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Just a small correction to the last sentence of my first paragraph below. Instead of "I drink to pass time (i.e. boredom) and lessen my stress levels (i.e. anxiety)," I should have written "I get buzzed to pass time (i.e. boredom) and lessen my stress levels (i.e. anxiety)."
Hi everyone. I haven't posted in a while but would like to provide an update on my alcohol intake, or lack thereof. I quit for 5 days straight at the beginning of August and then fell off the wagon until 4 days ago and have been straight since. My greatest triggers, like Sink's, are anxiety and boredom. I would add to that short list the craving for a drink to obtain a comfortable buzz. This latter trigger is actually related to the former two. I drink to pass time (i.e. boredom) and lessen my stress levels (i.e. anxiety).
I am having a difficult time quitting as I have too much idle time on my hands. I am currently off work on disability insurance due to stress and depression. Filling in time (productively) is a dilemma for me in that I often desire to do something (e.g. go out somewhere, visit people, go for a drive) but am often tied to the house because of social anxieties. I am seeing a psychiatrist who is gradually helping me with my stress and depression, but my alcoholism is yet another battle. This is especially true because I am taking medication for my stress and depression, and alcohol is a definite no-no as it interferes with the medication's full effects.
I do read, go for my daily walk, cook and putter around the house doing a few chores and tend to our 3 dogs yet I find myself going for long naps in the afternoon just to pass time (i.e. boredom). I sincerely lack passion in my life for doing something meaningful. Something that I feel would fill time in a positive and helpful way, not simply doing stuff with no real aim. My social anxieties prevent me from getting involved in many activities and driving around the city at peak periods of the day.
Is anyone else suffering from anxiety (social and other) and depression and alcoholism who may be going through some of the same things I've described above? If so, how are you dealing with these challenges.
I would echo Dave here and am glad you came back to report where you are at. I hope as our time comes we can be as hosest as you. Well done.
Yes you will need to go back and draw breath and figure out where you are at now. Maybe the analagy of weather versus climate is applicable here. We are looking for a climate change, but that does not mean the weather is going to be good every day. You did 3 weeks without a drink well done and maybe the next time you will be more successful again or just maybe the next time you will keep on going.
Thanks for all the encouragement. Maybe the first thing I can do for myself (besides cut down on caffeine) is try to look at the bright side. I quit for 3 weeks and have not done so in a long time. Maybe I can do it for even longer?
I am going to work on my feelings this week and make sure to come back to this forum cause the responses are really helping me!
I;m glad you've stayed on rather than avoid coming back because you drank on the weekend. That is a big step, at least it would be for me. You went 22 days without drinking so if you go do that again you'll only have drank 1x (or 2) in 45-46 days and it's your choice to continue. I'd say that's a roaring bloody success.
Regarding stress, I find working out consistently takes care of that. Even walking or riding a bicycle works well. As far as boredom goes, pursue what you love to do. Try new things. Yoga is really good for reducing stress and relieving boredom. Plus, you make new friends who aren't big drinkers.
Focus on your success of the past 22 days and definitely stick around because you're a positive influence.
Sink...boredom, stress and anxiety are big triggers for me too. Another big trigger for me is a hot sunny day. I enjoy sitting on the deck with a drink and just enjoying the view. I find it very relaxing. I need to find other ways to enjoy the summer weather.
The longest I've gone with no alcohol has been two weeks and I did feel so much better. I hope to get through a much linger period of time this go around, but I know this coming Saturday will be a fail because I have my favourite cousin coming home for a visit and we are going to the cottage for a night of drinks and fun. I am going to try not to drink up to that point. Once I get through Saturday night, I hope to be sober for a very, very long time. Today I marked zeros in my diary, that's a start.
It's a tough journey indeed but what is important is that you are not giving up the fight! Glad you are part of the AHC as there is so much that members can offer each other.
You should try to give up coffee for a period of time as a challenge - caffeine intake can affect your anxiety levels.
Thanks Camiol. Usually I fall off the wagon hard like Saturday and just give up quitting. Normally I would leave any support groups because I feel like a failure and nobody would want me to be here. Anyway, I am going to stay and get all the support I can from you all. Maybe now I can go even longer without a drink than 22 days??
On a side note - stress, anxiety and boredom are my biggest triggers. I am wondering if I should try cutting down on coffee??
I understand how you feel Sink, I'm feeling the same way today. I wish you the best in starting over. I'm staying sober for today, and I'll continue to try to stay sober each day. This is one heck of a hard habit to kick, but just being here and recognizing that we have a problem is a big step. Keep on keeping on. We can do this.
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