The giving up/cutting down alcohol support thread! Part 3

115K

20th day AF for me today.

I just went to the library and got some self help type books out Overcoming Problem Drinking by Marcantonio Spada was one of them.

jo1972 wrote: »

I woke up this morning feeling utter carp, sore throat first of all, then hurting everywhere (thanks to the garden) and general yuck-ness....first emotion was anger and upset because I'd had so much to drink last night that I'd done it to myself again then I realised I hadn't drunk but was just feeling crap because I was feeling crap not because it was self-induced :j
This happened to someone else on here this week didn't it? Can't remember who is was now. But the relief of knowing I didn't drink was immense

I think that was me. that happened to me the other week, it was quite a relief to realise I wasn't hungover.:o:p

Everyone is doing well.:A

cardboard_chewer

115K wrote: »

I just went to the library and got some self help type books out Overcoming Problem Drinking by Marcantonio Spada was one of them.

Overcoming Problem Drinking is a good book. I read it 2 or 3 years ago and there are a few CBT based exercises in there which useful and got me actively thinking rather than passively reading the book. Let me know what you think of it. Have you tried Allen Carr ‘Easy Way to Control Alcohol’? I’ve just finished it and also found it good. I found it hard going at first and the early parts of the book can be a little evangelistic in that he asks the reader to put faith in him and accept his theories. I don’t normally like this approach and I prefer facts, figures and evidence when looking at problem solving. But later in the book he does gradually explain himself and describes the different social situations we find ourselves in and challenges our, sometimes, ingrained attitudes towards alcohol. I won’t spoil the ending…

cardboard_chewer

mollypolly wrote: »

I do tend to want to go home earlier but that is because drunken people GET ON MY NERVES!!!!!:D

I often feel the same seeing drunk people when I’m sober. I find it’s almost like a kind of therapy, a look in the mirror if I was drinking and that helps me resolve to not drink at that time. I’ve lost touch with most of my old drinking ‘friends’. When I met some of them sober they got on my nerves and I then realised even with a drink I only ever found them tolerable. I used to think meeting up with drinking friends was a social occasion but it wasn’t, it was just an excuse to drink.

orchid-96

Hi all, couldn't get on here much yesterday but have caught up with the posts now and some really heartfelt ones, glad you posted SEA as we were all really worried about you, I think going back to work although difficult will be as BHM said and not as bad as you think it will be..hugs to you and hope your meeting goes well tonight x

On the age front I was 40 this year (a few weeks ago) :eek: and this I think also made me think about how much I was drinking and generally about my health...I have managed to stay af since Monday which I am pleased about and am actually a bit nervous about my planned drinking this weekend as I know that I will suffer badly if I have a bottle of wine which normally would not have affected me muchly iykwim and I don't want to spend sunday feeling carp..

The parties comments have been sooo interesting to me and I am going to take your comments on board for the next party (next weekend nieces 16th) think I will be driving anyways so will have not choice anyway...

Also I am thinking of getting that Allen Carr book as have read a lot of positive things about it (and some negative) as it might have something in there for me - every little helps as MrT would say...

Also get where you are coming from about functioning, but afraid to say that a lot of times I know I am not at my best with the kids when I have been drinking the night before -and I was reading somewhere that it is probably not a good thing for kids to see parents relaxing at the end of every day with a drink as they will see that as the norm :eek: which I really don't want them to do...

Anyway gotta run, but well done on staying af (or moderate) especially when it is such a struggle...:T

115K

cardboard_chewer wrote: »

Overcoming Problem Drinking is a good book. I read it 2 or 3 years ago and there are a few CBT based exercises in there which useful and got me actively thinking rather than passively reading the book. Let me know what you think of it. Have you tried Allen Carr ‘Easy Way to Control Alcohol’? I’ve just finished it and also found it good. I found it hard going at first and the early parts of the book can be a little evangelistic in that he asks the reader to put faith in him and accept his theories. I don’t normally like this approach and I prefer facts, figures and evidence when looking at problem solving. But later in the book he does gradually explain himself and describes the different social situations we find ourselves in and challenges our, sometimes, ingrained attitudes towards alcohol. I won’t spoil the ending…

I haven't tried the Allen Carr book yet but I probably will at some point. There was only one book on drinking in the library, I don't know if that's the only one they have or if other local drinkers have taken all the books out already!

I have read online about problem drinking and the answer for me I think is total abstinence. I'm p***ed off about it though, why can't I be a normal drinker?:mad: I think I always knew deep down that I have a serious problem and my DH and family members and friends have all said it over the years but I didn't want to hear it.

I am going to call AA today and see about a meeting. I really don't want to walk in and say "hello my name is 115K and I'm an alcoholic" I don't know if that really happens or if that is just how it is on TV.:o:p

115K

115K wrote: »

I am going to call AA today and see about a meeting. I really don't want to walk in and say "hello my name is 115K and I'm an alcoholic" I don't know if that really happens or if that is just how it is on TV.:o:p

I just called them and the man said you don't have to say that.:o:rolleyes: He said you don't have to talk at all if you don't want to, you can just go and listen to everyone's stories. I'm still nervous about it. He said he could arrange for me to meet someone first but that would stress me out so I think I would be better off going on my own.

jo1972

115K, have a look on their website, its lists meetings and times. You dont have to say hi im 115k and im an alcoholic, but people do and everyone responds by saying hello 115k its a nice feeling, you feel like you fit, everyones supportive. Good luck, you should be able to find a local meeting today or tomorrow, sooner you get the first one out the way you'll feel better. Dont be nervous x

nettttie

115K wrote: »

I just called them and the man said you don't have to say that.:o:rolleyes: He said you don't have to talk at all if you don't want to, you can just go and listen to everyone's stories. I'm still nervous about it. He said he could arrange for me to meet someone first but that would stress me out so I think I would be better off going on my own.

good luck. maybe just go to listen and see how you feel but it seems like you are so close so just try and bite the bullet X

barshamhillbilly

Good Luck 115K.

I have been contemplating it myself. There is literally a meeting 3 doors down from me. (3 doors .... half a mile :rotfl:). I have never been brave enough to attend. I should really, but as you say it's getting over that first hurdle and getting your backside through the door initially. It doesn't help that I'm social phobic anyway. Sort of doubles the worry .

Go for it ......115K :T:T:T .

Best Wishes

Hillbilly Elmer
xx

barshamhillbilly

Feel sick again ..... Mr T's Finest Swiss Chocolate with Caramel pieces ..... just after a double Bounty _pale_

I should be about 14 stone ... not 11 .