Any advice on how to stop drinking?

SPC Ryan Su — Sat, 10 May 2014 12:37:27 -0400

No more drinking

Response by SPC Ryan Su made May 10 at 2014 12:37 PM

SPC Ryan Su — Sat, 10 May 2014 12:37:49 -0400

i think i need help

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made May 10 at 2014 12:47 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 10 May 2014 12:47:19 -0400

I agree with MSgt Quick for pointing out the numbers, and with your own assessment of your situation. Get the help! Get it quickly. If you seek the help, it will not go against you. If you are forced into it due to a problem, you will then have issues.

Good luck. Also, another good source for assistance is Military One Source. IT is on the web, and it is free. http://www.militaryonesource.com use it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 1:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 13:41:18 -0400

I agree with everything posted so far. We are all here if you need anything. Don't be afraid to stand up and admit you have a problem. I'd be more than willing to give you my number if you need

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 10 at 2014 1:52 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 10 May 2014 13:52:27 -0400

Questions: does your drinking effect your work? Does it cause you to miss accountability formation? Has your drinking cause you to miss opportunities to be promoted? Do you think you have a problem with drinking? If you answered yes to anyone of those questions, go to this website in reference to ASAP at FCCO: http://www.carson.army.mil/dhr/DHR/ASAP.html

or call: [login to see] or [login to see] which is the front desk. Good luck to you, and I hope you find the help you need.

Ft. Carson Alcohol Substance Abuse Program

Our Mission is to sustain readiness and promote a healthy lifestyle in the Fort Carson community by providing education, quality assistance in order to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drug abuse that affects Soldiers, Families, Civilians Employees and Retirees. Our Vision is to reduce the negative impact of substance abuse at Fort Carson by providing quality Services.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 2:03 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 14:03:57 -0400

My response to people's drinking is that it's all about if/how it effects performance. Some of my best college professors would work late in the evenings and drink 6-8 beers and have no issues. I know countless people who are born with a high tolerance, and 6 beers is basically nothing. It's simply a matter of how it effects your life, not the actual volume.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 10 at 2014 2:39 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 10 May 2014 14:39:14 -0400

We are all here to help you and listen.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made May 10 at 2014 3:24 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 10 May 2014 15:24:59 -0400

There's 21 guys from his HHC Company on here but I'm not friends with any of them. If someone is, shoot them a message to help this Soldier out. https://www.rallypoint.com/units/hhc-headquarters-headquarters-company-1st-battalion-66th-armor-regiment-fort-carson-co/current

Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment members stationed...

Find Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC) members on RallyPoint.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 8:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 20:26:43 -0400

Things we do when we are young. You keep up with that and by the time you hit 35, you are going to have a large gut.
I know people who put away a lot of liquor on the weekends and a little less on the weekday. If you can handle it, you can handle it. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you can't.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 12:27 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 May 2014 00:27:25 -0400

Dear SPC Ryan Su,

MOST EXCELLENT ! ! ! YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY DOING THE RIGHT THING ! ! !

My best wishes and most fervent prayers for a complete and effective recovery.
Many of us, including me, were addicted / overcame alcohol addiction with help.
Even though your Army family is spread to the four winds, we do care for you.
I am so pleased you reached out and your Army family was able to help you.

Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 11 at 2014 10:05 AM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sun, 11 May 2014 10:05:18 -0400

SPC Su,

It takes a whole lot of courage to look yourself in the mirror and acknowledge that you have a problem. It made my day to see everyone had already stepped up to help out. This, my friend is what RP is all about.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jun 1 at 2014 9:28 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 09:28:31 -0400

Just following up on you SPC Su to see how everything is going.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 1 at 2014 9:23 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 21:23:50 -0400

I will be praying for you brother, if you need or want to talk, I can send you my number. I have been down the road you are on, it is not easy, but you can do it. You have already won half the battle.

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made Jun 2 at 2014 1:45 AM

SGT Shon D. Hill — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 01:45:56 -0400

Hi Ryan, I'm using 1st name since I'm a vet and it just feels appropriate. I hope you do well with it brother, I finally went to alcohol rehab through the VA, twice actually. I know it can be a little tough while on Active Duty, but I'm proud of you :). You have such an amazing background life I remember reading, NYPD, and now Army. Really give 12 step program/AA at least a chance, they saved my life. Your in our prayers brother Ryan :). Shon. (Doc)

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 2 at 2014 1:50 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 13:50:58 -0400

You and 99% of the military...

Response by SFC Laura Whitehead made Jun 2 at 2014 5:40 PM

SFC Laura Whitehead — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:40:00 -0400

AA every day for the next 90 days.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2014 7:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 07:42:03 -0400

I have found it is most beneficial to be around others who have or are suffering from the same issue. Try Alcoholics Anonymous. ASAP can tell you more about it or where to find meetings. Also another excellent option for you is to self refer yourself to ASAP. 90/90 90 meets with AA for 90 days and then continue to go as you feel you need to. Good luck!!

Response by SPC Corie Davis made Jul 23 at 2014 9:57 AM

SPC Corie Davis — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 09:57:58 -0400

What helped my husband quit was one of the vapor cigarettes, I don't understand how but he hasn't picked up a drink in several months now.

Response by LTC Mark Gavula made Oct 6 at 2014 1:35 PM

LTC Mark Gavula — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 13:35:38 -0400

I recommend Alcohol Anonymous.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 6 at 2014 3:47 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 15:47:10 -0400

Hey SPC Ryan Su hope all is going well. Way to step up and seek help. Praying for you brother.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Oct 6 at 2014 4:42 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 16:42:42 -0400

Stop buying booze. Stop going to places where booze is easily accessible. Modify you social life so that booze is no longer a part of it. And if you find that you can't, get help.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 11 at 2014 11:34 AM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 11:34:08 -0400

I see that this post is 5 months old, and was resurrected a few days ago, but this is the first time I'm seeing it. SPC Ryan Su I hope all of this is working out for you. I've dealt with family members needing the same help, and I pray that you've gotten it and all is well. It's no fun for anyone involved, least of all you.

Response by SGT Thomas Carsley made Oct 11 at 2014 12:56 PM

SGT Thomas Carsley — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 12:56:39 -0400

I went through what I call my Lost Decade with heavy drinking. Embracing fitness and clean eating while surrounding myself with like minded people and firing the friends who didn't believe in me. Works wonders.

Also, and key, because any changes on the outside are purely superficial without changing on the inside.
Begin reading Personal Development books:
Psycho-Cybernetics by M. Maltz
The Compound Effect by Hardy
The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck
Books by John C. Maxwell and so on.

Anyone wanting to see what a difference was made in my life from an angry, disgruntled, drunk, massively obese Combat Vet to where I am now on this journey to Re-embrace my inner High Speed Self is welcome to come and share and get started with their own Change on FB @ https://www.facebook.com/tomecarsley

Facebook

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 11 at 2014 2:55 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 14:55:23 -0400

SPC Ryan Su I was an Olympic drinking contender and eventually got help.The hardest question to answer was "What makes you drink to excess?" I went down a laundry list of reasons "Why" I needed to/had the reason to (some jaw droppers!), but the bottom line was that I was just trying to hide from the reality of the situation. I went to the VA for help with PTSD and substance abuse was addressed as well. I wasn't grieving properly. I used alcohol to put all my issues on hold and I was stuck in my "healing process"....I wasn't healing......just justifying my actions to myself and to others. A lot of people say AA is the way to go. Support is very helpful, but I have met a lot of "sober drunks" who convince themselves that without AA, they are incapable of success. Not to take anything away from AA, results vary and some meetings are not meant for all. It's like leadership. Not all situations apply to all people at all times. If AA is the solution, find a group meeting that helps you the most. We have to get to the core of the problem. Alcohol abuse is typically the coping tool to deal with our pain. Human beings are excellent at finding ways to keep our pain in check. We drink, we isolate (or only hang out with people just like us), we do drugs, we become thrill seekers (being promiscious, speeding, fighting, gambling, anything that gets us an adrenaline rush), etc. Meanwhile, our tolerances increase, our decision making suffers, and our bodies fall apart. What are we running from/hiding from? RallyPoint is great for getting pointed in the right direction and for support, but there are no cures here. Self refer to a program and seek help with mental health professionals. Attack the problem from multiple avenues of approach. Best of luck, my brother. You are never alone.

Response by 1LT David Moeglein made Oct 11 at 2014 3:11 PM

1LT David Moeglein — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 15:11:10 -0400

Hi Ryan, I hope your recovery from alcohol is going well. You asked a question that has generated quite a bit of interest.

I have a bit of a different perspective on things. I am an alcoholic with 12 years of sobriety, as well as a mental health professional. I would like to give you my down and dirty of recovery from addiction. My recommendation is to do what works and stop what doesn't. If quitting cold turkey works, great. However, be careful with this. Withdrawing from alcohol abruptly can cause seizures and death. It's best to get some help with this.

Once you stop drinking, then you may need help to stay stopped. Einstein's definition of insanity applies in the world of addiction. Doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results is the story of the addict. You don't want to err on the side of doing to little for your recovery. If you want to try self help meetings, and don't have problems with higher power thing, go to AA meetings. There are other meetings for those who get tripped up by the mention of God or a higher power. Get the phone numbers of people at your meetings, so that you can call them when you are triggered to drink. Ask someone who has what you want to be your sponsor. Then work the steps. Remember what lengths you would go to drink, and invest at least that much energy in your recovery. Maybe going to 90 meetings in 90 days will be enough.

Chaplains are a great resource and have levels of confidentiality that other mental health professionals don't have. Some chaplains have a better handle on this issue than others, so you may want to ask the chaplain you're speaking to for a referral to one with experience in this area. If you go the self-help route, chaplains are a great resource when doing the 5th step.

If the self-help route and a chaplain are not enough for you, then I recommend seeing a drug and alcohol counselor for an assessment to determine what level of professional care you need. By reading the above post of 1stSgt James Nolan, it seems like Military One Source is a good resource for this. I agree with his suggestion that you come forward for help. Your chain of command doesn't have time for games. They have a mission that they must be prepared for. You will have to be proactive in seeking help. There are many levels, outpatient, intensive outpatient, 28 day inpatient, and more. There are also dual diagnosis programs for those who also struggle with a mental illness as well. The professionals will help you figuring all of this out.

Keep looking for answers, and don't give up until you have the life you want. I stopped drinking by going to a variety of 12-step meetings, and realizing that alcohol was getting in the way of my recovery. I had incentive to quit, because I was working in a maximum security psychiatric hospital with dangerous psychopaths at the time. Continuing to drink didn't seem like a good idea. I wanted to know where my boundaries were and where the psychopaths were. Fuzzy boundaries didn't seem like a good idea with this crowd. Finally, I keep my sobriety by giving my sobriety away. That is why I am sharing with you today.

My situation at the time is not dissimilar to that of any infantryman with a drinking problem. I'm looking at stories of ISIS around the world, and we are looking at an organization run by psychopaths. If I were an infantryman, I wouldn't want to give the enemy an opportunity to catch me off guard.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions. I wish you all of the best.

Response by PO2 Jeremy Spears made Oct 11 at 2014 4:55 PM

PO2 Jeremy Spears — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 16:55:36 -0400

SPC Ryan Su, please know that we are all pulling for you! I will pray for you daily! There are some great suggestions here that are available to you. We are available to you by a simple message. Seek Jesus and people you trust. The best support are the ones you can get down to the nitty gritty with in the details of your life. We love you; God loves you. Be encouraged! Victory starts here!

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Nov 7 at 2014 2:40 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 14:40:56 -0500

SPC Ryan Su I know that this appeared on here a long time ago the only thing that I can tell you is my expereince. The ONLY thing that helped me, and believe me I tried numerous alternatives, was to get my sorry ass into treatment. Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Response by CPT Sarah Persinger made Nov 9 at 2014 8:34 AM

CPT Sarah Persinger — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 08:34:54 -0500

If you drink daily - and NEED to drink, you need to get into a program. The reason I say this is that I have seen too many people come into the hospital (for one reason or another) and we find out that they are heavy drinkers. Stopping suddenly CAN kill you. We would watch their heart rate and give them Ativan hourly to make sure that their heart rate didn't get too high. PLEASE go to an ER and ask for help - any hospital can help you!!!!!!! Don't do it alone!!!

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Mar 2 at 2015 9:39 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 09:39:39 -0500

How you doing SPC Ryan Su? Just checking in on ya.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 24 at 2015 11:37 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 23:37:10 -0400

SPC Ryan Su long time no hear. How are things going with you?

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Jun 25 at 2015 9:05 AM

SrA Marc Haynes — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 09:05:18 -0400

@SPC Ryan Su How are you doing with this? Where are you located & have you sought out help?

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Apr 16 at 2017 1:56 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 13:56:53 -0400

The fact you are asking is a good thing (in fact great thing)! I found having a reason other than just to quit drinking helped. I have a mother who had lung cancer and couldn't stop smoking. I made her a promise to quit drinking if she would quit smoking. We both had a reason and we both stuck to it.
My 2 cents, find something in your life that would be better without drinking. Focus on that...Good luck and let me knwo if there is anything I can help with..

Response by CPL Eric Escasio made Apr 24 at 2017 8:50 PM

CPL Eric Escasio — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 20:50:31 -0400

Think what is the most dear to you in your life. I have kids and they are my precious. After deployment I was diagnosed with many health issues I was in denial about, I drank heavily.I did cut down 2 years before eventually stopping 2010. Until they medically retired me in 2012. If i didn't stop I probably succumbed to the horrors related to PTSD and became one of the 22 a day. Thank God he guided me out of that path and made me realize I have so much to miss in living a life with my kids as they grow up. They need my help to mold them the way I am minus the bad stuff I did when I was a kid and to explain to the the reasons why I would advice not to do things I did when I was young thinking they were cool. Try to think of something other than alcohol that you like, like for example RC truck a real good one that will make you enjoy the hobby. Then if you like the hobby just spend more on it on downtime, you will meet lots of people who are into the hobby and a lot them don't drink. RC and hobby don't really mix especially when you go flying. Just to say as an example. You'll save more money for better things, like a house for you again an example I give. Take care brother and good luck.