Hello,
I will keep updating this post as there is more to share.
I am 21, I have recently picked up a drinking habit. Although it's only a beer a day, I know if it continues I will be in my dad's shoes eventually. I am making this post as a reminder to myself of what he went through and hopefully to keep me from returning to my drinking after his detox. I am sharing with others for two reasons, one I feel I am going to need as much support as possible and also in hopes someone else struggling with alcoholism will see this and maybe they too can stray away from the lifestyle before it's too late.
Pretext:
My father is in his 50s and has been drinking steadily since 20 years old. He has had a history of hardcore drugs and he has issues breathing. He decided by himself (no-one saw it coming nor really mentioned anything to him) to detox, he hates what he has become and has stopped being a functioning alcoholic. He has been drinking day in and day out and realized his job may be at risk. I quit my job Monday for unrelated reasons, but it works out because now I can sit with him in the hospital and show him support. Watching my father go through this is going to be rough and I am terrified! I have been with my GF for 5 months, and this will be the first time I've spent an extended period of time at her parent's house as she lives in the city my dad will be detoxing in, we live about an hour away in a small town. I am stressed about staying there as I am unsure of my emotions and do not want to upset her parents if I am struggling to hold it together
8/26/17 Day 1:
Before the detox.
Today we are headed to the city to check him into the hospital. I am nervous his organs will shut down, or something else will happen to him. I am going to take care of a few things with my dad's job then we will hit the road to go check him in. He says he is not nervous, but I know he is terrified. I for one am just hoping I can hold it together in front of him for the day. I am there to support him, not make him more stressed.
8/27/17 Day 2:
The beginning.
Dad pushed the check-in date back. He had some things to handle for work before being gone for a week or more. He just checked into the E.R., he is only allowed two visitors at a time. Mom and sister are in with him right now, me and the gf are in the lobby waiting. I have a newfound optimism but we will see what adventures lye ahead. I was up late last night trying to keep my mind focused on other tasks. When I did finally lay down I spent about an hour wandering my mind and all the different possibilities that could come. In other news I spent yesterday giving dad something to look forward to after the detox. I bought his favorite gun (Beretta 92) and we plan to go shooting when he is finished in the hospital. More updates as new things happen.
8/28/17 Day 3:
Can it really be this easy?
Visiting hours are 1-3 PM. Me and my girlfriend spent around 2 hours with dad today. He seemed to be doing really well. The medicine they gave him made the shakes disappear. He is unable to have his phone on him, but i can call the detox center anytime to contact him. Took him some of his favorite snacks and his requested lunch for the day. He still seems very dedicated. Today was supposed to be my first day of sobriety, I caved in and had my daily beer. To be completely honest I'm having my second as I type. The beretta is supposed to be here the same day as he is released from the detox center if everything works out right. Excited to take him shooting as a celebration of his sobriety. Think I may even push to make it a tradition to take the family out every year on 8/28 to celebrate. Mom should be coming to visit tomorrow, I am going to discuss the idea with her. Things have been going well at my girlfriends house, think all my worries beforehand were pointless as her parents have been very supportive and don't seem to mind having me around much. My girl is trying to sleep and I believe I am keeping her up with the post so I am going to spellcheck tomorrow and will post my update for the day tomorrow. Thanks for the support!