The cutting out/cutting down alcohol thread (part 7)

flimsier

I've been battling a tendency to binge drink alone for some time. Happy to say that I'm starting to feel like it's part behind me now, but it's been a good 12 years before I could go a week without binging alone.

I tried all sorts, willpower, counselling, and so on.

Weirdly, getting divorced and being with a new partner, who is pregnant, have made it a lot easier. I don't know why. I'm not saying it's beat, but I don't really think about drinking at home now, and hence rarely drink at all.

graemecarter

Different_Corner wrote: »

Miss P, families, no troubleshooting guide or FAQ to flick through. Hope you are ok, don't dwell on it.

Popped to supermarket yesterday, literally for bread and milk and was drawn to it, didn't stop myself, knew I was going to do it, like some sort of auto pilot to the stella shelf.

So not AF last night, didn't enjoy it, never do when it's just me, so why bother ?

Because is the answer.

Right well onwards etc...

There are different reasons I guess, but I drank because I am alcoholic.
I drank when (sometimes) I didn't enjoy it, and that is my alcoholism. I cannot think of any other reason why I would have done that. It defies rationality

graemecarter

jo1972 wrote: »

Double what he said :mad: :mad: f.ecking outlaws, I HATE mine!!!



You know what DC, I'm beginning to think you are my drunk alter ego, when I'm drunk I log on to MSE under the pseudonym of Different_Corner, then post and in the morning completely forget that I did it and actually believe there is person called DC out there somewhere.

I too did exactly the same as you, cept it wasn't Mr T's it was the offy where they are cheaper and cold, then once I start, I just can't stop....I think the person that invented the pringles advert coined the phrase from having an alcohol addiction.....

Feeling pretty useless and crap and not at all surprised that once again I won't be able to manage a full month AF

Liver is hurting, mouth is swollen and sore, excema (sp) has flared up and most !!!!!! off that I didn't manage the 3 nights AF before I go back to work. Now it'll only be 2, probably be typing the same message tomorrow and saying it'll only be 1. Then Monday I will go to work with a hangover and be so !!!!!! off with my self-control that I will drink myself stupid on Monday too and so the circle continues.....

Pah

Plus, it's raining

Apart from that, all is fine

xx

The circle continues if you do nothing different.
If what you're trying doesn't work, try something else.

I know if I picked up a drink, my past would become my future. I don't want that to happen, so I don't pick up that first drink.

graemecarter

Different_Corner wrote: »

My skin clears with such speed when AF, and I know it's alcohol/stress related, so why don't we stop ? Human mind is such a minefield of imformation, conflicting and arguing with itself.

It's at this point when Allen Carr pops into to my head. 'Never doubt your decision.' However he didn't pop into my head yesterday afternoon.

This is why I need help with my drinking. My mind sometimes tells me things that are not true (like drinking is a good idea for me) so having other people I can talk to (because we have similar minds) is a great benefit.
My first thought is often not a good one - however, I don't have to act on it. We define ourselves by actions, not thoughts

graemecarter

jo1972 wrote: »

Thanks all, I'm feeling a bit better than I was this morning, decided to finally pluck up the courage to empty out my bag and open all the bills and letters that I've been putting off for weeks.

I'm on track to getting life sorted, just need to kick the alcoholism into touch.

I used to think that if I got myself sorted out, then I could manage the drink better. I was wrong.
I first had to stop drinking, as it seemed to undo all the good work I would do in other areas of my life. Also, untreated alcoholism is a killer illness that kills thousands of people every year, and I don't want to die any earlier than I have to on the whim of a drink. How sad it would be for my children to have years taken off my life due to my drinking.
When I honestly, openly, and willingly looked at my drinking, I could see that I needed to make changes to my life to stay sober. All of them have improved my life, and made me more 'sorted'. By no means perfect (and I never will be) but my life is manageable enough so I don't feel compelled to pick up a drink.
However, my first priority (over work, family, etc) has to be staying sober. Anything I put before staying sober I will lose eventually.

Different_Corner

Good Morning
Total confession time. Wasn't AF last night, one stella sat in the fridge, consumed it while cooking a roast, knew it was going to be that way, so not a single AF day in May as yet. But will all change from today.

HB, you are incredibly funny. And like others have said I too am different inside than out. Wish I had a smidgen of the confidence I had 20 years ago.

Have a good Tuesday everyone.

shaggydoo

Morning All :hello:

3 for me please DB



Shaggy

jo1972

jo1972 wrote: »

Tuesday I will go to work with a hangover and be so !!!!!! off with my self-control that I will drink myself stupid on Tuesday too and so the circle continues.....

Not necessarily

Exhaustedly un-hung-over today, though have got the kids up, got them washed and dressed and made their packed lunches and still time to log on and say morning :wave:

Fingers crossed for an AF Tuesday, ain't promising anything yet though

Wanna_Bee_Free

Oops. I didn't navigate through last night, drank way too much. We went to the pub instead of a house and somehow I didn't stick to my plan.

Onward and upward today. Might have to take a resolve, it's that bad a hangover. Train journey this morning for work is going to be tricky.

penelopedee_2

Morning everyone, hope you are all well. Aiming for another AF day (just have to get through work without throttling anybody first)