My father was an extremely high-functioning alcoholic for all of his adult life (like he'd work 80 or 90 hours a week, for years at a time).

I think he recognized it was a problem?, but he never quite could find his way out of it long term. I know he was clinically manic, and I suspect the booze was a kind of painkiller for something he couldn't shake or allow himself to grieve properly for.

Stark choices. You made a good one, and godspeed. I don't even know you, but I'm proud of you!

Well done, TEB.

My son is on his 3rd week of sobriety.

I've been in AA since 2008 and so many people I meet were forced into treatment for legal reasons. And I agree that it's genetic, seems like the majority of people I've gotten to know say they come from alcoholic families. And the way one woman described it stuck with me. She said "I realized early on that I didn't have an 'off switch.'" That's what it was like for me. Good luck and remember that living sober isn't a destination, it's a journey. That's another quote that resonated with me...

I’ve been debating switching to vivatrol (it’s basically the same thing, but it’s an injection you get once per month), but I get sloppy with taking my meds at times.

When I take naltrexone and some of my other PTSD meds, I find that it kills my appetite and I sweat a lot when I exercise. I just make sure I drink lots of water, but after a few months of it I’m finally getting my beach-body back.

The weight loss is a just a good side affect for me. It could also be that, when I’m not drinking alcohol, that I consume way less calories too.

At 38 years old, I’m going to finally be able to sport my speedo at the beach. Now that I’m divorced and single, I just need someone to help shave my back. When I get my bro-zilian (the male version of a Brazilian) maybe I’ll just get them to wax my back too.

Just kidding, I don’t have a hairy back.

I’m 6 ft 145 I like to run and hit gym for circuit pt. Thanks LT

I'm sure if you had a hairy back some dominatrix would gladly do the wax job. Stay healthy and sober. And congrates on getting a Bronze Star and surviving to tell the tail. There is one in my Dad's (rip) display case from WW II. I asked him what he got it for and he couldn't or wouldn't tell.

When asked why I made a certain life-changing decision when I did, my simple response was, “I just decided that it was time.” So maybe it was your time.
I drink. Probably more than I should. I like wine and I don’t like stress, but I also don’t like the added pounds. I’m not sure if I’d need medical help if I decide to stop, but I had no idea it existed, and hopefully I’m not the only back-woods person who was unaware. So thanks for sharing your story. It may help others, and it’s good to hear that you are focusing on you and your health.

9+ years sober here. I didn't take anything for the cravings and found, as another "functional alcoholic" that they went away after a few very uncomfortable weeks. I did need a sufficient substitute for Alcohol, especially to deal with anxiety and stress. Active participation in AA turned out to be the thing for me.

I am the happiest I have ever been and now I don't miss a drink at all.

You can do this.

I can't offer any real advice as my drug of choice is nicotine delivered by a non-filtered paper tube filled with full flavor tobacco. I don't smoke any more but it is still there. If I have a beer with people who smoke there is a real danger that I would bum a cigarette off of them and I would be back in the smoke ring.

I am wishing you all the best in this. You know the effects that alcohol has on your mind and body. You need to be around for a long time for your wife and kiddos. From your writing, I can tell that you are a kind and compassionate man. The world needs more people like you. Because of your service and your activism with veterans and always looking out for the underdog, you are a very valued member of society. Prayers for you and wishing you a long and happy life.

Recognizing you have an addiction problem is the most important step, no?

My father was a functional alcoholic. My mom hated that he drank so much after he got home from work. And I could always tell. I think he thought we kids couldn't tell. But we could.

Best thing you can do for your family. Bravo and the best of luck to you.