The Giving Up/ Cutting Down alcohol support thread - number 13

maman

HB, I think on a very superficial level you can replace one 'addiction' with another. So if you've been in the habit of drinking as an evening activity it's all too easy to replace it with eating crisps and chocolate!!

Generally speaking though any problem you had that you were 'medicating' with alcohol will still be there. What's changed is that you've recognised that the alcohol isn't really helping. It's probably making you feel worse.

My theory is (and this is from experience rather than medical/psychological knowledge) is that you'll feel better for being in control. Having taken control of the alcohol and raised your self esteem you're more likely to be able to work on any other issues. Whether it's cutting down or giving up, going back to regular drinking isn't an option as it's like letting yourself down.

Very philosophical for a Sunday morning.:o Have a good day all.

Barny1979

debjay wrote: »

Sorry to hear that. From an MSE perspective, can you claim on your insurance? Hoping for good news at the scan 👍

As I'd been to the doctors last Monday about the issue, which at the time they didn't think it was a clot, but steadily got worse until I made an emergency appointment on Thursday, my insurance won't cover me I don't think.

debjay

Barny1979 wrote: »

As I'd been to the doctors last Monday about the issue, which at the time they didn't think it was a clot, but steadily got worse until I made an emergency appointment on Thursday, my insurance won't cover me I don't think.

Might be worth a call to check. When did you book the flights? Before the first app or since? If it were me I would want to check with the insurance company. You never know you might be surprised.

debjay

Oh nearly forgot 5/18 for tonight please.

Barny1979

debjay wrote: »

Might be worth a call to check. When did you book the flights? Before the first app or since? If it were me I would want to check with the insurance company. You never know you might be surprised.

The trip was booked a couple of months ago, only sorted insurance out on Thursday evening

Ellsbel

2/22
I know it's early but having overcome the urge to join OH in a dinner time glass of Red, the danger point has passed and I'm OK for tonight.
Think I'll reward myself with a Hot Choc later though:)

Chardonnay

7/21 for me please Shaggy

debjay

Barny1979 wrote: »

The trip was booked a couple of months ago, only sorted insurance out on Thursday evening

You're probably right about the insurance then. Might be worth calling whoever you're booked with to see if you can alter the trip. It's not worth risking flying with a possible clot whatever the outcome though.

graemecarter

Honey_Bear wrote: »

I'm starting to get very curious about something. When anyone stops drinking completely there is often a reaction on the part of others of, 'Stopping drinking is only the first step. The problems that led to the excessive drinking will need to be addressed, or before you know it, you'll be back on the booze.'


Really? Day 135 here. And I'd guess I'm no more or less screwed up than anyone else on the planet. Rather happy, busy getting on with stuff, not achieving as much as I'd like, irritated by small things that are sent to try us - like splinters or dog hair embedded in the carpet - but coping in a normal sort of 'Let's just get on with life,' kind of way.


I don't know anything at all about addiction, but I do know that my drinking was a really, really bad habit that was probably heading for addiction and I'm so glad that's behind me.


If I thought I could get away with drinking in moderation I'd be doing it, but I have found this is a lot easier and that has surprised me hugely.


Just wanted to put that out there.

Great post HB.

For me (and I speak only for myself and no-one else on this forum) I agree 100% about not drinking anything is 'easier' than moderating. I was occasionally successful at moderation, but couldn't guarantee I would be moderate so that meant I wasn't really in control at all. It seemed somewhat random whether I would put the bottle back in the fridge or drink the whole thing (and maybe something else).

I tried to stop drinking by myself (just based on my willpower alone) and failed miserably. So for me (and just for me I speak ) I needed other help to stop drinking and stay stopped.
Hats off to anyone who can make a decision not to drink or to moderate and to actually achieve that. I couldn't and that's that.

When I was trying to stop drinking by myself, I couldn't get rid of the background noise in my head. It was often loud and frequently fear-inducing and negative. It told me I wasn't good enough and at the same time I was better than everyone else. Bonkers it was. So part of the reason I drank was to feel the calm I feel after a few glasses of wine or 3-4 pints. I somehow believe I was born a few few pints short of normal, because the world seemed ok with a few drinks in me.
So for me, I needed help to stop drinking, and part of that help involves sorting out my head so I don't feel the need nor desire to drink. I wouldn't have been able to stop drinking for long left to my own devices, and god knows I tried. If I could have stopped drinking by myself, I would have done, and respect to the people who can.

I don't really understand addiction or alcoholism, but I know that I need help in areas of my life otherwise I drink excessively. And when I drink, sometimes bad things happen to me and my family and friends.

satchmo1

6/17 AFDs tonight, which is pleasing, as I don't often have an AF Sunday.