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Isolation, loneliness with alcohol

Posted , 9 users are following.

robert40917
robert40917

Hi lovely people, 

I have been drinking a long time, all throughout my adult life, now aged 40, this last 10-12 years have been the worst. I have worked all my life but recently went on sick leave, subsequently handing in my notice two months later. Stress related, unable to handle the job, coupled with my evening drinking.

I've isolated myself for years, found a friend last year, leading to affection, didn't last too long as I was too keen. So relieved to find happiness that I was wanting too much too quickly.

6 months on, it's all I can think about and care about - that particular connection. No other part of my life seems to matter. 

The severity of my drinking has led me to a program via the NHS for alcohol recovery, which I am so grateful for. I can't seem to slowly ween myself off though. Will power, lack of discipline perhaps - I just can't see a glimmer of imagination/hope for the future. Stuck in a moment that made me feel alive. I can't imagine what it would feel like, maybe different if I were sober for a period of time. Not necessarily succeeding but active, maybe I would learn to live with the loss - or feel better within myself however hard it is. 

This doesn't compare to other people, I truly recognise how lucky I am - but I've been on my own for 20 years - all through my adult life and did not expect this mind/emotionally reaction to lose someone that I was never really with.

1 like, 26 replies

26 Replies

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  • sportyfiftysix
    sportyfiftysix robert40917

    Posted

    Dear Robert,

    I can hear from your words that you are extremely sad. I can totally identify with your situation. Unfortunately, drinking too much does not make us feel particularly good about ourselves, hence, when finding a potential partner it is often a case of becoming too needy to soon, which can and will turn into a disaster. 

    The way I see it, is that it is not you, it is the alcohol. 

    Once, you get the handle on the alcohol, you will feel so much better about yourself and will see the loss in a different light. You will also feel more confident about taking things slow and not be too worried about it not working out. 

    You are only 40 years old. That is still so young. 

    I also isolated myself so that I could drink my liter of red wine every evening in peace. No consequences of having stuffed up in public somewhere. I told myself, it is ok to live like that, but frankly it is not ok. It works for a couple of years and then it might just destroy us.

    Everyone needs some sort of purpose in life to feel worthy of living. 

    It is possible that you might not mourning the loss of that particular person, but the good moments you had for that short time. 

    Most of us here on the forum go through something similar, so you in the right place and will get a lot of support here. 

    Are you on the Sinclair method, and if so, for how long already?

    I wish you the best of luck.

    hugs CK

  • Guest
    Guest robert40917

    Posted

    Hi!

    You should start the TSM (The Sinclair Method)...it's the only cure in my opinion. You drink to get sober....go to C Three Foundation website and watch on youtube about the results people are having with this method. TSM is the only way I am able to do this...I'm pleased...for me, slow and steady, day by day.

  • JulieAnne101
    JulieAnne101 robert40917

    Posted

    Hi Robert

    So sorry to read about your loneliness. I honestly believe that alcohol changes people's personalities. I do not have AUD but my OH does. When he was drinking heavily, he became morose and maudlin and self absobed. When he was sober which unfortunately was not very often, he was quite an upbeat kind of guy.

    Since starting his TSM journey I have got my real Husband back. We met each other through hobbies after a relationship break up.

    I would say get yourself sorted first boot the alcohol out and then start to organise your life. You will be far more attractive to other people if alcohol isn't warping your view

    Regards

    JulieAnne x

    • robert40917
      robert40917 JulieAnne101

      Posted

      Hi Julie Anne,

      Thank you for the reply,  makes so much sense. I can't wait to live a sober life, however much the demons need to be faced. I must trust in the program from the experts, irrespective of the past. I have a mother that is in bits, because she can't help. If nothing else, I have to find a will to live and move forward for her peace of mind.

      R

    • JulieAnne101
      JulieAnne101 robert40917

      Posted

      Hi Robert

      You do not say what actions you are taking to try and control your alcohol intake. Are you trying to stay dry?

      If you have been drinking for a long time, my understanding is that it can be a very difficult thing to do

      Regards

      JulieAnne x

    • robert40917
      robert40917 JulieAnne101

      Posted

      Hi Julie Anne,

      Through the alcohol recovery program,

      they have recommended weening myself off, selecting initially an amount a feel comfortable drinking on a daily basis, then dropping by 10 percent each week. Makes good sense but since I have gone up and down, not keeping to their advice or a strict structure to reduce. Feel worse about it as will power is seems non-existent, which is the sad part. In answer to your question, little action - and that is the salient point which I'm glad you've brought up. Thank you again

    • JulieAnne101
      JulieAnne101 robert40917

      Posted

      Hi Robert

      Yes the 10% reduction does make sense to keep you safe from possible withdrawal problems-Delirium Tremens and seizures. It is a life threatening condition and should not be taken lightly. I have witnessed my OH have DT's and seizures many times. I was told he would not survive many more. His consultant said that because he was constantly drying out and then binge drinking his brain was becoming more and more sensitive to alcohol.

      He was detoxed January 2017 and began a course of Campral which did help with the cravings for a while. I know it continues to work for some forum members. You may want to consider this. My Husband got his prescription from his Alcohol Recovery Centre Doc.

      The lovely people on this forum then directed me to c3foundationeurope website. It's about pharmacological extinction. Groundbreaking research done by Dr David Sinclair. Known as The Sinclair Method. If you are interested you really need to do some research. Watch Claudia Christian's One Little Pill available on you tube, if not Amazon. That's where I got my download from.

      My Husband started following TSM a in April 2017 and he has not looked back. He is down from 30 plus units a day to less than 10 units a week. Currently achieving 2 alcohol free days a week.

      Do the research. You have options. There is a very helpful counsellor on c3europe who can explain it all far better than me her name is Joanna. Good luck. Let us know how you get on

      Kindest Regards

      JulieAnnex

    • robert40917
      robert40917 JulieAnne101

      Posted

      Hi Julie Anne,

      Thank you for the message, you are the first person I have 'spoken' to today.

      I feel quite unwell today, due to consumption but am more afraid of my mental state and ongoing 'grief', which I mean in the lightest of terms compared to someone who has had someone close pass away.

      It's off topic I know as this is all about alcoholism. Thank you for educating me with the Sinclair method and sharing your circumstance, I am pleased your OH has made the progress achieved over the past year, what fantastic love and support to have you there. 

      I will keep you posted, thanks again for the information, I will process it and research.

      R

    • JulieAnne101
      JulieAnne101 robert40917

      Posted

      Hi Robert

      I am certain that the alcohol is making you more depressed than you should be. It is a depressant. You are still young, a new life awaits you. I remarried 4 years ago aged 56. I certainly did not write myself off when my first marriage failed.

      I realise that you are in such a low place, you probably don't want to do any research. C3 will help you. You just have to have faith and reach out

      Kindest Regards

      JulieAnnex

    • ADEfree
      ADEfree robert40917

      Posted

      I'll be happy to PM you some links, Robert. Just let me know.

    • robert40917
      robert40917 ADEfree

      Posted

      Yes please, thank you. I have watched a couple of videos so far. Thank you. I'm scared my addiction is psychological mostly and afraid of the emptiness if I did manage to be sober. All the reasons I drink would come to the forefront. I guess with the alcohol reduction/program I have recently started - and not adhering to - the team give me a sense of emotional support but that is really a figment of my imagination, it's loneliness and wanting human connection/care.

      I am sidestepping your point, which I apologise for, I would be grateful for any links PM'd to me. 

    • ADEfree
      ADEfree robert40917

      Posted

      I just now sent the links to you Robert. Sorry for the delay, I'm on the other side of the pond.

  • philippa54385
    philippa54385 robert40917

    Posted

    Hi Robert

    I totally agree with Julie. You need to focus on getting well before you look for a relationship. I've bounced from 1 relationship to another over the years. All bad choices. The longer I go AF the better im feeling and im sure my choices will reflect that.

    Sending hugs and best wishes

    • robert40917
      robert40917 philippa54385

      Posted

      Hi Philippa, thank you for taking the time to read and reply. I will be rereading the comments again and again to keep my head above the waterline. Thank you again
    • Robin2015
      Robin2015 robert40917

      Posted

      Hi Robert. Google C3Foundation and Sinclair Method. Very high success rate. No drinking is the way forward 😁

    • robert40917
      robert40917 Robin2015

      Posted

      Hi Robin, thank you - this is new for me to discover, I will look investigate- thank you for the reply
    • vickylou
      vickylou robert40917

      Posted

      Hi robert

      Google acamposate (campral). It’s an anti craving medication which worked well for me. Makes not drinking so much easier. Just a suggestion.

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