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Just a thought

4 years ago (Edited a year ago) 0 +0 / -0 347

So true...
"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." Sir Edmund Hillary

I saw a message by Paul Millsap today. I thought it might help someone so I decided to revisit this thread I started years ago and post it here.

Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 347

Adjboy,

Sorry for providing the less than joyful information. It blindsided and depressed me too. I had never had any luck making it past a few days, so hearing 3 months before reassessing was not what I wanted to hear. But I gave it shot because what I had been doing had got me no where. My intention was moderation, but in those 3 months I learned to live again. With that being said, I don't suggest focusing on the 3 month time. The mental part was hard for me and it often took everything I had to make it through the night with a drink. Thinking 3 months down the road just wasn't an option, I was often just trying to get to the next hour.

I'm guessing that many people try to give up alcohol to save money, but I wonder how many are able to continue to use it as motivation. I haven't had a drink in over 4 years, and I have times that I think I could handle a drink. If my reason for not drinking was to save money, I'm pretty sure I could rationalize having one drink. I would enjoy that drink, and I may be able to stop at one drink for the night, but I know I would eventually progress right back to where I was. Right back to Day 1 all because I rationalize I could afford just one drink. I would think the same would hold true for weight loss too.

I could have lost weight when I gave up alcohol but I began actually eating my calories rather than drinking them. When I stopped drinking I began to treat myself with foods that I had been denying myself to be able to consume the crazy number of alcohol calories. I've always worked out lifting weights and being active. I've always appeared to be "fit." No one really knew how much I was drinking. My weight now is basically the same as it was before , but my body looks different and I feel different. Alcohol is definitely not kind to the body.

How are you sleeping? When do you find are your hardest times? I wish you luck and stay strong!

Lynn

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 8

Thanks for the info even though it is a bit depressing. I was concentrating on one month sober because I understand that gives my liver a chance to recover. Too bad you cant feel any change physically with your liver working better. I understand what you are saying and if I had thought about the long term I would have come to the same conclusion but three months right now to me seems like a life time.

A nice bonus of course is saving money. I took the "toolbox" survey and found out I was spending over $8000 a year on booze. I see you are based in USA where the cost of booze is cheaper than in Canda. That would make quitting that much harder. For example a 1.14 l (40 oz) bottle of rum ( my poison ) in Canada cost just under $41.

Was also was hoping to lose some weight but that has not happened yet. Did you have any luck in that regard assuming you wanted to?

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 347

Adjboy,

Good to hear that you had another good night. The realization that you need to take more time before trying to drink can be a tough one. I too, thought I would go a month or so then try to drink. That was when I got some really good advice from the health educator on this site, Ashley. She said addiction counselors suggest a three month absence before trying to moderate. That was not what I wanted to hear but I believe if I had tried before the three month mark that I would be drinking today.

It was not what I wanted to hear, but I followed her advice and I am sober today. The physical withdrawal does end, but the mental issue is a hard because it's never ending. I know I will never drink again. I just can't drink moderately. I don't like it, but that's just the way it is for me. Even with that realization, I still have my struggles. I doubt the struggle with ever end, that's why whatever you're reason for giving up alcohol is, it needs to be a good one.

My suggestion for a "trick" at your point, is to have a plan. Know what you are going to do when you really want that drink. An activity, somewhere to go, a treat to eat. Do anything that will take your mind off wanting that drink. Like I said before, sometimes it's minute to minute.

I hope your night is going well. Good luck!

Lynn

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 8

Had another night without a drink. One day at a time. When I started my goal was to reduce my drinking but I realize now that that is not practical at least for the first month. I understand you need that time to let your liver detox and recover. That is the great thing about your liver. If any health professional reads this please do not hesitate to correct me if I am wrong.

I have been lucky so far physically but now it is becoming a mental issue. I would have killed for a drink last night. Did some self talk and hung in. Any tricks you have would be appreciated .

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 347

Adjboy,

I’m glad you had a good night last night. You’ll find a huge difference in sleeping without alcohol and with alcohol. And of course, a big difference waking up without alcohol. I had a problem sleeping when I first gave up alcohol, but my body adjusted. You’re right about the next few days, they will most likely be pretty tough, both physically and mentally.

I saw a question you posted in another discussion. You asked if the first week was the toughest. There’s no doubt the first week is tough because of both the physical and mental withdrawal from alcohol. Unfortunately, once you have one week under your belt, the other days will bring difficulties as well. It is a journey and the best way to approach it is to take it one day at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time.

Good luck and I hope your you have another good night!

Lynn

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 8

Surprisingly good. Went to bed at midnight without being at all sleepy so took a gravol. Had a good night's sleep with my cpap ( another issue). Woke up feeling rested with no headache. This is shocking because whenever I have tried this in the past i have woken up feeling like i got hit by a bus.

The next few days will be the real test. The longest i have been able to go without a drink has only been 7 days which clearly means I have a problem.

Wish me luck and thanks for the support.

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 347

Just wanted to share...

"Do something uncomfortable today. By stepping out of your box, you don't have to settle for what you are - you get to create who you want to become." Howard Walstein

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 347

Adjboy, how was yesterday?

4 years ago 0 +0 / -0 8

I am going to try to not drink tonight. I know I will not sleep well and will wake up with a headache. Funny isn't it that the first withdrawal symptoms from not drinking is the same as a hangover

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