I NEED BOOZE IN ORDER TO FUNCTION

Dear Coleen

The only time I’m not drinking is when I’m sleeping. I don’t drink to get drunk, I drink to not feel sick.

I need help. I’ve had a drink every day for the past seven years and my body goes into shutdown mode if I don’t have one – usually a vodka tonic.

I feel completely normal when I’ve had a drink and I’m able to function. Without one, I can’t breathe, I get cold sweats and my hands shake uncontrollably.

Please help.

Coleen says

Well done on taking the first step to recovery by writing to me. Acknowledging and accepting that you have a problem is often the hardest step for anyone with an addiction like you.

The very unpleasant physical symptoms you’re getting is your body withdrawing from the alcohol, so when you drink again, those feelings subside.

The first thing I’d recommend is seeing your GP, explaining your pattern of drinking and the symptoms you get when you’ve had a period of abstinence.

Please don’t be embarrassed to do this – your doctor is there to help and will have seen this problem many times before.

There’s also lots of good information and sources of support online – drinkaware. co.uk, mind.org.uk (search for addiction and dependency), addaction.org.uk and alcoholicsanonymous.org.uk (helpline 0800 917 7650) where you can find local meetings.

Having spoken to many recovering alcoholics over the years, I know the need to drink is such a powerful and overwhelming compulsion, and it’s hard to overcome it on your own. Reach out to others – friends and family as well as professionals. Good luck and let me know how you get on.