Hi Everyone,
I am working now on the second part of my goal, that is to learn to control my drinking.
I have been 97% clean for 6 weeks and I think I managed to break the habit. It really helped also that this time I really, really wanted to stop and really change my habits.Also, the fact that my boyfriend has also decided to reduce on his drinking helps a lot. I have not felt any envy yet, he can drink and I can't, and I don't think it will happen this time.
I have to be extra careful though. The last time I tried to quit, I did not go drink free long enough to change my drinking pattern. Also, I had more drinks so I kind of lost control. After 4-5 drinks, it seems I didn't care if I got back to drinking, I would be fine the next day BUT I was not. The cravings started again and the drinking followed.
Keesu I think it is very good that you have quit at least the hard liquor for a month. I think this is part of changing the pattern. The thing is not to compensate with something else and I think if you feel OK drinking some wine so you don't feel punished, it is OK. It took me one year to quit smoking. I bought a pack and a bottle of wine, or two and when the wine was empty, I threw the cigarettes in the garbage. It worked, altough my friends were joking I was drinking more and more wine, lol but it worked. It has been almost 15 years.
You will find what works best for you. Trial and error...