quit drinking

You might not think so right now, but to all of you attempting to get sober IT WILL GET BETTER. Over a year ago I could not imagine life without drinking – I new I wanted to but was so afraid of not ever being able to be happy or handle anything without my daily buzz. What would I do at social functions, stressful times, etc.?? I was so wrong – it’s fantastic!! It does take time adjusting, learning to do everyday functions without it, even sleeping. I can honestly say I have healed. I don’t crave it at all. When things get bad, drinking is the last thing that crosses my mind. Stay focused and committed. Research, find what helps you thru it, and please be patient and give it time. I basically did it solo except for constant research to help understand my addiction. The Books Rational Recovery and Allen Carr’s really clicked for me and this site really helped for support. I really can’t give any advice on AA and other programs but there are others here who can give you insite in those areas. Research, find what works for you and stick with it!! I have truly learned that my drinking had nothing to with stress, being bored, self confidence – I was simply addicted. Things really started falling in place once I let go of the excuses and worked on staying sober.

Another event to experience sober during my first year of quitting. I’m alone this year so I’m just going to relax today – no major housework!! This afternoon I’m going out to go see a movie, by myself, never did that before!! My daugher will be home this evening, maybe I’ll take her out to eat. Anyway, hope everyone enjoys their day.
XOXOXO Chrisy

Hi everyone, i’m off work today, ice storm!! Been doing really well, feeling good, no drinking for over 8 months now. Got thru all the x-mas parties without wishing I could drink. Actually went to more parties this year cause I don’t drink. This year it was easier being with those who might have a drink or two, I was not miserable hiding the fact that i wanted to have 10. I actually fit in and did not have to leave to go home and drink more!! I’ve been working a lot and will have to continue. Due to this economy my husband was forced into early retirement (can’t afford this). It’s been a very stressful time for us but we’re working out a plan. Our goal is to be able to keep our house and hope he’ll be able to find a new job and if so, without moving out of state. So glad I quit drinking before this happened or I would of handled this poorly for sure!! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, safe and sober holiday season. Chrisy

fnm has been talking a lot about the site rational.org – i believe this is related to the book by Jack Trimpey “Rational Recovery”. I highly recommend reading it!! It has helped me tremendously. I did not read it until I was already a couple weeks sober but it helped me identify my “addicited voice” and strategies on how to fight it. The book also goes into detail with diagrams on how our brains work in relation to addictions. Allen Carr’s “The Easy Way to Quit Drinking” is also a great reading. These books are very educational and helps keep your mind off drinking during those first, very hard few weeks. Stay strong everyone while you fight this beast!! Try to be excited about getting sober, things will get better.

All the moderate drinkers I know never got to a point of drinking too much. Thinking about it, I’ve never known a heavy, problem drinker that was able to change to moderation, longterm anyway. Not that I’m going to try, but is there anyone out there that was able to find success at changing their drinking intake for good?? If so, please share the secret to help people considering this option.

Cut out of work early and went horseback riding today with my daughter, that has always been my passion that I lost due to drinking. But, I’m back in the saddle again!! I’m able to lease a horse with the money I’m saving from quitting. It really felt great especially in the cool air. Thinking about saving up and buying one again. It’s great to see everyone doing so well and responding with advice, support and thanking each other for their help. We all need it whether still trying or continuing to remain sober!!

1st regular season game, I’m a football fanatic. I’m from Chicago so I’m still a Bear fan but live in Indiana so like watching the Colts too. I was afraid of this time of year cause drinking beers was all part of the game for me. It was also a great excuse to start drinking early in the day for those noon games. I never watched games at the bar because I could not leave the kids or I would drink too much and not be able to drive home. This evening I sat with the family as normal but drinking soda and popcorn. Well fear over, no beast attacks, having fun and the Bears are winning, ya!! Another 1st new experience of the year not drinking done!! And, I’ll remember who won in the morning.

Feels good and loving life and myself!! Had a really great couple of weeks, no beast attacks!! Last weekend went to a family reunion, mostly big drinkers. It was great, did not have to sit by the coolers and try and hide how many i was pounding. It was so great being in control, drove myself, had to drive some back to hotel (very annoying drunks). Rapped up the night taking a nice dip in the pool, then sipping hot tea having nice conversations with the sober and watching many panic cause there was no bar and the booze was running out – so glad it wasn’t me this time!! Woke up happy, relaxed and was able to come down for breakfast early feeling great. Went to the workout room, read my book in the lobby, and drove home for once not all hungover. Sorry, I’m going to use the “NEVER’ word again, but I’m never going back to hell again – I spent too many years there. I’m loving this too much…

This page from the book “Rational Recovery” helps me when I have “Beast Attacks”. I had one today for no reason other than I felt like getting buzzed!! My beast voice almost convinced me to drink just until I had a good buzz, then I would just do it every once in awhile – I had it all planned out!! Well, I had to really fight it for about 2 hours, reading this below helped!!

“THE BEAST:
It nearly destroyed my life, but I caught it in the act. I saw that it would hurt me, so I defended myself against it. When I found it out, it was angered and attacked me in many ways. It used all means to convince me that I had no life without drink, but I saw I had no life with it. I had met a worthy apponent, and I feared for my life. But I believed in my own ability to defeat my adversary, the Beast.

I studied the Beast and learned its nature and its ways. Then I attacked it with all of my intelligence. I finally learned that to defeat the Beast, I would first expose it, and then become like it. I have matched its ways in every respect.

The Beast has one goal, to drink forever.
So i shall have the opposite goal, never to drink.
The beast is immortal and looks forward to an eternity of intoxicated nows.
So i became timeless and made a Big Plan for eternal abstinence.
The Beast is not capable of change.
Nor am I susceptible to change my decision never to drink.
The Beast has access to all that I am.
But it is not me, and I am always in control.
The Beast is undeterred by pain.
So I will endure as much pain as necessary and never drink.
The Beast has no memory of pain.
So I may forget why I never drink.
The Beast is unreasoning in its quest for drink.
So I do not reason with it, or explain to it why i don’t drink.
The Beast will kill me in its quest for drink.
So I am perfectly willing to feel it dying.
The Beast is a tyrant, demanding its stuff.
So I will be a tyrant, and feel it cringe.

I have hunkered down to meet the Beast on its own turf, and by equaling it i have won.
Am I now a Beast? It would have me think so, but I am now free of the Beast that has ruled my life. I lived in its prison; now it lives in mine. I am a human being, freed from the chains of addiction, free to be myself, free to meet life on my own terms.”

Three months of not drinking, a quarter of a year feeling so much better. I still have my moments like last night, but worked thru the temptation. I’ve got to stop getting so frustrated with myself when I have these days of temptations. I’m reminding myself it really has not been that long considering how long i’d been drinking. I can only believe it will continue to get better as i adjust to facing times I normally would drink.