Big congrats to you buddy! The first week was the toughest for me. I can't believe you didn't have cravings. What is your secret? I have been following your posts and it sounds like you are doing really good. I am learning a lot from what you are writing too.....so thanks for that!
Walking or any kind of exercise really helps me too. I am using exercise to cope with my cravings. It is kind of working. I am not drinking but I am still not happy about it some days. One day at a time I guess.
Hi everyone
I am doing ok. I am still not drinking. I am very proud of that. I am struggling because I am really hating my job right now. I am not sure if the alcohol was masking it or what. I took a few sick days when I was struggling with alcohol months ago and a few people seem to still be pissed about it. I dont think they realize how hard this addiction has been for me and how far I have come. I guess I have to put my head down and continue to do the good job I always do. I dont like feeling like an outsider sometimes.
Other than that things are good. I still feel envious too John. Especially now, when I could really use a beer to take the edge off. Like you said Lynn alcohol doesn't help with stress though. You are so right! I really need to remember that.
Well, the weather is nice out tonight. I am going for a walk with my girlfriend. I hope everyone is doing good.
Hi gus
Congratulations on going so long without drinking. That is awesome. My lap top was broken and then I had a few slips. I look up to you! I know what caused the slips. Work stress and my gf wanted to drink a few nights. She doesn't have a problem with drinking so she should be able to have a few drinks. I cannot. I have to learn that and I think in a way she needs to accept I can't just have a few with her.. at least not for now. But I am back on the wagon. How are you doing?
Hi everyone.
I wish I read all of your advice these last few weeks. My lap top broke and I haven't been able to check the website. I was still dealing with work stress and then my girlfriend wanted to drink a few nights. I can't blame her. I need to have better control. I am back on the wagon now.
Lynn, aside from walking I like playing video games and card games. I also do some strength training three times a week. What do you do to relieve stress?
Gus, I replied to you in another thread..thanks for your advice. Drinking does make work stress worse. I have had a bad month. That is for sure. I wish I had been checking this site. I know it would have helped.
John, thanks a lot for your advice. You are right I really get too wrapped up in the work stress. I need to focus more on what I am grateful for. I have a lot to be grateful for and I do feel better when I make a point to focus on the positives. I also find when I am not drinking it is much easier to be positives. I can really get into a depressed funk when drinking or a few data after drinking.
How is everyone doing??
Hi Gus and Foxman
Well, back on the wagon. I haven't had any slips since I last posted. I am working on planning for slips. Thanks for that Gus! Also, I decided again that I need to stop for a long stretch. So far, so good. It is good to know others know what I am going through. Having lavender lemonade today. It is a nice treat.
How is everyone else doing?
I got pfizer. No side effects except for a little arm soreness.
I am still awaiting my second dose. I am looking forward to things going back to normal. I still have to wear a mask too.
Hi Foxman and johnontheslopes.
I guess I missed these comments. They are very helpful to me today. I haven't been able to completely abstain so I have been avoiding the community. I am really struggling with not drinking in social situations. All of my friends drink, including my gf. I was able to manage to stick to 2 to 3 per event. Now I am back up to 4 to 6 and the other night I dont even know how many I had. I is hard because I have doing good with moderation. I had s lot of fun during those times and no regrets. Now I am drinking too much again.
John, what you said really makes sense. All my friends joke about it. Heck, I joke about it. You are right. I am in denial. Getting drunk isn't fun and I just end up wasting the next day thinking about how stupid I am. Maybe I do need friends who don't drink. I just can't seem to spend time with my drinking friends. It is a bit depressing to think about. Kind of daunting ... jeez I always thinking that stopping drinking will be easier then it actually is..How are all of you doing?
I have made it past three months. I feel so much better. I am confident that I can stick with it. I now want to quit smoking. I haven't set a quit date yet. I am a tad bit nervous as I use cigarettes to cope with stress. I also used alcohol to cope with stress when I was drinking. I have been managing with exercise and talking to my gf. I hope I am able to stay off the alcohol while I quit smoking.
It feels really good to have my life back on track. I can't wait to be smoke free. It is such a nasty habit.
Has anyone quit smoking and alcohol around the same time? Any tips or thoughts?
Thanks in advance
Grape
Hello
I am finally ready to make a plan to quit smoking. I have recently stopped drinking and I now feel ready to quit smoking too. Is anyone else planning on quitting soon?
Any tips to get started? It would be great to have a quit buddy or someone with experience to offer me support here once in awhile.
Thanks in advance
Grape
