Alcoholism Support Group

Hello all, this is my first entry in the Alcoholism Support forum, although I know I've needed it for some time. I am a dry drunk, going for months, even years at a time without a drink, but eventually the damn breaks and I am hammered again.

This entry comes in anticipation of my first AA meeting in years. That is a different story for a different time. Suffice it to say I have no problem with a higher power, but have on occasion clashed with the personalities, I am supposed to let go of.I am terrified of this meeting, I suffer from a general anxiety disorder as well as BP, and this idea of a room full of people I don't know has sent me into a spiral.

Any words of welcome, of kindness, of encouragement would be greatly appriecated. Thanks, Jenny Countrymouse

Hi Jenny,

I know the pain from suffering as a "dry-drunk". The first year after rehab I didn't get help and was miserable. All the symptoms of a drunk w/o acutally imbibing.

I finally relapsed last August 08 for one day and ended up going to AA drunk. That was the last time I drank. Thank God for AA; nobody, nobody judged me or yelled at me for showing up drunk; they loved me until I could love myself. ...it has really healed me from the inside-out. I am finally feeling comfortable with the people in my AA home-group and have actually grown to Really, really care for them.

All you have to do is go and listen....if you go to back to Aa. There is NO pressure to speak or share with the group. Go like ur doing research for your health problem (of alcholism) that is.

I'm also here for support whenever you need me.

Hugz n luv

Ange

Thanks Ange, that was just what I need to hear. I spent 2+ yrs in AA back in the 90's and am still not sure why I strayed. I think I could have saved myself a lot of heartache. I am nervous about tonight, even though I know it will be a welcoming experience. Thanks for your kind words, {{hugs}} Jenny

What is a "dry drunk" have heard that phrase before but don't know what it is

A dry drunk is someone who stays dry, without alcohol, with out the benefit of a 12 step or other program. The outcome is usually, crankiness, and a shortness of temper as well as other things. It doesn't let you work things out that made you drink in the first place

I stopped drinking because I got pancreatitis, I didn't go to any AA meetings until 4 years later, I didn't drink but was agoraphobic, does that mean I was in a dry drunk, I only went to a few AA meetings because it was not giving me what I needed. I went to therapy and that helped me w/ my agoraphobia. So a dry drunk is someone who doesn't drink but doesn't deal with issues that caused him to drink/ Am I understanding this right

I think so, that is always the way I've understood it. It doesnt require AA, but some kind of therapy to help you understand why we drink the way we do

hi CM, welcome to the group, I know how hard it will be for you to go to the meeting, just remember in the front of you why you are there and let that guide you in, and let us know how you get on, i'll be thinking about you and sending good vibes your way.