Stressed out

[Heitman]

Hi all, I am very much depressed and frustrated these days due to my alcohol problem. I have been addicted to alcohol for over three years and I am facing some anxiety issues due to that. I have been advised by my doctor to quit, but I can’t imagine a life without alcohol. I am worried about myself. My cousin suggested me to seek the help of any alcohol treatment centres in Vancouver like Edgewood for a fast recovery. But this has made me more depressed. I don’t want to quit drinking. Can anybody here suggest me in this concern?

[Anne1221]

I know you don't want to quit drinking, but think it through. It's causing you depression and anxiety. It's wreaking havoc on your life. Alcohol addiction takes and takes but gives nothing back but misery. You just think you can't live without alcohol, but you can! And you life can be better than you ever imagined. Your cousin has given you some good advice. Can't hurt to check it out.

[RoderickLariviere]

You need to quit your alcohol, your life will be much better after quitting alcohol. It is so hard in the beginning but if you get success it will change your life.

[cloudy black]

hello Heitman. i had a relative who had a drinking problem from the age of 14 to age of 63. he died indirectly through alcohol. i had not seen him for a long time because he lived overseas. he had to leave because of his drinking and he ended up on an island with a small community and his drinking got steadily worse. 18 months before he died he phoned me and begged me to go out but i didnt have the money for the flight and i felt and still do feel sh*te about that. being at the mercy of drink led him to spend time with bad people and he ended up going to prison. i will never know if what he was accused of was true. he ended up a very lonely man and not many friends most of his friends were his drinking pals/chums. it had a devastating effect on me ...i have not been able to talk about it fully after all these years. i send this to you to not to upset you but to illustrate what alcohol can do to people.

[The Intolerable Kid]

I know what you mean about not wanting to quit. All I can say is that a gradual reduction, stepping down your alcohol intake is something that's gotten me results. Try to replace it with other, less harmful substances like valerian root if you can. Keep as busy as you can when you want a drink, try and get through it by focusing you energy on something positive. Easier said than done, I know, but others have done it. Whether or not you want or need outside help is up to you.