I've been debating looking for some sort of assistance for awhile now. By day I have a great career and I've advanced well. I can improve and control that, but not this. Which is why I feel a bit relieved for this site because I'd likely fail 1000 times than see anyone in person. My first step was realizing there is a problem. I have a problem. I used to blindly think drinking was a coping mechanism, or stress reliever. Since realizing this the drinks create complete guilt. Once I actually clued in and thought wow maybe I should stop this I failed a few times and it surprised me. I've had some tough times in life so far but who hasn't? I can't allow this to remain an excuse.

Before all this I used to be an athlete and now I struggle to get my priorities straight. There are so many people who look up to me I'm so ashamed of this tragic secret. My immediate family is of no help to me as they are just as trapped in this addiction if not much worse. They always come to me to lean on but don't realize I'm struggling too. I don't dare show it. I'm very lucky to have such a supportive husband who believes I can stop this and has never encouraged it, but at the same time has no idea what it's like.

So enough going on about it. Is there anyone here who wants to keep in touch starting now and begin this battle together? Daily success and failures straight up. I feel it's easy to give into temptation but maybe there's a few of us who have the exact struggle and want to support each other day to day?

Jadeplay,

I also have an invite out this evening. It’s not business related so I opted out. I do end up in situations where I’m asked to attend client functions so I know it’s hard. I’m just beginning this change and my personal plan is to learn the tools to be able to successfully elude my triggers. Hopefully once I can do this I’ll be able to reintroduce myself into situations where the temptation is and I’ll be able to cope with the situation and not have that glass of wine. That’s my strategy in a nut shell. Thought I’d share.

Maybe make this week’s goal to get through tonight without a glass of wine? Whatever you decide to do, good luck!

Oh no, I’m sorry your message was erased. If you think we have things in common that’s great and exactly what I’m looking for. Someone who can relate to me. If you wish to rewrite your message I’d be happy to read it, relate or just chat about life in general.

I’ve been doing OK lately cutting down and keeping busy but I’m not satisfied at all with the progress. I get so angry at myself every time I “fall off the wagon” I can never make it past day 13.

However I’ve been going to the gym. A good friend of mine is in the best shape of her life and wondering what happened to me. She’s training with me but doesn’t about my problem. I signed up for a ladies outdoor soccer league also. I used to play competitively so this will help me begin to meet my fitness goals. So one step at a time I guess. I’ve taken this all on over the last month to try and help cut back. I’m still constantly battling this horrid addiction. That's the latest with me.

I can completely agree with Keesu and that intensions are one thing and actions another. During the day while I’m at work I’m really confident and I do my job very well. Once I get home it’s almost like I change into someone else. I find that if I give in and drink in the evening the next day I’m so angry at myself because I spent the entire day before feeling confident I wasn’t going to. What keeps me going is knowing that I’m finally ready to quit. I want to so much I will find a way to make it work. I have a huge challenge this weekend. I’m going away with some friends for a mini vacation and leaving our spouses at home. This trip has been booked for months with the intensions to shop and have a good time. I don’t know what’s going to happen. The devil on my shoulder says you can start over on Monday.

What about you? You must be so proud of your progress, what day are you on? Do you have any advice for me to get past day 12 and onto day 13? Because of the wine Friday and 1 drink at the airport Sunday I’m only on day 2......again but I feel good about it this time. Thanks for your support! I’m here to support you too.

Hi Hors controle & Keesu,

I think this may be the beginning of a good support system! It’s so much easier to relate to people in the same situation as yourself. Would you agree it wouldn’t be bad idea to check in with each other daily? Hors controle 23 days is absolutely amazing. Good for you! I cross out successful days on the calendar. Keesu keep up the effort. I hope you can achieve going a few days without a drink and then be able to progress from there. It’s hard, I’m only on my third day today but I do feel better each day and very proud of myself. It’s rewarding and inspires me to continue on to reach my goal of two weeks. Then I’ll set a new goal. Keep in touch, we can beat this together.

I had a bad day yesterday. Being Mother’s day my husband and I went over to my mom’s. My brother was there and him along with my mom made it easy for me to give in. We all have the same problem. It was like I could justify it. So today of course I’m back to day one and like always I’m angry at myself. I think it’s kind of sad I’ll have to avoid my family in order to stay on track. I still have the same goal in mind I’m just not happy that I’m starting over again. For now I will try not to dwell on it so I can have a successful day.

How are you doing Keesu?