What constitutes Alcoholism?
Would drinking 3-4 drinks a night over 4-5 nights do more long term damage than saying necking it all on one day/night?
I rarely drink during the week, I don't need booze to chill out or relax so maybe I'm lucky. I'm certainly not dependant in any form on alcohol and its not the first thing in turn to when I'm pissed off or stressed out.
Seeing your posts on here Martin and how easily this place can wind you up through the written word, I'd look for something to distract the alcohol intake or look at relaxation techniques.
Best of luck Anywho, even if I did call you a **** on the other thread
I rarely drink during the week, I don't need booze to chill out or relax so maybe I'm lucky. I'm certainly not dependant in any form on alcohol and its not the first thing in turn to when I'm pissed off or stressed out.
Seeing your posts on here Martin and how easily this place can wind you up through the written word, I'd look for something to distract the alcohol intake or look at relaxation techniques.
Best of luck Anywho, even if I did call you a **** on the other thread
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I did a tot-up of my average weekly intake in units terms, and got a bit of a fright. Basically I have 3 or 4 can s of 'driving lager' a night. That adds up to about 50-60 a week, about double the recommended amount.
I don't feel that I HAVE to drink, but it makes me fairly relaxed in the evening after the usual commuting and stresses and strains of work.
Does this make me an alcoholic - I mean what really constitutes alcoholism?
Thoughts?
I don't feel that I HAVE to drink, but it makes me fairly relaxed in the evening after the usual commuting and stresses and strains of work.
Does this make me an alcoholic - I mean what really constitutes alcoholism?
Thoughts?
I am no expert but I would have thought that your lager consumption is pushing it a bit and could drag you into even more excessive consumption in the future.
Les
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I did a tot-up of my average weekly intake in units terms, and got a bit of a fright. Basically I have 3 or 4 can s of 'driving lager' a night. That adds up to about 50-60 a week, about double the recommended amount.
I don't feel that I HAVE to drink, but it makes me fairly relaxed in the evening after the usual commuting and stresses and strains of work.
Does this make me an alcoholic - I mean what really constitutes alcoholism?
Thoughts?
I don't feel that I HAVE to drink, but it makes me fairly relaxed in the evening after the usual commuting and stresses and strains of work.
Does this make me an alcoholic - I mean what really constitutes alcoholism?
Thoughts?
Thread Starter
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From: Type 25. Build No.34
I'll tell you what alcoholism means to me. Please excuse the long post.
My partner is an alcoholic. She has advanced liver disease (I can't spell cirrhosis).
October 12th last year, she went into hospital to have her ascitic fluid drained. She hadn't had a drink for almost two weeks, but she was very bloated with fluid. While she was waiting for a bed, blood vessels ruptured in her oesophagus. Her blood was pumping straight into her stomach. She started to repeatedly vomit up thick black gunge (blood mixed with stomach acid). The medical staff realised what was happening and immediately put her on a "whole blood" transfusion, and also emergency surgery to stem the flow of blood. (She would have died in under half an hour if this had happened at home). The following day, due to the sudden loss of blood, her kidneys shut down. Then her lungs filled up with fluid, and her heart started failing. She was experiencing total organ failure. Her family and I were called in to say goodbye to her. It was one of the saddest things I ever had to do. She had only a few hours at most we were told. However, she was far too stubborn to die. I stayed by her bed for 17 hours, until I was told her condition had improved very slightly. Anyway, three weeks later, she was discharged.
I thought she'd learned her lesson and wouldn't drink again. I tried to make sure of this by spending a lot more time with her. However, she would sneak drink into the house every chance she had. She would also pick arguments with me to try and force me to leave, saying she needs her own space. Needless to say she'd go back to her usual routine. In August we were on holiday in Malta. From the outset, it was obvious she had an intense craving for drink. I'd had enough of her lies and deceit by this time and I wasn't going to let her ruin my holiday. So I just let her do what she wanted (she'd stay in the hotel room and get drunk). I should mention she becomes an angry and bitter woman with a drink in her. One night, I went out for a walk to get away from her for a while. When I arrived back, there was blood on the floor and walls. She'd cut her foot on a broken bottle. Then I noticed she had marks on her back and arms. It was then the receptionist called to inform me the police were at reception and wanted to speak to me. It seems she was found lying on the street outside the hotel unable to get up. The police found her, and brought her back to the room.and rather than admit to being drunk and falling down, she told them I had beaten her up. Anyway her injuries were consistent with a fall so they didn't believe her lies. and it was cleared up with no action taken. After sobering up, we enjoyed the last couple of days of our holiday.
So, we get back home and everything is fine for a few weeks until the craving for drink takes over again. She kicks me out the house and is free to drink what she likes. I try to keep in touch by phone and email, but she refuses to answer. I know there's no point in going over to her house because unless she's sober, she won't answer the door. She keeps her key in the lock from the inside, so I can't use my key to get in.
Five days went by with no contact from her, so I go over. As usual, there's no answer. I noticed her key was vertical in the lock, so I was able to push it through with my key and open the door. That was when I found her lying on the bedroom floor unconscious. There was also a strong smell of urine as she wasn't able to go to the toilet. I counted the empty bottles. She had consumed six 1ltr bottles of vodka and three 3ltr bottles of white cider in the space of five days. So that was another trip to hospital where she is currently.
I've found drink hidden all over the house. I've stayed with her and not let her out of my sight. I've went round all the off licensed shops with her photo, and pleaded with them not to serve her. I've done everything I can possibly think of to keep the drink away from her. I've even locked her in the house with only the back door open (no street access) if I need to go shopping etc. She would phone for a taxi to pick up drink and she's pay for it through the window. There are so many ways when you're determined enough.You have no idea how devious an alcoholic can be. I've often wondered why I stick around. I reckon its because I couldn't have it on my conscience that I could have prevented her death but didn't. I seriously don't believe she'll be alive for much longer, if she continues like this. She totally refuses to believe she needs psychiatric help.
On a lighter note, I've found the best winter screenwash for your car is a bottle of vodka.
My partner is an alcoholic. She has advanced liver disease (I can't spell cirrhosis).
October 12th last year, she went into hospital to have her ascitic fluid drained. She hadn't had a drink for almost two weeks, but she was very bloated with fluid. While she was waiting for a bed, blood vessels ruptured in her oesophagus. Her blood was pumping straight into her stomach. She started to repeatedly vomit up thick black gunge (blood mixed with stomach acid). The medical staff realised what was happening and immediately put her on a "whole blood" transfusion, and also emergency surgery to stem the flow of blood. (She would have died in under half an hour if this had happened at home). The following day, due to the sudden loss of blood, her kidneys shut down. Then her lungs filled up with fluid, and her heart started failing. She was experiencing total organ failure. Her family and I were called in to say goodbye to her. It was one of the saddest things I ever had to do. She had only a few hours at most we were told. However, she was far too stubborn to die. I stayed by her bed for 17 hours, until I was told her condition had improved very slightly. Anyway, three weeks later, she was discharged.
I thought she'd learned her lesson and wouldn't drink again. I tried to make sure of this by spending a lot more time with her. However, she would sneak drink into the house every chance she had. She would also pick arguments with me to try and force me to leave, saying she needs her own space. Needless to say she'd go back to her usual routine. In August we were on holiday in Malta. From the outset, it was obvious she had an intense craving for drink. I'd had enough of her lies and deceit by this time and I wasn't going to let her ruin my holiday. So I just let her do what she wanted (she'd stay in the hotel room and get drunk). I should mention she becomes an angry and bitter woman with a drink in her. One night, I went out for a walk to get away from her for a while. When I arrived back, there was blood on the floor and walls. She'd cut her foot on a broken bottle. Then I noticed she had marks on her back and arms. It was then the receptionist called to inform me the police were at reception and wanted to speak to me. It seems she was found lying on the street outside the hotel unable to get up. The police found her, and brought her back to the room.and rather than admit to being drunk and falling down, she told them I had beaten her up. Anyway her injuries were consistent with a fall so they didn't believe her lies. and it was cleared up with no action taken. After sobering up, we enjoyed the last couple of days of our holiday.
So, we get back home and everything is fine for a few weeks until the craving for drink takes over again. She kicks me out the house and is free to drink what she likes. I try to keep in touch by phone and email, but she refuses to answer. I know there's no point in going over to her house because unless she's sober, she won't answer the door. She keeps her key in the lock from the inside, so I can't use my key to get in.
Five days went by with no contact from her, so I go over. As usual, there's no answer. I noticed her key was vertical in the lock, so I was able to push it through with my key and open the door. That was when I found her lying on the bedroom floor unconscious. There was also a strong smell of urine as she wasn't able to go to the toilet. I counted the empty bottles. She had consumed six 1ltr bottles of vodka and three 3ltr bottles of white cider in the space of five days. So that was another trip to hospital where she is currently.
I've found drink hidden all over the house. I've stayed with her and not let her out of my sight. I've went round all the off licensed shops with her photo, and pleaded with them not to serve her. I've done everything I can possibly think of to keep the drink away from her. I've even locked her in the house with only the back door open (no street access) if I need to go shopping etc. She would phone for a taxi to pick up drink and she's pay for it through the window. There are so many ways when you're determined enough.You have no idea how devious an alcoholic can be. I've often wondered why I stick around. I reckon its because I couldn't have it on my conscience that I could have prevented her death but didn't. I seriously don't believe she'll be alive for much longer, if she continues like this. She totally refuses to believe she needs psychiatric help.
On a lighter note, I've found the best winter screenwash for your car is a bottle of vodka.
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Good Lord mate - thats a harrowing story - props to you for sticking by her.
I'm still battling my Demons as well - my advice is if you think you have a problem simply stop before its too late - that one a night can escalate incredibly quickly next thing you know you're hiding bottles of vodka from the missus and drinking k cider at 8 in the morning.
I'm still battling my Demons as well - my advice is if you think you have a problem simply stop before its too late - that one a night can escalate incredibly quickly next thing you know you're hiding bottles of vodka from the missus and drinking k cider at 8 in the morning.
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That's pretty hardcore, scunnered, and apart from "i've went round", very well written 
But what would interest me, at what point did she tip from social drinker into drink-dependant? What were the signs?
But what would interest me, at what point did she tip from social drinker into drink-dependant? What were the signs?
In think in fairness, scunnered's story is quite the opposite end of the spectrum though.
I'm not in anyway condoning drinking, most of us do it, and most of us do so in moderation, its just very sad when moderation goes out the window.
I'm not in anyway condoning drinking, most of us do it, and most of us do so in moderation, its just very sad when moderation goes out the window.
sad story - shows just how strong addiction can be. in certain people drugs can get such a tight grip that they just cant get out.
the vast majority of the population are not maybe as succesptable, through whatever reason be that gentic, enviromental situations ect and so many dismiss addiction as some kind of weakness ie - if they REALLY wanted to stop, they would! ect.
but the simepl fact is that until youve lived with a serious addiction your making wild assumptions as to the physiological and physcological effects these can have.
also id agree 1 large intake of alcohol per week has likely a higher risk of damage. although equally a constant stream of a toxin daily may be just as bad if its above the thresh hold your body organs can take. even if its below its still not an advisable procatice imo - although i do it myself lol
the vast majority of the population are not maybe as succesptable, through whatever reason be that gentic, enviromental situations ect and so many dismiss addiction as some kind of weakness ie - if they REALLY wanted to stop, they would! ect.
but the simepl fact is that until youve lived with a serious addiction your making wild assumptions as to the physiological and physcological effects these can have.
also id agree 1 large intake of alcohol per week has likely a higher risk of damage. although equally a constant stream of a toxin daily may be just as bad if its above the thresh hold your body organs can take. even if its below its still not an advisable procatice imo - although i do it myself lol
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I'll tell you what alcoholism means to me. Please excuse the long post.
My partner is an alcoholic. She has advanced liver disease (I can't spell cirrhosis).
October 12th last year, she went into hospital to have her ascitic fluid drained. She hadn't had a drink for almost two weeks, but she was very bloated with fluid. While she was waiting for a bed, blood vessels ruptured in her oesophagus. Her blood was pumping straight into her stomach. She started to repeatedly vomit up thick black gunge (blood mixed with stomach acid). The medical staff realised what was happening and immediately put her on a "whole blood" transfusion, and also emergency surgery to stem the flow of blood. (She would have died in under half an hour if this had happened at home). The following day, due to the sudden loss of blood, her kidneys shut down. Then her lungs filled up with fluid, and her heart started failing. She was experiencing total organ failure. Her family and I were called in to say goodbye to her. It was one of the saddest things I ever had to do. She had only a few hours at most we were told. However, she was far too stubborn to die. I stayed by her bed for 17 hours, until I was told her condition had improved very slightly. Anyway, three weeks later, she was discharged.
I thought she'd learned her lesson and wouldn't drink again. I tried to make sure of this by spending a lot more time with her. However, she would sneak drink into the house every chance she had. She would also pick arguments with me to try and force me to leave, saying she needs her own space. Needless to say she'd go back to her usual routine. In August we were on holiday in Malta. From the outset, it was obvious she had an intense craving for drink. I'd had enough of her lies and deceit by this time and I wasn't going to let her ruin my holiday. So I just let her do what she wanted (she'd stay in the hotel room and get drunk). I should mention she becomes an angry and bitter woman with a drink in her. One night, I went out for a walk to get away from her for a while. When I arrived back, there was blood on the floor and walls. She'd cut her foot on a broken bottle. Then I noticed she had marks on her back and arms. It was then the receptionist called to inform me the police were at reception and wanted to speak to me. It seems she was found lying on the street outside the hotel unable to get up. The police found her, and brought her back to the room.and rather than admit to being drunk and falling down, she told them I had beaten her up. Anyway her injuries were consistent with a fall so they didn't believe her lies. and it was cleared up with no action taken. After sobering up, we enjoyed the last couple of days of our holiday.
So, we get back home and everything is fine for a few weeks until the craving for drink takes over again. She kicks me out the house and is free to drink what she likes. I try to keep in touch by phone and email, but she refuses to answer. I know there's no point in going over to her house because unless she's sober, she won't answer the door. She keeps her key in the lock from the inside, so I can't use my key to get in.
Five days went by with no contact from her, so I go over. As usual, there's no answer. I noticed her key was vertical in the lock, so I was able to push it through with my key and open the door. That was when I found her lying on the bedroom floor unconscious. There was also a strong smell of urine as she wasn't able to go to the toilet. I counted the empty bottles. She had consumed six 1ltr bottles of vodka and three 3ltr bottles of white cider in the space of five days. So that was another trip to hospital where she is currently.
I've found drink hidden all over the house. I've stayed with her and not let her out of my sight. I've went round all the off licensed shops with her photo, and pleaded with them not to serve her. I've done everything I can possibly think of to keep the drink away from her. I've even locked her in the house with only the back door open (no street access) if I need to go shopping etc. She would phone for a taxi to pick up drink and she's pay for it through the window. There are so many ways when you're determined enough.You have no idea how devious an alcoholic can be. I've often wondered why I stick around. I reckon its because I couldn't have it on my conscience that I could have prevented her death but didn't. I seriously don't believe she'll be alive for much longer, if she continues like this. She totally refuses to believe she needs psychiatric help.
On a lighter note, I've found the best winter screenwash for your car is a bottle of vodka.
My partner is an alcoholic. She has advanced liver disease (I can't spell cirrhosis).
October 12th last year, she went into hospital to have her ascitic fluid drained. She hadn't had a drink for almost two weeks, but she was very bloated with fluid. While she was waiting for a bed, blood vessels ruptured in her oesophagus. Her blood was pumping straight into her stomach. She started to repeatedly vomit up thick black gunge (blood mixed with stomach acid). The medical staff realised what was happening and immediately put her on a "whole blood" transfusion, and also emergency surgery to stem the flow of blood. (She would have died in under half an hour if this had happened at home). The following day, due to the sudden loss of blood, her kidneys shut down. Then her lungs filled up with fluid, and her heart started failing. She was experiencing total organ failure. Her family and I were called in to say goodbye to her. It was one of the saddest things I ever had to do. She had only a few hours at most we were told. However, she was far too stubborn to die. I stayed by her bed for 17 hours, until I was told her condition had improved very slightly. Anyway, three weeks later, she was discharged.
I thought she'd learned her lesson and wouldn't drink again. I tried to make sure of this by spending a lot more time with her. However, she would sneak drink into the house every chance she had. She would also pick arguments with me to try and force me to leave, saying she needs her own space. Needless to say she'd go back to her usual routine. In August we were on holiday in Malta. From the outset, it was obvious she had an intense craving for drink. I'd had enough of her lies and deceit by this time and I wasn't going to let her ruin my holiday. So I just let her do what she wanted (she'd stay in the hotel room and get drunk). I should mention she becomes an angry and bitter woman with a drink in her. One night, I went out for a walk to get away from her for a while. When I arrived back, there was blood on the floor and walls. She'd cut her foot on a broken bottle. Then I noticed she had marks on her back and arms. It was then the receptionist called to inform me the police were at reception and wanted to speak to me. It seems she was found lying on the street outside the hotel unable to get up. The police found her, and brought her back to the room.and rather than admit to being drunk and falling down, she told them I had beaten her up. Anyway her injuries were consistent with a fall so they didn't believe her lies. and it was cleared up with no action taken. After sobering up, we enjoyed the last couple of days of our holiday.
So, we get back home and everything is fine for a few weeks until the craving for drink takes over again. She kicks me out the house and is free to drink what she likes. I try to keep in touch by phone and email, but she refuses to answer. I know there's no point in going over to her house because unless she's sober, she won't answer the door. She keeps her key in the lock from the inside, so I can't use my key to get in.
Five days went by with no contact from her, so I go over. As usual, there's no answer. I noticed her key was vertical in the lock, so I was able to push it through with my key and open the door. That was when I found her lying on the bedroom floor unconscious. There was also a strong smell of urine as she wasn't able to go to the toilet. I counted the empty bottles. She had consumed six 1ltr bottles of vodka and three 3ltr bottles of white cider in the space of five days. So that was another trip to hospital where she is currently.
I've found drink hidden all over the house. I've stayed with her and not let her out of my sight. I've went round all the off licensed shops with her photo, and pleaded with them not to serve her. I've done everything I can possibly think of to keep the drink away from her. I've even locked her in the house with only the back door open (no street access) if I need to go shopping etc. She would phone for a taxi to pick up drink and she's pay for it through the window. There are so many ways when you're determined enough.You have no idea how devious an alcoholic can be. I've often wondered why I stick around. I reckon its because I couldn't have it on my conscience that I could have prevented her death but didn't. I seriously don't believe she'll be alive for much longer, if she continues like this. She totally refuses to believe she needs psychiatric help.
On a lighter note, I've found the best winter screenwash for your car is a bottle of vodka.
You are right of course how devious an alcoholic can be, it is a terrible disease and takes over the mind to the exclusion of mostly anything else.
It seems to be one of those "creeping" diseases which take over such that you don't realise it until its too late.
I can only hope that something might happen to help her out of the problem somehow. I know how difficult it was to stop smoking and it was only a major accident and a stay in hospital which made it possible to achieve.
It is terrible for you also of course and I can only wish you all the strength that you need to be able to cope.
Les
that is the key mate,MODERATION,it applies to 100% of things in life.
id take a guess she does know, but addiction is too strong and overcomes rational thoughts/behaviour. it must be a tormented life. really hope ends well mate
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From: Leeds
close friend of mine used to do 4 pints a night after work, collapsed at home and now has scarring of the Liver, hasten to say he cant really drink now. He does but very small amounts no caining it like we did when we were young.
My advice would be for anybody supping 4 cans a night cut back, wait for the weekend and then have a few. My brother is a professor at Manchester uni and his specialism, Molecular Physiology, and an expert in Kidney and Liver genetics. Everybody's body copes with ale differently I myself hammered it when I was young, blastaways mad-dgo 2020 u know how it goes, now I rarely have 4 cans a week.
just take care because once you hurt your liver although its the only organ that can completely repair itself, if you get liver disease, it has trouble thus its a downward spiral. IE Cirrhosis causes scarring scaring cannot be reversed thus reduces liver function
Clip for you
First, it should be understood that alcohol is a poison. Any amount of alcohol can produce damage to the liver. In an otherwise healthy person with no underlying liver problems, the general rule of thumb is different for men and women. Men metabolize and are able to clear alcohol more efficiently than women due to body size, body fat and certain enzymes. Because of this the maximum "safe" daily intake of alcohol for a woman is 1 - 2 drink per day; for the male it is 3 - 4 over a 24-hour period. It is also important to recognize the body and the liver in particular does not distinguish between different forms of alcohol. Beer and wine are not "safer" than whiskey or spirits. One drink is defined as one shot (1 and 1/4 ounces) of whiskey or spirits, one four-ounce can of wine or one 12-ounce can of beer. If an individual has an underlying liver condition such as hepatitis B or C, or prior damage from alcohol or other diseases, the liver is very sensitive to any amount of alcohol. In those conditions, the only safe dose of alcohol is zero.
My advice would be for anybody supping 4 cans a night cut back, wait for the weekend and then have a few. My brother is a professor at Manchester uni and his specialism, Molecular Physiology, and an expert in Kidney and Liver genetics. Everybody's body copes with ale differently I myself hammered it when I was young, blastaways mad-dgo 2020 u know how it goes, now I rarely have 4 cans a week.
just take care because once you hurt your liver although its the only organ that can completely repair itself, if you get liver disease, it has trouble thus its a downward spiral. IE Cirrhosis causes scarring scaring cannot be reversed thus reduces liver function
Clip for you
First, it should be understood that alcohol is a poison. Any amount of alcohol can produce damage to the liver. In an otherwise healthy person with no underlying liver problems, the general rule of thumb is different for men and women. Men metabolize and are able to clear alcohol more efficiently than women due to body size, body fat and certain enzymes. Because of this the maximum "safe" daily intake of alcohol for a woman is 1 - 2 drink per day; for the male it is 3 - 4 over a 24-hour period. It is also important to recognize the body and the liver in particular does not distinguish between different forms of alcohol. Beer and wine are not "safer" than whiskey or spirits. One drink is defined as one shot (1 and 1/4 ounces) of whiskey or spirits, one four-ounce can of wine or one 12-ounce can of beer. If an individual has an underlying liver condition such as hepatitis B or C, or prior damage from alcohol or other diseases, the liver is very sensitive to any amount of alcohol. In those conditions, the only safe dose of alcohol is zero.
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From: Notts
I used to drink between 10 and 15 bottles of Stella every night ( more at weekends), I never felt really drunk, never had a hangover and never considered it to be too much, our lass didn't think the same and would constantly ask me to calm down as she thought I wasn't in control, so we had a deal, she could say at any time that I was to stop for a certain period of time, our agreement was anything up to two weeks. If she suddenly said "no drink for 9 days" then I wouldn't touch it for 9 days. It was only after a doing this for a while that I realised just how much money I was wasting, so just stopped in the week and now 24 bottles lasts me all weekend
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Leeds
let me ask my brother.
yellow eyeballs is a good sign, the white parts
Full feeling or feeling sick after a large meal
Excessive tiredness
spots on chest or wrists like little liver spots not Zits red marks
also sleeping issues ie painful when on 1 side
Yellow whites of eyes
easiest way is a blood test.
( I can see you taking ya shirt off LOL )
yellow eyeballs is a good sign, the white parts
Full feeling or feeling sick after a large meal
Excessive tiredness
spots on chest or wrists like little liver spots not Zits red marks
also sleeping issues ie painful when on 1 side
Yellow whites of eyes
easiest way is a blood test.
( I can see you taking ya shirt off LOL )
Last edited by Littleted; Oct 18, 2012 at 03:23 PM.
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From: Leeds
think steve got it, if your ducking out of work cos your hangover or need a beer in lunchtime etc, and then ring in cos u wanna get slaughtered then yer
I have another mate who I know drinks 10 pints a night, every time I go out hes always there caining it, and hes been like that for 20 years. prob kill him but it shows how it effects some and not others.
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From: riding the crest of a wave ...
6 months that's more like it, mates girlfriend is alci and has been at least 20 years, she has been in and out clinic several times but max 3 weeks! Last time a week, not even enough to dry out
This is after she had 3 Brian clots ( apparently caused by the drink) removed found unconscious on the her floor
I can't imagine how she's escaped liver damage so far
This is after she had 3 Brian clots ( apparently caused by the drink) removed found unconscious on the her floor
I can't imagine how she's escaped liver damage so far
Thread Starter
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From: Type 25. Build No.34
I'll tell you what alcoholism means to me. Please excuse the long post.
My partner is an alcoholic. She has advanced liver disease (I can't spell cirrhosis).
October 12th last year, she went into hospital to have her ascitic fluid drained. She hadn't had a drink for almost two weeks, but she was very bloated with fluid. While she was waiting for a bed, blood vessels ruptured in her oesophagus. Her blood was pumping straight into her stomach. She started to repeatedly vomit up thick black gunge (blood mixed with stomach acid). The medical staff realised what was happening and immediately put her on a "whole blood" transfusion, and also emergency surgery to stem the flow of blood. (She would have died in under half an hour if this had happened at home). The following day, due to the sudden loss of blood, her kidneys shut down. Then her lungs filled up with fluid, and her heart started failing. She was experiencing total organ failure. Her family and I were called in to say goodbye to her. It was one of the saddest things I ever had to do. She had only a few hours at most we were told. However, she was far too stubborn to die. I stayed by her bed for 17 hours, until I was told her condition had improved very slightly. Anyway, three weeks later, she was discharged.
I thought she'd learned her lesson and wouldn't drink again. I tried to make sure of this by spending a lot more time with her. However, she would sneak drink into the house every chance she had. She would also pick arguments with me to try and force me to leave, saying she needs her own space. Needless to say she'd go back to her usual routine. In August we were on holiday in Malta. From the outset, it was obvious she had an intense craving for drink. I'd had enough of her lies and deceit by this time and I wasn't going to let her ruin my holiday. So I just let her do what she wanted (she'd stay in the hotel room and get drunk). I should mention she becomes an angry and bitter woman with a drink in her. One night, I went out for a walk to get away from her for a while. When I arrived back, there was blood on the floor and walls. She'd cut her foot on a broken bottle. Then I noticed she had marks on her back and arms. It was then the receptionist called to inform me the police were at reception and wanted to speak to me. It seems she was found lying on the street outside the hotel unable to get up. The police found her, and brought her back to the room.and rather than admit to being drunk and falling down, she told them I had beaten her up. Anyway her injuries were consistent with a fall so they didn't believe her lies. and it was cleared up with no action taken. After sobering up, we enjoyed the last couple of days of our holiday.
So, we get back home and everything is fine for a few weeks until the craving for drink takes over again. She kicks me out the house and is free to drink what she likes. I try to keep in touch by phone and email, but she refuses to answer. I know there's no point in going over to her house because unless she's sober, she won't answer the door. She keeps her key in the lock from the inside, so I can't use my key to get in.
Five days went by with no contact from her, so I go over. As usual, there's no answer. I noticed her key was vertical in the lock, so I was able to push it through with my key and open the door. That was when I found her lying on the bedroom floor unconscious. There was also a strong smell of urine as she wasn't able to go to the toilet. I counted the empty bottles. She had consumed six 1ltr bottles of vodka and three 3ltr bottles of white cider in the space of five days. So that was another trip to hospital where she is currently.
I've found drink hidden all over the house. I've stayed with her and not let her out of my sight. I've went round all the off licensed shops with her photo, and pleaded with them not to serve her. I've done everything I can possibly think of to keep the drink away from her. I've even locked her in the house with only the back door open (no street access) if I need to go shopping etc. She would phone for a taxi to pick up drink and she's pay for it through the window. There are so many ways when you're determined enough.You have no idea how devious an alcoholic can be. I've often wondered why I stick around. I reckon its because I couldn't have it on my conscience that I could have prevented her death but didn't. I seriously don't believe she'll be alive for much longer, if she continues like this. She totally refuses to believe she needs psychiatric help.
On a lighter note, I've found the best winter screenwash for your car is a bottle of vodka.
My partner is an alcoholic. She has advanced liver disease (I can't spell cirrhosis).
October 12th last year, she went into hospital to have her ascitic fluid drained. She hadn't had a drink for almost two weeks, but she was very bloated with fluid. While she was waiting for a bed, blood vessels ruptured in her oesophagus. Her blood was pumping straight into her stomach. She started to repeatedly vomit up thick black gunge (blood mixed with stomach acid). The medical staff realised what was happening and immediately put her on a "whole blood" transfusion, and also emergency surgery to stem the flow of blood. (She would have died in under half an hour if this had happened at home). The following day, due to the sudden loss of blood, her kidneys shut down. Then her lungs filled up with fluid, and her heart started failing. She was experiencing total organ failure. Her family and I were called in to say goodbye to her. It was one of the saddest things I ever had to do. She had only a few hours at most we were told. However, she was far too stubborn to die. I stayed by her bed for 17 hours, until I was told her condition had improved very slightly. Anyway, three weeks later, she was discharged.
I thought she'd learned her lesson and wouldn't drink again. I tried to make sure of this by spending a lot more time with her. However, she would sneak drink into the house every chance she had. She would also pick arguments with me to try and force me to leave, saying she needs her own space. Needless to say she'd go back to her usual routine. In August we were on holiday in Malta. From the outset, it was obvious she had an intense craving for drink. I'd had enough of her lies and deceit by this time and I wasn't going to let her ruin my holiday. So I just let her do what she wanted (she'd stay in the hotel room and get drunk). I should mention she becomes an angry and bitter woman with a drink in her. One night, I went out for a walk to get away from her for a while. When I arrived back, there was blood on the floor and walls. She'd cut her foot on a broken bottle. Then I noticed she had marks on her back and arms. It was then the receptionist called to inform me the police were at reception and wanted to speak to me. It seems she was found lying on the street outside the hotel unable to get up. The police found her, and brought her back to the room.and rather than admit to being drunk and falling down, she told them I had beaten her up. Anyway her injuries were consistent with a fall so they didn't believe her lies. and it was cleared up with no action taken. After sobering up, we enjoyed the last couple of days of our holiday.
So, we get back home and everything is fine for a few weeks until the craving for drink takes over again. She kicks me out the house and is free to drink what she likes. I try to keep in touch by phone and email, but she refuses to answer. I know there's no point in going over to her house because unless she's sober, she won't answer the door. She keeps her key in the lock from the inside, so I can't use my key to get in.
Five days went by with no contact from her, so I go over. As usual, there's no answer. I noticed her key was vertical in the lock, so I was able to push it through with my key and open the door. That was when I found her lying on the bedroom floor unconscious. There was also a strong smell of urine as she wasn't able to go to the toilet. I counted the empty bottles. She had consumed six 1ltr bottles of vodka and three 3ltr bottles of white cider in the space of five days. So that was another trip to hospital where she is currently.
I've found drink hidden all over the house. I've stayed with her and not let her out of my sight. I've went round all the off licensed shops with her photo, and pleaded with them not to serve her. I've done everything I can possibly think of to keep the drink away from her. I've even locked her in the house with only the back door open (no street access) if I need to go shopping etc. She would phone for a taxi to pick up drink and she's pay for it through the window. There are so many ways when you're determined enough.You have no idea how devious an alcoholic can be. I've often wondered why I stick around. I reckon its because I couldn't have it on my conscience that I could have prevented her death but didn't. I seriously don't believe she'll be alive for much longer, if she continues like this. She totally refuses to believe she needs psychiatric help.
On a lighter note, I've found the best winter screenwash for your car is a bottle of vodka.
Two things really struck me about your story, firstly just how incredibly self-destructive people can become, and secondly that you must really love her to put up with it.
I started this thread because I was concerned that I might be over doing it, but pretty confident that I had things under control. Now I'm certain I don't have a problem (as such) but I do need to make some adjustments to my lifestyle to make sure that it does become a big problem
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When I used to work deep sea I used to drink ALOT along with everyone else on board. The officers bar used to go through about 8 cases a night and probably 11 cases a night at the weekend (between 11 people), this is not including wine or spirits. We all lived by the no drinking 4 hours before going on watch rule but I'm sure that very few people were sober for their night watch. Captain used to drink a bottle of whisky most nights. Our trip length was 3 - 4 months at a time, and the above was on a LPG/C Tanker (basically a floating bomb ) We never had any accidents and I never saw any close calls.
On leave my drinking would be up and down, I would think nothing of drinking 12 cans of Stella in a night and would probably drink in the region of 50 cans a week
Now I'm older I drink a fraction of what I used to, I quite happily go 2 or 3 weeks without a drink. and probably only drink in the region of 20 bottles in a week, since I got home on Tuesday night I have has 9 bottles, 6 my first night off and 3 last night and probably wont have anything till Sunday or Monday unless I get a call to go to the pub.
Would an expert say Im going to die - probably, does it affect the way I function - no, can I stop at a mins notice - yes and quite often do.
We have to have a medical every two years to be allowed to work and my blood pressure, heart rate breathing, urine sample etc are always fine. The only thing I am pulled up for is being a bit podgy.
) We never had any accidents and I never saw any close calls.On leave my drinking would be up and down, I would think nothing of drinking 12 cans of Stella in a night and would probably drink in the region of 50 cans a week
Now I'm older I drink a fraction of what I used to, I quite happily go 2 or 3 weeks without a drink. and probably only drink in the region of 20 bottles in a week, since I got home on Tuesday night I have has 9 bottles, 6 my first night off and 3 last night and probably wont have anything till Sunday or Monday unless I get a call to go to the pub
.Would an expert say Im going to die - probably, does it affect the way I function - no, can I stop at a mins notice - yes and quite often do.
We have to have a medical every two years to be allowed to work and my blood pressure, heart rate breathing, urine sample etc are always fine. The only thing I am pulled up for is being a bit podgy.
Last edited by G.Mac; Oct 18, 2012 at 06:21 PM.
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Not necessarily, my father in law was an alky and only ever started drinking at 6PM, when, he said, the sun was over the yardarm.. This would be two large G+T's before dinner, two glasses of wine with dinner then the best part of a bottle of Grouse to finish off. That was seven days a week. He also managed to hold down his job as an MD of a FTSE100 company whilst doing it. He also never smelled of alcohol in the morning for some reason
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