Need help with your drinking?

11/12/2012 5:08:20 p.m.

samantha wrote:

Yeah I need help with my drinking, my problem is I can't stomach the stuff. Think the lining in my stomach gave up on me when I was a teenager.

8/10/2012 11:25:36 p.m.

sarah wrote:

thanks Charlene!so brave for you to get it out there! I am an alcoholic and havn't had a drink for 3 months, my life just keeps getting better every day! I could'nt stop on will power alone, my sucess came from AA, I can't recomend this programme enough!!!non alcoholics don't understand its not about self control! well done, this is something that needs to be adressed and something needs to be done about, people need to feel ok about asking for help, all the love and support, Sarah

28/09/2012 3:58:20 p.m.

Vix wrote:

As a member of AA, I totally get that it can be a bit full on at the start, and alot of info to take in when you're feeling at your worst. The main thing is, there are no rules in AA, only suggestions, and lots of love and support. The doors are always open, and if you're anything like me, it may take a few attempts to get sober. It's a disease of relapse and it takes what it takes..... but, getting sober is the best thing that I've ever done in my life and has given me freedom to live my life to the fullest. I wish everyone well in their own journeys and hope that you find a sollution to your problems with drugs/alcohol. xx

15/09/2012 4:10:51 p.m.

Esther wrote:

I have been an alcoholic for 20 yrs and have tried numerous times to give it up. I have been to AA but like Charlene, I can't come to grips with their evangelism. I have made an appointment for Monday, but having a hard time, I rang A & D and they said it would be dangerous for me to detox by myself over the weekend, and suggested I drink a small amount to prevent bad reactions from withdrawal. Is this correct?

11/09/2012 7:44:37 p.m.

Sobering reality check wrote:

Great and hauntingly sad how alcoholism is taking her life and her late friends .I hope this exposure helps her.In Auckland 20 yrs ago Mental Health and Alcohol/Addictions services were forcibly separated to partly try the reduced drinking/'harm minimization' approach which cant fill the gap for many or the several past decade closures like Hamner Springs or Rotoroa Island or smaller number of national detox and recovery beds.The dual diagnosis or harm reduction model is not as pro-active or perhaps resourced in WDHB budgets as in the past and updated 12 step peer approaches.The MPs recent voting on a split legal drinking age shows the Alcohol pushing manufacturing industry profits/lobby is still too powerful in binge drinking or drugging NZ. We have the highest thc rate or use in the world !

11/09/2012 2:24:23 p.m.

roy simpson wrote:

Was interesting to hear from the mystified doctor "that Charlene has detoxed several times before" and its now really up to "serendipity" whatever that means?It is a fact that very few chronic alchies can achieve long term sobriety on their own resources, maybe around 15% and its proven to be a very slow depressingly painful way to die.. For Charlene to say that she "doesnt think AA will work for me" would suggest she has not attended an AA fellowsip meeting? I wonder why not? Fear perhaps? Annette,the very sensible nurse urged her "to lets be real" and had "grave concerns" for her going this alone. Lonely Charlene, is obviously still in the isolationist denial mode when she says "that it would be nice to have a couple of drinks" .she drinks alone "hates the stuff" and yet it makes "her nauseous,and gives her the shakes and night sweats".well Charlene if you are really serious and not just another attention seeker I would highly recommend the AA programme of recovery and the alanon programme of long term recovery for your whanau. Here you will learn to be relieved of the terrible craving, without the use of mind altering drugs and live life clean and sober. Charlene,thanks for reminding me just how bad it was. Roy. 4 years sober in A.A.

11/09/2012 2:22:37 p.m.

roy simpson wrote:

Was interesting to hear from the mystified doctor "that Charlene has detoxed several times before" and its now really up to "serendipity" whatever that means?It is a fact that very few chronic alchies can achieve long term sobriety on their own resources, maybe around 15% and its proven to be a very slow depressingly painful way to die.. For Charlene to say that she "doesnt think AA will work for me" would suggest she has not attended an AA fellowsip meeting? I wonder why not? Fear perhaps? Annette,the very sensible nurse urged her "to lets be real" and had "grave concerns" for her going this alone. Lonely Charlene, is obviously still in the isolationist denial mode when she says "that it would be nice to have a couple of drinks" .she drinks alone "hates the stuff" and yet it makes "her nauseous,and gives her the shakes and night sweats".well Charlene if you are really serious and not just another attention seeker I would highly recommend the AA programme of recovery and the alanon programme of long term recovery for your whanau. Here you will learn to be relieved of the terrible craving, without the use of mind altering drugs and live life clean and sober. Charlene,thanks for reminding me just how bad it was. Roy. 4 years sober in A.A.

11/09/2012 10:47:12 a.m.

Carol wrote:

Great stuff. Such a shame that these programmes don't run the Alcohol Drug Helpline's number 0800 787 797, across the end of docos. This number is free from land lines or cellphones and is national. Really, this would be such a community service to do so, as so many people don't have access to the internet. TV3, please consider doing this as a community service.

11/09/2012 9:36:13 a.m.

lee wrote:

An article in the future exploring the A&D act for committal, focusing on how it has 'no teeth' and limited residential services would be most appreciated. Politically / financially there appears to be limited resources when tax for alcohol is so high. what percentage goes back to the people who are dependent? ---you don't need to post this, just an idea for a future article.

11/09/2012 9:28:49 a.m.

lee wrote:

Hi, FANTASTIC article last night. I work in addictions and you portrayed my client group in an awesome manner, I hope the article inspires people to access help. I wanted to offer some feedback re: accessing help (I can't state who I work for as I would need to go through the media person). Please add the AOD helpline number -0800 787 797 to the end of the article, as many people in addiction don't have access to the internet or your website to find the relevant phone numbers. also perhaps stating that a home detox can be done for free through the dhb AOD services. the nurse did above and beyond her job and going private is an option that many of my clients would appreciate (due to confidentiality/ insurance?). i respect her and 'life recruitment'.