The Giving up/ Cutting down Alcohol support thread- number 10

cardboard_chewer

darwins_mum wrote: »

Thanks CardboardChewer. I contacted AA last year, but didn't have the courage to attend a meeting. Still not sure if I like the idea of accepting that I am powerless to stop drinking. I thought I was previously powerless to give up other addictions, but I have successfully done so.
I am completely bored of people around me and bored with life in general. I have had a very emotional 18 months or so, but have taken bigger steps than ever before to feel better about myself.
I had a horrible realisation the other day that I have drunk consistently for all of my DS2 life and only drank excessively when I got married 17 years ago. It continued after the marriage ended, and now we are finally dealing with the financial aspects of our marriage (didn't realise we are still financially linked and I am taking legal action). This is increasing my anxiety levels which leaves me feeling as though I need to drink (sorry for the waffle).

There is a bit of me that thinks that I will stop drinking once the legal issues are sorted, but could do with some help as I feel as though I have become a little pitiful and dont like that feeling.
:mad:

You can attend a meeting but just sit at the back and not speak. Each meeting is different so if you don't feel one meeting is working you could go to another meeting in a different location.
Or you could do some reading, there are AA books on Amazon second hand for next to nothing. Allen Carr's how to control alcohol is a good read.
I found the feeling of powerlessness difficult to accept, for me it was about letting go and just accepting if I drink and try to control it then it then I will lose every time. I have the power not to drink in that I do something every day to stop me drinking.

darwins_mum

I poured the remnants of last nights bottle down the sink. There was only a glassfull and the temptation to drink it was imense.
I owe it to myself and my children to be alcohol free. I know that it is going to involve habit changing, but am now willing. Just going to have to take one day at a time.
Thanks for the tips CardboardChewer
1 further afd for me.

heath480

Happy Birthday MP,sorry I am a bit late.

Sending hugs to everyone.:A:A:A:A

StressedOutSue

7 afd's, please, Shaggy, thanks

Well, thanks to the motivation from this thread, I managed an AFD on Saturday night - I'd had a bottle of wine on Friday evening, and the bells were pealing at 6:00 pm last night, but I managed it, just to try to reach my target.

Have a lovely Sunday everybody.

Rachel - (())'s - and anybody else who needs them.

darwins_mum

Well done Sue. The sense of satisfaction is great isnt it?

shaggydoo

Morning :hello:

I had half a bottle of wine (4 units) last night watching a movie (The Town - a brilliant movie if you get the chance to watch it). The remaining half bottle is in the fridge and I will probably finish it off in the garden this evening.



Enjoy the sun - it's going to get colder Tuesday (boo!)

Shaggyx

shaggydoo

Rachel so sorry to read about your Mum. My Mum died of cancer many years ago. I know how hard it is.:(

StressedOutSue

darwins_mum wrote: »

Well done Sue. The sense of satisfaction is great isnt it?

Yes, DM, it is - much better than the overwhelming feeling of guilt and despair when you give in.

shaggydoo

April :-

= 7 days AF

= 14 days AF

= 21 days AF

= 28 days AF

= 30 days AF

Pregnant Posters = :A

:j = target achieved

Bearacus 4/14

Beckseven 2/21

Chloris 2/20

Darwin's Mum 2/15

eca00 3/20

Fed Up 6/TF

Gien 6/20

Happyshopper /20

Lala 4/15

Lottie /10

Mackeroo 6/25

Maggie 2/12

Maman 4/10
Miss P 7/18
Phoenix D 7/30

Rachelww 6/21

RossieCheecks 2/16

Shaggy 4/17
SOS 7/23

Toomany 3/15

Trasij 5/30

Will /7

Yorkshiremanc 1/20



PLEASE PUT YOUR TARGET AFDs IN A BOLD RED FONT and good luck!

darwins_mum

Grrrr, just typed a long post and it disappeared. The joys of technology.

Spent a fitful night tossing and turning, wrestling with demons I guess, woke up teary but determined to get through today without a drink.
Last year I received some literature from AA, some of it is a little sensationalist, but lots of it resonated with me. I rang their helpline and left a message for someone to contact me. I know it will take more than willpower to stay sober.
I have advised my friday night drinking buddy that I can no longer drink. I have told DS1 that the house is now alcohol free. He is due over on Tuesday night and we normally share a bottle of something over dinner. Strangely enough, neither of them have responded, I think they have heard me say it before and quickly cave in. The difference this time is that I recognise the damage that it has done to so many of my relationships and to my mental health. I am a bit burnt out at the moment and alcohol has simply compounded this.

DS2 and I are off to see my Dad today, only the second time in 17 years, glad not to be going there hungover.

Thank you all for your support, together we can help each other reach our goals and fulfil our potential to be the wonderful human beings that we were meant to be.
People, enjoy whatever it is you do today, may the sun continue to shine
DM