On the Left Wing
KIT NAPIER
I am an alcoholic.
Forced to admit it to loved ones a few days ago and gaining much support from Mrs OTLW and my older son and daughter. Been drinking all my life, but chronically for past 14 years. Manage to idle through most days at work – absences have gone under excuses such as writer’s block or artistic temperament! But come 5.30 every night the ritual began of a large glass of whisky or vodka followed by bottle or two of wine and then more spirits. EVERY NIGHT for 14 years! When I really pushed the boat out it would be 3 or 4 bottles of wine … and never any hangover!
Maybe I drank to forget, maybe there were reasons to start with, but the drink later gave me the reason. In any case a Conservative estimation is I have spent over £35,000 on daily drink in just 14 years (that does not include going out, parties or Christmas).
But it started to catch up with my health … ke-tones in my urine, drenching night sweats, enlarged liver, sleeplessness and general irritability.
I have been dry for 5 days – each evening has been it’s own cold turkey – and am officially in Recovery. I have my first meeting of AA to attend tonight ... am terrified.
Forced to admit it to loved ones a few days ago and gaining much support from Mrs OTLW and my older son and daughter. Been drinking all my life, but chronically for past 14 years. Manage to idle through most days at work – absences have gone under excuses such as writer’s block or artistic temperament! But come 5.30 every night the ritual began of a large glass of whisky or vodka followed by bottle or two of wine and then more spirits. EVERY NIGHT for 14 years! When I really pushed the boat out it would be 3 or 4 bottles of wine … and never any hangover!
Maybe I drank to forget, maybe there were reasons to start with, but the drink later gave me the reason. In any case a Conservative estimation is I have spent over £35,000 on daily drink in just 14 years (that does not include going out, parties or Christmas).
But it started to catch up with my health … ke-tones in my urine, drenching night sweats, enlarged liver, sleeplessness and general irritability.
I have been dry for 5 days – each evening has been it’s own cold turkey – and am officially in Recovery. I have my first meeting of AA to attend tonight ... am terrified.