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In reply to the discussion: I'm drunk, any other alcoholics around? [View all]Major Nikon
(36,828 posts)113. It's not even close to being the most used method
Most alcoholics that do quit do so all by themselves.
... The success rates for people suffering from addictions is about the same regardless if they complete a 12-step program, an inpatient program, or just go cold-turkey. Heres what the The Harvard Mental Health Letter had to say about this surprising fact.
There is a high rate of recovery among alcoholics and addicts, treated and untreated. According to one estimate, heroin addicts break the habit in an average of 11 years. Another estimate is that at least 50% of alcoholics eventually free themselves though only 10% are ever treated. One recent study found that 80% of all alcoholics who recover for a year or more do so on their own, some after being unsuccessfully treated. When a group of these self-treated alcoholics was interviewed, 57% said they simply decided that alcohol was bad for them. Twenty-nine percent said health problems, frightening experiences, accidents, or blackouts persuaded them to quit. Others used such phrases as Things were building up or I was sick and tired of it. Support from a husband or wife was important in sustaining the resolution.
*Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction Part III, The Harvard Mental Health Letter, Volume 12, Number 4, October 1995, page 3.
(See Aug. (Part I), Sept. (Part II), Oct. 1995 (Part III).)
There is a high rate of recovery among alcoholics and addicts, treated and untreated. According to one estimate, heroin addicts break the habit in an average of 11 years. Another estimate is that at least 50% of alcoholics eventually free themselves though only 10% are ever treated. One recent study found that 80% of all alcoholics who recover for a year or more do so on their own, some after being unsuccessfully treated. When a group of these self-treated alcoholics was interviewed, 57% said they simply decided that alcohol was bad for them. Twenty-nine percent said health problems, frightening experiences, accidents, or blackouts persuaded them to quit. Others used such phrases as Things were building up or I was sick and tired of it. Support from a husband or wife was important in sustaining the resolution.
*Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction Part III, The Harvard Mental Health Letter, Volume 12, Number 4, October 1995, page 3.
(See Aug. (Part I), Sept. (Part II), Oct. 1995 (Part III).)
http://www.reconsider.org/wordpress/?p=121
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Learn to get high on oxygen. That's how I kicked smoking more than 20 years ago.
randome
Aug 2013
#1
You've taken a great step here just by your post. You need a crutch and I hope someone here
Purveyor
Aug 2013
#5
If you can go two or three days without drinking at all, you're not in the grip of alcohol.
cherokeeprogressive
Aug 2013
#25
I have much experience with alcoholism in my family and would like to vouch for
Marie Marie
Aug 2013
#27
"I see the world we live in as being a series of hard to see cages like that"
woo me with science
Aug 2013
#115
The first step is admitting you have a problem. AA doesn't work for everyone, but it does work for
Electric Monk
Aug 2013
#19
Think you said this very well. And AA did work for me though I'm a liberal atheist
Rhiannon12866
Aug 2013
#64
Anecdottaly, I've noticed a fairly high success rate in those who do 90 meetings in 90 days.
Electric Monk
Aug 2013
#72
I think you meant to reply to the OP, but I totally agree with you on that, as well!
Rhiannon12866
Aug 2013
#73
You might want to try to fathom it, or not comment on your superiority to people who are clearly
Squinch
Aug 2013
#103
Read this then say that again. It can become a physical addiction, not just a 'bad habit'.
Electric Monk
Aug 2013
#38
It is very irresponsible to suggest to an addict that they go it alone or continue to drink/use.
Skeeter Barnes
Aug 2013
#47
I did the first steps on AA. Really works. Especially the part where you admit you have no
applegrove
Aug 2013
#35
I'm 59...been drinking since I was 17. Next Wednesday I'm having an MRI (roughly $3000) on my liver
Rowdyboy
Aug 2013
#39
I would look into meetings immediately and getting an assessment at a treatment center very soon.
Skeeter Barnes
Aug 2013
#45
".....that's what drinking does for me, momentarily" ".....I can't shake the need"
Skittles
Aug 2013
#68
PM me if you like...I had to quit for a year back in 2007 because I had to have anti-tb meds....
Rowdyboy
Aug 2013
#50
Well other than traditional outlets, counseling, AA you might try self-hypnosis,
Uncle Joe
Aug 2013
#66
Welcome to DU. I hope you don't mind if I copy-paste your post, in case it gets deleted.
Electric Monk
Aug 2013
#100
I think a really important point from the response to you is, don't do this alone
steve2470
Aug 2013
#101
+1 I only suggested an online forum because there is no driving, he can go
LiberalLoner
Aug 2013
#105
Madville, I have no advice except to say that, whatever method you choose, you are young
Squinch
Aug 2013
#106