Heart Problems at 36 - Must Stop Drinking for Good

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write a post or not, but I decided it might be good for me to do so. So here goes. I was recently diagnosed with heart failure at a relatively young age - 36. I’m physically fit, very active, I eat (fairly) healthy, and I look “completely fine.” No one, including my cardiologist, can really believe what is happening to me, and no one can explain why. In order to let my body heal to the best of its ability, I have had to take serious medication, stop drinking alcohol, stop consuming caffeine, and make some other minor lifestyle changes.

In the past, I have read posts and comments in this thread that have helped me moderate my drinking. Although I’ve never spoken out, this group has aided me a great deal when I’ve tried to stop drinking for long stretches. I’m thankful to all that you have done for me already. But this time…..well…this time things have to be different. I know I have done bad things to my body over the years; one of those things has been drinking too much.

The seriousness of this diagnosis means I cannot ever justify drinking again. A lot of things related to this health problem are outside of my control, but abstaining from alcohol is something I have within my power to do.

It’s been a week and so far things have been okay. I have not been symptomatic with respect to my heart ailment and I continue to feel physically fine. My mental state is ragged, however. I worry all the time about dying and leaving my young children without a father. In response to this worry, a voice pops up in my head and says, “You know what would calm your nerves? A drink.”

I know, based on what I’ve learned from this group, that I must strive to defeat that voice. My life - my future existence - all of the great things I have left to do - all of this matters more than drinking.

I’ll continue drawing support from this group during the tough days and weeks ahead. Thank you in advance and I wish you all the best.