Alcohol Addiction: I Really Need Some Help….?

Question by Mad Hatter: Alcohol addiction: I really need some help….?
Here is what is happening to me. It took me a lot of courage just to admit this to myself. Alright, lately (probably for a few months) I have been drinking a lot of alcohol. I have been doing this regularly before I go to sleep pretty much every night. I’ll have a few drinks of beer, wine, or champagne. I have been doing this as a way of coping with my mental illness (I have schizophrenia).
Lately, I have been noticing that when I don’t have alcohol, I suffer from withdrawal symptoms. I will have a racing heart, difficulty sleeping, a feeling of strong anxiety, and sometimes nausea or dizziness. Last night it was the worst. I had a drink, but I still got the withdrawal symptoms because I didn’t have a lot. Now today, I am very nauseous, and wasn’t able to concentrate in school. I had a nervous breakdown at school. I know that I won’t be able to drink tonight, and I am afraid of suffering more withdrawal symptoms.
I want to know how I can get rid of this addiction. I don’t plan on telling my parents about this because I am so ashamed. I have a family history of addiction to drugs and alcohol. I want to know how I can get over the addiction. Please don’t give any rude answers. I just want to get help.
Is it necessary for me to go to rehab to quit? Is there any way that I could recover on my own (without medical intervention)?

Best answer:

Answer by Smitty
Addiction to alcohol is an illness. If you suddenly stop drinking you could have serious side effects, seizures, heart attack, this can lead to death. You need to go to a doctor, or tell you parents. They can put you in a hospital to help you detox safely. You can also contact a support hotline in your area. They may be able to tell you more information on how to do this without telling everyone in your life what you are going through. They can help give you support you need.

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