DRY 16

[vxa2]

If you're quitting alcohol for a brighter sober future come and join us here. A very welcoming bunch supporting each other every step of the way.

Link to Dry 15

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/2726334-Dry-15?msgid=65047780#65047780

Morning, another lurker wanting to join. I promised to myself I would post when I reached day 7 and I have (quite an achievement for me) I work full time but do not have a stop button when it comes to drink. I have tried may times to stop but never made it past a couple of weeks as always thought I don't have a problem. Anyway I'm off to to work and will check in later. Tonight will be a challenge but determined to get to day 8. Thanks for reading x

Hi everyone,

I've always liked a drink, 2 years ago psych team and GPkept saying my drinking was excessive but I thought they were all just being over the top.

I managed to kick the booze completely, lasted 3 months and then, feeling better, started drinking again.

It's taken 2 years but it's dawning on me that I have a problem. I am now drinking every day. I shake when I wake up in the morning. I am anxious. I seem to get drunk by accident- it starts with a promise of 1 or 2 and always escalates.

I cringe when I've had a really bad bender (once every few months) and wake up the next day to face whatever horror I've done on my phone.

I'm tired, bloated and looking old. I've had recent blood tests and my liver enzyme were fine (surprisingly!!) but some of my other tests indicated that I am drinking to excess. I've been diagnosed with gastritis and am in pain constantly (my GP is treating me for this)

What do I do? I'm working a full time (professional) job, I am studying a masters, I have friends, a gorgeous little girl and a husband. Why am I incapable of getting my shit together?!

everstrong in in AA and have been for a couple of months, one year f the things they tell you is that you can't say to someone else whether they are alcoholic or not, AA is a twelve step programme, meaning that there are 12 steps to happiness/sobriety.

Step one is - "admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable"

So if you think about it, are you powerless over alcohol? I think the not being able to stop at 1 or 2 drinks might say something about that. Was able to give up for three months but then went back on it

And the there's the our lives had become unmanageable part...I know I used to engineer things so that I was able to get back home in time that I would be able to take a drink. I would be nervous if there weren't at least 12 cans of beer in the house, we would have went out for meals often (but only where alcohol was served)

Why are you incapable of getting your shit together? Possibly because instead of getting you shit together you are going in the booze.

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/aa-meetings

Your shakiness the next day sounds to me like alcohol withdrawal see below

www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/alcohol-withdrawal-symptoms-treatments

This test may give you more insight

www.lanarkleedsaa.org/pages/aboutaa/are_you_an_alcoholic.htm

everstrong, user is not in a position to offer advice on withdrawal and is very keen to continually return to this topic and advise people that they should be wary of stopping cold turkey. My view is that if you are concerned you might need a medical detox speak to a professional who can provide you with sound medical advice.

Personally I did feel shaky sometimes after a particularly heavy night but I didn't get DTs. I would also suggest that everyone who has been drinking a lot is going to experience withdrawal. It's normal.

My personal view on AAs first step is that I am not powerless over alcohol. It was my choice to pour the stuff down my throat and my choice not to do so anymore. That said lots of people find AA really helpful.

Day 240 for me today.

user do you mind my asking whether you had a medical detox ?

Afternoon all! Isn't it a beautiful day?

With violets, choco, whatever and me we seem to have a DRY 1 week (roughly) generation emerging! Which I am guessing means we may be having similar recovery issues, though the details could be v individual. (and I am ridding myself of the nicotine too, which adds to the fun....).

My thoughts and feelings which might be similar?

• already I am liking myself more. Which means a lot.
• I don't feel like I am driving my life with the hand brake on.
• I actually look fwd to waking up.
• I am astounded, though not surprised, at how much money remains in my bank account. That gives me a sort of confidence.
• I've been drinking a fair amount of water and juices and am sure my skin is looking much much better.
• when stood close talking to someone I don't worry if they can smell tobacco or stale alcohol. Or notice alcohol-tired eyes. Again a confidence thing.
• at work I still am and feel productive in the afternoon instead of mind wandering.
• sleep. oh lordy sleep!

Just a few things which I'm noticing about me, which may echo with other people? Any other observations?

Am out this evening and it will be the first time that I will be socially declining alcohol and eyebrows will be raised. No matter.

Really hope all here are well and looking fwd to the day.

user thanks for sharing your experiences, I engineer things so I can get home from work and have a drink. I get incredibly moody if I finish late because it gets in the way of my plan to get home and pour a drink.

Day 240- that's incredible vxa I don't feel I need a medical detox- the incredible irony here is that I used to work with alcoholics and I'm confident with being able to assess whether medical intervention is needed or not. I've seen untreated DT- it ain't pretty. I'm definitely nowhere near it.

The bottom line for me is that I have to change my life. I wouldn't say I am powerless over alcohol, I have the power it's just that I use it in the wrong way.

What worries me most is the Christmas period coming up, going out and not drinking. I know when I go to my work Christmas meal for example that I am going to drive so I don't drink, someone WILL ask if I am pregnant because I've decided not to drink. Why is it that's it's not okay to just say "I'm not drinking thanks,"

vxa I don't have a medical detox, I'm not advocating that everyone needs a medical detox, but I am advocating that people read up on it and make the decision for themselves, and part of it is a selfish reason, I wouldn't want someone to damage their health or worse and I think that I should have pointed them in the direction of the risks - and Vxa I agree that it is someone with medical training who should be making the decision on whether or not to medically detox. My Dr told me to taper, I didn't do it and I am fine, (dr also told me to stop drinking and it took a year for me to do that).

Vxa I'm glad you feel that about alcohol, it wasn't the situation for me but I know everyone is different Congratukations in 240 days, I'm hoping I will be saying the same in 160 days.

In terms of your drinking everstrong, a lot of things are pointing to having an issue over alcohol (engineering to get drinks etc) again, whether you are alcoholic or not is up to you, no one else. I advocate AA, simply because for the last 80 days it worked for me ....the longest period of sobriety I have had in 20 years...it might be for you, it might not...but how do you know unless you know all the facts about it and possibly try it.

Couple of other things:

• caffeine! With no alcohol or nicotine rampaging through my head, caffeine has a clear run and it makes the most of it.
• physical relaxation. That I've noticed my hands, arms, shoulders being less tense. I'd feel 'haunched' and then realise how haunched I was with no reason. Just a drug-influenced posture, which now gets recognised and corrected.

If anyone wants me to stop with these obs then tell me!

Not Toady, I didn't notice the posture thing until you said it!

Well work done and bought supplies of crisps and chocolate. I must say drink has crossed my mind but not enough to go and buy some. I feel I've had a lot more energy this past couple of days so definitely feeling the benefit. It's still early tho so not away to be too cocky just yet. Hope everyone is having a good Saturday and staying strong 💪

whatevermaybe Murder crosses my mind some days but I haven't murdered anyone ....yet

Good that you are feeling strong, my plans tonight - Dinner with a mate and then a stand up comedy show, better be funny now!

Welcome whatever. Day 7 here too. Doesn't it feel amazing?

I've had a fab Saturday. Up with the larks at 7am with a clear head, manicure and coffee / catch up with DM this morning, then shopping with OH this afternoon. Now wrapped up cosy on the sofa with candles and blankets, looking forward to an indulgent dinner.

How is everyone else feeling this evening? Hopefully positive and sober.

Thanks for the welcome. I've done it I had a takeaway washed down with diet cokes. Feeling quite proud of myself and looking forward to no hangover unlike last Sunday. I will check in again tomorrow. It's good to be at the same stage as a few of you. We can all keep each other going.

Sober sat here too!
I love being all snug in bed relaxing and knowing I will be able to get up feeling fresh!

We certainly can do it together whatever. Diet Coke here too. Off to bed soon. Already excited for my early morning coffee and newspaper.

Happy contented sigh.

And me here too! Completing day 6 and already looking fwd to tomorrow. Aches and pains is the nicotine things I'm sure.

Feels a bit like Little House On The Prairie! 'night all.

Sober Saturday here too, plan is bed now and make most of hangover free Sunday.

Good isn't it? Can't decide if it's a bike ride or a run tomorrow. First reasonable exercise for months.

Well done to you all! I'm enjoying my turn to have a lie in this morning. Sober Sunday mornings are great!
Dh agreed to a date night in a couple of weeks which is positive. He hasn't managed to cut down on his own drinking which is disappointing but I can't do it for him. We are making a bit more effort with each other which is good. Frankly we are both knackered like most parents.

My sober treat yesterday was new pillows. Shows my priorities! My sleep is so much better these days and it's all because of going AF.
Can't remember who said they do positive affirmations every morning today but I do too. Good habit to get into.

Hi all,
I'm just on day 15 now - I think there are few others at the same stage, EFC, Who & Mnaddict...hope you guys are doing ok?
Not today, Whatever, Chocoholic & Violets - congratulations on your first week ☺
Gotta, your better sleep is really encouraging me, mine is still a bit up & down '- I'm really hoping it settles soon!
Vxa, 240 days is awesome
Welcome to dry Everstrong x

Wishing all a safe & sober Sunday
LS

Morning everyone, had a good sleep but did have a dream I was drinking. Today is like night and day compared to last Sunday. I had a lovely night last Saturday going for a meal and drinks with friends but as per I had to take it too far. I've not told any RL friends I'm wanting to quit. Any advice any from anyone who are further along on their journey would be appreciated. I will start name checking just getting to familiarise myself with everything. Happy Sunday everyone 🙂

whatever I'm also comparing today to last Sunday. OH and I spent last Saturday at a wine tasting event - it's been one of our big passions and we've met some wonderful friends through it so a big part of our lives. I'd been sober 74 days but we had bought the expensive tickets long since and I convinced myself it'd be fine.. That old familiar feeling of being out of control came all too quickly and was throwing up in public by 8pm and acting disgracefully. It was made worse by the fact I'd been lurking on these dry threads for the last few months and had wholeheartedly decided on 100% sobriety. When we got home (no memory of the journey) I cried and cried on poor OH for hours screaming about how much I needed to never drink again. It was a real dark night of the soul. We spent last Sunday shuffling around quietly with lots of cuddles. Now we're bickering over who owes who a cup of tea but in all seriousness I'll forever remember last Saturday as a tipping point.

How are you spending your Sunday?

Hi violets, currently looking at holidays for summer 2017 then going to go out with DP and the kids for a walk. I got trainers for my birthday and going to show them off (never wore them). You've done great getting to 74 days so don't be hard on yourself. I've not got passed 3 weeks before (apart from being pregnant). Even the house work hasn't been such a chore as I'm normally very lethargic after drinking. I don't drink all the time just go OTT when I do, but was about 4 nights the other week. I'm on my 3rd tea today ☺️