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9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

Introduction

Hi everyone!

I've gone from binge drinking once or twice a week since my teenage years to drinking most nights for the last few years (now in my thirties). I have had times where I've been determined not to drink and that will usually last for 1 week to 6 months. I've tried AA and really couldn't get past the religious thing. As an atheist it's too much to swallow.

So... I've had enough of this cycle of giving up drinking and returning to it. Sick of wasting my time, energy and money on alcohol. The most annoying thing for me is the money situation. I hate living from paycheck to paycheck.

What will I do? I've put some steps in place to take control. I have a close friend now manage my money. She only puts $20 into my bank account each day for day to day spending. Other larger amounts can be sent but I need to show a receipt. This accountability has been great so far. It means even if I do give in to drinking (as I did last week) then I can only do so much damage. There's not too much you can do with $20. Over the last few years I've had some pretty wild binges where I've wasted most of my month's pay. I do sound like a kid when I tell someone "sorry I only have $20 I can't do xyz with you" but, hey, who cares? Whatever works, right?

I've also downloaded an app on my phone (Lift - daily motivation) and every day have to check in when I've achieved my goal of "no alcohol" some close friends and family have also downloaded it and are "following" me. Another part of the accountability thing.

On Sunday I joined the gym for 12 months. It's been great to get back there (first time this year). The rush (endorphines/adrenalin) from exercise is quite something. I'd forgotten how good. When I'm exercising regularly I really don't feel that same need for drinking. And this lasts throughout the day, too.

And finally, I've joined this site. I've realized I can't do it on my own and need to learn more about alcoholism and its nasty effects and hopefully meet some nice people that are in a similar position to me.

So this is my third day off from drinking. Long may it continue!

Cheers,

Michael

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

Introduction

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Tom17 - thanks, I will check that out.

Foxman - yeah people in AA talk about just having your own conception of a higher power. And that works fine with me. I did some meditation/yoga in my younger years so I'm open to the concept of a higher power or universal truth kind of thing. However, I do feel strongly about being an atheist so hearing every third or fourth sentence at an AA meeting refer to God and then having my sponsor make me kneel on one knee with my hand on the bible... yeah, too much. Thanks for your concern anyway.

Stillview - kidding, right? 3 days? I'm still in the honeymoon period... it's so easy kind of thinking. The hard work is yet to come. I wish you luck on you journey.

Dave848 - Thanks for the welcome. You're right. Drinking all of the time is not really living at all.

Regarding biggest triggers - stress (work, study or other), habit/routine, bored, lonely, social events/socializing, trying to pick up, reacting to peoples' comments that makes me feel angry (or some other emotion) inside, don't care/given up kind of attitude. I think this covers all the times I feel the need to drink.

Ashley - Thanks. I will try to keep this motivation up. I have a goal of 10 min 6 days per week on this site (or elsewhere) for self study on recovery. It doesn't sound like much but it's realistic and sustainable for me (usually I'll do more, but at least if I'm tired and/or stressed at the end of the day I know it's only 10 min I have to do).

Regarding the future - that's a good question. And good to start thinking about it now.

1 month: No alcohol for entire month. Exercised 6 days out of 7 for the month. Done 10 minutes + of self study 6 days per week on recovery.

3 months: I'd like to be 5kg lighter from the gym work not drinking. Start building better relationships with friends, family, women. In a good routine of working, exercising, socializing (without alcohol). Living a happy sober life.

12 months: I'd like to see myself debt-free with a little savings in the bank. In a stable relationship. Solid friendships. Communicating well with my family. Exercising. Studying. Living a happy sober life.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

Introduction

Dave848 - Thanks. That's good to know. I think I'll print my goals and have them near my bed. Is there any special way you keep yours clearly in mind?

Betterlife - Thanks a lot. Yes, not having the money there has worked great over the last week. Having accountability for my spending definitely works for me. There will be a time in the future that I'll take over again like a mature adult, but in the meantime it's great having her there for me.

That's great you're going for abstinence with both smoking and drinking. Good luck! You'll do well. What do you think your triggers will be?

Nodrama - Great. Yes, I will check in here everyday. It's been great so far this week rather than reaching for a drink just logging in and reading what other people have been up to and then finding out strategies, tools etc to fight the fight.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

Weird sugar cravings!!??

I also used to get that with previous times that I tried to give up alcohol.

This time around it's been very different. This week I've made different goals. I exercise for 60 - 90 minutes every evening. I cook my own nutritious meals at home. I also have a goal of no potato chips or soda (well... I'm aloud one day a week for a soda and packet of chips). Although I'm hungry in the evenings (due to the alcohol abstinence and high exercise), I have no sugar cravings at all this time around. This has been a very interesting experiment for me.

I would highly recommend getting in regular exercise.

Hope that helps.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

Changing profile pic?

Hi. How do I change my profile pic? I can't see an option in the profile settings.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

The 5 R?s.........

It's been a week of no alcohol and surprisingly I've had no urges that I can remember. I am on vacation however and the true test will come when work starts after another week off. Thanks for your post, Dave. Very good timing. I will print that off and carry the 5 Rs with me in my wallet. I'm expecting the first week back to be a little stressful so it'll be good to have something with me. I also like the "it's just a thought" part.

Cheers.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

6 months on Sept 7

Well done! I'm sure it takes a lot of hard work to get to six months. You should be very proud.

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

Changing profile pic?

Thanks, Dave~!

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

Ready to be helped.

Hi Fluffy & Cailin,

Welcome. I'm new too. Let's start our sober journey together.

Cheers,

Michael

9 years ago 0 +0 / -0 48

another try

Keep strong! Good you're exercising. I find this helps me in the evenings.

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