Alcohol Withdrawal
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are exceptionally unpleasant, as I’m sure you know. There are physical symptoms and emotional ones. Let’s start with the most extreme to get it out of the way - death.
Yes, if you’re sufficiently dependent on alcohol, then a sudden withdrawal as opposed to a gradual detox can actually kill you, usually via a seizure. But lets hope you’re not quite that bad just yet (if you are, then at least try to cut down gradually, or better than that - see a doctor). Heart palpitations are the milder form of this.
On to the less fatal withdrawal symptoms then, we have hallucinations (usually unpleasant - spiders or snakes are common), the shakes, nausea and vomiting, oh and diarrhoea of course. Particularly unpleasant is waking in the middle of the night soaked in cold sweat, or alternatively, your own piss. It’s not sounding like a party exactly, is it?
Then you might have a splitting headache, often from severe dehydration and dilation of blood vessels. Basically the brain shrinks away from the lining of the skull. Ouch!
Hypoglycaemia, caused by the inability of the liver to metabolize sugar, can then leave you feeling irritable, nervous or aggressive, and weak.
You might end up with a few more emotional effects too, like mood swings, depression or confusion. Basically feeling like the lowest form of life on the planet.
So how can you make alcohol withdrawal easier?
- Electrolyte replacement might help (the sachets you can get for diarrhoea are the best), along with plenty of liquids.
- Complex carbohydrates (like brown rice, wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals etc.) will help to slowly stabilize your blood sugar levels.
- Eggs contain Cysteine, which can help the liver to metabolize Acetaldehyde (the toxic by-product of alcohol).
- B-vitamin supplements are essential, as they help your nerve cells to recover from the damage you’ve inflicted.
- We all know about the healing powers of caffeine - this constricts the blood vessels and can therefore alleviate the headache.
The other ones are obvious - don’t mix your drinks, and don’t drink too much in the first place!
July 11th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Just another reminder that there’s a free forum on this site which allows you to send private messages to each other, and see your posts in real time (and I don’t have to moderate them either).
Here’s the link if you want to have a look or sign up for it.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Hi all,
I was doing OK. Got to 3pm yesterday (Sunday) and simply had to have a drink
The worring thing is I was in a terrible mood all day and then as soon as I had a sip of booze I became much more pleasent… Sometime I think people around me prefer it when I have a drink, but they don’t understand that when I start I can’t stop! Last night I don’t rememeber going to bed and I feel terrible this morning and really guilty for breaking my dry spell.
I’m going on a family holiday next week - one week in the sun. Should be really looking forward to it, but I’m worried that all we’ll do is drink and eat as thats what we’ve always done on holidays in the past. I don’t want to drink!! I perhaps need to plan the week and keep busy so that I don’t just fall into the usual routine of boozing all-day….
Anyway, hope everyone else is doing better that me…. the anixety that alcohol breeds is horrible and I just want to feel postive about myself again. at least I can get things-my-chest on here
Take care everyone.
Matt
July 14th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I woke up yesterday morning and realised me controlling my drinking is not working - surprise, surprise!! I haven’t been in any life threatening situations lately which is great it really is, but its still not enough…..you know when two drinks turn into four and from that point well whos counting….with my bad tooth I guess I kind of let go again..I woke up with a bad hang over yesterday not bad enough to ruin my day but I was feeling it..I’m sick to death of convincing myself I am controlling my drinking the whole time I know my drinking controls me.
How can I love something and hate it so much? If there is a god and drinking is so bad why bless us with the option in the first place? Do I go to heaven if I quit? Do I get a better quality of life without the glass of wine or three at the end of the day? Why does it feel like life is all about work and no play? Why do I have to punish myself for drinking when I work hard I earn my own money, I’m a good mother? Why, Why Why…..
Just having the ever lasting eternal battle with myself…sorry everyone don’t mean to rain on your parades hope you are all doing well xoxo
July 14th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Matt - Well done for making it this far mate. Keep trying and plan ahead maybe work out the triggers for you on this holiday and try and avoid? Hopefully it all goes okay for you there!!
Karen - Firstly sorry to hear you have a hangover.. we all know what that is like!!!! I am in the same boat as you I think if you read a couple of posts up about me thinking “yeah I can control it” but really thats just giving myself an excuse to drink. The reason you feel like that perhaps is because your ‘play’ up until this point has just been drinking alcohol?? I know my quality of life will change without drinking.. it will be different being sober, sure, but I won’t have something there that controls my every move or how I feel.. ultimately I decide what I do, not a Crown Lager!!
It is a battle, we are all fighting it.. and don’t say sorry this is why we are all here to help each other! Who knows I might need it again, I really hope not, and I think I have the solutions this time as I have realised I simply just CANNOT drink, I can’t control it, and it just winds me up in daft situations. It ruins my athletic career and I had to quit my job because I was taking days off to go and drink at a pub. I made that decision so I could get right as it wasn’t fair on them.
I’m on day 4, almost day 5 - and I’m starting to feel really great, I have problems I created from drinking, but I can face them with a clear mind and work out solutions rather than letting them snowball!
Not sure if I helped or not guys, but keep trying and know that it does get better, whatever you decide is best for you.
Take care all!
M
July 14th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Good morning all, good to hear from so many.
Day 9 and ya know it’s still hard. I think alot of it is just plain habit.
Mark, Don’t get too bored today. A short run would make you feel better. My bike rides are always awesome. Good luck with day 5.
Dolly, sounds like you are doing pretty well. Hop back up on that pink fluffy wagon. Sometimes for me it is one minute at a time. The anxiety kills me.
I know how it is about being in a bad mood and drink making you happy - it’s like that for me too. The holiday sounds hard - are you going somewhere you can find plenty to do? Maybe the rest of the family would follow your lead. Can you tell them you just can’t drink?
Karen, don’t know why, why, why. Get you a wagon and come along. There is a God and reason for life. Sometimes I think we think about drinking so much we don’t take time to stop and smell the roses. If we could control our drinking we wouldn’t be on this site.
Hope I didn’t sound bossy or anything. We need to keep helping each other get through this. How’s everyone else doing? Good luck with this day!!!!
Ramona
July 14th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Ramona - Well done! I know it’s still hard, but thats why we’re here!! To help and for something to read when you feel like that drink. You’re doing fantastically, I’ll be day 5 now, as its been since 7:45pm Thursday night I last drank, and now its 9:35pm Monday night.. maybe I’m just being technical
Our wagons are rolling! Karen - pick a colour.. paint it new and get back on it!!
I have an appointment at the inpatient place I was last year to organise some more sessions etc to nut out how I can prevent the anxiety which leads me to drink in the first place… Should be interesting to go back there wonder if any of them will remember me.. When I left the detox they described me as one of the most entertaining inpatients and made them laugh!
Ramona - Definitely going for a run tomorrow evening.. I’m going to need it after the day! Keep up the bike riding! I think I might actually sleep tonight, I feel proper tired.
Take care guys - Roll on Day 5!!
M
July 14th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Hi guys!
Great to hear you all on our journey!! I am right as I write this facing another one. For some time now my Blood Pressure has been pretty much a disaster area, even when I have stopped drinking, nothing much changed. but today I managed a collapse on a treadmill, while I am not tinkerbell, it should not have happened. Will leave here in 5 mins to see GP, have a strong suspicion that my decision to aim for teetotal may be the one that saves my life.
I hope not.
Hope you all had a better day than mine, but I am hanging on until 8pm THEN if I really really want a drink - will have one or two, but will see.
Again, its great everyone is coming along
Dolly
xox
July 15th, 2008 at 4:41 am
Gday gday Day 5 going well so far. I’m feeling relatively normal today after a decent nights sleep. I’m bloody bored now and it’s pi**ing down outside…
Went and saw the people at the drug and alcohol detox place and I basically said I had already done the detox on my own and they wouldn’t have taken me anyways as I wasn’t in acute withdrawal. She just chatted with me and basically we nutted out that if I have a hangover, I confuse it with anxiety, so this leads me to get steaming again to relieve said anxiety, and repeat x 4 days until I can’t drink anymore - enter withdrawal… so she’s given me a place to check out which deals with coping strategies for anxiety and panic to remove the root problem. Still not going to drink for a long long time though.
Dolly - That’s no good, I hope everything is ok. Are you on medication for blood pressure? Too high/low?? See what the doc says.. sometimes maybe it is for the better?? Whatever works for you! Remember your pink wagon needs to keep rolling!!
Ramona - How’s the purple one doing?
Matt/Karen - How you guys doing?
Take care all hope you all getting better weather than sodding rainy Perth.
M
July 15th, 2008 at 4:44 am
Thanks guys, it really helps to share so thank you…….now tell me whats all this about wagons and colours……do you have to completely stop drinking to get a wagon?? I am not trying to be funny but I have to start somewhere and this whole coloured wagon theory has me thinking!!!!
Also, whats naltrexone?? Is it like a sedative??
July 15th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Hey Karen
Well.. I dunno, I think somewhere miles up the page I said I fell off mine, so I painted it Blue. So we all decided to get the wagons rolling all shiny and new! Sometimes they just need a little work to get going again if you know what I mean. Nope, you can do whatever you like to have a wagon!! Just by being here you’re on one, just depends how much work it needs to get to where you want?
Naltrexone.. no it’s not a sedative I hate those things I’d prefer to feel in control! It blocks the opoid receptors in the brain so when you do drink you don’t actually get that “calming” pleasure effect I experience.. which is why I drink in the first place. So without that for me.. there is no point to drinking a beer - I’d get bored drinking it before I got to the stage where I was drunk, so I figure why bother.. more useful to poke my eye out with Kevin Rudd’s nose.
All depends on the situation though.. I’m not a craver I don’t crave a drink.. just desire the calm feeling when I feel ok, only when in withdrawal so that works for me. There is another one called Campral which works by reducing the cravings to drink if that is the issue you have. Speak to the GP maybe? See what your options are for your goals.
Hope all is well!
M
July 15th, 2008 at 6:48 am
Hi there,
The wagon thing, Mark said he fell of his so paint it blue, then asked what colour mine was - so I said pink, then Ramona liked purple. NO the wagon does not mean total no drink, it means doing what you can do with what you have on the day! please, right now could not be without I dont know what.
Mark, Dr has now put me on medication for high blood pressure, I went in and asked if I was the ‘Double Blind Lab Rat’ they have been monitoring (after a fashion)my BP for a couple of years, and yes it has been high. Have had no medication even when it reached 280/185 -serious. I have also had a few letters from a hospital asking me how I felt about taking part in ‘trials’
Therefore I am the ‘Lab Rat’ who gets nothing to see how long it takes for me to ‘peg out’ compared to others on some kind of medication. My GP denied it, but has very quickly given me a prescription for medication (the lowest possible dose that can be put into a pill) You dont want to know about last night.
I have also got my new timetable for next year (yep, I teach, demon spawn they are most of the time, ok the rest) and once again, while everyone else has very low Timetables, mine is the highest on the block. It is time for something more to start happening.
If I did not have to go to work, once I pick up my prescription, I would not.
I dont do ‘victim mode’ and most certainly dont like feeling forced into it.
Have better days than me guys
Dolly
xox
July 15th, 2008 at 7:33 am
Dolly - Aww that sounds horrible.. My dad has high BP too.. which means one day I could.. but as long as I exercise, keep running & get this drinking thing sorted out I should be ok.
I hope the medication can do something for you, just try to take it easy we DO actually want you to be back here posting!!
BE positive - gives you no excuse not to.. and enjoy as best you can your day.. and make sure you lock the wagon whilst at school.. don’t want it being robbed. Or found on bricks. Keep going!!
Take care
M
July 15th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Hey everyone.
I hope you are all holding up well and being positive.
I’m sorry I always seem to come on here in such a low mood that it must seem like I’m some miserable person. I’m just finding everything a bit hard what with the move just happened, now I’ve had one of my old flat mates move in with me in my new flat (one I’ve been fighting to have for the last 11 flats - one that is just mine, and the cat’s of course) acting like such a child. Funny thing is he is 21 and I am 22 but him being there is really frustrating, he doesn’t pay me digs and he sleeps in my livingroom so I can’t watch BBC breakfast in the morning. I’m getting a lot of encouragement to drink from friends, who all know I’ve got a problem. Apparently I seem to be happier and bubblier with a drink - don’t think that’s the type of people I should have around me.
My best pal who helped me out quite a lot a few months ago had a massive fall out with me because after Paul and I broke up he gave me an ultimatum to be his girlfriend or lose him forever - not much of a pal in my opinion.
At least I have the cat, he may be so young that attacking me is all he does but I know that I wont be alone, and have to be around if you know what I mean, for him. Who does he have apart from me? Its nice to know someone (or thing really) needs me at least.
I’m sorry to hear about the high bp. My Dad and Mum and both their parents are the same, not to mention alcoholism running in both their families too, so I’m pretty screwed. I only found out the other week that my Dad, his two brothers, their father and all of his brothers at one point in their 20’s had to give up drink to calm down their liver because liver desease runs highly in out family. It is liver desease caused by alcohol that killed my Granddad. Kinda scarey.
Had a friend of a friend die the other day too. He was found with no wounds and I had thought it was a drugs overdose or something but it turned out for a brain heamorage from his previous life on drugs and alcohol - 35 years old. It that is not something that makes you sit up and think, my god what are we doing to ourselves, then what is?
All the best for everyone day. Take care and I will be thinking of you all.
Sarah
x
July 15th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Hi Sarah
No don’t think that at all, some of us i.e me have time to sit here and post all the time.. but that’s what we’re all here for to post when we need help/support/advice/whatever daft things we need.
I remember reading back about your relationship problems and the mate that was helping out, sucks that it happened that way! Sod them!
In any case, sometimes if you want to get where you want to go, you need to make some changes. Without change, nothing changes.. and this may mean these friends that decide you are ‘bubblier’ when you drink. I know I have had to drop those who were bad influences, and it is lonely for a while, but we’re both young (I’m 28) and thats plenty of time to make new mates in the right places who don’t pressure you and that gives you time to fight whatever battle you are wanting to fight.
Thats no good about your mate die either.. shows you what drugs and alcohol can do to the body.. I saw a show just earlier that has shocked me into never abusing alcohol again.. literally scared the sh*t out of me.
Not sure If I’ve helped or not, but never be afraid to come here and moan if you need to, we’ve all done it at some stage, scroll up a bit and my post was ‘yep off the wagon big time’…. Doesn’t take long to get feeling good about whichever choices you make!
Keep going Sarah
M
July 15th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Hi there all,
Sarah, people that encourage you to drink, and say you are bubblier when drinking - are they really friends? I like all of my friends the way they are, and would never dream of criticising one of them if they chose not to drink. As Mark says, you can and will make new ones. For having a moan? full marks, thats what we are here for, each other, no judgements, just people who have/are rolling along the same track.
Mark and others, have survived the ‘fall? trip really, from grace. Confidence severely concussed, pride a little bruised, have broken a couple of fingernails and scrapped knee-caps hanging onto the side of my wagon. But have clambered back on. Only 1 more week anyway to program that I have mentioned earlier, the cutting down etc., has been a way to try to prepare for what now appears to be inevitable, but many thanks for the encouragement.
Must now sit down and record every movement for today, must not let that slip if I am to make real inroads. I just hope that no one ever finds the diary, or worse publishes it after I am gone, eeekkk.
Take care everyone
Dolly
xox
July 16th, 2008 at 3:44 am
Hey guys Day 6 now feeling okay, I wanted to go to the gym today, but I think I will settle for just a run later and go tomorrow morning.. Just want to make sure I’m all full of ‘no-temptation’.
Kind of worrying about a court thing I have next month, I got sprung drinking in my car in a carpark, car was off no keys in the ignition, but yeah they are trying to charge me with drink driving and have completely fabricated the facts, so I have hired a lawyer to go and see next Tuesday.
He is a mate of my dad’s and an ex-copper himself, so hopefully he will see what the go is with that. The police here are so corrupt they just have to make quotas, they deny it, but we all know it.
Dolly - 1 week to go! Are you excited about this? You got your plans all in place? Whats the goal, cut down or completely stop? So many questions!!
Don’t worry about the diary, just keep it in a safe place, like maybe the back of the toilet or something. Nobody will ever look there.
Ramona/Karen/Sarah/Matt - Hope you are all going ok!
Take care
M
July 16th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Wagons rolling!
Thanks Mark,
The goal is to go ‘dry’ I use the term teetotal as I cant yet cope with the big alco-hiccup word.
Many years ago, gave up smoking nearly 40 ciggies a day - (18 years to be exact) and do you know, they have not left the planet!! I think the same will apply to plonk, its not going to leave the planet, the world will not run out. If by the grace of the powers that be, a total cure for the cravings arrives, the darned stuff will still be there.
I wish you very well with the court thing, yes, its true, many of those coppers have ‘quotas’ and it sounds like you are getting hung for basically sitting in a chair and having a drink. Even though the chair was surrounded by metal. Good luck with that one - it is tricky.
Well, off on my big adventure for the day, a sporting trip to a sports centre with 120 noisy rodents!! (cute, but noisy)
Will check back with you all later - keep the faith guys
Dolly
xox
July 16th, 2008 at 7:47 am
You are all awesome!! I think I will have a multi coloured wagon as I can’t decide on only one colour - I guess multi coloured stands for still being a bit all over the place but getting there….
Will think about seeing another doctor as the one I saw told me I didn’t need anything that I didn’t drink enough to get serious withdrawals…..I think he was wrong…I know how I start to feel when I don’t have a drink or when I cut down drastically….the chills alone put strain everywhere and are so unpleasant…not to mention the sweats…YUCK….I have to go back there again I know I do….
I’m feeling you with the court thing Mark really I am….except I know I will deserve everything I get….I don’t even have a court date yet….its horrible knowing you have to front up in court in front of others….you have a lawyer that is the main thing you won’t have to say very much…..just feel the pinch in your pocket as will I my friend…keep me posted on how you go with that!!!
I am starting to think maybe I was a bad friend to the people I hung around with…..now that I don’t want to binge and party hard, I don’t want to spend time with them….I have kind of shut them off…..either way for me its working so that is all that matters….people that have a negative impact or aren’t happy with you just as you are - are not worth it…
Hope you are all having a good day xox
July 16th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Dolly - Good going - still pink and fluffy???
Righteo, teetotaller is a fine word, I don’t say “I’ve been sober”.. I just say I’m a non-drinker, because I choose not to and don’t like what it does to me! Plus I can use the excuse of being an athlete
All jokes aside call yourself whatever suits you!
Cigarettes yep.. they are harder than alcohol for me.. the Athlete who smokes.. I did quit for 2 years and when I binged last time I started up again.. silly huh! But it’s always going to be out there and you’ll have your own triggers etc as you’ve identified and own ways of coping with this! Have you thought of Campral for the cravings?
Yeah, 22 Aug is just a mention date where you go in, but I have a lawyer so I’ll let him work out the best course of action. As I said him being an ex copper should come in handy, as he can extract the actual truth from whichever contacts he has in the force ;-). I think the fact they had to make something up means what actually happened isn’t enough for a charge… anyways, see what happens, I’m not going to worry about it too much, I’m alive that’s all that matters!
Hope the trip went ok (I say went because you won’t read until you’ve done it) and that your plan for drinking today goes alright!
Day 6 - About 5 hours left!
Take care all
M
July 16th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Karen - Didn’t see your post before I posted! Multi-coloured sounds 70’s retro.. very nice! Just go to another doctor and let him know the symptoms you experience when you stop cold turkey.. If they are kind they should prescribe you something to get you through the first few days.
You’re the Aussie Karen right? If so, you may know of Hamish and Andy’s Gravy Chips! I have a packet and that is my reward after 1 week!
Yep, well it’s going to cost me, but he will see whether we have a case if we do, and we win.. then I get paid all the costs back, but we’ll wait and see.. I’ve been in court before for this sort of thing stupidly enough.. but at the time I WAS driving and I had learnt my lesson, hence why I parked and planned to sleep it off. I won’t keep going on about it, because quite frankly I have lost all faith in the WA Police, they are just about money.
No you’re not being a bad friend, you’re saving your own life. That is important, if your not around at ALL then how can you party with them in a non bingeing way anyways!! You are correct, if they say “Oh you don’t drink how boring” then they have the problem not you.. and at least our problem is manageable and can be beat.. Personality problems however are a bit tougher to crack
Take care Multi-Coloured Karen.
M
July 16th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Ha ha, 70’s retro…I would like to say I was alive then but alas I am a spring chicken of 27 with age creeping up on me faster as the days go on!! Hamish & Andy’s gravy chips?? Get out of town…are we okay to talk about that stuff on this site..cause I am dying to hear what they taste like?? For anyone else reading, the Gravy chip is a potato chip/crisp thats flavour originated from the people of Australia (the peoples choice chip) through a commercial radio station….sales are limited and they are quite hard to get hold of….well done Mark sounds like you deserve them!!
I went to the gym tonight and by the time I got home I thought to myself I can do this I have myself a wagon now…I wasn’t getting any chills….I felt okay….my problem is I live with my family they help out with my daughter as I work full time….my family love a drop or a barrel of wine and for me to sit at the dinner table and say no to a glass of red would almost be letting my mother down…thats how I feel…think I may be getting to the real source of all my problems. I need to gather the strength to say no to my own family…these people I cannot avoid….that is a problem!!
I have put some thought into my wagon…..I’m thinking maybe the multi colours represent a rainbow…..perhaps the colour of my wagon will be gold one day representing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I use to love that theory when I was a child always knowing there was actually no pot of gold….in this case I will prove that theory wrong….gym in the evening gets me through the witching hour….from 5:30-6:30 thats my greatest weakness…
Thanks Mark, you are doing really, really well…..keep posting
I am going to try again for the first day with absolutely nothing at all.
Best wishes to all xox
July 16th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Karen,
I’m sure admin wouldn’t mind a gravy chip!
Not sure they’re the kind you want eat on your own though, like a $1000 bottle of red wine maybe needs to be shared! Not with me though.
I only just turned 28 in June, so you’re in the same ballpark as me. I never saw the retro 70’s either.
With regards to the family situation with wine, can you not explain that you are deciding to give drinking away for a while, I mean not a timeframe, but moreso that they get used to the idea that ‘Hey she’s not drinking right now’?? If you feel ok, no chills etc, imagine how you will feel tomorrow without it! See how you go, good luck with that!
The wagon, rainbow -> gold that would be good, means you are aiming for something? Wonder how Ramona’s purple wagon is going! My blue one is rolling along, I went for a run tonight and struggled through 4km.. I’ve some work to do to get back to where I was.. feel pretty body stuffed now though. Least I got it out of the way, onwards and upwards.. technically Day 7 now!
Use whatever you can to get you through those tough times, if not drinking is the main focus that is.
I’ll keep posting, I quit my job to do this right, so I have a lot of time on my hands at the moment.
I want to make sure it doesn’t happen again, so I’m going to see all sorts of different people to work out why it happens in the first place!
Wonder how Dolly went at her sports day, hope her kids didn’t drive her mad!
How is everyone else going????
Good luck all
M
July 16th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Good morning all. Day 11 for me and so far so good. Just remember that things do get better every day. Can’t believe my head is still a bit fuzzy. I still suffer a lot with anxiety but those feelings are getting fewer and farther in between. It’s weird but I am not craving alcohol at all anymore. I am just fed up with myself.
Dolly, I too have high blood pressure. It’s not near that high though. Mine was once 225/195. Was on meds for it but after I slowed down on my drinking, started exercising and lost 30 pounds it went down and now I don’t need the meds. The first few days after I get off the booze, my blood pressure goes nuts. It takes about a week to get stable.
Mark - you are doing awesome, keep it up.
Sarah, how are you? Hang in there, things will get better. You’re in my thoughts.
Karen, I love rainbows and a multicolored wagon sounds cool. Do you think maybe drinking that wine with your family is really that important to them? I bet they would respect it if you said no. We usually had wine with dinner, and now that I have to quit drinking we just don’t and I don’t think anyone gives it another thought.
How’s everyone else doing? Luck and love to all.
Ramona
July 16th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Hi Everyone
I have been reading this blog with interest and have been having some success (touch wood) at stopping drinking. Today is day 86…I can hardly believe it. I had the maximum temptation in my first few weeks when my husband and I received a gift of a chauffered trip to the Barossa Valley in South Australia (winery country) to visit and do wine tasting at 5 wineries. I wanted to not go but husband was keen so off we went…i never had a drink and got a standing ovation at the end of the day
Very satisfying.
My method was to buy a small notebook and to write in it all the reasons why I want to stop drinking - all the reasons I shouldn’t drink - all the bad things that alcohol does to your health and looks - also just just things I notice like sleeping better - less hair loss - better skin and so forth. I carry it everywhere - over 200 entries now
- amazing. Anytime my subconcious tries to tell me “just one won’t hurt” or “just cut down - you don’t have to give it up” or “its a special occasion” or “life’s a shit have a drink” - then i read the book - it’s so easy to forget the reasons you are doing this when that friggin’ voice is bossing your head around.
Anyway - i have decided never to drink again and I have over 200 reasons not to - my aim is to fill that damn book because there are sooooo many reasons to stop. We are only here once so we should make it the best we can.
Good luck
Lesley
LEARN FROM THE PAST, LIVE IN THE PRESENT, AND KEEP AN EYE TOWARDS THE FUTURE’
July 16th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Ramona, day 11 wow! you must be feeling pretty good. Well done, you are allowed to feel bored. Thanks for the support on the blood pressure, I am hoping that with a much reduced intake, weight loss and a little exercise (every time I exercise, my BP shoots through the roof but my pulse does not come near the aerobic zone - my heart wont stand up to that for too long)if I can get it down, then get some proper exercise, maybe I too will come off meds. Hows that purple wagon, it should be looking nice and shiny now!
Karen, love the multi-coloured wagon, yes aim for gold! why not, as for your family, if you feel they may not be too understanding, just pass it off, oops sorry mum, forgot to tell you am on some new antibiotics and cant drink just for a few days, or have had tummy bug etc., the list is endless or as Ramona says, just tell them you dont want to drink, they probably wont make such a big thing of it. As for your court date - like everything, it will come in its own time. You are incredibly brave, facing up to a mistake - just think of those who do not! and the hurt they cause. Give yourself some space on that one.
Also, 27!!!! you are just a chick.
Mark, yes the turbo charged wagon is still pink and fluffy, now that its had abit of a wash down. There are some very big advantages to this writing everything down. When re-read later, some things are put into a more managable perspective.
The kids were really well behaved at the sports pavillion, all 120 of them, we had a great day, I am feeling better now with my BP medication, and the rodents that normally show us how closely related to satan they are, were really angelic for a change. A delightful day.
You must be very proud of your efforts so far, and you are certainly making sure that everything that can be done to prevent things getting bad again, are being done.
Well, must away and feed 2 cats who are quite convinced I have forgotten them since this morning and have been on my case since I walked in.
Keep at all, and keep posting, I love to run in and read them.
Dolly
xox
July 17th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Ramona - Day 11, well done purple! How are you feeling today is it day 12?? Yep I notice it gets better everyday, as does the sleeping thing. Although I went to bed a bit late last night (12:30am)
through texting a friend and watching the same TV show at different houses.. like a virtual couch buddy.. simple things like that you don’t care about when drinking but it was actually kinda fun!
Lesley - Another aussie! Day 86, thats superb.. The Barossa would have been nice, I’ve never been into wine myself, but I would like to see it someday as I have family that live there (Im from WA).
Dolly - Good to see it’s had a wash down and the BP meds are starting to work. Funny when you expect the kids to act up they don’t? Not that I’m any authority on the matter of course!!! Writing down is especially helpful as thoughts come and go, and in the period of a day you can have so many useful and useless ones and usually you forget the useful ones (hence why we are all here maybe?)
Keep going and you will get there! With the exercise you need to know your limitations, perhaps ask your doctor to do a VO2 max test to see how far you should be pushing yourself. (oxygen you can consume while exercising at your maximum capacity).
Karen - How did things go?
Day 7 now, just been at the gym after my run last night and it was bloody hard. My muscles just fatigued so quickly on lighter weights.. probably won’t take long to build back up, so I’m not going to beat myself up about it, just need to get some consistency back.
Feel a bit pooped after it though!! Just kinda collapsed on the couch, though I did have a spa after, which was terrific.. being back at the gym in that routine (albeit at 10am rather than 5am) felt like I was back in the game you know? The Personal Trainer who did my original assessment was getting pushed by her personal trainer, was funny to see that as I usually see her grilling others!!
So safe to say I think the worst of all this is over, and what have I learnt? That I can’t drink, I don’t even want to try and control it, I think that just takes more energy and fun out of it than if I don’t drink. Daft as it sounds, that’s the way it has to be for me, and you know what?…. No Regrets.
Remember, nothing worth having comes easy!
Hope everyone else is well!
M
July 17th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Thats a very good question Ramona I don’t think it would bother my parents as much as i like to think it would….you have made a good point that my battle is internal…I can make up any excuse this is true also but I don’t think my own mother would be disappointed in me not having a wine at the table….which brings me back to me again….not there yet….soooo close
Thanks Dolly for the comment on my visit to court it was hard to go through it all I have learned my lesson seriously…..and I am only young…stay well okay…hope your cats are feeling loved and fed honestly they are amazing creatures but sooo demanding & utterly spoiled (magical almost)!!
Mark you are doing extremely well….sounds like you are getting routine and schedule back into your life…..and I agree the gym is perfect for that….I did a double today, free weights and a class…gave myself a beating but oh so worth it…..
Welcome Lesley thanks for sharing hope to get there some day very soon….this site is helping me sort through a lot of crap a whole life times worth.. i am now at the stage where every night when it comes down to that time I battle with myself one voice says ‘you can do this just have some water or a cup of tea’ the other voice argues ‘just one drink, you can have 2-3 at the most whats the harm its right there in front of you’…..I wish the second voice would just bugger off…..
I tell you what people the day I actually get through the witching hour and go without I will be so proud of myself….I am actually beginning to see it and feel it….so I think the day is coming…not to be too dramatic….& I will only share after the event I am so scared of failing..
Warm regards to all xox
July 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Karen - Oh yes.. I hear you about the gym, I did gym this morning as I said, then just went and did a 7km run in the pi**ing rain.. I almost bailed and went naah.. but something in my head said HTFU and do it, you’re not going to get back to being quick if you dont.. maybe that voice has replaced the alcohol voice now… I’m daft like that though, I’ll run rain, hail or shine.. Makes me feel hardcore
Schedule though.. yep one thing missing is work.. but this “break” from life is allowing me to sort these problems properly, not having to juggle around work, and I still have some money saved (god knows how), so I’ll be ok for a little while at least. Besides I’m enjoying this after midnight bedtime thing 
Don’t beat yourself up over not being able to get through it, you’re making inroads and that’s what counts.. and dont be afraid to fail, to fail means you’ve tried. With regards to that other voice.. this is what worked for me… I just said to myself, “Ok Mark, you feel like a drink now, delay the decision for an hour, you may drink, you may not.. decide in an hour and don’t bother about making the choice right now”.. kept repeating that.. got me through day 1 even though I was gagging for it! I think you create anxiety over trying to choose whether or not you want to drink, so to take that choice away for an hour, gives you that hour to yourself.. does that make any sense at all?
Ramona is right though, it is in an internal battle, and we are all fantastic at creating excuses to take that drink.. Hell I know I was a bad bastard for it!
Hope tonight goes okay, and don’t be afraid to fail as I said above! Keep going on that rainbow to gold wagon of yours!
Hope everyone else is well!
M
July 17th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Hi everyone
I haven’t posted for a few days, i was off on a bit of a break and am pleased to report that i didn’t drink at all !!!! i was tempted on Saturday night when evryone else was indulging but remember the hell i’ve been through this last 3 weeks, so now on day 18 and gradually starting to feel better, headaches are not as severe and sleeping patterns are nearly back to normal, i’m also waking in the morning feeling rested and getting out of bed easier so things seem to be getting back to normal.
Interesting reading about blood pressure problems i’ve been on blood pressure medication for 3 years, but my gp assumed my high bp was due o smoking ( which i’m also quitting) never once did he enquire to my drinking habits, my blood sugar levels are always fine, my cholesterol good and my weight is always between 160-168 lbs ideal for my height so he just assumed that smoking has caused it.
well hope everyone keeps on the wagon, bye for now
G
July 17th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Hi everyone. Gary, good to have you back sounds like you are doing great. Lesley day 86 - wow hope to find myself there soon.
My purple wagon is rollin on day 12. I am finding life incredibly hard today though. Am having real high anxiety alot and thought that would be about over by now. I really do think a lot of my drinking was originally caused by anxiety although I didn’t realize it at the time.
Sounds like everyone is doing well - roll on!!!
Ramona
July 18th, 2008 at 3:40 am
Gday all!
Day 8 feelin great blue wagon rolls on.. although I couldn’t get to sleep until gone past 2am last night and still got up at 7
Oh well, I’m sure that will sort itself out soon. The weather is stormy here, the rain is PELTING down, nice day to be indoors.. and Friday is traditionally my day off running anyway.. might stick to that one :D.
Ramona - Sounds like me, alcohol misuse by way of anxiety. I have enrolled in some group sessions the government runs in a clinic to help change the way I think so to lessen the anxiety, which should help I think.. Never done anything like that before, just always used a drink to help. Well done on day 12, purple wagon still freshly painted and squeaky clean I hope
Gary - Well done mate, day 18! You know, the way I feel now, that doesn’t seem to far away, ask me that 4 days ago.. probably a different answer.
Hope all are well with their wagons!
M
July 18th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Hi folks,
Have just this minute identified another trigger - the thought of going to work!
Gary, like you I never told GP about the ‘plonk’ although I did say that I had given up the hard stuff - spirits, which I have (3 years ago) without a backward glance. But fess-up time is upon me and guess what is the last thing that must go before I know in myself, just what is responsible. I’m pick the Red stuff will be it.
Ramona, I hear you about the anxiety, for myself, it seems to be anxiety over things that I have no power, e.g. a boss who will tell me what my duty is to suit herself and her friends. I know, get another job, but when you are fifty mumble, its not so easy. Keep that wagon rolling.
Mark, will be interested to hear about the govt. run anxiety thingy, anything that can help is most welcome, lets face it, governments are finally helping with all sorts of things, but our ‘little’ problem, oh, just go to AA, who are not funded, not even well supported by various govts. Nope, we are not assisted well at all.
Karen, your right, spoilet and demanding, my cats are far and away the most spoiled creatures! BUT as one of them is under almost permanent vet care now (my insurance company hates me) they cannot be totally gluttonous, she needs to lose weight. (so do I, but, you know, one thing at a time) however, I hope they feel loved. I still think your great, facing up to a particularly harsh mistake. Mark has been there, but again, keep the faith, these things will take their course and by the time you get there will be so glad it is all over, not much else will matter.
To everyone out there, no matter what day it is, keep those wagons rolling, wagons were built big and seemingly cumbersome for a reason, we got lots to hang on to when the going gets tough!!!
Keep the faith
Dolly
xox
July 18th, 2008 at 7:09 am
hello all
My name is Julie and Im one of the moderators for the free alcohol support forum on this web site - I was browsing the pages when I came across you guys chatting here. this is not actually the forum itself and if you would like to visit it and chat with more people that are in the same boat please use this link http://www.brighteyecounselling.co.uk/alcohol-drugs/free-alcoholic-support-forum/ and click on link- Im not as clever as admin and cant put the quick link in.
We have lots of discussion threads including withdrawl, abstinence, cutting down etc. We have a lovely hop where we post our goals and support each other through them. It would be lovely to meet you all there - Do have a look.
Good luck with your goals. - ps - if you do go my avatar is the rather pretty fairy - hope to see you there.
Julie
x
July 18th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Dolly - Where I live the government also has a Department for Drug and Alcohol, so they provide free counselling etc also, as well as an inpatient detox centre called Next Step, granted the food is pretty crappy, but it is very well run and seems to work well, they have nurses on 24hr and wasn’t like a boot camp or anything. I think they have identified this is a problem here.
Wierd though, AA isn’t particularly pushed here for some reason, they tend to push the govt run things first. I’m not sure AA would be for me anyway, I don’t think I’m “powerless” over anything.. just need to regain control over my own life.. so I fail step 1
The wagons rolling, I’m just kind of bored now. Must find something to do, maybe a cheesy movie or something.
Karen - How’s things over your way - I’ve decided to save the gravy chips for sharing with people.. I’ll whip them out someday soon to surprise
Hope all is well
M
July 18th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Hey all!!
Took your advice tonight Mark…put off having a drink for two hours and it did work…a little uncomfortable but just testing the method and it does seem to work…as you know its Saturday night here tomorrow night so think I’ll try for three hours on Sunday night if I can hold off for that long then there won’t be much point in having the first I will try for Sunday….you are right there is no failing….need to keep check on my train of thought….you are doing great BTW
Gary…good to hear you resisted!! Keep it up sounds like this is really agreeing with you
Ramona…you are also doing so well!! Anxiety is awful I know it consumes you….I went to the doctor a while ago thinking I was dying having a heart attack or something they gave me oxygen and then to my embarrassment my doctor said it was anxiety….apparently this is a serious condition and can be crippling for some….not crippling enough for my damn doctor to medicate me obviously….I’m trading him in I think…
Dolly…wasn’t it you who quit smoking also? I tell you what…I am at this point in my life where I am trying to do all three!! Quit drinking, quit smoking and get fit….The getting fit bit believe it or not is really starting to happen for me…however although my body on the outside is looking better and to be honest feeling better internally I really have to give the other two up…..I hope between the two of us we can prove all three of these minor hiccups in our lives can be dealt with xox
For the record I have done the in-house detox thing here in Aus but it was against my will and the most horrific experience I have ever had….it was awful they locked me in a padded cell and injected me with stuff that left me drooling and incapable of putting a conversation together…I have also done the AA thing here and after a couple of visits I realised it was not for me…just not my type of people….not saying I am better than anyone else or above anyone else I just didn’t click with the group….it obviously does work for some though and is worth giving a try!!!
Happy Friday everyone xoxo
July 18th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Hi all,
Well day 19 today and feeling a lot better, things are starting to seem clearer now. went to the doctors yesterday and all vital signs seem in working order, bp was 124/72 which is pretty normal. I did quite a bit of reading up on blood pressure and found out that i’m being treated for non explained hypertension, it’s only now while sober and not smoking that i’ve started to really worry about it, as i used to just accept that it came with the lifestyle, it also appears that my previous gp had been a tad lazy and just put it done to smoking, my new gp who i saw yesterday for the 1st time seemed more interested in finding out more. I was also very honest with him about my lifestyle and he seemed to understand, and explained that you don’t have to be getting drunk to be doing damage. So in short he’s put me on a program where he’s going to monitor my bp over the next 6months and if i can keep up my side of the deal he reckons i may be able to come of the pills, because my heart and kidneys are all functioning normally and that exercise should help me with stress and anxiety which doesn’t help with the drink.
I’m not going to get compliecent about things either as i have stopped drinking for longer periods than this and gone back to it, but finally i am seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, so time to get back to my other interests which i have neglicted for a while as i had no energy or motivation to do them.
Well bye for now everyone and stick with it, we all know that it’ll be worth it in the end!!!
G
July 18th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Gday Karen - Well done on two hours!! I could only manage 1 or sometimes half an hour! Don’t stress yourself out in those two hours though, just say that you may drink or may not at the end and decide then. That came from this little blue ‘coping with withdrawals’ book that I got from Next Step in Perth, I think the Victorian health dept published it. Lots of good things in there.
Saturday night tomorrow night indeed.. getting through tonight will be interesting though, although there is footy (AFL) on so, theres that to watch at least.
I’m in the same boat with the smoking thing.. I quit for 2 years and then picked it up again earlier this year when I drank..
Even whilst I’m doing my races.. Wonder how good I could be if I didn’t smoke, probably run a lot faster and longer.
Wow, that sounds horrible about the detox thing.. that’s not a good environment to do it in. The place here its like a residential place, you get a shared room, theres programs everyday, and basically you just sit around and chat with others detoxing. Get meds every 4 hours as required.. Makes it a lot easier to be surrounded by others in the same boat. Made a couple of friends who are still clean (I haven’t told them I relapsed).. but catch up every so often.
Have you got a plan for this weekend with drinking? Or just going to try and delay as much as possible. Sounds like you’re getting stronger!!
The AA thing yep.. I went to an NA meeting with one of my friends from the detox, and its similar to AA, immediately didn’t like it very much. You either do or you don’t.
Anyways, back to my OJ and TV I guess! Distractions are good!
Take care
M
July 18th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Just have a minute, but read everyones posts. Sounds like a positive day. Everyone is doing great.
My purple wagon is rolling on day 13. Don’t know why but today is so much better than yesterday. It’s great to have all this support. My thoughts are with you all. Keep going, we can beat this addiction!!!
Ramona
July 19th, 2008 at 6:50 am
Gday all
Day 9 going well so far been to the gym, eating crap food for lunch again (hey I was craving).. then for a run this afternoon.. still feel a touch cloudy, but I’m sure that will get better. Actually had a great sleep last night owing to the electric blanket I bought yesterday :D.
Hope everyone does well for this weekend! I’ve got myself some sport and movies to keep me occupied for tonight, so should be ok!!
Take care
M
July 19th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Greetings all!
Ramona, fantastic! how was day 13?, Gary, some of us are still struggling with a complete day 1, can achieve some goals, but others need more work. Karen, keep plugging on there, we are with you every wheel roll of the way.
Mark, you are all providing such neat information, because it helps to know that someone, somewhere, actually lives what I and others are living.
I am now making the discovery that my dear old body will no longer tolerate the vast amounts of the dreaded red that was going down before. So will eventually reach that magic ‘no plonk’ zone in life. So will keep on writing while riding my little wagon.
To anyone out there, we are all on the same wagon, we are all just people struggling along doing the best we can with what we have. Some of us work moment by moment, others of us day by day, come on, write to us, share! it just might help.
My summer hols have now begun and with it a new determination to drop some of the blubber that has collected (if you roasted an animal in my body fat, it would end up Shiraz tasting, thats what most of me is made of right now) so am gong to embark on a day at a local market. Take care one and all.
Dolly
xox
July 20th, 2008 at 2:09 am
I don’t mind the effects of what I’m told is fairly severe alcohol withdrawal, the itchy skin and hallucinations give me something to do and when i start to feel better I celebrate with drinking heavily for days on end.
July 20th, 2008 at 3:14 am
Bugger, bugger, bugger….drank far too much last night I have had enough of myself wasn’t spirits just wine very good wine but probably around 2 bottles worth not feeling great and missed out on the gym this morning…I caught up with my ex last night another stupid thing to do he is so in love with me and I just don’t think I feel the same way anymore….there is too much past…but I told him I’m willing to give it another shot if we take it really slowly…I don’t know if thats really how I feel…he tells me he loves me and I say it back but I don’t think I mean it anymore…I’m not really liking myself very much today people….I’m going to try and put off that first drink today…..I’m really going to try….I can’t stop thinking about not drinking…..maybe I’ll go out for a walk this afternoon and get some fresh air….I need to do something positive…..the colours on my multi coloured wagon are so dull today
Best wishes all……will check in later xox
July 20th, 2008 at 4:07 am
Day 10 today! Feeling pretty good actually, had 2 good nights sleep in a row, without any struggle actually falling asleep.. happy as bollocks about that!
Going to go for my first long run in a month today (14km) along the river so should be nice as the sun is shining and its a beautiful day!
I will be sore later on I do imagine, but will go to the gym and have a spa after hopefully!
Dolly - I think we have all had the same feelings at some stage or another and thats the beauty of this place, there are people around who KNOW what you are going through etc. Keep going, you sound like you are keen to get there!
Karen - Sorry to hear you overindulged, but hey who here hasn’t!
These things happen, just think about what you want and come up with a plan? I know it’s not easy but I think you know what you want and you can get there! Don’t worry I’ve done the same thing, late last year got really drunk and caught up with an old girlfriend, and yeah made all these promises I really didn’t mean, took a while to sort the situation out. Only you however can work out what you really want. I guess sometimes especially in our situation you have to be a little bit selfish and put yourself getting well first and foremost. That’s the crux of this addiction, it needs a lot of self attention to be managed.
If you can’t stop thinking about not drinking, maybe just go back to the hour by hour thing? The walk will do you good.. bit of fresh air and endorphins to make you feel a little better. Have you ever thought about taking some B1 Vitamins? They are rather important to take after heavy drinking and make you feel a little bit better as they improve the brain function that has been depleted with alcohol.
Hope today gets better for you!
Ramona - How’s day 15 going for you?
Best wishes to everyone else!
M
July 20th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Thanks Mark, I am feeling better….I can tell you I know what I want and that is to be able to have a couple of glasses of wine in the evening and to stop right there……I am cutting down drastically again this week….I will still get the withdrawals they are just not as bad….I need to get some control back again….I know I have been slipping again slowly.
So much for the walk it started pissing down with rain here…lucky for me I really enjoy the rain its soothing and cleansing it always relaxes me…went and did some shopping instead nothing like a bit of retail therapy!!! Thanks for sharing your story about relationships…..I felt really bad this morning like I was a user and just a horrible person…It makes me feel better to know someone else has done the same…..guess I do know what I want and I am using this person….but from what I gather he would prefer I use him than nothing at all….if that makes sense….not a healthy situation…need to put some thought into where I go from here.
Day 10….good for you!! Sounds like the place you are at is really helping you along….I was brought up to believe drinking every day is a part of life…I have a feeling if I wasn’t surrounded by people who drink everyday possibly I would find this easier….I know if I don’t have that drink I am not going to die…..a bus isn’t going to fall from the sky and hit me….I just can’t get round that curve if that makes sense….it is so frustrating….my plan this week is to cut down drastically and I know I can do that its not as difficult….and I will use the hour by hour method in the evening to put the first drink off for as long as I can.
Bring on a new week world please
July 20th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Karen - That’s what we’re here for!!
Have you heard of setting a goal? Like writing it down using SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely).. And then write down when you hope to achieve this by, and what steps you will take to do so.. like a plan I guess. Might help you get there. I have tried to cut down have a couple in the nighttime, just doesn’t work, I have one or two and I want more, and it’s just not even enjoyable having to resist.. so I find it easier for me to just not do it all.
Yeah, alcohol makes you say things and think things you otherwise wouldn’t I reckon, not so much a case of ’saying your true feelings’ because if they were true, wouldn’t take alcohol to say them. Wow, I could never do that to myself, let someone use me just for the sake of having them around.. just doesn’t sound healthy. I think on this board we’ve all done a lot of the same naughtys
Yeah being at my folks helps, I mean they have a glass of wine at night and such, but to be honest being at the end of day 10 now it doesn’t bother me at all. Getting back into my running is good, and I’m well chuffed I got through my 14.2km in 72 mins today.. shows that I haven’t completely lost it.. I was a bit annoyed that I struggled with my running during this past week. So I’ve entered a race on Sunday 10km, initially it was a target race, one I was meant to run top 5 in, now.. I just want to finish!
Maybe set yourself up with a plan so you know how you’re going to get to where you want to be perhaps? Just a thought! I did that and I found If I didn’t need the drink, I didn’t have it as I would feel better in the long run!
Take care and Happy Sunday!
M
July 20th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Karen,
Take heart, you are far from the first or last to lose the resolve to those cute little bottles, we all have, and probably more than once. What you do now, you take a good look in the mirror and reflect on what you have been getting right, not whats going wrong. If we were perfect in a perfect world, wouldnt it be boring - no need to beat yourself up. It changes nothing, so,the bottles went down, you know yourself its not always that easy to say no.
Remember all that you have been getting right the past few weeks, you accept that you cant do it all the time, then carry on. Your wagon is just fine.
I for one am aiming for a totally dry day today, its Sunday UK time, have survived the morning (or most of it) and am looking forward to the afternoon. I think my big problem will be the evening when my brain starts playing tricks on me. Wish me luck folks, Im going to need it.
Dolly
xox
July 20th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Mark,
your running is going very well indeed! as I am struggling to walk 4km never mind 14, I am quite envious. Am aiming for a small gold medal today in the drink stakes. Yes SMART targets are a great idea, as I go back over my little book, its is helping to formulate some.
Keep it up.
Dolly
xox
July 20th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Dolly - Well done on getting through the morning, just keep in focus why you are doing this, and use the resolve to get you through the evening, knowing how bloody good you will feel tomorrow. You can do it!!! The mind is a powerful thing, but you have control over it.
Your little book must be filling up??
Well yeah I’m happy I got through it, means I was a bit disconsolate with my efforts this week coming from where I was before my binges.. but this makes me feel better knowing my body will actually do it. You have a BP problem so you have an excuse!! Keep at it (safely) and you will get there!
Good luck for today and keep the pink fluffy wagon rolling!
M
July 20th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Hi all, I am new but i would just like to say thankyou for this forum, i have been reading it constantly for the past week ( in secret of course so no one knows about my little problem) Today is day 8 for me and i have had to do it alone through sheer willpower and a desire to make something of my life as no one knows exept my ex how 1 down 1 to 2 bottles of wine each night. I allways liked a drink and in my 20’s it seemed the norm, when i had my daughter i had nothing for 5 years, i think this must of been because i was happy, but then i met a new partner and started again as it helped me to relax. he left while i was pregnant with our son but the heavy every night drinking came when he was about 6 mths. i never drank in the day (except on hols), just as soon as kids in bed. i have known for ages the time has come to stop, both for my own sake and that of my beautiful children, but there is, as you know, always an excuse. i love my kids deeply and i dont think my drinking has affected them as much as it has affected me, i hope not, i still get them to school safetly each day, take them to various clubs ect and put on a loving and happy front for them. the real reason i am trying to give up though is to get back my confidence and self- esteem and not be that nervous, anxious, and as i use to tell my self every morn when i felt like s***, nothing but a dirty, stinking alcoholic. i have been praying all week that i will feel more confident without out it, the main reason for this, and what will be the turning point in my life ( i hope, but i doubt) is an interview in the morning as a TA. this is something i have allways wanted to do as i have allways worked with children, but dispite the no drinking i feel as nervous as ever and know i will make a complete prat of myself, and more disappointedly get out my friend the bottle again. reading this site has been a great help, i hope i can be as strong as you.
take care everyone, heres to another drink free, but sleepless night.
maria
July 20th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Your right! the book is filling up, as I use it for moods and all sorts, not just the drink cravings. I have found though, that writing all of it down, in the safety of my home (very private) the only public bits are what I choose, means that I can look at various things differently. Like identifying ‘triggers’ those little things that set off cravings and separate them from the real thing.
It is now 5pm UK time and I have had no cravings - yet, although one of my big triggers is going right now (noisy neighbour) but will send his landlord an absolutely filthy letter about the leasehold agreement - much of what I have been doing appears to be driven by a sense of powerlessness (is there such a word?) along with some boredom. But by cripes I am sick and tired of this noise every Sunday for 24hours every week. It is totally selfish. Probably does nothing for my blood pressure.
So am hopeful will make a golden glow on the fluffy pink wagon tonight. Certainly it is looking good so far, really only have to last until 10pm, all the Off Licences will be closed and no amount of craving will make them magically open.
Thanks for the encouragement
Dolly
xox
July 20th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Maria,
Welcome, your comments must have been being moderated when I did my last post. Congratulations on making day 8, I am completing my Day 1 (again!)
Firstly, you are not a ‘dirty, stinking alcoholic’ you are simply a person with a problem. One a great many of us have. Secondly, you are a good mum, if you were not, you would not be going to such great lengths for the sake of your children if not yourself. Thirdly, job interview nerves afflict us all, you are allowed to have those!
Yes, alcohol starts out giving a false sense of confidence, but in the end, we are less confident I think. I hate going outside, the short walk to the shop lots of things, alcohol eventually erodes our sense of confidence so that we feel we cannot get by without it - its part of an addiction process. But remember, we have all been without alcohol before and we can do it again.
I had just popped on-line to help curb my 6pm to 8pm craving, having had none all day. I saw your posting, please dont give up, please let us know how you are getting on.
Checking out from my fluffy pink wagon (with a golden glow slowly developing)
Dolly
xox
July 21st, 2008 at 6:45 am
Survived day One. Heading into Day 2
Dolly
xox
July 21st, 2008 at 8:35 am
Fantastic Dolly, well done. you have put me in a positive mood for my interview. last night was real hard for me, all i could think about was wine.
maria
July 21st, 2008 at 8:47 am
Good luck Maria, dont worry about last night, its gone, you did very well. Worry about today. One day at a time.
Dolly
xox
July 21st, 2008 at 10:55 am
Gday all day 11 almost over getting ready for day 12.. just went for a run.. getting my speed back!!!
Still hard but a lot easier than this time last week when I COULDN’T run. Muscles still stroppy with me, but they will survive. Did 6.6km in 30 min tonight.. which is a lot quicker than last week.
Maria - Welcome! Well done on day 8 and glad we could help with our posts. I think it takes some time to readjust to life without alcohol, and that includes the social side of it too. I get the anxiety and things around people right now, but from memory the last time I stopped for 5 months I was ok in about 4 weeks.. just takes some time, be patient and all will be ok. Better than being pi**ed up or hungover anyway
And as Dolly said you’re not a dirty stinking anything.. thats just a generalisation. You’re just a normal person that is missing the alcohol OFF switch? Also if you scroll up theres a link admin posted to the forums on this site, they are very helpful too. Great people on there.
Dolly - Well done on getting through day 1, how do you feel?? Thats bollocks about your neighbours, you should definitely do something about it. Can’t be good for the ol’ BP! Keep going with the book, looks like it’s working for you, isn’t this what you’ve been waiting for? To go a day without?? Good plan on waiting for the bottle shops to shut (I’m assuming that’s what an off licence is?). Ours are open till 11pm or midnight here!! Keep the pink wagon rolling.
My blue one is rolling, still being greased every now and then, but fewer and far between!
Ramona/Karen - How’s things?
Take care all
M
July 21st, 2008 at 10:56 am
Dolly you beat the second voice on Sunday!! Well done I’m proud of you, you are a strong woman!! How are the withdrawals?
Wanted to share a really positive day with you all, I went back to work today in a new position and with new people and it was great. My brain feels electric with positive energy and new ideas, I have been unhappy with my work for so long I was just getting use to it. I had a good feeling about this week and I hope it stays this way.
Mark, thanks for the advice I am putting thought into my plan and I think I will write it this weekend (just for something positive to do). I think it will be realistic and something I know I can do at first. You are still going strong good on you and keep on running.
Welcome Maria, I have found this site a back bone. When I first stumbled across it I was pretty low, the people I have met and continue to meet through this network have a knack of planting my feet back on solid ground by reminding me I am human and I’m not the only one in this position. I have not completely stopped yet (so good on you), but I am talking to people with very good advice and feel I am slowley arming myself with more and more knowledge so when the big day comes I will be ready.
Anyway personal training at 6am so very early night for me. Fingers crossed another positive day is heading my way tomorrow.
Best wishes everyone hope you are all well xoxo
July 21st, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Hi
Just been back to the doctor again. Starting the withdrawal tablets tommorrow again. Got fired on Friday because of alcohol. Questioning the effects on my young daughter and elderly parents since marriage break down just over a year ago now. Know that a am doing the right thing by stopping but frightening. Already lost husband can’t loose daughter or myself anymore. Know this is the start of a new beginning but daunted by the fact of stopping. Always had a drink made me the life and soul of every joke. Friends stopped and became responsible but I didn’t. Now I need and want to. Trying to talk to others that have not done the same is difficult because they don’t understand and even though they think that they can there is still some judging that happens. I would like to be perfect but know that I am not. I have high expectations of myself and fall when I don’t reach them. Sorry for the rambling hope some of it made sense.
day 0
July 21st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Good morning all. Great to read all the communication on here! Misery loves company and we are all in the same wagon. My purple one is doing wheelies on day 16. But, I can’t believe it is still hard. Don’t know if it is withdrawl or anxiety, or maybe a little of both.
Mark - you are a great athlete. I am not, but continue with my bike riding and in two weeks am going to be in a walk I have always wanted to do but have never had the guts or been in shape enough for. It is a 9K all up hill at 9,000 + feet up the Steens Mountains. I don’t have very good lungs and when I get up that high have a hard time breathing. It will be grueling and I will be happy if I just make it. One year it blizzards and the next it is 96 degrees. Who knows what this year will be like.
Dolly, well done. Good luck with day 2. You can do it, it only gets easier.
Maria, welcome and good luck with day 9. It may not effect your kids now, but in the future it will come back to haunt you if you don’t quit. Don’t want to scare you but I have children and they aren’t stupid. They know what’s going on. If it helps, it is worth it to quit for them. How did the interview go?
Karen, you are sounding so positive and the diary thing seems to be working for you. Good luck with your new job.
You are all good people, but people with a disease and we can beat this together.
Luck & love to all.
Ramona
July 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Gday Karen - Well done on having a positive day, see they do come along!!
Sounds good, having a plan is very important I think, good tool, helped me a lot so I knew what I was doing, and the only time I didn’t adhere to it, was when I had a plan for 2 drinks that day and didn’t drink any. That was 12 days ago now, and so glad I made that choice.. worked for me.. not saying works for everyone.
Spoke to my running coach today, he doesn’t know the deal, and I won’t tell him.. just said I have been sick, he knew this anyway as I was actually viral before my binge. Anyways, theres a training squad for a big race here called ‘City to Surf’ where you run from Perth City to the beach, 12km.. Initially I was aiming for a top 10 finish, however, now just want to run well :).. Anyways he told me to come into the squad on Thursday night.. why do I have this feeling I’m going to HURT after it!
Hope all are well.. blue wagon rolling along!!
M
July 21st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Ramona - You posted just a few minutes shy of me!
Well done on day 16, keep going Oregon! It will get better, as my doctor said it takes some time for the brain to sort itself out. Just imagine in 16 days time how you will feel!! I still find it hard at times.. like when I’m sorting out problems I had from before bingeing.. you go.. MMM a drink would help.. then you somehow tell yourself it wouldn’t help. Conflicting voices!
That walk sounds pretty nuts. As you get up high the oxygen is hard to suck in. One of our distance runners, Craig Mottram (he’s 2 days younger than me).. he has been training at high altitude as it helps the blood absorb more oxygen back at normal level of land.
Keep the purple, pink, rainbow/gold and whatever colour you like wagons rolling!
Take care
M
July 21st, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Thanks guys! Day 2 well underway, more cravings today than yesterday, but as I ran into some old friends at the park (went to Hyde Park, its a long way from home) so spent time with them. They know nothing of my condition, but their company really helped. Have invited me to a BBQ on Weds, I said yes because I know it will be a ‘dry’ one.
The sun is shining, I have a strong feeling this will by my ‘year’ I have worked towards it carefully, and more importantly honestly with myself. I will win.
Karen, thanks for the kind words and its great that your days are getting better, you also can only win, like others, you have been honest with yourself and you have not given up ‘giving up’ that counts for heaps!
As it also does for Natalie, yes, it is frightening, you are throwing away a crutch that has been leaned on for some time. You are doing the right thing, its important that you know that. As for rambling, dont worry that what we are here for , to help and understand that.
Mark and Ramona, rocketing away there, I’m just happy I made it to the Library (about 2.5 miles) then caught the bus to the park and met up with old friends. You two must be uber fit! Yes Mark, this is what I have been working towards, and at my Thursday appt for the ‘little’ program I mentioned in my previous posts, it will be with great pride that I say, I have already been ‘dry’ X days. (thats the plan). One thing though, I keep getting cramp in one of my legs, the calf muscle at night, does anyone know if this is normal?
Am also quite nauseous and tired all the time. But eyes are not yellow or anything.
An Off Licence or Offy is a plonk shop open after hours (although the UK now has 24 hr drinking) my local one does not do particularly long hours - suits me.
My noisy neighbour slowed down just in time last night. But now have all the louts in the ‘hood’ reving up cars, guess summers here, Shouldnt call them louts, they are just loud youths - naw, louts.
Wonder how Maria is getting on???
Have laid in a supply of reading books to help with the night time wide awakes, and hot chocolate. Have planned more tasks for each day this first week of my holiday so now only time will tell.
Luck and love to all
Dolly
xox
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:52 am
Day 3 underway!
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:06 am
hi all. not getting on well, did not get job and drowned my sorrows last night. feel such a failure.had a really, really bad nights sleep, spent most of it awake with a terrible headache, heart palpitations, shakes the whole works. still feel bad now and got to go to work in a minute. but i am not going to be defeated and am going to be strong like you guys. today is not going to be day 1, it is still going to be day 8. school hols start tomorrow and i am going to be the best for my children.
well done again Dolly, and everyone else.
maria.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:37 am
G’day all, Day 12 almost done! Been a good day.. I’m noticing the days are going a lot quicker now, and the thought of alcohol is pretty distant. Still not feeling 100%, I wake up a little anxious, but that soon goes. Sorted a lot of my problems out today, got things organised which feels good I’m not running and hiding from them at the bottom of a bottle!
Just went and did 13km running, and I’m spent, my legs at the end just would not move.. It’s going to be a long road back, but one I’m prepared to take to remind me as to why I shouldn’t binge! *slap on wrist*.
Dolly - Fantastic day 3!! Well done, how are you feeling? Good to see you’re sounding so positive about everything. This well could be the year, keep believing that because you have the control now, not the bottle to make ‘oh eight’ really great! The muscle soreness is normal, and being tired/not sleeping properly is normal.. your body is overstimulated as it has become adapted to being ‘awake’ with a depressant (alcohol) in it’s system. Be patient, it should only last up to 8 or so days, but you will feel better each day you don’t drink.
Tip, go to the health food store/chemist and get some Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) tablets 100mg (First 7 days I was taking 200mg daily). They are important for brain function in people who have been reliant on alcohol as it is deficient. Milk thistle helps with liver function too. Also a good multivitamin for everything else can’t hurt. Roll on pink fluffy!
Maria - Don’t beat yourself up over a blip.. These things happen and you are not a failure.. to fail means you have tried in the first place. I think we can all testify to that one. Keep going, grab a wagon, paint it up real nice and roll on, you can do this! Take control back for you and your children!
Ramona(Oregon) - Hows the Purple wagon going? Day 17 going good for ya?
Karen - How’s things? You were really positive last post.
Everyone else - keep going!
Take care all!
M
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Hi there,
End of day 3 is nigh! It was also a little tougher than expected. With the aches and pains, it helps, thanks Mark to know that this is normal, remembering that any other dry days have usually been accompanied by lots of opiate painkillers, which I now no longer partake of. Am actually feeling what I have put my body through, it helps to keep me off it. But it is nice to know that it will go away, am looking forwards now to tomorrow and the BBQ.
Mark, 13km!! wow, yes, we do need to remind ourselves not to hide things in the bottle. But that is a great achievement and you should be very proud of it. Day 12, still seems forever away for me, but not impossible - keep that wagon rolling.
Maria, Mark is right, no need to beat up on yourself, you know full well that the alcohol will extract its own revenge - the hangover. You are right, it is still day 8, not a new day 1. Thats the spirit, ok, you didnt get the job, its not the only one on the planet. It might also be a sign that you are meant to spend these weeks with your kids on holiday and relax with them (without as much of the alcohol as possible). Get out some paper mache and build a wagon (car shaped) and have them paint it for you - it will be fun. Keep the faith.
Ramona, where are you, how is your day 17 or is it 18??
Karen, where are you, still keeping positive?
Please guys, keep posting, we miss you
Dolly
xox
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
hi everyone.
Thanks Dolly, you are right. I have a whole six weeks to spend with them as I am a dinner lady so only work term time ( still want to be in the class room though). I feel so much better in the morning when i dont drink so we will get up early and have lots of days out. I dont know about everyone else but I find evenings the hardest, maybe it is boredom or just a habit. Kids are in bed now and I am drinking tea so I think I may be OK tonight. I will make my wagon with them but wont tell them what it is for, and let them choose what colour it will be.
well done everyone and good luck, hope you dont mind me coming on here, it helps so much to read about other peoples experiences and to have someone to talk to.
maria.
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Maria, you are doing the right thing - it will get easier. I think the paper mache wagon sounds great!!!
Dolly, great job! It’s still going to be hard, but you’ve done the hardest part, just tell yourself you can’t go back there. When I think about binging when I get on here and read it changes my mind.
Mark, great guns - you are awesome. I do alot of exercise but running is not on my list of to dos. Keep it up, reading your posts helps me alot.
Karen, Natalie and everyone else - how are you doing?
I’m on day 17 and for the most part it is getting easier. I think about my regrets and then I have anxiety and want a drink. So have decided not to think so much and just take one minute at a time.
Luck & love
Ramona
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Hi everyone,
I am new to this website, i just came across it today. After reading all your stories, it has inspired me and made me feel less alone in my battle with alcohol. I am young, only 21 years old. I have been drinking heavily for the last 3-4 years. I was diagnosed with a severe form of anxiety and panic episodes about 6 years ago. Ever since i graduated high school things seem to have deteriorated for me. I live with my parents whom are very emotionally and verbally abusive, which i think may largely contribute to my anxiety. I constantly feel on edge and like the worst will happen to me. Eventually i found alcohol and realised that it took my anxiety away. It became my new best friend. I could go out and have a few drinks and would forget completely about all my problems in life. Sadly over the years a few drinks has turned into 6 or 7 or 8 drinks at one sitting. I’m petite, only 5′2 around 125 pounds. I find when i drink i say in my head “oh ill only have 2 or 3, just enough to feel relaxed”. Then all logic goes out the window and all i can focus on is the next drink and the one after that. its like i cannot stop drinking once ive started. I loose all rational thinking. I am trying so hard to quit. All my friends are in the bar scene and like to go out drinking most weekends or to the clubs. I am afraid that one day i will drink myself into a coma and not wake up. When im sober i know what a normal amount for my body should be. However once i start drinking, my goal is to drink everything in sight. Does anyone else feel as scared as i do? Im sorry if im rambling on here. Thank you all for reading my story. I will post back as the days go on and let you know how i am doing. Good luck and God Bless you all.
Gillian
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:47 am
Gillian, welcome and you are not alone. Yes I felt as scared as you, sounds alot like my story. Once I start, I can’t quit. That’s why I have finally chosen not to start. You will have to make a very conscious effort if you are going to stop though; a total life change. You are young, and God willing have alot of time to turn your life around and have not had that much time so far to screw it up too bad like some of us. There’s a lot of posts on here with many years of experience with trying to quit. You’ll just have to find what works for you. I wish you the best!!!
Ramona
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:17 am
Gday all!
Reporting in for Day 13! Going ok had a few appointments etc this morning, JUST got in and it starting throwing the rain down.. so quite lucky in that respect, although means running in it this afternoon!!! Had a bit of a daft sleep last night kept waking up, but I feel ok today so couldn’t have been too bad.. just sodding hungry all the time now. Decided to apply for some work today as I’m starting to get quite bored with sitting around trying to find things to do. Plus I need the money!
Dolly - Well done on day 3! Day 4 now I’m assuming? How do you feel, has the muscle cramps settled down at all? I’m not sure painkillers would particularly help anyway, just ride it out and it will get better, perhaps get a massage as a reward! Nice day over there for a BBQ?
Maria - Well done on sitting down having a tea. Everyday you don’t drink your body will feel better for it. You said yourself that you feel better when you haven’t drank, just remember that sentiment to remind yourself if you think you want to have a drink. Remember delaying the decision for an hour helps.. You may drink.. you may not, decide after an hour.. then when the hour is up, remind yourself the positives if you dont drink.. BE positive, not try, gives the negative thoughts no chance to invade your mind! So far we have blue, pink, purple, and rainbow wagons.. pick a colour!
Gillian - Welcome! I drank for exactly the same reason as you, to relax to take away anxiety, panic or stress. I am trying to work through the anxiety issue and learn new coping strategies so I can eliminate/manage the problem naturally as I refuse to take anti-depressants.. band-aid solution and make you feel nothing! It’s a big decision as Ramona said to stop drinking, it’s a complete lifestyle change, however one I think will help. Alcohol perpetuates panic and anxiety when used to self-medicate.. A hangover has very similar symptoms to the feeling state of an anxiety disorder. People who suffer from anxiety often confuse the two feelings, which leads to more drinking and misuse. Alcohol does relax, however as the BAC comes down there is a somewhat rebound effect as the body is overstimulated. You’re only young, as am I (I’m 28).. actually getting there.. but young enough to change things. Problems are problems and they exist if you drink or not, drinking will not make them go away and it’s a lot easier to work through them without being drunk or hungover!!
Hopefully whatever you choose we can help with that, no judgement here at all. You might find the forums useful also, lots of support in there from abstainers and people going through what you are too. Try here http://www.brighteyecounselling.co.uk/alcoholic-forum - you have to register but it’s worth it.
Ramona - Well done on day 17! You’re rolling along! Keep going, I know it’s hard at times, but you’ve gotten this far, so keep reminding yourself how you’ve coped to get here and use the same strategies! Doesn’t matter about not running, you ride your bike a lot, thats good enough!
Karen/Natalie/Everyone else - How you guys going?
Blue wagon rolling along! Lunchtime
Take care all!
M
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:44 am
Hi there,
Welcome Gillian, you are not alone out there. Once I start, quitting does not look like an option either. Hence have finally worked up (again) what it takes to stop.
It does take a conscious effort, yes thats true, it can take time, yes, you are in a very scary place - but you can do it. You are very young and you dont want to destroy that lovely life in front of you. Your situation is not a good one, perhaps you could seek more professional help to help you find your way?
When your friends go out clubbing, just stand there and say ‘Im on medication for stress(or warts on your toes, whatever) and the Dr suggest I dont drink while I take them’ or ‘not right now, thanks, maybe later’ or can I please have a small Orange juice, will get a stronger drink later’. Just dont let it be a big deal. The other option is to not go out, or change your circle of friends to those who do other things, e.g. movies, ice skating, anything but not drinking. Join a club, maybe not so easy with your anxiety, but something will work for you.
Ramona, great to hear your days are going well, Day 17, must be 18 for you now. You are correct, the decision to stop is a difficult one, made worse by the fact that no one can make it for us - we each must make our own (wasnt life so much more fun with someone else to blame for our choices??) I realise now that cutting down was only a way forward for me. Four odd days ago I reached a ‘do or die’ moment and thats when I decided it was time to quit for good. But your encouragement helps keep me going.
Maria, good one! yes, definitely have them build the car (wagon) let them choose the colour - all 199 of them ha ha. On a more serious note, the evenings are a very bad time for alot of us, we can keep ourselves amused during the day or while at work. But getting home is a disaster area for our emotions. A bad habit? yes, maybe, boredom? certainly. Perhaps doing something different would help. Plan some activities into your next few days that would take a little of that time, maybe an evening movie, its light enough now in the UK that a 5 or 6pm movie would have you and the kids out early enough to get home if you had to walk (I did that yesterday) or spend time after dinner at a local park - lonely maybe, but out of the house, quality time with the kids but maybe less time on the end of the bottle. I’m sure you will think of something. Keep up the good work.
Mark, how are things going for you. Your pretty blue wagon still rolling? or running, whichever. You must now be putting more time into your activities.
Do let us know how you are getting on, you are now Day 13, lucky for some.
Karen, how is it all going for you, still positive?
Keep the faith folks, one and all.
Day 4 commences - the aches and pains were so bad last night I did take pain relief in the end. Weather is all from walking (have put car to bed for 6 weeks) or not drinking or both, dont know but boy was I suffering. However, am still ‘dry’ and still hopeful it will get better. BBQ day.
Dolly
xox
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:14 am
yesss, made it to day 9. Gillian, welcome, I know how you feel, I am scared aswell,(and I am 39 tomorrow) scared of giving up drinking and scared of my kids coming in one morning to find me dead in bed. This is what motivates me most.Dont beat yourself up if you have the odd relapse, I have found it makes me stronger next time as I know I can do it. Drink has been my ruler for so long, now it is my turn to take over.Tomorrow I am having all my family over for lunch ( I have a twin so her birthday too), my mum is horrified at anyone in the family drinking as my brother is an ex alcoholic and is in rehap at the moment, she does not know I drink, it would break her heart, so there will not be a drop in the house. the kids will have a great time with their cousins.
Dolly have a great time at BBQ, and well done on day4.
Maria.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 am
Hey everyone….checked out for a couple of days….you are doing soooo well even if you are still drinking and trying to stop or just acknowledging its an issue!!!
I am going to settle in with a cup of tea…..
Some more positive words to share!! I have cut down dramatically……only for two days….one glass of red wine with dinner and that is it……the final straw was my weigh in with my trainer…she makes me record everything I eat….and she can’t understand why I’m not loosing more weight with all the exercise I’m doing….don’t get me wrong I’m not huge but I want to hot up for summer and for the rest of my life…..get rid of any extra bulges….ANYWAY…I told her how much I drink!!! I can’t believe I told her….she didn’t lecture me about it only told me how many calories were in every glass and what that amounts to for my weight loss…..she said the amount I’ve been drinking is almost equivalent to an extra 2 days of food a week…..HOLY CRAP…..guys this is working for me….I’ve found my incentive to loose the weight is stronger than my incentive to drink…..
Maybe the fact I am not miserable at work any more is also helping because I’m not in too much discomfort withdrawing….a bit restless before sleep but if I lie there long enough I fall into a deep sleep….waking up pretty sleepy but not hung over….and I am getting the chills really badly soooo cold on and off….I get the rush of anxiety in my stomach but when it passes I’m okay….and when I wake up I feel better for resisting any more after the one glass…..
My plan is to stick to one glass of wine a night even on the weekends. If I can stick to that I can quit. No pressure though at this stage I’m happy to cut out the huge volumes during the week……Its a start….
My family goes away in two weeks so the offer of alcohol with dinner every night will not be there…..that will be my time to stop.
Gillian - I am the same as you once I have had a few I will not stop until there is nothing left its a dangerous state of mind to be in…..as long as you are aware of it….don’t give yourself a hard time emotionally. (I’m only repeating the advice given to me on this site numerous amounts of time & it helped every time)…
Anyway gotta go McCleods Daughters Series return tonight OMIGOD
Best wishes to all, stay well & talk soon xoxo
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Dolly - I posted before you but it was being moderated! The aches and pains should subside with time, be patient, just don’t go nuts on the opiates :D. Well done on day 4, how good are you!?!?
Maria - Fantastic on day 9, thats massive! I think we all have our own little motivations as to why we want to cut down or abstain from the drink. That’s good you’ve recognised that you are not in control of alcohol.. it’s a start! The dinner should help your cause though being a dry one, temptations are aplenty at dinners and such, so good to see nothing will be there to do so!
Karen - You are sounding so positive, you must be in a good place :). Something to understand about alcohol and weight is that it contains a LOT of calories per gram (as well as sugars and carbohydrates), and cannot be stored by the body, so it uses the energy in alcohol ignoring anything else you’ve eaten or drank, so whatever else protein/fat/carbs you have in your system get stored as fat and energy usage is suppressed. So the more you drink, the more calories/fat you will store. I think I got away with it because of the amount of training I did prior, but if I kept going the way I did, i’d end up a fat b*stard!
The work thing helps too, like it or not, it’s a big part of your day and can greatly influence how you feel outside of that environment. Perhaps when you are having your one glass, write down how you feel before, what concious decision you made and why you had the drink.. this will all help when you quit with cravings.
All the chills, anxiety etc is normal when you reduce.. don’t worry about them, they are just symptoms. Also don’t fight the anxiety let it come and pass, you will not be worried when you realise it cannot hurt you.
Take care all!
M
PS: Karen.. Mcleods daughters.. are you SERIOUS?!?
Jamie’s fowl dinners is on tonight!
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
OMG, got given a bottle of wine from teachers in school where i work as dinner lady. Have kept it wrapped up and shoved at back of cupboard to pass on to someone else.
Karen you are so brave, 1 glass would never be enough for me, i would finish the whole bottle and still want more.Mark you are so right about work, I would go mad if I was home alone all day.
Take care all.
Maria.
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Sounds like everyone is doing good - keep it up. I’m on day 18 and am doing SO much better. This anxiety thing was really getting to me, but after reading up on it and realizing I can’t die from it (you can die from alcohol withdrawl) I am able to handle it much better. Have just started dealing with it as it is and know that it does go away and the attacks lessen.
Everyone just keep knowing we can beat this thing and it does get better every day you abstain. I am still rolling along on the purple wagon, hoping to never have a drink again.
Ramona
July 24th, 2008 at 8:02 am