"Good alcohol reduction advice"

I was drinking excessively.  Daily.  I had become physically dependent on alcohol. I could not function without it. I would start drinking neat spirits from first thing in the morning continuing until I went to bed. I was consumed with anxiety, depressed, feeling helpless and contemplating ending my life.  The pandemic and lockdown only made things worse.  And yet, I have a home, a loving partner, two beautiful adult children and full time job.  I was in danger of losing everything.  My whole life was on a knife edge.  I hated myself, I was angry. I felt worthless and a failure.  I was obsessed with alcohol and yet the more I drank, the worse I felt and I never reached that high or buzz.  I was drinking just to barely function.  My sleeping patterns were erratic, sometimes I would  sleep all night, other times I would wake up 2 or 3 times.  I never felt refreshed after sleep, I always woke craving that next drink just to make me feel ‘normal’ and to stop the shakes and the sweats. The physical signs were starting to show: I was bloated, my stomach extended, my fingers and legs were starting to swell. Along with all of this I was struggling with debt and smoking constantly.  The money I was spending on alcohol and cigarettes only added to my debts.  I knew, and so did my family, that I had do do something about this, but the action to only come from me.

I feel encouraged and motivated by the advice and support I received, connecting me with groups so I dont feel alone and also being given coping strategies and realistic goals has made such a difference to me.