r/alcoholism • • Mar 10 '26

Gentle reminder...

16 Upvotes

Adding the words, "not seeking medical advice" to either the title or body before posting a request for medical advice does not and will not give your post immunity.

This includes questions about how to withdraw, or health concerns related to drinking.

If your question starts with "is it ok to [whatever]" or "is it safe to [whatever]" it is a medical question and will go.

If it starts with "What is your personal experience with [whatever]" - you're probably ok.

No one here is a doctor, they are sure as heck aren't your doctor.

No redditor can offer sincere medical support in this subreddit.

r/askdocs is a better fit if the internet is your only recourse.

Posts seeking medical advice will be removed as will comments.


r/alcoholism • • May 27 '26

This is not the place for market research.

18 Upvotes

We are a recovery focused and safe place for people.

Any post about app development or marketing or similar will be removed.

Thanks for understanding.


r/alcoholism • • 5h ago

dying and tired, looking for advice

18 Upvotes

im out of options, my profile gives a little idea

ive been drinking almost half gallon of vodka daily for a while

im finally out of money after pawning things and taking more cancerous loans just to stay sauced

im being sued 6 ways from sunday and im drowning

i just got out of the ER for a small stroke and within 30 minutes i was slamming a 750 of vodka instead of calling the neurologist

im even drunk right now, just finished another 750

i dont know if i want to die or not but its going to happen anyways if i cant make my mind up

im desperate for anyone to tell me what i havent thought of already

my family are dead, i dont have many people to lean on, and im a trainwreck of a person

i just need to know what there is to live for because i think im at the end and i cant stop


r/alcoholism • • 4h ago

When will I start to feel better?

6 Upvotes

I’m 2 weeks sober today. Was drinking everyday for about 3 years. I feel like nothing gives me dopamine anymore. Nothing makes me happy, I can’t find anything to do that I enjoy. I know it’s only been 2 weeks and my brain/body is adjusting but I hate this feeling. I’ve forced myself to go out and do things, but I end up feeling worse than if I just stayed home.


r/alcoholism • • 10h ago

I could use some kind words right now. Been struggling for almost 10 years now.

14 Upvotes

Yes I’ve tried AA and the steps. It’s a good program, just not for me.

Im a pint a night drinker. After many hospital visits and dangerous benders I’ve limited myself to never* buying more than a pint.

Im stuck. Im 37. The pint a night just keeps me going. Most the time I’m not too hung over. But im also not healthy enough to live a regular happy life.

Im just at a loss for words. I know 100% that if I keep drinking, sooner than later I will die. And yet every night- I stop by the liquor store. Even after all the pain alcohol has caused me. I still can’t just put it down for good.


r/alcoholism • • 1h ago

Day 4 of complete sobriety :)

• Upvotes

I just wanted to share how I have been raw dogging life for the past 4 days, and although its not my record best, its isnt very far from it, and I feel hopeful that I will be once and for all sober this time.

Coming from a girl who breaks expensive things and gets into fights in her worst drunk times, it is so important for my future and my loved ones that I am able to keep sober. (Really really lucky I've never made it to jail, lord knows I've been close a few times)

The past few days have been really hard and I have a ton of mental fatigue for a big portion of the days. I want to do better immediately- go to the gym, work the longest hours.. but I have decided to give myself a break and take it easy for a little while. Slowly build up a positive rhythm instead of jumping into something really challenging that will break my will while I am recovering.

So 1 step at a time, one more small improvement everyday, avoiding the urge to take steps back. That is my goal. And especially: Unrationalizing things that usually cause me to think it's okay to have a drink. The slope is too slippery for me.

Thx for listening and wishing others in my position the very best outcomes!


r/alcoholism • • 1h ago

I need help

• Upvotes

I’m 23 years old and I’ve been drinking since I was in high school. I started off slow and just casual drinking and it somehow just ramped up so badly I’ve been drinking a mickey a day. My girlfriend of 5 years left me and said it was because of my drinking she’s been hanging out with other guys now I don’t blame her I wasn’t a good person and she deserved better. I was so devastated about it I was drinking a 1.14 every day for the week. I’ve finally managed to be sober for 2 days but I’m scared Il go back to that I really want to change my life and hopefully one day have her back. I just don’t know how, I feel so lost and I’ve caused so much damage to myself and others because of alcohol


r/alcoholism • • 1d ago

Had the urge to drink almost went to the alcohol store but ultimately decided against it

92 Upvotes

Small win. Thanks for listening


r/alcoholism • • 20m ago

Need advice

• Upvotes

Please forgive me if this is the wrong sub to post this on but I need some help.

My boyfriend (28M) has never been a crazy drinker as long as I have known him, this has been coming up 10 years. The past year he has quit other substances and I have felt like he has maybe replaced this with drink and thinks it’s okay because it’s legal and he only drinks on the weekends.

I understand it’s a way to de-stress after a long week so I feel bad pestering him about it, but I feel it’s getting a little much for me. Every Friday and Saturday night he’s drinking until he’s slurring his words or falling asleep on the couch. It’s gotten to the point where it’s not fun for me anymore and it has taken the novelty out of having a drink on a special occasion.

I have also noticed it has changed him. He isn’t as adventurous as he used to be and really only looks forward to a drink on the weekend. As soon as it’s Friday he’ll ask me to pick something up on the way home and I know it’s started. I ask if we can go out on a walk at the weekend or do something other than drinking and he doesn’t care about it.

I have tried to speak to him and to be fair he had cut down since. He’s gone from drinking a 1l bottle of rum per night to 750 or about 8 beers. But still I’m always worried he’s going to get too drunk. When he is he just says I’m not fun and I feel terrible.

We’re on holiday currently and being the second night away he’s spent 2/2 nights drinking until he couldn’t anymore. Tonight he went to pour himself another when I had to say are you really doing that, you don’t need another. I just felt awful.

I don’t know if I’m being harsh, and if I’m not I don’t know how to get through to him that this is a problem and I don’t know how much longer I can deal with it. Please help.


r/alcoholism • • 27m ago

Sober but conflicted

• Upvotes

I am 65 days sober and I’m really proud of myself but I’d be lying if I didn’t say gabapentin wasn’t a real helpful medication for cravings (for me it doesn’t work for everyone ). Unfortunately the side effects is swelling especially in the legs. Not everyone gets that but I realized that my legs are bigger and heavier. All I wear is black leggings which are supposed to be slimming but my legs still look chubby and stumpy. It’s starting to really affect my mental health. I had eating disorders years ago and body image is something I’ve always struggled with. So with all that being said I know sobriety is the most important thing but I’m afraid to stop it and have my cravings return to what they were and they were uncontrollable. Yes I went to fellowships and still do but only now do I have these 65 days whereas before I couldn’t even make it to 30 countless times. Looking for advice ( not medical advice ) but more the pros and cons and if someone maybe had a similar situation to share. TIA 🙏🏻


r/alcoholism • • 23h ago

Ex-Wife remarried and I didn't drink about it

66 Upvotes

I don't have much of anyone irl to brag about this with, but I know you will understand. I'm happily 7 years sober, thanks in large part to my ex-wife.

So, my ex-wife got remarried in Vegas last weekend. I still have a close (if not frequent) friendship with her, I'm cool and cordial with the new guy, and we share custody of our beloved dog.

It was our pup's 10-year birthday on Monday, so i went to their new place and had dinner with them, so we could all give her the attention and affection she deserves. Before I left, I congratulated the couple, told my ex I was happy for and proud of her. I started walking home; it's a long but reasonable walk, and I didn't want to wait for the bus, so I hoofed it until the next bus caught up to me.

I thought to myself, "this would be a great time for a drink," as during my pre-marriage days, I would always drown my sorrows. But there was no sorrow. No tears, but instead, a feeling of closure. I hopped on the next bus and was in my jammies by 9:30.

I can't hold a grudge. She literally saved my life -- dropped me off at rehab, and most importantly, brought me home. I'm already working on my next chapter. But I am infinitely proud of myself for not drinking throughout the breakup. Ex is dropping my pup off this evening and I'll spend a week with her. I will continue to not drink with you, today, tomorrow, and as long as possible.


r/alcoholism • • 6h ago

Another attempt

2 Upvotes

Well here’s something I never thought I would admit before because it’s such a frustrating aspect of my life.

I’m officially 4 days sober, I have quit multiple times and gone back every single time. Truth be told I need to quit because I assume it’s what is contributing to my insane levels of anxiety.

And by anxiety I mean health anxiety for myself and others, a looming feeling of doom and dread the second I gain consciousness, and the lack of motivation to do things.

I’m over it, I got so into drinking that I couldn’t tell what was real and what was caused by the alcohol. I haven’t been able to sleep properly and my anxiety has been at an all time high.

Is this common with becoming sober? I feel almost out of body. In some aspects I’m relieved, in others I’m terrified this feeling won’t go away.

I’ve never reached out for help or guidance, but I’m lost. I can’t tell what’s a normal part of the process or what’s not. Advice is greatly appreciated.


r/alcoholism • • 3h ago

Going to rehab tomorrow…

1 Upvotes

I’m 19 years old and I’ve already been to rehab a couple times before. I struggle with addiction to marijuana and alcohol. I’m heading back again tomorrow and I’ll be in treatment for the next 3-5 months. I really would like it to work this time and in the past my main problem has been not being able to handle the withdraws and not seeing progress immediately so I always AMA from treatment and then a couple months later end up right back in the same position. I really would like it to work this time these past couple years for me have been nothing but a battle against bipolar and addiction. If anyone has been in a similar situation as me (being in and out of rehab) how did you get it to stick the final time? And if anyone has any advice for me, it would be greatly appreciated 🙏🙏🙏


r/alcoholism • • 9h ago

Dad Addicted to Alcohol😕😔

3 Upvotes

Good evening, members.

It hurts so much that I can no longer hide what I have been going through. Since childhood, my dad has struggled with severe alcoholism, and I have grown up feeling neglected. Even to this day, the situation remains the same. He has neglected his responsibilities, and honestly, I feel lost and confused. I don't know how best to help him.

I have been thinking about taking him to a rehabilitation centre, but the cost seems overwhelming. At the same time, I am doing my best to pay school fees for my younger brothers, and the weight of these responsibilities is becoming too much for me to bear.

Sometimes, I feel drowned by the situation and almost hopeless, because I don't know where to begin or what to do next. Despite everything, deep down, I still believe that one day things will get better and that, by God's grace, I will be able to turn things around for my family.

I am sharing this not because I have given up, but because I have carried this pain for so long, and I feel the need to open up. I would appreciate your prayers, guidance, advice, and any support or information on affordable rehabilitation services that could help my dad.

Thank you for taking the time to listen. 🙏❤️


r/alcoholism • • 3h ago

Feeling guilty and emotional

Thumbnail
1 Upvotes

r/alcoholism • • 9h ago

do you think there could be a time for us again in the future?

2 Upvotes

my partner (32M) and i (24F) have been dating for about a year and a half now(july 2025). we met at our job, we work in hospitality.

i honestly don’t know where to start my story to get to the point of my title. i didn’t know it at the start, but i began to realize that my boyfriend is an alcoholic. he would drink beat boxes or vodka, anything that was cheap but strong, and start from the moment he woke up till he went to sleep. i didn’t notice these habits of abuse until he would turn his anger onto me. every time he drinks, he is manipulative, straight up rude to me- calls me names, ignores me, blames his actions onto me; he makes disgusting messes with food or bodily fluids, he becomes someone i don’t recognize.

december 2025, he was invited to my family’s christmas party. i asked him not to drink, he showed up hammered and drank so much more. he became highly annoying with his loud side comments, made some uncomfortable with the way they saw him treating me, and it only got worse later in the night. my parents drove us back to their house (i live with them), and my man was not allowed to stay in my parents house. these rules, annoying as hell, but it is what it is- he knew it, but thought if he got drunk enough that he could stay. i wish he could’ve. instead of ordering him an uber and wishing him a goodnight and kisses etc, he got so upset that he couldn’t stay that when we were outside he yelled at me to KMS and that my whole family sucks and when my dad heard ts, he came outside like wtf dude? my boyfriend becomes a different person, zero respect for anyone not even himself. he told my dad off, told my mom off, and got in his car and drove home.

due to these actions, plus their previous thoughts on him that he’s not good enough for me. they didn’t talk to my boyfriend for a long time. not entirely their decision, as it took my boyfriend 4 months to even apologize to them- and through a damn text.

march 2026, he was on my side of town asking to go to breakfast in the am. i’m down, so i met up with him. to find that he was absolutely trashed (it had to be like 8 or 9 am.) i didn’t call him out immediately, but when it came time to leave i told him to lock his car up and get into mine because i clearly have to drive him home. he was so rude to me on the way to his house, eventually he passed out. i knew it was time to change things around or this wasn’t going to work for me anymore. i drove us to the local AA meeting house, they had a meeting in 20 minutes. when he woke up he became so upset he threw a tantrum in my car and made a huge mess with the flowers he had bought me and a bag of chips. he walked away and down the street as i sat and cried. i was going in. he came back before the meeting started and we went in, it was one of the most healing feelings ever to be there. they had me read the 12 steps out loud to the group, and i had a wash of emotions stir through me. i thought, “maybe he’ll finally see what his addiction is doing to the people he’s loved.” (he already knows, he’s already lost every job he’s had and bounced around due to his abuse.) it worked for some time. he sweat it out and was sober for 3 months before a slip up that we corrected very fast, sober for another 3ish months and now here we are today.

he was rude to me all mf day, no reason. the second i woke up, i was ridiculed and bitched at. we had to shop for a present for his sisters birthday dinner that night, and he became sure a pest at the store. “overconsumerism of plastic bullshit is killing america”, “you fell into the scams of society”, “target is watching i hate being in this store.”, “you love this store because you love bullshit.”, “i can’t be with someone who falls for the american dream.” the world is fucked, no need to over stress over it and make me miserable. i dropped him off at home and finished my errands, and came back to glass all over the kitchen. apparently, to him, this is “my fault.”

fast forward through more bullshit, we go to dinner, he’s erratic, his family can tell something’s off, his mom knows the signs. fast forward to after dinner, we’re driving home- he’s nice. for 15 minutes i can actually smile. then as soon as we get home it changes. he talks so much about himself, society; hurts, habits, hangups; and so fast you barely have an opportunity to think of a response, and then it’s you’re fault you don’t listen and he’s just “talking to nobody.” i pretty much sat in silence after that. he was someone i’d never seen. i watched him walk to the closet and take a swig of vodka, i called him out. he started to throw my clothes out and told me to gtfo out his apartment. threatening to smash my laptop, bend my phone in half, throw my things off the balcony. wow. i began feeling unsafe so i started gathering my things to leave- he was sitting on the couch watching toy story whispering that im not leaving. i got all my stuff to the car, gave him a kiss goodbye, and left. he followed me out, pinned me at my car and his eyes went black. “get in the house, now!” “you’re not going anywhere, or else i’m gonna…..” he pulled at me to go back upstairs, i don’t feel safe at all anymore. but i went back upstairs because i thought maybe he wouldn’t do anything else and he’d go to sleep and i can sneak out. nope. instead he bitches me out, i sat in silence, and he began to spazz. flipped his living room table, broke everything on that, took the legs of the table and threw them at the wall, took his TV and threw it at the wall, and a picture was tossed as well making the floors of his apartment unwalkable. THANK GOD, his downstairs neighbor heard all of that and had a big heart to come check how everything was. i asked him to help me get out of there. drove home, talked to my mom. i had to.

she was supposed to meet him this weekend for the first time in months to begin the process of forgiveness and to move on as a unit BECAUSE I WANTED IT. not for her or my dad, because i chose him. and i don’t think that is going to happen anymore.

there’s so much to this story, but i can’t fit anymore details in. i have done so much for him, noticed my codependency habits are at an all time high, my stress levels are through the roof, ive made myself smaller and avoided anything that could make him upset. (doesn’t work.) he needs therapy and medical help, but it’s too expensive and he doesn’t “want to be labeled as different or an alcoholic.” he doesn’t want to commit to putting the bottle away for good. and i have decided it’s me or the bottle.


r/alcoholism • • 9h ago

Coping Mechanisms

2 Upvotes

Ive always had a thing with addiction, it started with weed. i know a lot of people say weed isnt addictive but i was addicted. Smoking north of 10 blunts a day from the age 14-22. i have always been functioning. its never hindered my work or relationships. Most people never seen it as an issue due to me being able to hide the amount i was consuming. Eventually i quit weed because i knew i didnt have the degrees or credentials to get a more stable job and higher paying jobs in my area drug test. I currently have a higher paying job, but i switched from one addiction to another. Alcohol. I have routinly consumed entire bottles of alcohol at once. I dont want to drink myself to death or allow something to have this much power over me. i was able to slow down my drinking earlier this year but stress in my life has caused me to relapse recently. this is another situation where people around me dont know how much or how often im drinking. it doesnt affect my work at all or my relationships. what im asking is how do i find a better coping mechanism for when things get really stressed. im usually doing fine until that stress hits and alcohol is the easiest way to get rid of that stress. I havent been enjoying any of my hobbies unless i have a few drinks in first. ive gained a ton of weight too and im just trying to find help without getting the typical 'boo hoo' treatment from people


r/alcoholism • • 20h ago

Admittedly drinking to numb depression and anxiety

15 Upvotes

Hello to all, my name is Tim and I'm a 49 y/0 M in Canada. I have currently drank close to half a bottle of Southern Comfort (my hard drink of choice) to numb myself from stress and and depression. I was a 'gifted child " and I feel like I have completely blown all my potential and talents as I'm currently off work from a low skill and low paying job (grocery store deliver driver(

I live in B.C. in Canada and am currently experiencing stress and depression to the degree I never could have predicted I would even just a few years ago. The apartment suite I've rented for 20 years was just noted as being unclean and having alot of structural cracks, which I've admittedly failed in reporting.

Alcoholism runs on both sides of my family - my grandfather who died in 2014 at the age of 93 and likely one retired uncle on my mother's side who will drink a full bottle of Scotch whisky in one night regularly, and then a couple of cousins and both uncles on my father's side (one of whom was a professional Stampede wrestler out of Calgary for around 10 years in the 70s and completed suicide at the age of 66 likely due to CTEd and persistent physical pain.

Both of my parents are in their late 70s and moderate social drinkers in and overall very good health for being almost 80 y/0 due to taking very high care of themselves diet and exercise wise.

I'm feeling despondent now as I've been off work for 2.5 months due to mental health issues and my future seem so bleak and hopeless. Yet I can still compose this in a mostly functional manner so maybe there is hope. I've drank very little for the last 20 years or so but have just had close to half a bottle of Southern Comfort in the last hour or so. Feeling actually quite good and fully acknowledge I will likely feel worse once I sober up.


r/alcoholism • • 12h ago

I think im gonna go to rehab tomorrow

3 Upvotes

Im so terrified of myself right now, it’s like the only moment I’m sane it’s when I wake up sober in the middle of the night.
Need advice


r/alcoholism • • 22h ago

Am i insane

9 Upvotes

So I have been a habitual drinker for years, I drink 20-25 drinks a day. Today I had to go for a health procedure and couldn’t drink for an extended period of time, I just stopped entirely, no issues nothing. I came out of sedation and checked myself out and downed like 8 drinks off the belt within an hour of waking up!! I realised today my alcoholism is 100% mental rather than physical and I’m now more worried


r/alcoholism • • 15h ago

Dating a newly recovering alcoholic. Advice needed please.

2 Upvotes

Hello, I met my boyfriend (30s/male) about 6 months ago. He had a problem with the drink when I met him, but as a drunk, it was at a level I could handle... so I didn't care too much. After all, his issues are his to handle, and I can't make anyone change if they don't want to. Plus, I had a bad problem with drink in my 20s. (I got hold of it, mostly because I get very sick hangovers and can't handle them anymore. I even developed mild GERD from the habit) so I understand addiction, as alcoholism runs in my family.

He was at a point he knew it was bad and had to stop eventually, and sure enough he had the moment of "I almost fucked it all up" and that was the kick he needed to start his sober journey. I am very proud of him for doing this, and will be sure to encourage him to keep going.

Hes about 2 months sober now, going to AA meetings, and has a lot of friends/family supporting him in the journey. I want to support him too, and I'm doing my best in every way I can think of.

But I do have some questions for those who have been through it and how your body and relationships recovered after:

How long did it take to feel like yourself again, and for the body to feel normal?

-He is looking much healthier now and taking vitamins, and eating more. But he was having liver and stomach issues before he quit. I want to see him feel better, as he generally refuses to see a doctor.

If you were in a relationship at the time, how did the recovery affect the physical aspects of your relationship? And how long did it take you to get back to normal in that respect?

-it was a bit unbalanced in how we matched before, but now it seems the want has completely fallen off the map for him, and its rough reconciling the lack on my end. i had the higher libido.

(I absolutely appreciate that he wants to still spend time with me without physical things being a part of it, but I DO miss it. Especially as he isnt a very physically affectionate person... I miss the connection there, and I really want it back)

Also. I have never known this man sober before.... I want to see who he becomes from this journey. I am in this for the long haul. I want to support him, and grow with him, and get to know him again. He's a good man, with a good heart.

I have never dated someone whos been in recovery. This is as new for me as it is him. I apologize if this is a lot to ask, or if this isnt the right place to ask these questions. But if there is any advice you can give on how I can help support him, please let me know. I want to see him succeed.

Thank you so much.


r/alcoholism • • 12h ago

30 days sober! Im till feeling very tired. Wasnt even a daily drinker...

1 Upvotes

30 days sober, still very tired. Wasnt a daily drinker?!

Hello!

Im 30 days sober, finally i made it this far. I was drinking like 3 or 4 times a week, for 2 years long maybe. I was drinking like 3 beers a time, 6 glasses. So maybe like 15 tot 18 glasses a week. Had times that i dronk daily, for 1 week every day... But then i didnt liked it anymore. Sometimes i stopped for one week..Im really happy that i made it this far finally.

I dont understand why im still feeling this tired and umotivated even little depressed, anhedonia. I searched a lot on Reddit for people with the same drinking pattern. I know that some people are stil tired even after 30 days. Even running is to much now. I must say that i also use Concerta 36mg, Lexapro 10mg, olanzapine 2.5mg en serequel 12.5mg. And i drinked with these medications to. My question is does this feeling get better?! I want to wake up more refreshed again and want my energy back....


r/alcoholism • • 12h ago

Early days

1 Upvotes

for starters I just turned 21 so to celebrate I started using nicotine because I wanted a way to calm myself after work and settled down great idea right anyways there was one issue alcohol was itching in my mind like a addict of years. I noticed day one my emotions where quite rough and trust me I worked months to be able and not react or be impulsive just to be a stable human being however that all went down the drain by day 3 especially once I decided I would buy alcohol. in the amount of time I know dip before work and after, drink headed to work and after. my mind feels so off balance I can't think just react, I just buy things to buy. I ended up attempting to be homeless because I don't feel I reason outher then to shoot up with drugs and live on the streets and that I'm content with why I say the substance made my mind go on edge I was like no point my ex is the only one I want and if I can't have her no point in trying. I still crave my nic and alcohol so bad as though it helped but it doesn't. i was diagnosed with bpd I thought I overcame it but It show itself this week on top of that I texted an old freind I had no business texting just because I wanted to get down with her I was so ashamed because no one deserves to be used. I also drove a homeless man an hour to get where he was going which is a good thing but really dangerous anyways hopefully someone can help me a little


r/alcoholism • • 1d ago

The beauty of pets.

Post image
7 Upvotes

Going through a relapse and i look over and see my two dogs. One is a pomsky and one is a shiba their personalities couldn't be more different LOL shiba pic in comments


r/alcoholism • • 14h ago

Am I going to be in withdrawal? Please read

1 Upvotes

A little over a month ago I did a medical detox because I was sick of having to drink liquor all day every day for six years straight. I’d go thru a handle in 4 days. I’ve never been a binge drinker somehow I just young in a rough situation and didn’t think physical withdrawal was real so when I wanted to stop I couldn’t on my own.

On the other hand my work is very nightlife centered and stressful, I can’t be a nervous wreck so I made a deal with myself that I could drink a few socially here and there or enjoy a glass of wine when I’m at a nice dinner. So far I stuck to that, keeping it to a couple with many sober days in between.

That brings us to now, I had at least one alcoholic beverage for four nights in a row. Never exceeded 3 in one night. Today I didn’t feel like drinking or for the rest of this week. Reddit and chat gpt informed me about kindling etc. I know for a normal person that low level amount of consumption wouldn’t cause withdrawals but since I have a past history of drinking heavily does that mean I’ll be back in it?? I’m a very anxious person, I’m at like 30hrs without feeling any dangerous symptoms but I’m freaked out I’ll randomly have a seizure tomorrow or something. Should I be concerned and reach out for medical help or will I likely be fine?