How to stop drinking

[fiona]

Morgan, PLEASE don't stop posting unless its what YOU want to do. Everyone on here has had more than their share of ups and downs and if the collective wisdom gives you strength than let it. These "bad days" are part of the process, and if venting is helping you release some of that pressure, vent away. Its a bad day. Or bad weekend. No one on here is claiming to be professional help, they just claim to get it. The rest is up to you. And you can do it. Do something to take your mind off the negative...Take shower, watch a movie, go for a walk...your choice...today DO...let me know what you did

[soberpeter]

Morgan that is the reason I haven't posted for months now. I felt like I was chopped down by the people who were sucessful and maybe in my somewhat paranoid mind, I thought I was a total failure. But I just keep reading these posts. And DO what I'm doing. CUT DOWN. Even if it's only a drink a week. Wait a weekand and cut down another. I AM DOING THIS. Better than withdrawal symptoms and $6,000 for rehab W/O insurance. Best of luck to you and all of US.

[bdog]

Hi all, Morgan I have been very depressed today and im not sure why. but i can only take care of myself and I dont care what anyone who thinks they can suggest anything for me other than open support on this site. perhaps it is them that needs other help. we are all here for each other and we all need more support on many days. dont stop posting. It will get better.

[Ken1]

Morgan, please don't let a comment like that discourage you from posting. First, no one is perfect so don't let that "I'm not good enough" thinking grab a foothold in your mind. I think it is normal to be a little down when you are first attempting to quit; after all you are saying goodbye to an old friend that was always there for you. Unfortunately that friend was a liar, always keeping you from reaching for the best life has to offer. We have all been there and made multiple mistakes along the way, but trying and failing is moving forward, you learn something every time you fall and get back up. As long as you draw breath it is never too late to make changes in your life; try to get that "stinking thinking" out of your head, that's just "It" trying to manipulate you to drink. One of my favorite Mark Twain quotes is: "The only person that likes change is a wet baby." Changing old habits is hard, real damn hard, so continue to use this site and any other tool you can find to get your power back. You can do anything you set your mind to, just keep trying. This is a process not an event, so don't think you have to be perfect all the time. I posted a while back about thinking of this as riding a bike from LA to New York. If you fall off your bike in Las Vegas, you don't have to go all the way back to LA to get back on the journey, just get right back on wherever you are. Try to use the success stories and mishaps posted here as motivation. I have faith in you and am going to pray for you to feel better soon. Hope you decide to stay around for a long time.

[Mel]

Support, support, support - Morgan, I'm sorry that you are feeling down and that when you reached out for support (a place to be honest) that wasn't absolutely forthcoming. Beth has made some really good points from her own experience that if you can read and think about how it applies to you - might be helpful.

I have sought out medical help because I had physical effects from my drinking - but, if your effects are emotional or psychological it is okay (encouraged even!) to seek out help from those that can give it to you and support you in a different way on this journey of recovery. Rosella has taken that step - it is a scary and brave prospect to make that decision to reach out, but it can really jump start recovery if you cannot get past those walls we all put up. As Beth mentioned - you do not have to put this in terms of 'alcoholism' or 'alcohol addiction'. You are feeling depressed and maybe anxious (?), those are valid concerns to talk with someone about whether they prescribe meds or not. Remember that alcohol will continue to reinforce depression . . . for awhile as it leaves our bodies and our systems come back on line, if the bad-sad-mad feelings are too much - then it is okay to ask for help.

Take care everyone - good to see you back SoberPeter!

[Samantha]

Morgan your not overwhelming to anyone. Your working hard at this and its been good to see you back posting. I got sober because of this forum and you and I have similar drinking patterns. So don't stop posting because of one "expert". If you would like to send me a private message or one of the other moderators regarding this email we are here. Soberpeter its great to see you back too.

[JeffR1]

Hi everyone. I’d like to tell a brief story of a guy and his struggle to overcome addiction to alcohol.

The purpose of this is to inspire people to know that despite the very strong and potentially damaging effects of alcohol, the human body, mind and spirit is strong and can succeed and overcome alcohol and one can go on to lead a good and fulfilling life after alcohol addiction.

This guy grew up in northern Australia – a very hot and wild place. His father was an alcoholic and used to regularly beat him. His parents got divorced when he was about 8 years old. Then his father got sick and he had to look after his father for quite a while. Over the years the guy took to alcohol too. He worked hard and drank hard for many years.

Then he met a lady, fell in love and had a family. But, the drinking got worse and worse over the years. The family later moved to southern Australia, and then his drinking got even worse.

He had numerous DUIs, and some say he almost set a record for the highest blood alcohol level they’d seen – somewhere in the order of 0.37!

He tried many times to quit, suffering many bouts of the DTs, but he kept on drinking.

One day he suffered an alcoholic fit and almost died. He was taken to hospital by ambulance – this would be his 13th hospitalisation in a detox ward!

His body was a wreck – he was malnourished and his liver was approximately five times its normal size! The doctors were so fascinated that he was actually alive they asked him to be part of a medical study into alcoholism.

He has never had a drink since that day he was taken to hospital in the ambulance. That was over 30 years ago and today he is 76 years old and enjoying his life in retirement.

Clearly this is only a brief outline of the guy’s story, but I think we can all imagine the hell he and those around him went through during all those years in the grip of alcohol.

As noted, this story is told for inspiration. It is to inspire people to know that wherever they are on the road to recovery that the human body, mind and spirit has the strength to overcome alcohol.

How do I know this guy? He’s my dad. And I love him and I’m proud of him!

[bdog]

JeffR1 great story, that gives me even more hope after the years of damage I have done to my only machine! Kimber you did the right thing the most important thing is doing for yourself right now. Ken1 I never heard that before but thats so cool because I have fallen off that bike about 50 times trying to make it to the other side. thanks. I usually dont log in over the weekends but i needed help this afternoon and im glad I did. So much good out there.

[James G]

Hi everyone. I’d like to tell a brief story of a guy and his struggle to overcome addiction to alcohol.

The purpose of this is to inspire people to know that despite the very strong and potentially damaging effects of alcohol, the human body, mind and spirit is strong and can succeed and overcome alcohol and one can go on to lead a good and fulfilling life after alcohol addiction.

This guy grew up in northern Australia – a very hot and wild place. His father was an alcoholic and used to regularly beat him. His parents got divorced when he was about 8 years old. Then his father got sick and he had to look after his father for quite a while. Over the years the guy took to alcohol too. He worked hard and drank hard for many years.

Then he met a lady, fell in love and had a family. But, the drinking got worse and worse over the years. The family later moved to southern Australia, and then his drinking got even worse.

He had numerous DUIs, and some say he almost set a record for the highest blood alcohol level they’d seen – somewhere in the order of 0.37!

He tried many times to quit, suffering many bouts of the DTs, but he kept on drinking.

One day he suffered an alcoholic fit and almost died. He was taken to hospital by ambulance – this would be his 13th hospitalisation in a detox ward!

His body was a wreck – he was malnourished and his liver was approximately five times its normal size! The doctors were so fascinated that he was actually alive they asked him to be part of a medical study into alcoholism.

He has never had a drink since that day he was taken to hospital in the ambulance. That was over 30 years ago and today he is 76 years old and enjoying his life in retirement.

Clearly this is only a brief outline of the guy’s story, but I think we can all imagine the hell he and those around him went through during all those years in the grip of alcohol.

As noted, this story is told for inspiration. It is to inspire people to know that wherever they are on the road to recovery that the human body, mind and spirit has the strength to overcome alcohol.

How do I know this guy? He’s my dad. And I love him and I’m proud of him!

Awesome story Jeff...Truly inspirational..Thanks for sharing!

[Marie1971]

hi, I am back, after kidding myself for months. I had quit alcohol for 2 weeks, maybe more, quite a few months ago. Felt like i was in control of it, so started having a wine or two on evenings where i wasn't working the next day (when anxious about something). Then started having just one small drink on nights before work, more on weekends, and now have woken up today at 5am, feeling dreadful after 3 wines last night. I know it has hold of me again. I have the day off today, so thought it would be a good excuse to get comfortably numb last night, after an argument with an ex-friend.

3 wines doesn't sound like a lot to most, but it makes me very pissed.

I'm really disappointed, frightened, angry at myself. This is a good place to come - i got so much support here last year (Carol, are you still there?). I know I need support bigtime again, and ask that you will accept me back. Today is Day 1. I'm hungover, trying to find a way out of this. I have great support at home, with a husband who has such a generous nature. I want to be healthy, happy, vibrant.

I should have stayed here last time - thought I was ok and not needing this anymore.... WRONG!

Marie

[Marie1971]

jeff, that is a beautiful story. Your dad is an awesome man.

[nomoredayones]

Thank you to everyone who posted! I won't leave this forum. You all mean too much to me. And Jeff, your story is truly inspiring. As long as there is breath, there is hope.
SoberPeter, please keep posting. I am inspired by those who have accumulated long periods of time and I completely understand those who are struggling. I judge no one. Who am I to judge!?!
And I have nothing against seeking professional help. I already have, as a matter of fact. Some of the sadness I am feeling, I was thinking, is that alcohol is a depressant and as it leaves my body (and I hear that can take a long period of time) perhaps I am feeling the depressant effect.
I am not sure. All I know is I never want to drink again. I want to keep getting farther and farther away from that last drink.
Thank you all once again.

[Molly]

Jeff, can you give your Dad a great big hug from me? He sounds like a wonderful and beloved man. My dad died in 1996 and I still miss him and love him and admire him every day.

For those of us suffering a 'relapse' - can you still think positively (at least once your hangover is done)? It was one day out of many! You are here and trying, just like the rest of us. We get it and can laugh and cry with you. And not feel shame - there is no place for shame.

[fiona]

Jeff - Your dad's story is very close to my exbf's. He calls his son his Hero. Hope someday he gets to know he's his son's Hero too. I'm sure every struggle your dad faced was worth having a son like you. Thanks for sharing.

[Bryan]

Jeff, your dad is a great example to all of us on overcoming this beast, thank you for sharing it. I believe if we only focus on the past and the negative things we've been through, life will always be a struggle. It's like trying to drive your car by only looking into the rear-view mirror. If we try to navigate life with such an impaired vision we are living life without hope. Let's refuse to live a life without hope. We have no clue what life has in store for us, no matter what age we may be, or what challenges we've faced. I remember where I've been, but I'm staring out the front windshield these days so I don't miss the journey.

Best of luck to all. Day 32.

Bryan

[James G]

Here is a little pick me up for those who are having a tough time on their jouney...

http://youtu.be/GYT77hfd5Lo

[rosella]

Jeff, that's a beautiful story and beautifully written. It bought tears to my eyes. Thankyou so much for sharing that with us.

There is so much support here and it has a wonderful feeling at the moment. I started here in the middle of last year and I was a desperate wreck. Over that time I have given up alcohol and relapsed so many times. But looking back, even with all my failures, I have had more sober days than I would have had I not been trying to give up. I do believe that every sober day we have makes us stronger and one day it's going to click.

When I first joined this site there were some people taking medication but I thought I would never resort to that because my problem wasn't "that bad". I didn't drink every day, didn't drink in the mornings; but I did drink way too much 4 or 5 days a week for over 15 years and couldn't get alcohol off my mind. The best thing I've done is change my GP who put me in touch with her colleague and the medication has helped me more than I would have believed. I'm only on day 8 but I feel a monumental shift in my thinking has taken place, and for the first time I can see my life now alcohol free. It got to 6pm today and I realized I hadn't even thought about a drink! I know I can't get too ahead of myself, and this may not work for every one, but at the moment it feels like it's working for me.

We all have to love and look after ourselves. We deserve all the great things life has to offer. Thankyou all for being here.

[rosella]

James G, I had a look at your youtube link. It made me smile. Thanks

[Kip]

Hi friends.. Happy monday.. A restful Sunday day 1 passed without incident.. Just a lot of thinking about how to move forward. Coming back here is always the first step.

Julie, thanks for the encouraging thoughts. This forum continues to bring us back from the brink..and I always gain strength here.

Morgan, you are here among friends and we understand. I too am not ready to face reality and the details that trigger behavior. thus; the frequent relapses. It's taken these two months to realize the extent of massive change. Not being ready for full sober social contact has left me feeling lonely and isolated. I tend to think that's a part of the change process and I've finally decided it's better than alcohol. I hope you can use the experience to gain insight. And please don't let one person here send you away...

Kimber, day 1 with you friend. Now it's time we intensify our focus and learn from that valuable, yet painful, experience. I hope your week is filled with inner peace.

Jeff, an inspiring story of just how far people have gone and still return. Yet we all don't have to go there. My Dad quit in the 70s with no AA, no forums, just a decision to do it. I like to think we all have that bit of dna wiring. We just need to sort it out among the tangle of past and future clutter. Good luck this week. You're on an awesome roll with many good days in your pocket and more to come.

Bryan, great view with the windshield analogy. Here and now. Driving with our eyes on the mirror is as crazy as texting. Only a matter of time until you drill the reality in front. Bang. And the view out the front is much more interesting.!

Have a great week friends...

[Beth]

Morning All! Just want to mention that today marks 30 days till Spring! Good day to start your 30 days of sobriety and also 30 days of fitness challenge! Join us under the water cooler forum. Lots going on over there.