First, Hope, do not beat yourself up. As we all know wallowing only makes it worse. Camiol is right, it will be brighter as the H/O wears off. I am in your camp, I cannot have a reasonable amount of alcohol. I wish I could, but I just can not. Abstinence is it for me. She is also right when she says that quitting is no joke. This is not my first 'quit'. I moved across the country to try to quit, twice. Heck, I had an intervention staged for me at a Rehab, by the staff, while I was checking someone else into the rehab-based on my sickly appearance, 'must be very near death'-is, I believe, what the nurse said. I don't know what's different this time, but something is. I am d*mn determined to make this the last time. But enough of my crap, you are doing fine, people stumble and sometimes fall. Its human, and you are human. There is a blog (probably only useful to abstainers) that has some great info on the dreaded relapse http://www.whatwinnersdo.com/true-and-false-about-relapse/ So HOPE, take today, drink some tea, take some B vitamins (if you happen to have some pediasure around the house, drink it-sounds crazy but I will always swear it is the best for hangovers), lock yourself in the bathroom periodically and cry and whatever else you have to do but don't be angry at yourself. Haven't you already wasted enough time telling yourself how awful you are? Where has that gotten any of us?
BP-you are an inspiration you are doing so well. I am in awe at you ability to do what you are doing, and I am so proud of you for being able to know that you need to make this choice in your life. I am here for you too, together we can take these tiny steps towards being who and what we deserve to be-anything you need-you ask, and I will do my best to deliver. I know that you are without children etc., as I am. We can be accountable to each other here. Also you English is great. I dearly wish I spoke any other language as well. I am glad you found out how to upload you pic. Looking at that little bunny makes me smile
Turquoise-I too have the tendency to veer away from anything not strongly rooted in science. But I think there is a fine line. I am trying to learn how to believe in magic again (however stupid that sounds). If turquoise brings you strength and stabilizes you then it is science based because it is working. Even Dawkins and Tyson admit that there is a tiny wisp of science in the placebo effect. You will make it to the three week mark. Did you know that the gestation period for shrews, door-mice and gerbils is are 21 days? That means that whole new little creatures that did not exist when you took your last drink will be in the world when you get your next piece of Turquoise. Its a long time, and a big deal, depending on how you choose to see it.
Camiol-Good for you. Three drinks, wow, that is the mystical healthy drinking I have heard so much about. I am proud of you for having that self control. You were able to quit smoking. People have said that smoking is as addictive as heroin. I am amazed by your positive view on this. You will achieve whatever goals you set. And thank you for bringing us all together here. You may have just saved some lives, who knows?
But even if the labels are arbitrary, it's cool to have something as a reminder for important things. And I also found out that the stone "amethyst" is derived from the Greek word "amethystos" which literally means "not drunken" or "sober!" So, here's my contribution for the day, that might help you all focus on what is important in your own recovery:
