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Mar 12, 2015 10:34:32   #
AlMac Loc: Newcastle Upon Tyne - UK
 
I'm Alan from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK and thought it was about time I joined in on the forum. Been following UHH for years now, from the rantings of JR1 to the present.

I've had problems with alcohol all my adult life although I've always been keen on photography, starting with a Zenit E and working my way through Pentax, Olympus and finishing with the F series Nikon's.

In 2008 I was given 2 weeks to live due to the damage alcohol had done to my body, and my consultant had given up on me. After a serious detox I took up photography again as my inspiration to keep me off the drink. When I felt myself weakening, I would go to the local camera shop, look in the window and tell myself "You can't have both"!

I'm finding the digital world fascinating and I am learning every day mostly due to the help and advice from you guy's.

Thanks Alan

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Mar 12, 2015 10:37:37   #
ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas
 
Welcome to the UHH Alan.

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Mar 12, 2015 10:42:04   #
cockney greg Loc: London E17
 
Ha ha! JR1, that was a blast from the past. Glad you decided to join us Alan, welcome aboard. Hope you continue to go from strength to strength in health and in your fight mate. Look forward to some posts from you.

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Mar 12, 2015 11:43:04   #
suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ
 
Hi Alan
Your story is inspirational! I have an adult son with the same alcohol history as you and I will share this with him. It's a hard fight for sure but it can be won!

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Mar 12, 2015 12:51:58   #
Laura72568 Loc: Anderson TX
 
What an inspiring story! So glad you're here. I believe my cousin and his wife lived in your town for a few years while working abroad. They loved it there. Welcome to UHH!

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Mar 12, 2015 13:10:04   #
AlMac Loc: Newcastle Upon Tyne - UK
 
Thanks to to all for your welcome and replies.

It's 7 years 1 month and 2 days since my detox (yes - still counting), but I have never felt better.

Suntouched, I feel for your son and all your family as everyone is effected by the problems of a family member. I hope he can overcome this demon that has taken over our lives and get himself back on track.
I went to counselling for years and none of it did any good. Even after loosing my first wife & family, through drink, I could not give it up.

When I was in hospital, spewing blood and bleeding from my back passage because of burst ulcers, the consultant gave me 2 weeks to live. I looked back at what I could remember of my life and the words came to me that a little Irish woman told me years ago. She said "Alan. life is all about choices. Only you can make them. When you come to a fork in the road, YOU - not me or anybody else has to decide what path you take, left or right, it is up to you".

I decided that if I ever got out of hospital I would buy a digital SLR and take up photography again. I looked in a local camera shop & set my heart on a Nikon D60. Every time I felt the urge for a drink, I went and looked at that camera and the words "Life is all about choices - You can't have both".

I now have a good selection of gear (cameras, lenses & lighting) all paid for with the money I would have spent on drink.

If you or or you son ever need to talk, you can pm me any time. Just remember, if he has a relapse, it is a disappointment - not a disaster.

Alan

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Mar 12, 2015 14:18:51   #
Dan L Loc: Wisconsin
 
Welcome to UHH and I agree photography is a lost of fun.

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Mar 12, 2015 18:43:14   #
Doddy Loc: Barnard Castle-England
 
Welcome Alan Glad to see your off the booze (dog perhaps?) and getting better. Hope to see some of your shots soon.

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Mar 13, 2015 05:47:45   #
creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London
 
Welcome and enjoy

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Mar 13, 2015 06:59:09   #
JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY
 
Hello Alan, welcome to UHH.

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Mar 13, 2015 09:33:13   #
RKL349 Loc: Connecticut
 
AlMac wrote:
I'm Alan from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK and thought it was about time I joined in on the forum. Been following UHH for years now, from the rantings of JR1 to the present.

I've had problems with alcohol all my adult life although I've always been keen on photography, starting with a Zenit E and working my way through Pentax, Olympus and finishing with the F series Nikon's.

In 2008 I was given 2 weeks to live due to the damage alcohol had done to my body, and my consultant had given up on me. After a serious detox I took up photography again as my inspiration to keep me off the drink. When I felt myself weakening, I would go to the local camera shop, look in the window and tell myself "You can't have both"!

I'm finding the digital world fascinating and I am learning every day mostly due to the help and advice from you guy's.

Thanks Alan
I'm Alan from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK and th... (show quote)


Great story and best wishes to you for staying sober. Photography is a great hobby and therapeutic, as well. Welcome to the Hog.

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Mar 13, 2015 09:53:24   #
johneccles Loc: Leyland UK
 
Hi Alan, if you remember JR1 you will know the ropes on here.
Personally I didn't mind him, his attitude was not liked but he had the knowledge.
Anyway welcome to you, there are quite a few UK members on here so you have swollen the group a bit more.
John.

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Mar 13, 2015 10:42:37   #
Iwantitall Loc: Chicago (south side)
 
AlMac wrote:
I'm Alan from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK and thought it was about time I joined in on the forum. Been following UHH for years now, from the rantings of JR1 to the present.

I've had problems with alcohol all my adult life although I've always been keen on photography, starting with a Zenit E and working my way through Pentax, Olympus and finishing with the F series Nikon's.

In 2008 I was given 2 weeks to live due to the damage alcohol had done to my body, and my consultant had given up on me. After a serious detox I took up photography again as my inspiration to keep me off the drink. When I felt myself weakening, I would go to the local camera shop, look in the window and tell myself "You can't have both"!

I'm finding the digital world fascinating and I am learning every day mostly due to the help and advice from you guy's.

Thanks Alan
I'm Alan from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK and th... (show quote)


Welcome to the Hog Alan. :thumbup:
What a great story you are. An inspiration actually.
If you've been following since the JR1 days,you've sure been watching awhile.
Those were colorful days along with Wabbit.
Stay strong. Enjoy.
Mike

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Mar 13, 2015 12:33:56   #
HowardPepper Loc: Palm Coast, FL
 
Greetings Alan, and welcome to the UHH.

Very inspirational intro!

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Mar 13, 2015 13:18:10   #
DickC Loc: NE Washington state
 
Welcome to the forum!! :D :D

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