I am done. Anyone fancy joining me?

[Rupertpenrysmistress]

So I have an alcohol problem. Have done for years, Christmas may not be the best time to stop but I have to. It's killing me and destroying my family. I will take today to make my plan. I already have all the quit books just need to do it now.

Any long term sober people have any tips for me? I guess at the moment it's hour by hour.

Happy new year

And to you @fenulla
Very happy to be hangover free today

@justforthis21 happy to hear my comments helped. The even better news is that it's MUCH quicker to reverse the overdrinking habit than it takes to develop. I probably spent 20 years practicing becoming an expert at drinking , but was able to achieve a 'take it or leave it' attitude to booze in less than 90 days once I decided to make the change. What I learned is it's less about the action you take and more about how you think about the result you want to create.

How are you all doing? Fridays can be hard. Lit the fire here and enjoying nice food and a coke. Clean bedsheets and kindle waiting for me later

Hi @Orchidaceae it sounds like a nice relaxing night at yours.
I've been out for tea and alcohol was available but no temptation, helped by me driving.
Now reading a chapter of sobriety solution which is keeping me engaged and thinking. Which I need.
Are you using any methods of support?

@rumred fair play to you. I don't need to anymore (year and a half here) but did heavily in the beginning. Lots of the books and anything on Internet. Making sure I was well prepared with soft drinks at my trigger time, food ready to knock up to feel full, my bedroom cosy so when it got tough I'd take myself up there and light candles and read with a tonic water etc. Have a nice cake and tea planned for 8.30. Dont need to now. Delighted with myself. It does get much much easier. Absolute TORTURE in the beginning. Still have my moments and probably always will but take myself away from somewhere if I'm struggling

That's brilliant @Orchidaceae ,you sound sorted and strong. And I'm relieved it gets easier. I know it logically I suppose but it helps to hear others' experiences. I need to work on stopping the automatic fuck it lets have a drink mode I get into. Which is why I'm reading and listening to loads of quit stuff.
Lots of reflection and reviewing too. I feel I have to immerse myself in it all to stand a chance of succeeding this time.

Excellent rumred. I've been for a lovely cold walk, feelng fresh and delighted im still poison free lol

You sound very happy /relieved.
I'm looking forward to carrying on alcohol free. I drank for 42 years. That's a hell of a lot of habits to overhaul

Hello everyone, can I join? I’m on Day 5. I’m finding it relatively easy at the moment but I know that won’t be forever. At the moment I’m reading Quit Like A Woman which is like a feminist manifesto against drinking. Very interesting.

Has anyone made use of any groups like Smart Recovery and did you find them useful? I don’t consider myself to be an alcoholic and according to my book that’s not a term that’s helpful anyway but I’m wondering if groups might be helpful when I inevitably start to find it harder.

@justforthis21 your DH’s comments really struck a chord with me. My DH often says something very similar. How are you getting on?

How are we all doing with sobriety?
I have time on my hands... So house jobs are being done at last. My partner hasn't drank much since I started, which probably helps. And no pub visits planned.
I read that avoiding boozy situations is best in the early days, so I shall.

Hi @rumred I’m doing well, just got my first week in the bag. I’m also avoiding boozy situations and my husband has given up with me which is extremely helpful.

I did get given a nice bottle of wine as a belated Christmas gift yesterday and not sure what to do with it. I don’t feel tempted at the moment but I don’t really want it in the house for when I inevitably do!

[quote afaloren]@justforthis21 your DH’s comments really struck a chord with me. My DH often says something very similar. How are you getting on?[/quote]
I posted on the other thread to you. Doing well so far. I hope you are too. I sometimes have a bit of a wobble at night but every morning I wake up with no shame, no hangover, no feeling of needing to buy more wine and I love it.

Hi @afaloren sounds like you're doing well. I've got some wine and champagne (my favourite tipple) but am planning to give them away as gifts. I also have an unopened litre of gin (2nd fave tipple). Maybe I should sell it?
@justforthis21 yes the mornings are so good without alcohol the night before. Much easier.
I'm working through the sobriety solution and it's effective so far. Today I'll be tapping - eft. Worth a try

I thought I’d check in. I was on holiday (mid-December) when I decided to give abstinence a go but it was too hard and I ended up having drinks when I went out to eat.

Anyways I started again on the 1st January and I have managed to stick to it. I think I need to ride it out for a good 12 weeks before I stop feeling the strong urge to drink. I’ve had 3 occasions so far where I really wanted a drink but I was so desperate to not let myself down this time that I stuck to my guns. In the past I’ve only lasted 2-3 weeks.

Unfortunately I have a fully stocked bar at home (no wine thankfully , which is my drink of choice) and my DH is still having his nightly tipple. I think when he decides to go on a diet I’ll eat chocolate in front of him

Day 14 here. All good. I’ve had my desperate moments but I’ve stuck to it. It helps that I’ve developed a taste for AF beer…in my last quitting period last year (50 days) I tried to replace wine and spirits with AF versions but in all honesty they’re crap..I know that now. AF beer has flavour and that’s what I’m enjoying..although being totally honest I miss that warm fuzzy feeling you get from wine…but I just can’t have 1 or 2, that’s my problem. I’m all or nothing..so, for now, it’s nothing. My self esteem needs work and alcohol encourages me to feel bad about myself. That’s why I have to stay in control. We’re brilliant really..😊. All power to us..💪🏻✊🏻

Hi everyone. Sorry I left the thread for a bit. I did have a slip just one evening but it has made my resolve stronger. Day 13 today and am so determined. One day at a time though. Hope to here from you all soon and hope all is well.

Hi @Rupertpenrysmistress and @TicketyBoo11 glad you're still soldiering on.
I'm doing OK. Listening to podcasts when I know I'll be tempted and working through the sobriety solution.
I was having terrible hot flushes pre sobriety which I put down to medication and menopause but I now think it must have been my liver struggling as they've lessened dramatically.
And how good are sober mornings? I love waking up feeling level and clear headed

Sober
Mornings are great.

Omg the last week I have been craving white wine soooooo bad
Not giving in but these urges need to stop

@Rupertpenrysmistress

Hi everyone. Sorry I left the thread for a bit. I did have a slip just one evening but it has made my resolve stronger. Day 13 today and am so determined. One day at a time though. Hope to here from you all soon and hope all is well.

Well done getting back on track and thank you for starting this thread

I have been through the hot flushes to, but, they have stopped now, my sleep is good and YES sober mornings are the best. I am so much more productive and energised. I have bought alot of supplements as recommended by Craig Beck. Not sure if they are working but feel I owe it to my poor body.

I have the odd thought about maybe drinking at Easter/Xmas, but then I think, why would I go through all this again? I am not taking anything for granted as I know how fragile sobriety can be. I have done 15 days and really want to keep this going. A big bonus is the bloating has gone, it feels so much better.

Happy sober days to everyone.