support to get through the weekend pls

[libbyliz83]

My sober app is saying I've been sober 19 days. I've checked it about 10 times today. It's the longest I've gone without drinking in 12 years. Had a couple of low days but got through it by convincing myself I couldn't because of work the next day. I did very well to stick to that but now I know I don't have work for two days. I'm really really struggling. Thought of nothing else since dinnertime. Been to shop three times and managed to redirect myself to a different shelf and bought random crap instead. I have no support network and I'm scared I'm going to cave in

[Wolfiefan]

Fantastic. Well done. Tomorrow will be day three! You can and you will!!

[libbyliz83]

I can and I will 😊 thanks wolfie

[SleightOfMind]

How are you doing Libbyliz?
I'm trying to cut down and finding it a bit tough in the evenings.

[libbyliz83]

Good today thanks. No weight loss but I'm dealing with it ok cos I had my meltdown at wkend. I find early evening the worst. When you feel the first craving and your brain tells you it still early enough to go to shop....lol

[Wolfiefan]

Make a list of other things to do! Distraction is great.

[SleightOfMind]

Early evening is when I'm most tempted too. I'm trying to plan a set thing to do each day to distract me.
DH is back late so I'm taking the DCs to the shops later then out for supper.
He'll be back by the time we get home and it's my turn to do bath time.
Once it gets to 8pm I'm fine.

[libbyliz83]

That is now the time I go for a bath!! I know once I've run it then I'm busy in there then doing my hair (takes ages) and there's no way I'm getting out my pj's when I'm cosy! This is my new routine/plan. It means I'm settled in the house and relaxed before 8 like you.

[SleightOfMind]

Another night under the belt! Distraction is definitely the way to go.
I'm going to get a few really good books in too. Much easier to drink wine while watching telly, harder with a properly absorbing read.
Hope you had a lovely bath & are set for a good night's sleep Libs - we'll feel all bright and together tomorrow morning too.

[Wolfiefan]

Reading is also good as you have something to hold? Stupid but when I gave up smoking I found knitting helpful as it gave me something to do as a distraction and stopped my hands seeming empty.

[SkaterGrrrrl]

Good luck op.

[libbyliz83]

Yep another day started! The distraction early evening is definitely key so far. I do get eczema if I bathe too much though and I'm starting to look a bit dry/scaly so with need another plan for alternate nights.

I'm finding that I'm really enjoying having a lie down on the sofa just before bed and watching a bit of telly. I'm addicted to netflix and boxsets - I'm a binger. Usually I would sit up and watch episode after episode while drinking and eating but having a lie down is making me nicely sleepy enough to go to bed at a reasonable hour. I'm loving that actually. I'd been convinced that without the alcohol I wouldn't be able to sleep (it's happened before) but I'm getting a lovely nights sleep (apart from very vivid dreams and nightmares). Waking up in a morning isn't easy though, I'm even more groggy than when I'd been drinking!

[Squeegle]

Netflix sets are a great way to focus on something else. Have you watched the uk version of house of cards? I have loved it! Well done

[libbyliz83]

No not tred that one yet. I've just finished Greys Anatomy s1-12 and I'm now on Grimm.

Feeling a bit anxious tonight as had a bit of a row with my ex. My first thought when I walked away was "it's still early enough to go to shop". Stupid brain.

[Wolfiefan]

Libby have you found private practice? Spin off from Greys!
Chicago Fire?
Chicago med?
Lots of Chicago.
Enjoyed the good wife. Now liking the good fight!

[libbyliz83]

I've heard of Private Practice and wanted to watch it! Can't find it on sky or netflix though. Having said that I love criminal minds but can't stand beyond borders. Orange is the new black starts soon and Kimmeridge schmit!! Not seen those Chicago ones.

[libbyliz83]

*kimmy lol

[Deadsouls]

I'm no fan of 12 step meetings but what I can say from experience is that in early days of sobriety they do provide a community and connection with people who have been through, are going through similar experiences. Moreover meetings are free and readily available, (depending on where you are located of course). If 12 step is not for you, there are online forums
Check out Dr Stanton Peele, I think he offers an online programme for recovery, 'women for sobriety' (I'm making the assumption that you're a woman), they don't have meetings in this country but online literature. There is also SMART recovery, which is CBT based. Have you also accessed your local drugs/alcohol agency? Turning Point is an organisation that offers support.
You need to fill the gap that alcohol filled. Another option could be access your local low cost therapy service. Identification and contact with others who understand what you're going through is vital IMO so that you don't feel isolated.

[Deadsouls]

You can start building a network of resources and activities that can anchor you when you get a craving.

[libbyliz83]

Thanks that's all very helpful. I'm going to look into those tomorrow, especially the SMART one, I did CBT for my depression too.

[Chickoletta]

How was the rest of your week, OP? Been thinking of you.

[Wolfiefan]

I love Criminal minds too!
Binge watching Rosewood and NCIS at the moment. Love NCIS LA and Hawaii 5 0
Jeez I watch too much TV!
Hope the box sets are helping.

[libbyliz83]

Seventh day!!
Not had a craving last two days.
Been going to bed really early, I'm getting so much sleep!
Howe everyone else?

[Wolfiefan]

You superstar. Be double figures of days soon.

[libbyliz83]

I've signed up to speak to a councillor too regarding my depression, drinking and staying sober. The face to face thing is a big step for me. Thanks to those who suggested it.

[Wolfiefan]

That's a massive step. Get all the support you need. I hope you are massively proud of yourself.