading your body with poison, (cos that's what alcohol is) before you cause any lasting damage.
Sorry to sound harsh, but i've got the tee shirt. Do yourself a favour James, and sack it. But i suspect you will continue until you reach rock bottom.
I wish you luck x

[james1976]

Bathsheba says "But i suspect you will continue until you reach rock bottom.
I wish you luck x "
thank you, but i don't want to reach rock bottom, but a random person like you thinks that i will, that is no help at all. i don't want "luck" nor need "luck" i want HELP and need to know where to get it, and better than from a random GP saying "oh, join an AA group, it will be fine"

[condom]

james I and I also know a girl who has the same problem. i have started drinking every night also at least a bottle of wine. i think u r 1 year older than me. i have seen doctors and cousilors at uni. my friend who rents my house back in the uk has the same problem.

what we need is a warning sign to say stop drinking but even if u heard it would u act on it?

[Rosetta]

How rude. ^^^

Iam sorry, you have blown it for me. You ask for advice and then become abusive. You are either
p1ssed
Not ready to change
a wind up merchant

[condom]

what bathesby says is right. i havent drunk for 5 days now and i think its amazing but i am going out sunday night and know i will get completely steaming.....


but james you know what plays the biggest influence in all this?!?!?!?!?!?!?!


the people you hang out with

[Rosetta]

well well well. Gravy no less.

[Bathsheba]

James, i'm sorry my answer had made you angry, that was not my intention, i assure you.
It is possible to speak to someone from Alcoholics Anonymous on the phone.....just give them a call, and they will call you back. x

[Ice.Maiden]

Here you are James. You might find this more to your liking.

http://www.top100.org.uk/html/medical_services .html

[james1976]

rosetta, i was not having a go at you, so sorry, but i was (slightly!) at bathsheba. either way, bathsheba, im sorry for sounding harsh and thank you for your apology. i will contact AA and my GP and ask specifically if and where i can get one to one help, i'm sure there must be a place where i can get this. it's just that in se london, things are very slow and random, and i dont want to have to wait weeks before i see somebody. thank you.

[Bathsheba]

No need to thank me for my apology James, i wasn't apologizing to you- i still stand by everything i said.
I was just sorry to see that you didn't take my sentiments on board in the spirit they were intended.
I sincerely hope you are able to control and moderate your alcohol intake.

[mandimoo]

well they always say the first step is realising you have a problem, so well done. further to that, i agree with what others are saying about seeing your GP. but if you are really determined to go down a private route then i would look in your local paper, yellow pages, internet for councilling services... maybe even a hypnotist. and in the mean time, and please excuse the cliche, but get a hobby, something that interests you, and do that instead.

[soulstar11]

James,
My work is with people who are struggling in the same way as yourself. A combination of most of the above is true - but not for everyone!

Many people go for total abstination - that is the only way they can get off, and stay off. Some can tolerate "controlled drinking" which is what you appear to be considering. This isn't easy. However, on the plus side, you are obviously actively seeking help - which increases the chances of a successful outcome.

I use a cognitive behavioural approach (CBT) with a good success rate in 1:1 therapy. I would suggest asking your gp for a referral to your local drug & alcohol service and find out how they can help you with this (this would be free). Or, if you really want to go the private route, look up psychotherapists / cognitive behavioural therapists who specialise in addictions (like it or not, that's what this is).

Be aware that this is a stage where you might be thinking "oh it will sort itself out". It won't.
You've got your head screwed on enough to know that you aren't happy with your current level of drinking, use that insight now - not everyone is lucky enough to have it.

All the very best of luck.