Well - I guess it was too good to be true...

[masma]

My boy went 8 weeks with no alcohol then Mr M and I went on holiday for a week. He (son) rang me at least 6 times a day and I could tell something was wrong. We got home and he looked awful, blood shot eyes etc. After some talking he owned up to going and buying a 3 litre bottle of strong cider, he'd also had one or two other drinks - nothing in the grand scheme of things but too much for him. We got home Thursday and he's been really poorly - it's only today that he seems better (no alcohol since Thursday) He's been really ashamed of what he's done, spent the day on Friday crying. He's off to the doctor tomorrow. He say's he's learned his lesson but we'll see :-(

[fliptheswitch]

Masma, don't beat yourself up about it... which I know you'll be doing.
I have a similar story of my own, so I speak from experience.
You son has done good to owning up to it. Lots of addicts try and hide the fact they've relapsed.
I'm sure you know, you need to take each day at a time. He has the love of his family, and that's the best support he could ask for.
Stick with it and hang in there tight. You knew this was never going to be an easy journey, and you are in it for the long haul.
Don't do the whole sad face ( :-( ) because this is just a minor blip in your sons recovery. Don't be disheartened, and just be grateful that he's owned up and has "learned his lesson". It could have been ten times worse!
Your son will get there... as will you. Stay strong and good luck :-)

[wolf63]

I hope that it is just a blip - at least he hasn't used it as an excuse to continue on his binge.

Best wishes to all of you.

[ttfn]

Hello Avril. I would view this as just a small setback, which surely it is? Your son has admited his lapse and has returned to the business in hand. You and Mr M were entitled to your break. It does sound as though your son really wants to give up his drinking. I send you my best wishes as ever, Viv ♥

[starone]

It is very difficult to give up drinking. Persevere with him masma. Never give up.

[anneasquith]

masma, i do believe there is something positive to be got from this...... he DID stay sober for 8 weeks, he is seeing gp again, no alcohol from thursday. i do hope he tries again. best wishes anne.

[piggynose]

would joing the AA, alcoholics anonomous be a good idea?
its just a suggestion

[masma]

Thanks for your replies - as usual you're all a great help. He's been to see the doc today (not our GP, it's one who is connected to the counciling service) Today was meant to be his last appointment but due to the blip they're gonna see him a few more times also give him more accupuncture. He really does seem as though he wants to give up and I do think this 'episode' has frightened him - I hope so!
As long as I can I will support him but it's very hard, I don't feel as though our holiday has done us any good at all. This has felt like a big kick in the teeth for me.
He tried AA but it wasn't for him, he's been seeing councillors and the doctor at 2gether and they've been brilliant.
Thanks again everyone - love to you too Viv xx

[anneasquith]

hi, masma, how are things today re your boy ?

[masma]

Hi Anne - thanks for asking. Back to abnormal as we say. It's a week tomorrow since we came home from our holiday and, as far as I know, he hasn't had a drink since. I'm finding it very hard to trust him at the moment. He's looking better (again) it's strange how his face changes when he's drinking.
One day at a time I guess...

[anneasquith]

im so pleased he is alcohol free again. hes very brave. but im sure very stressful for you and his family, would you consider contacting someone for support, i know AA have a group for relatives , but im not sure what its called, hopefully an aber may know..... good luck.

[masma]

Hello again Anne - I can go and talk to his doc at 2gether if I need to, he's also given me his mobile number. They couldn't have been better and I can't praise them highly enough. I'm not one to talk over my problems face to face which is why I come here, if I do start talking to someone I end up crying and can't stop. After all this time I should be used to it eh?

[welshlibranr]

sad to hear about this masma, but he does regret his actions, and that must be a good sign, hope all goes well for him, and you too!.....don't give up!......sounds as though he wants to change, just found it hard and slipped back a little!.......

[anneasquith]

hi masma, how are things today ?

[masma]

Mmm?? Not sure - I've got a feeling he's been drinking again but he say's not. I don't want to keep on at him but I get so worried.

[chrissa1]

Masma, I'm So sorry to read your post. Is he still taking the Campral tablets? From my experience, I never needed to ask the question,"Have you been drinking". I could just tell from the manner of speaking and the eyes.
I know what you mean by a kick in the teeth because that's what it honestly feels like. Keep strong though, it does sound like he wants to kick the habit. Good luck.

[masma]

Yes he's still taking the tablets, That's just what's got me worried, his eyes and slurred speach. I asked him about it last night and he said he'd had a lot of coffee (which I know was true) The doc told him to lay off coffee and fizzy drinks that contain caffine. I'll support him to the end of the earth but it's getting me down now.

[masma]

Megaman - he's 41.

[Mamyalynne]

Masma all you can do is what you have been doing, it must be so disheartening to stand by and watch this all unfold. I pray that both he and you as a family come through this, take care.