Renton

At £5000 pa cap, 2/3rds of the country will be in fuel poverty. Latest forecasts are that it may rise to £6000. Still, sure Truss will sort it out. https://www.itv.com/news/2022-08-20/energy-price-cap-could-pass-6000-for-first-time-in-new-forecast

Sure you're not using peat? Sure you should, so you should. That fucker Martin Lewis has some shit to answer for. I took his advice on NOT taking a fixed deal in May or June time and now I'm going to be massively out of pocket as the fixed rate deals are insane and variable rates are far worse than they would have been had I fixed when he told us not to. Also think I've said it before, but I'm with EDF with 2 smart meters they fitted when I moved in here. The electricity one doesn't work at all so I still have to take manual readings with estimates based on this. I don't have consoles for either so have no idea what is costing me what. Brand new combi boiler C/H system, new electrics, but my windows and doors and roof are drafty as fuck. I can see myself spending £500 a month or more during winter easily, especially when you wfh. Insane. As for commerical properties, I heard a story yesterday of a fish and chip shop whose energy bills had gone up from 7k pa to 80k pa. Needless to say he is out of business now (when you also factor in increases in cooking oil, potatoes, fish, employee pay etc). This is going to happen on a massive scale this winter imo. I mean even a bag of chips is becoming a luxury (£4.50 here). People aren't going to be eating/drinking out and the whole cycle negatively reinforces itself. This is going to make the 80s look like a cake walk. All this is in the wrong thread btw.

Cath, I don't mind admitting I cried a bit when I read this last night, it meant such a lot. I'm not sure I can agree with your assessment with me though other than I am trying desperately now to be a better man for my family, you're right on that. But I had to hit sobriety before that kicked in. When I was on my binge nothing mattered but alcohol. It feels like a bad dream now, in fact a nightmare. So an update since I last posted. I am back at home, back at work (from home), trying to normalise/steady my life to first regain what I've lost. It's going well, although I feel mentallly exhausted after a few hours work. But slowly getting back to normal physically and mentally. I recognise I still have major problems with the latter, I am suffering prettty bad anxiety attacks and bouts of depression. It's so hard to describe, like my brain just isn't working right. Mental fog, self doubt, hard to control emotions. Was in floods of tears watching Better Call Saul last night ffs! I know this needs to be adressed quite urgently but this is where the NHS can let us down, great in a crisis but trying to get a GP appointment with someone I trust is something else. I have some BUPA coverage and may use that instead. As for alcohol, whether it's self disgust or just the drug I am taking doing its job, I have no craving for alcohol at all. I don't even think about it unless I am reflecting on my experiences of the last 2 or 3 weeks. I am as near certain as I can be that I will never touch another drop, but I am not complacent. I still recognise the potential for relapse and the enormous damage that would do. I have taken @Meenzer's advice though and am turning it into a positive. I will miss the buzz of drinking, but so what compared to everything else I gain, most importantly my sanity? It's such a small sacrifice in the scheme of things, just wish I had done it years ago (or certainly 3 weeks ago!). Once again, thank you all for your kind words. I am recoverig and will be back to normal soon enough, spamming the politics thread where I belong. There's a lot wrong with this country, to say the least.

Sunderland concede 2 late goals to QPR, the last of which was scored by their goalie.

An update. I feel so fortunate. Back at home with the family, had a very long and frank discussion with Mrs Rents. She'll continue supporting me as long as I don't drink, which is obviously fair enough. It's a week now since my last alcoholic drink, and believe me that is my last. The acomprosate helps a lot, it has entirely stopped any desire for drink at all, bit of a miracle drug tbh. Strange as it seems, I think my recent alcoholism is a symptom not a cause of my problems. But regardless, it clearly will fuck my life anyway. Abrupt cessation of my antidepressants was the most stupid thing I have ever done and I think precipitated this crash. I need treatment for my anxiety and depression, especially the former. I will see the GP next week to discuss options. Other than that I have a one to one meeting with an alcohol recovery specialist next week, see how that goes. Work have been amazing. As well as giving me this week off to recover, they have offered part time working and even a sabbatical if I need it. I will repay them with full commitment from now on. Best of all is I'm going on holiday to Mallorca in 2 weeks. Drinking is always part of the holiday for me and I always feel ill for at least 1 day. I am literally looking forward to the liberation of not drinking at all this time, no hangovers, more energy for the kids and wife. I know it will be hard but with the acomprosate I'll get through. Can't wait to swim in the Med. Also my uncle is coming down from Scotland to talk with me today. We are like peas in a pod, same genetics definitely. He had to stop drinking around my age for the exact same reasons. He's been alcohol free for more than a decade now, hasn't stopped him enjoying life. Going to gratefully receive any wisdom he can impart. Onwards and upwards from now. I need some hobbies so might ask CT for advice there. key priority though when I get back from hols is to get fit. I'm starting from a good place ironically because the hospital did every check imaginable on all my organ systems and wouldn't discharge me until they were satisfied I was fully physically fit. So I got a free MOT courtesy of the NHS. Once again, thanks everybody here for your support, helped me through the darkest period of my life.

It's alright lads, was just joking. I've already got a non-alcoholic drink of choice, it's really, erm..

This thread is so insensitive.

I am genuinely overwhelmed by the support you guys have given me, it has helped so much. Actually I'm not brave admitting my problem, in the end I ran out of space. If I hadn't called 999 when I did I'd be dead, I am sure of it. My potassium levels were so low after days of vomiting my heart would have stopped. At my mum's but plan to go back home tomorrow now and at least talk to my wife and maybe see the kids. Really hope I can sleep tonight, in hospital I was woken every 2 hours for another drip or BP measurement. People will say the hard part starts now, which is true, to an extent. But all things are easier if you are physically well enough to handle them. Nothing seems possible when you're not. I'll keep you guys informed but at a much reduced rate from now on. And if anyone wants advice on detox, or extreme Ibinge drinking, I'm your man. Now, I'm ready to catch up with the rest of the forum!

Being discharged. Time to face the music. Which will be a full orchestra.

Using this as a blog now! Still here. They put me on the biggest drip ever last night trying to get my potassium levels up. Find out the results later. Feeling physically better but mentally worse. Seeing a mental health nurse later. Mum has agreed to put me up for 2 nights. Then will talk to the wife. Everyone in my street knows now of my alcoholism, which doesn't bother me but my wife hates it. Now begins the long road to repairing the damage I did. Through a 5 day binge. Unreal really what this drug can do to you if you can't control it.

I think that's right actually mate. We both need some time.

An update. I'm still here. Any withdrawals should have stopped by now so it's getting my other physical problems sorted. I'm eating fully, food is okay here. My liver problems are reversible. I think I'll be here at least another night. It's my electrolyte levels now that are most concern and the effect that is having on my heart. Seen the alcohol nurse yesterday. Going to get community support including group support. Also been prescribed Camprol. It apparently will change my brain chemistry making it prior to the alcohol phase. And then it will help stop my craving for alcohol. Don't know what else I will be offered. What else. Phoned work to tell them I was in hospital. Was vague about the reaon, for now. They were lovely. They just said we will support you in any way to get back to normal and that I was invaluable to the team. The whole area is focused on recruitment and retention now tbh. My wife we'll see. Ultimately she doesn't have much option other than take me in because otherwise I'm on the streets. My mum has been going around telling everyone who will listen I'm an incurable alcoholic. This includes parents of my children's peers. She has been so unsupportive it's unreal, after everything I have done for her before. Because its my fault, which I guess it is. Years of support, I have a 1 week breakdown and this is what I get. She can do things herself from now on. So I am facing the rest of my life without an alcoholic drink. Knowing the other option, I can do this. Presumably it gets easier over time, a year or so? One last thing. Sincere thanks and love ro all you guys on here. It really helped, especially @Rayvin at the very start before I got admitted. And a call out to the staff here at Cramlington. The parademics, the many nurses, porters, radiologists, phlebotomistists, doctors. They all treated me with the upmost dignity and respect, every last one of them. My God, you all deserve a pay rise.

I'm in detox now, probably till tomorrow. Had loads of tests but apparently my Iver is somewhat fucked and my kidneys aren't working.properly. Hooked up to all kinds of drugs. I can't see well so apologies to my poor posting skills at the moment. Also head fucked by high dose bezos. Staff here have been amazing. Just want to get this treatment done before I deal with anything else like work and family. I'm scared and lonely, miss my kids as the wife took them away from me during this episode. Whatever happens, I am determined to stop drinking permanently. Don't have a choice now really.i know it will be hard but I have access to all sorts of community help because of the severity of situation, Oh, I can't post too much because I forgot my chargee.

Waiting for an ambulance now. This is the worst day of my life.

Death from seizures is common. Thinking of poor Geyon as I write thus.My family should have let me taper.

Thinking of calling an ambulance. I'm with my mum and brother, who now hate me.

Cheers mates. Never thought it come to this. I feel like I'm going to die. Dreading the possible onset of seizures now. Which could actually kill me. All this for less than 2 weeks on the drink. Would love to taper but that's possible now at this time. I have literally drank everything in the house. Oh fuck.

I've hit rock bottom. At leatI hope I have. Mentioned before about my alcohol addiction problems., well now I have surpassed myself. Went on holiday to the Lakes and have been been on an 11 day bender since. Got so bad I have not eaten for 6 days. Now constant vomiting which I can't shift. Bloody. diarrhoea too. Anyway referred to an alcohol addiction clinic, but my withdrawals are so severe that tomorrow I am going to check myself in to A and E for inpatient treatment. Stand a good chance of losing my family and job. I'm really messed up. Feel so ashamed. But really want this to be a turning point. Fuck this addiction. Was doing really before or so I thought, with several months completel abstention. Then in the space of 11 days I completely fucked up. Truth be told I feel like killing myself. If my wife doesn't do it for me first. Tagging @Meenzer for advice, but think my problem are worse than h. faced. Ffs.

In the spirit of honesty I'll admit that I will still vote for my Labour constituent MP, who I know quite well and is a decent man. But on the rest you have persuaded me Starmer is not a solution.

Have you got a link to this quote putting it in context? Also NJS you can be honest and admit you're a lexiter. That's my strong impression of the history of your posts.

Rayvin has absollutely laced you lot in this debate. It boils down to the fundamental importance of truth, without that the country is fucked. Starmer is a liar and a coward. The country can't move on under his stewardship. I'm aware how much I've flip flopped on this issue but I've had enough now. The only thing I care about is the truth. If you can't give me that, if your game is to appease the liars and Gemmill's mam, you can get fucked.

It was the content too. Just devoid of any ideas like SpongeBob says. Buy British. Levelling up. Go fuck yourself Starmer. I'm an internationalist and despise nationalism and your scabby union jacks. I'll vote for you by default and you know this, but fuck me if I'm going to rejoin your party.

I've just been listening to Starmer there. He bored me shitless tbh.

Yet every poll I've seen says most people think Brexit us going badly (by a ratio of 2 to 1) and most people would like to reverse it. Meanwhile, the Dover asylum seekers issue doesn't even feature in the top 10 of concerns, amongst conservative voters. This I what I don't get.