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13 years ago 0 79 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Wow!  Great tip foxman!  I'm not real comfy in AA meetings either, but it sure is a great place to find/meet other friendly faces who understand and support your  sobriety and that would be an invaluable resource on a isolated ship with tons of temptation at every corner!
13 years ago 0 1562 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I know you don't prefer AA, but AA meetings are available on Cruises. I went on my first Cruise after i entered AA, though i did not attend a meeting there, there was a member from the same group that was also on the cruise. It was assuring to see each other while on the Cruise. By then I had started to work on the program so I was able to enjoy the trip with ease.
13 years ago 0 325 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have to agree that a bar is a huge trigger. I was having my girlfriend drive when we would go out just so I could drink. I have changed that so I now drive and I WILL not drink and drive. After 2 DUI's there is no way I will allow myself back into that humiliating position again. All the alcohol in the world will not make me go there. So for me, driving is the way I control myself. If I know I am going to be out for about 4 hours I allow myself one drink when I arrive. I am usually talking and dancing a lot so it makes it easier and then I switch to water or ice tea for the remainder of the evening. No one forces the alcohol on you so you need not be intimidated by drinking non alcoholic drinks. I also keep in the back of my mind how much better I am going to feel in the morning both physically and mentally. So that is how I keep myself on track. I am going on a cruise next week with 9 women and am already worrying that I am going to lose it and drink too much. I need some tricks to help me. I am making a bad mistake even thinking about sneaking a box of wine in my suitcase which is what one of the other ladies is going to do. Drinks will be expensive so if I limit myself to $20 per day I should not be drinking too much. Does anyone have any suggestions how I can keep on track as I will not have all of you to rely on or my diary to post to. Thanks.
13 years ago 0 11221 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
You ask some great questions m!  Can we hire you as a Health Educator?  LOL  Just kidding.
 
I wanted to add one thing regarding your question Marina.  Being at a bar is a huge trigger for individuals who have trouble with alcohol.  Often we recommend that you avoid trigger situations until you are more confident in your progress.  You may want to avoid bars until you are able to control the number of drinks you have at other locations (at home for example).   Do you think this is something that may help?  If not, what would help make bars less of a trigger for you?
 
 
Ashley, Health Educator
13 years ago 0 1022 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Marina, 
 
You wrote:
"Does anyone have any suggestions for [when I'm in a bar] ... something that would remind me, as I'm about to order a third pint, that I didn't want to have this drink ... "
I think that the most important thing AHC teaches is the need to be aware.  The key to changing our thoughts and behaviors is to be mindful of what we are doing, thinking, and feeling.  You know yourself better than anyone else does, so what do you think would work for you? 
 
Ask yourself what your drinking goals are and why have you set these for yourself?   What might you be doing/thinking that undermines your efforts? What are you doing to support those efforts?  These are some of the questions we can only answer for ourselves.  Writing them down and sharing them with the group is a powerful tool for helping us reach those goals.  You have made a great start by coming here and posting frequently.  Sharing your journey not only helps you, but the rest of us as well.  Keep up the good work!
 
 
 
 
 
 
13 years ago 0 325 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Well I do not have one of the fancy smart phones but if you do and can access the net you can find an web site to keep you motivated. I read the Daily Motivator every morning and it starts me out in a positive way each day. Now do I keep it up. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. We are all a work in progress and have to remember we are human and there is no on off switch. Just try and stay focused on where you want to be and maybe that will help some. I sure do not have the answers or I would not be here. I need you all to keep me on track. Thanks and good luck.
13 years ago 0 31 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Marylizy, you are so thoughtful and analytical. You seem to know yourself really well, and know what to do in a variety of situations. It is helpful for me to see how there can be different goals for different times and places.
 
I liked the idea of pouring away the first glass of wine, to prevent drinking it later when under the influence. 
 
I've meant to try putting a ring on and, with each drink, move it onto another finger so I can see how many I've had (once I've pre-determined what my goal is). Even if I dont have a goal, it at least helps me keep track. I find that once I've had 3 or 4 drinks, I keep drinking as if its water, and dont bother to count. I've got a lot of work to do.
 
Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can read some of the inspirational messages and encouragement when I am in a bar. I was thinking of something that would remind me, as I'm about to order a third pint, that I didn't want to have this drink because (for example), I need to drive later, its empty calories, its poisoning my body, etc. I seem to forget about all of that until I sober up and regret what I've done. It makes me feel down, and then the whole cycle starts again.
 
 


13 years ago 0 325 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Tiana,
Yes, I do believe my judgement gets skewed after 2 and then I say what the hell might as well drink more. Nothing else to do, nobody cares and you are only hurting yourself.All poor excuses at best but it is what it is in my mind.
I am limiting the amount of liquor in my home and that has been working only I ended up going to the store early yesterday to make sure I had wine. I think I had already decided I was going to drink to excess so was doomed already. My thinking process was flawed and I need to change that and think of that before I take the first drink. 
Thanks for  your replys
13 years ago 0 653 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi again, Marylizy,
 
It's ok to set different goals with family vs. friends, or socially vs. alone.  I'm wondering how you are feeling when you reach for the third drink? Looking those reasons directly in the eye might help you change your pattern. Journaling is definitely a great idea for that reason. 
 
Once you have two drinks, your judgement might be off just enough for you to rationalize having more, or ignoring the reasons not to have more that are important to you when you are sober. Have you tried limiting the amount of liquor in your home? I know someone who pours out the first glass of wine so that she can only have 4 total instead of 5, and by doing it first, will not be tempted to drink it at the end when she is under the influence. What about tracking each drink by writing it down as you drink it? Seeing that in black and white might appeal to your logical side.
 
Sometimes a week or two of not drinking is enlightening before you try moderation. Keep thinking positive and keep us posted on your progress.
 
Tiana, Health Educator
13 years ago 0 325 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Yes Tiana, it is my lack of control that upsets me. I will say I am only going to have 2 and then that leads to more. Maybe I can not drink in moderation even though I am able to do so socially. My problem is when I am alone so that is where I need to find some kind of trick to pull out of my hat to stop me after 2 or keep me from starting in the first place. Taking the dog for a walk, or playing frisbee with her in the yard might be a good one. Playing solataire or scrabble on line would fill some time and be a distraction also. Write in my diary what I am feeling at that time when I want to drink would be good also. Thanks for your post. I am so thankful for all of you out there in AHC.

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