My name is Mark, I work on cars and drink a lot. I've been a mechanic my whole life and have a wife. I didn't start drinking until I met her. I do not have any other kids, but my wife is due to give birth to our first born in a few weeks. I do not know whether it is a boy or girl, and I do not make enough money as a mechanic to support a family. My wife has a good job and makes a lot of money. It doesn't matter what gender my child is. I used to be a heavy drinker. I am a responsible person; I wanted to have my drinking under control before having a child. I have considered getting help for my drinking problem.
I am terrible at working on cars. I have 4 children with two different women. I am a heavy drinker. I am estranged from some of my children. I am an alcoholic. I am overwhelmed by getting help for my drinking problem. I don't have anyone close to me to help.
I already went to one meeting and it was great; it really made me feel strong for my baby to be. It would mean the world to me, and I'm sure your kids, if you just gave it a shot, man. I want to but I am afraid to. I wish that I had a friend here who could go with me. It's great that you went to a meeting and are getting help. I can understand. I felt that way too at first. I was scared of any idea of change. But I'll gladly go with you to your first meeting if that would make you more comfortable? It may take you a couple meetings until you find one that is most suited for you, though. That's so nice of you. It really touches my heart, to be honest. I've felt so alone with this problem and also am afraid of change like you mentioned. I don't mind checking out a few to find one that really resonates with me. I go every week, twice a week. So, whenever you are ready to give one a try, just let me know! No pressure! I know how it can feel. I had to get to an absolute rock bottom before I would even consider it, and it's still hard, but I'm coming up on 6 months sober myself! I'm really impressed. I feel like I'm at rock bottom and it's overwhelming knowing where to start but I'll reach out to you when I'm ready. How is your wife doing? The baby should be here soon. That's exciting. I love my kids even though I don't get to see all of them. Hopefully, that will change. The wife is doing great, and honestly, probably a lot more now that I've put the bottle down. I'm able to really focus on work and my life at home, and her needs. She knows this isn't easy for me, but I can tell she really appreciates how hard I'm trying. I know how much you love your children, but I'm sure if you can make some progress on the drinking you'll be able to find ways to spend more time with them. You are not alone; many of the fathers in my groups deal with very similar issues. Maybe you could reach out to one of them for advice? I'm glad to hear that, man. I'm sure your wife is so much happier now, especially knowing you're there for her and the baby. Part of my motivation to get sober is because I want to be able to see my kids grow up, all of them. Nice to know I'm not alone. Are you excited about the birth? Are you going to have a home birth or go to the hospital? I'm excited, scared, nervous, overjoyed, and pretty much every other feeling I can imagine all at once! It's a lot to handle sometimes! But truthfully, more than anything, is the anticipation to finally see my baby for the first time. We are going to do the birth in the hospital, just to be safe. My wife has had a couple health conditions in the past, so we don't want to take any risks. The doctors do not expect any kind of complications, though. That's good. I feel it's safer to have backup in the hospital just in case, especially if your wife has had some health issues. I'm sure it will go smoothly though since the doctors don't foresee any issues arising. I was so excited when my first child was born. I loved being able to be there in the room and to give all my support. I wasn't a true alcoholic then, just drank socially. Losing my job started a downward spiral.  I'm really sorry to hear that, but I can understand. Are you still currently out of work? Yes. I'm getting unemployment benefits right now, but, I'd rather be working. It gave me a sense of purpose. Some days I feel lost and like I'm just floundering around. I need to make a change somehow.