How to stop drinking

[JeffR1]

Hi Everyone. Thank you all for being here and posting – it helps me so much. I am at day 6 and that is the longest stretch of sobriety for me for at least three and a half years! I check in here many times each day, either via computer or mobile phone. This forum and the Spiritual River site has given me renewed hope and desire to be, and continue to be, a non-drinker.

I have been trying to put into practice all the great advice and guidance available here and I believe it is really helping turn things around. I have been experiencing some withdrawal effects – including night sweats. This really worried me at first, but once I found out this was normal I worried less. The sweating is subsiding now, so that is good. Having read this thread from the beginning, I have learnt so much about alcoholism and recovery, all of which has provided me with greater insight and inspiration.

On the topic of taking action in recovery, I have never kept a journal before, but I have taken Patrick’s advice and started a journal on day 1. I bought a nice A4 size writing pad and just started to write. So far I have been writing at least 3 or 4 pages a day and I believe I’m starting to see the benefits of using a journal. Yesterday was a particularly difficult day for me with lots of emotions coming up and I felt exhausted and really depressed. So, after dinner I got my journal out and just starting writing. I really did feel a whole lot better after doing so – it was like I just transferred all of the emotions out of me onto the page, leaving me feeling less burdened.

Thank you again everyone. I trust you will all have a sober day.

Regards,

Jeff

[kevin2]

I certainly do not have to believe in a god at all, why do people always bring out the god factor? you came here because you logged onto a pc or laptop, it wasn't 'divine' intervention. The more you believe in yourself and not some fairy story the better you will progress with your battle.

That's a tough question and a tough topic,...one probably worthy of it's own 200+ page thread,...but I don't think JamesG neccessarily meant that as literally as you took it. Most (not all) people believe in a "higher-power" of some sort,..whether it's God/Jesus (as in Christianity), Allah, Buddah,..or Wikka,..or fate, Karma,..or Santa Clause etc. It is certainly your perogative to believe or not believe in whatever you wish.,...most of my family believes exactly as you do,..which is fine with me. I do wonder though,..if it is all about ourselves and our own strength,..where do we turn when that just isn't enough to cope with the problem at hand? If there is nothing else,..just this life,..then it's lights out (you die),..no Heaven no Hell, no reincanation or afterlife etc.,...why not just do whatever makes us happy,..why not just party (sex, drugs and rock-and-roll) until our time is up?

I'm not berrating or getting on you at all Elliesdad,...just honest questions and a subject that I am genuinly interested in. Welcome to you and glad you are here!

[Molly]

Hi Elliesdad: I believe in God and believe he has helpfully intervened in my life many times. God's word (proven true through fulfilled prophecy) gives us plenty of evidence of his existence and love for us. God draws open-hearted ones to him and provides a way through our suffering. It is for these reasons many of us 'bring out the god factor' when under trial. God has also given us free will, so that we can love him and believe in him (or not) by choice. Some of us choose to, others do not.

[Ruth]

Dear friends, I would hate to see this valuable site degenerate into a fruitless discussion of belief. Most who believe and probably many who don't as well are not going to change their minds, so let's slowly back away from the discussion! Or start another thread or something... I am holding myself back from airing my views on the subject, even! What I will say for the record is that once a person comes to understand that alcohol is poison and that no good can come of drinking it, that opens the way for a new way of living and requires more spiritual and physical presence than does drinking, that is for sure!

[carol]

Dominic (Elliesdad), welcome! I read your post on the Getting Started thread and it is such a great start! When I started posting here it was the first time I was honest about my drinking, and you've done the same and really put it out there. I am looking forward to hearing about your progress.

We all came here for one reason - we were worried about our drinking and wanting to stop, or at least flirting with the idea of stopping. Patrick's advice culled down to the bare minimum is
1) Don't drink
2) Grow every day

Some folks believe in a higher power. Some folks don't. Some folks go to AA in addition to reading and posting here. Some folks don't. Some folks take meds to help with withdrawal. Some folks don't. And that is just amazing. It just doesn't matter. We're open to it all.

There's only 2 requirements, so to speak. First is openness. Second is treating each other with respect.

However y'all got here and whatever y'all believe, welcome to freedom!!

[Mel]

Hey Sylvane . . . I'm rooting for you!!! This economy sucks left-right-and-central and I know that if I am 'adrift' without day-to-day structure, that is when I easily fall into bad habits (all of them, buckets of them). And yeah, damn straight that all this discipline will pay off - I'm just not sure if it will be head-on in the ways we expect (or hope it to). What was Billy's mantra (hi Billy) - time, energy, money, health!

Making fiery vindaloo for dinner in an attempt to burn out the remnants of my lurking cold.

[JacquieC]

Hello, glad everyone made it through the weekend We are now on Tuesday morning and my battle for today is that my partners family are coming over for dinner tonight and normally I would endure the evening with a bottle of wine.... Today is a good day to be strong. It is day 10 for me I have reached double figures so am not going to let that slip. Hang in there Morgan, it does get better and your body will love you for it. Imagine how good you will feel waking up every morning of every day knowing you can do anything, drive anywhere, do any sport without the fear of a hangover. Its a feeling that is too good to be true and the best part of it is that you have the power to give it to yourself.
AlisonUK thanks for the drink recipe, its nice and hot here today in Adelaide 39C - hot and windy so I am looking forward to treating myself with a lovely tropical drink.

[nomoredayones]

Thank you JacquieC. I am feeling kind of sad tonight and normally I would drink unpleasant feelings away (until they hit me even worse the next day!) Tonight I guess I will just endure it and remind myself feelings pass.
I hope everyone has a safe and sober evening.

[Allyson]

Made it to bed sober. Not feeling too chatty as I have a nasty cold- tolerable though. Looking forward to just reading for a bit. I know if I can keep this up I'll reap the benefits of clearheadedness, more energy, and last but not least weight loss. Wishing you all strength, determination, and whatever it takes for you to stay the course.

[James G]

I certainly do not have to believe in a god at all, why do people always bring out the god factor? you came here because you logged onto a pc or laptop, it wasn't 'divine' intervention. The more you believe in yourself and not some fairy story the better you will progress with your battle.

"We all have to believe we were directed to this forum for a reason. It is up to each of us to listen to what this sight has to offer"

Edited version for Elliedad2006 and anyone else I possibly offended...

[Allyson]

Morgan hang in there and don't underestimate the power of distraction and/or a good night's sleep

[Mel]

Ahhhhh. Vindaloo = crazy spicy fiery Indian curry. With lots of chilies and vinegar and holy hell everything else + the kitchen sink. It was awesome. And I'm still sort of smarting (tongue-wise that is).

[carol]

James G, you're good with me. You're doing great!

Billy, nice to hear from you. John, welcome back. Sam and Eric, how are you doing? Mel, glad you have opportunities,and Sylvane I hope they come your way soon.

So many great posts. It's so heartening to see them and hear from you. Oh, gosh I'm not going to try to name everyone, forgive me, but I read all your posts and my heartfelt good wishes are with you on our journey on what Vic named the sober train. Woo hoo!

[AlisonUK]

Hi all
Day 17 and all good. Keep going everyone. It's worth it big time. Keep reading these posts if you are struggling. I've just got into a pair of skinney jeans that I have had for a year and they now fit!!!! Now if that isn't an incentive, I don't know what else! Apart from everything else I have mentioned in previous posts. Love to you all. Alison.

[marky mark]

day 12 begins, I can already tell that im gonna have to pick my game up some. the doubts are trying hard to creep in. The urge has punched me hard a couple of times....I WILL NOT DRINK TODAY......James G, thanks, i was not offended Morgan just stay sober today.......it seems like there are so many here and I hope you all stay sober today, focus on today

[Allyson]

Day 2 so that's a start. After a lapse getting through 24 hours without a drink is an achievement- so easy to fall into the "I'll quit tomorrow, or next week, or after xyz" trap. It's encouraging to read of your weight loss successes, Alison and Dominic- that's a major incentive for me- not the most important but maybe the most concrete.
I'm feeling awful this morning with a cold that's settled in my chest, but compared to a hangover it's not bad at all.

[nomoredayones]

Hang in there Mark. You are my role model! Feeling (and cravings) do pass. I feel much better this morning. Congratulations Allyson, Alison and Dominic. As the days add up, they really start to mean something. Today is the start of Day 3 for me and I really don't ever want to go back to that bottle.

[kevin2]

Hang in there Mark. You are my role model! Feeling (and cravings) do pass. I feel much better this morning. Congratulations Allyson, Alison and Dominic. As the days add up, they really start to mean something. Today is the start of Day 3 for me and I really don't ever want to go back to that bottle.

It's nice to see you so positive this morning!!...Great job!

[Molly]

I feel a need to jump in and claim some of this 'positivity' on today's forum. Day 2 - asking for help from a friend who's been through this, praying for God's support, reading Patrick's articles, and making a commitment to not drink today.

[marky mark]

Molly many of us have been through day 2 a hundred times, you can do this. focus on today only. it is something that is finally sinking in after starting over so many times. Commit to not drinking today. Morgan thanks for the encouragement......if you really knew me we would both be laughing on the floor that i could be anyone's role model but, it was a very nice comment. I am more of a giant goofball slacker and I will not drink today. You are the one who is doing great and your post really are getting more and more positive. Take any and all action to stay sober today, Mark!!