The giving up/cutting down alcohol support thread!

beachbeth

To all the newbies on here I would definitely recommend Allen Carr's stop drinking book. It can really help you see alcohol in a different light.

I don't think there is a 'one size fits all' answer to stopping drinking. You have to want to do it and find the way thats best for you.

Im not doing too well at the moment. I got upset yesterday about something, as well as being totally fed up with the rain (what do I do with all the washing that isn't tumble dryer friendly?) I want to get away from it all again and go back on holiday. So last night I had a glass of red followed by a few glasses of vodka. It made me feel a bit better at the time but, of course, Im tired this morning and still no happier about the rain and other things! Going to try to be AF today. (Doesn't help that my puppy woke me up at 7.00 this morning because she has diarrhoea:eek: - lovely smell to get up to!!!)

Morning everyone.

shopaholictiedtheknot

mm244 wrote: »

My second time here. I haven't drunk anything since Friday, & I've re-registered with the downyourdrink website - has anyone else used it? It's really good, & improved since the last time I used it.

Well done everyone :j
mm

ps just noticed your sig shopaholic - those phases you mention, are they the downyourdrink ones? I really should've done a search first sorry!

No, just found them appropriate to me really, I am registered on downyourdrink though, not been on for ages:o but I get the daily emails.

jo1972

Just a quick :wave: I haven't got time to post at the moment (well in depth iykwim!), so thought I'd say hello and I'll be back a bit later :wave:

shopaholictiedtheknot

Eselt I know how you felt about AA - I went to one meeting and just could not relate to the ethos at all, it seemed to me, as you said like you have to develop some belief in order for it to work for you and I am a complete aetheist (sp?)

I am on day two AFD this week - so far so good :rolleyes: and went for a walk for 50 minutes last night, was planning on another tonight but it is absolutely tipping it down here so may have to 'take a rain check':D

Hope everyone is ok today?

jo1972

God, I'm not meant to be here, meant to be at the pet shop buying DS a new lil fish for his tank!

AA is okay for some, I've been a few times but to be honest whenever I get out of there I feel so depressed for a few days that I want to drink to forget it! I understand and can sympathise with everything the other people say and talk but a AA meeting is never a happy place, it's full of self-pity, sadness and mourning. Try it, some get on well and enjoy the social aspect of it and it does help to keep you in check, although you know when you start you're meant to do 90 meetings in 90 days :eek:

If I were you though, I'd try and keep your quit/reduction positive and upbeat, otherwise you'll just keep on the mourning and never get over it. Just my opinion obviously

Read this book, this guy is amazing, it's a story about his life as an alcoholic and his recovery and his work now as a substance misuse keyworker. He was my friends keyworker when she was in rehab and relates his story so well and talks about the 12 steps and explains what each one is and how to work it. You don't have to actually be in AA to understand each step, but it gives you an idea how to help yourself recover using the AA theory.

Right I gotta go, DS is stood next to me asking when we're gonna go get his fish!!

Back later.

xx

winebox

Hi all, seems long time no post. Hanging my head in shame

Brill to mp & Jo, phenomenomenal. Welcome all newbies - lots of peeps!

I've been pretty (OK very) feak & weeble, "blame" lies with dentist (horror story) & leaky roof & 2 flat tyres & other carp. I need a holiday, I am so strung out & like a bear with a sore head the last week or two. Poor DD. Poor OH. Poor work colleagues. Poor dog. Even poor goldfish (haven't cleaned tank).

I often get like this when I've not had a break for a long time, I am DESPERATE to have some time off work! Anyway, the holiday starts this afternoon!! Setting off in the boat for 10 - 12 days in the rain & wind :eek: Inevitably I will be drinking, prob every day, but will be quite active & will really knuckle down when I get back (26 Aug). I have packed Allen Carr book cos I stopped half-way through it, & he does say to carry on drinking as usual whilst reading it so seems an ideal opportunity.

Shoppy - likewise must shed some pounds. I am nearly 11 & used to be below 9! (am only a short person!!). I will be joining you after the BH this month. It's all round my middle (which is a drink thing) & looks hideous, & OH has lost over 2 stone so I am very self-conscious about it.

Will one goldfish survive that long without being fed or should I ask my neighbour? I can only find holiday food for huge aquariums. Waddya think Jo? Am asking you cos you have fish!!

mollypolly

Hi Winebox

Dont know about the fishes but have a lovely restful holiday.Re read the book and we will look forward to you jumping back on this wagon afterwards.

Hope the sun shines for you
Love Mollypollyxxxx

jo1972

winebox wrote: »

Will one goldfish survive that long without being fed or should I ask my neighbour? I can only find holiday food for huge aquariums. Waddya think Jo? Am asking you cos you have fish!!

The holiday fish food is excellent, I used it last year when i had a 10 gallon tank and 2 fish in it. It's a block that sits in the bottom of the tank and gradually dissolves food into the water, some have a treat in the middle which comes out at about 5 days. I couldn't believe how clean the tank was either after coming back after a week! It would feed the fish happily for over a week, make sure you clean the tank out before you go and I'm sure he'll (she'll!) be fine!

Enjoy your break, you deserve it

Just got back from the pet shop with 2 new fish :eek: got a round white and orange one, dunno what it's called but DS took a liking to it and a pleco which is a sucking fish which will keep the tank clean (hopefully :rolleyes:), they are still in the bags I got them in at the moment resting in the tank acclimatising to the water temperature.

Gotta take my mum out shopping now and hopefully find summat to wear for this wedding at the weekend.

Hope you're all having a good day!

xx

winebox

jo1972 wrote: »

got a round white and orange one, dunno what it's called
xx

Sounds like a Nemo. Thanks for the advice!!

And thanks you & mp for the good wishes, will be off now to finish off at work, no PC access on hols so very good luck to all of you for the next 2 weeks & catch up end of the month.

bye for now!

shopaholictiedtheknot

See you winebox - have a fab time!!:beer: