Quitting drinking

[Zundfolge1432]

The majority of alcoholics are able to function and hide their illness. Very few end up with the stereotypical crawling around or covered with newspapers lying in a gutter. Having worked with thousands of mechanics over the years I've met and worked with more than a few functional drunks, but I've seen a few change direction. What it comes down to is each person will choose their own way. Sadly some will relapse, some will die.

One in particular a man named Tyler came home from Vietnam Nam and got a job working for the airline loading cargo,that was 1966 and the war raged on. He told me he remembered loading the coffins and it really bothered him at about this same time he began drinking every day. His job also put him in direct contact with alcohol as they also cleaned the planes and emptied the trash. The liquor box was always accessible and they drank. They also looked in the baggage not to steal valuable items but they took prescription drugs and bags of weed because who would report that?

They kept a PDR that's physicians desk reference that listed all types of pills and dosages but occasionally would find pills being unable to identify. They would take turns trying small amounts to see what would happen. Tyler was unlucky enough to ingest a few pills then a short time later became incontinent and soiled his pants. Turns out he'd taken a laxative. Why am I telling you this? This is an example of drugged drunk behavior. By the 1980s he was starting to falter and get sloppy but not before he'd advanced and had people working under him now. Also the airline installed cameras to watch the baggage handlers.

He told me he became tired of hiding his illness and allowed himself to get caught drinking at work. He was sent to rehab and he did quit and then went on to become an A and P mechanic worked about 10 more years and regaled us with stories of his misspent youth, we were all alot younger and he was like a father figure to us. Tyler was lucky he got to retire

[drscope]

[Zundfolge1432]

Here's another real life story. We have a family member born in 1925 that would make him 89. He fought in WW2 has lived a quiet life and has done well raised two kids and has drank alcohol most of his adult life. He has outlived several of his doctors while he enjoys scotch on the rocks around 4 pm every day. Is he an alcoholic? Probably, but is he going to listen to a 55 year old kid (me) tell him to lay off the booze? I doubt it.

[photogdave]

[jjohnson67]

Day 11.✅ ordered kadron jets instead of buying several 18 packs. Received em today.... could either have a beer in my hand talking about it, im doing it. But am i thirsty? Hell yes...iced tea taking care of me with a water back...☺

[Bob Loblaw]

[Jon Schmid]

[sixfootdan]

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

[jjohnson67]

Wow! Sorry for your loss NUT. I hit 2 weeks today. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

[2true]

[Kirk]

Good for you. Admitting you have a problem is the first step. I run a program for alcoholics / substance abusers and "white knuckling" it alone doesn't work. Lean on people. Either through here, sober friends or an AA meeting. Its not for everyone, but its saved plenty of peoples lives.

Above all remember, its one day at a time. Focus on not drinking today. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

You can do this, and we are all here to help.
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[TrulyVintage]

I divorced an addict who is primarily an alcoholic
Fought for custody of our daughters w/ everything I had
Emotionally - financially - physically
Our (3) daughters turned out to be adult addicts
Heroin - Alcohol - ???
Addiction destroys lives over generations
_________________
Jim is on the road @ http://www.trulyvintagetrailers.citymax.com/trulyvintage-feedback.html

[vwible]

All good advice that I can't dispute.
I lost a wife - and my sons, a mother - to liver failure as a result of alcohol. She was a functional alcoholic and I was right along with her through all those years.

For me, it's a minute-by-minute decision as to what to do with your hands:
-- pick up a beer
-- pick up another drink
-- pick up a tool or part and work with it.
-- take a rest and let the hands relax.

If I were still a chronic drinker, I certainly would not be enjoying my VWs.

Run the math on what you spend on drinks every year (adds up quickly) and decide it's a waste of time, talent and resources. It takes effort to get the money. It's best spent elsewhere.

[TrulyVintage]

If you are active in any addiction ....
If you are a parent of a child ...
Think about the legacy you are creating for your children
Think about their future & the future of their children
Addiction needs to live - it does not die with an individual
_________________
Jim is on the road @ http://www.trulyvintagetrailers.citymax.com/trulyvintage-feedback.html

[wcfvw69]

To the OP, Great job staying away from alcohol. You're doing great and you're coming closer to breaking the "habit" of drinking each day. What is it? 28 days in a row to develop a habit?

I don't know if I've ever bought into the "it runs in the family" theory? My grandmother was a raging alcoholic who died in her 40's from it. While I never knew her, I know there's no other alcoholics in the family after her. Yes, some family members like to throw a few back but not in excess. I've leaned towards "learned behaviour or a product of your environment" more recently. Alcohol has never been something I particulary enjoyed or coveted. I only have a couple of drinks socially once a week, if that.

What's striking is how many of us use something to cope with lifes stressors. Some use booze. Some use drugs. Far too many are using food as a coping mechanism as illustrated by the obesity epidemic is the USA. These addictions also reinforce how pathetic the mental health system in our country is. People are navigating thru their lives and hitting rough patches. This is when they reach out and "use" something as a coping mechanism to get through it.

Lets all hope that their will be further investment from out country in all things mental health related. Stress isn't ever going to go away and possibly will worsen as modern life continues to evolve.
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[jjohnson67]

28 days? On day 23. My 4 year old is now asking daily if I am in my slug bug. My ex thinks it s an eye sore. I have had to keep busy with it otherwise a drink still sounds good. I have had to evaluate relationships already. It has been entertaining for sure. Thank y'all for your support.

[vugbug68]

keep up the good work! 12 pack a day gets expensive so think of all the VW parts you can buy with that money.
_________________
71 Super - Backroad Thrasher
66 Corvair - Weekend Cruiser
90 4 Runner - Muddin

[jjohnson67]

No kidding. I normally run with my debt card and got my statement a week ago. i have been feeding my vw addiction better than ever now!