The Giving Up/ Cutting Down alcohol support thread - number 11

gien

Hello, just caught up with the thread.
I think that drink problems most definately run in families, whether through genetics or through family culture.
I've got 5 AF days to declare for September so far, so I'm on the way. I have found much more that I will only have a glass on the days I do drink and seem to have much more control must be good!

CuppaTea

I heard on the radio today that 1 in 10 I think, or even maybe 1 in 4 (sorry can't remember) children have a parent who is responsible for them who regularly drinks heavily.

When I hear things like that I feel ashamed of myself, especially of the last 4 years

Anyway one more AF making 10 please shaggy and another for the SNC please Mari making 2.

antonic

The hardest step in dealing with any addiction (debt/alcohol etc) is admitting it publicly

For everyone who posts here to say that they *may* have only 1 had AF day (or substitute appropriate number), I salute you and quote to you the words of the Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu who said "A Journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step".

This is what all of you are doing and you are dealing with it.

If you slip have the courage to pick yourself up and start again.

Myself, I took the extreme way and have been AF since Oct 16th 2011 which is a step to far for some, BUT you are all dealing with your demons and for that I salute you and will always support you !.

Keep up the good work !

CuppaTea

I did have some wobbles today, had a craving for an alcoholic drink, especially when I was at a friend's house and helped her unload her dishwasher. Her alcohol was kept in the cupboard I had to keep opening to put stuff away. Her vice is alcohol too, she says for some its chocolate, others its smoking, for her its a nightly tipple or two of wine and indulgent at weekends.

Obv I didn't as its not my alcohol, luckily as i've nothing at home the moment passed, now I have eaten dinner I feel fine.

I think it was that initial opening of the cupboard and being faced with my two favourite drinks, it just reminded me of them. A bit like finding a bar of chocolate you had completely forgotten about, until its eaten it keeps winking at you.

I'm happy with my success. Still hoping to make the rest of the month. Have had an invite to go out mid october, I know I will want to drink and not sure if i will allow myself. I'm still not sure if i am giving up completely or just detoxing for a month or so and then drinking only in company socially at weekends.

When I do get the thoughts about having a drink, my thought process runs like this now:-

1. Ooooh, I fancy a drink, its sunny/alcohol o'clock/the weekend/im stressed/ bad day/kids annoying/tired.........

2. But if you do, you'll break your PB and your word to have september off.

3. If you do have a drink you will have to go out and buy it, then it will be tempting every night.

4. If I have alcohol now, i am unsure what my tolerance will be and i'm on my own, so unsure that i won't go mad because I can.

5 I have to get up in the morning and don't want to feel like poo.

6. Anyway back to the diet coke................


Well its working for now, its not so much the arguement I used to have in my head of "Will I won't I?" its more about "What will happen if I do, so i had better not".

trainingdad

Just had baaaad news from the tax man. But not going to use that as an excuse to drink.

CuppaTea

Oh dear, how bad??

Try thinking, "The tax bill is so bad, i simply can't afford to comisserate!". :-)

trainingdad

CuppaTea wrote: »

Oh dear, how bad??

Try thinking, "The tax bill is so bad, i simply can't afford to comisserate!". :-)

"The tax bill is so bad, i simply can't afford to comisserate"

That would be about how bad it is...

openscreen

I am really trying hard to stop drinking alcohol completely. I have had 2 marriages fail because of it, the third almost. I have been admitted to hospital on a number of occasions, did something stupid when drunk & tried to end it all, & ended up in a Detox Unit. I am 55 have been going to AA for a number of years, but its not working. I work away a lot so end up drinking on my own, etc. I have just got my driving license back, ( after been foumd drunk asleep in my car). I really struggle, I hide drink, I lie etc, & I am scared I am going to die from it, (was jaundiced & bright yellow a few years ago) but I still sneak drinks in.

I find this forum useful, & thanks for your support

Openscreen

shaggydoo

Morning :hello:

1 more AFD Mari.



Shaggyx

shaggydoo

maman wrote: »

I've just watched the Panorama programme about alcohol problems in the over 65s. Apparently in my PCT there are more hospital admissions in that age group than in the 16-24s:eek: While I'm not in that bracket myself it was scary. So many people drinking at home as part of their daily routines and going way over recommended limits with disastrous health consequences. Made me so glad [STRIKE]I've[/STRIKE] we've decided to do something about it.:)

shaggydoo wrote: »

I must watch that on catch up.

Well I watched it and :-

• Joan Bakewell should join ths thread. We'll help her get those units down
• Oh my - in the A&E dept - when the doctor talked about the sample of 1000 patients who had an average intake of 200 units per week and the outliers on 700 units per week, I had to rewind because I thought I'd misheard. 200 units per week is 20 bottles of wine - 700 units is 70 bottles - 10 bottles a day! "and" how can anyone afford to spend that sort of money?
• I thought it was so sad that some of the over 65s had never had an alcohol problem before "old" age. Just reminds you of the phrase "Forever Vigilant".