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Browse through 411.753 posts in 47.056 threads.

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9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Quotes

 “Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”   Winston Churchill
 
 
Swig
 
 
9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
first day here

Welcome Suziq,

 

Being honest with yourself and recognizing that you have an alcohol addiction and wanting to do something about it, is a big step forward.  There are many people here, just like you, who can relate and are a great source of inspiration and support.  Post often and share your thoughts, you’re not alone on your journey.

 

All The Best!

Swig

9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Party! test

There is something to be said about the phrase “Out of Sight – Out of Mind” when it comes to dealing with urges.  Over the past two months I’ve managed to keep my visual exposure to alcohol fairly limited and I believe it has had a great impact on me staying sober.  I have purposely stayed away from my old drinking buddies and I’m no longer looking at a pile of empty bottles in the corner of the garage.  I am actually using my garage as a garage (to do some overdue and neglected work) which also is proving very beneficial in various ways, especially as it keeps the mind occupied.

 

This past weekend mark a little victory for me also (similar to Toxicsoul), as I participated in a big family gathering (my parent’s 53rd wedding anniversary).  I had decided well in advance that I would not cave in to any temptations to drink and I actually had a great, enjoyable, sober night. (WOW! I can't believe I just used those three adjectives with the word night).  Repeatedly telling myself, prior to the party, that I didn’t need alcohol was much easier than watching most everyone else around me pouring up their favorite cocktail or twisting the cap off another cold beer.  But a few glasses of fruit punch and a beautiful meal soon had me looking forward to a feel-good Sunday morning rise.
 
I call it a little victory for I don’t feel confident enough to be around alcohol on a regular basis.  In other words, I just don’t feel ready to take on a second job as a bartender or anything of that nature.  Not yet!   
 
Cheers,
Swig
9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
The time is on us

Hey Nodrama! This don't sound (read)like you. Is everything OK? Concerned, Swig
9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
The time is on us

Nodrama,
Hey, just chaulk it up as another learning experience and something to help you build your defences against unexpected situations and triggers that may blindside you again.  I don't know what goals you have set for yourself when you first joined AHC but it maybe something you might want to revisit.  What if you set a new goal of remaining AF for one month? (just a suggestion) 
You are a very strong individual and you have repeatedly shown that you are stronger then the AV.  You are a great inspiration to me and I sure to many others here.  A moment of weakness does not nullify the progress that you have made.  Dust yourself off and get back up and continue your journey, you know the road and the direction.  It is not a race nor does it have a defined finish line, it is simply your becoming.  Enjoy it!
 
 
Swig      
 
9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Quotes

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves”  Sir James Barrie
9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Trigger Happy

Let’s not knock the methods/vehicles used to attain our sobriety.  The main focus here should be one of support to the person who has already made a decision to come here to change their drinking; be it moderation or complete abstinence.  One of the most effective ways we can support each other is by sharing similar experiences and stories and relaying how we successfully overcame specific hurdles.  We don’t need to sell ideals or philosophies that may look like recruitment campaigns.  There is no One Size Fits All.  What works for one, may not work for another. 
 
For me, I came to AHC seeking support for a decision I made to take back the control I gave to alcohol. 

·         I don’t believe that I’m powerless over alcohol. 

·         I don’t believe I’m doing this through some divine intervention. 

·         I don’t believe consciously talking to my sub-conscious repeatedly will make it become more conscious. 


But I do believe (and have experienced) that everyone here has something to offer each other.  We all have, at the least, two thing in common; one, we understand the various feelings and emotions attached with problem drinking and two; we all want to change. Positive re-enforcement, even when we do screw up, is probably the best support we can offer here.

 

 
Have a great sober day!

Swig       

9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Trigger Happy

Great topic TS!
 
I agree, everything can be a trigger.  When we drink we creat a trigger, thus creating a justification or excuse to drink again under similiar circumstances.  After 30+ years drinking, alcohol had become my norm. The only time I didn't drink was while at work.  With the exception of my job, basically everything else was/is a trigger.  Just as every trigger is a reason to indulge, I have found that there are an equal number of negative aspects to drinking (I call blockers) providing reasons not to indulge.  I guess the biggest challenge is to quickly identify and disperse those blockers immediately when the trigger appears.
 
Swig 
 
9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Is a Slip an Accident?

In my line of work I deal with work related accidents on a regular basis.  One of the most common causes of workplace injuries is Slip (Trip/Falls).  For the most part following investigations into those accidents, the result will reveal an unintentional action that was not foreseen.
 
How about an alcohol Slip/sobriety Slip, are those accidents too?  Are they unintentional and unforeseen?  What control measures can we implement to avoid re-occurrence?
 
 
Swig
 
9 years ago 0 55 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
New to Group ~ 15 days Sober

Welcome Snagglepuss, Congrats! staying sober for 15 days is great! No cravings! that is impressive! What did you do differently this time, compared to your previous attempts? You figured right snagglepuss, this is a good place for support. Check in often and share your thoughts. Like you, I've been a heavy drinker for 30+ yrs, but this is my first attempt to go alcohol free (AF). A totally new world for me and it's been great. All the best on your journey, you are not alone. Swig