Baby Steps

[brightlite]

It is so hard. I went to day 5 then drank. I'm climbing back on the wagon today. My goal is getting past day 5 now. I have to set small goals. It's such hard work....just dealing with my mind on a daily basis. So many thoughts swirling around...so many worries. That's the allure for me is a release from my intense thoughts. I really admire the long term abstainers.

Bright

[startingover]

Baby Steps

Hi Bright. Yes, being AF is hard work, but its SO worth it. What i did in the early days was simply to tell myself that being AF is the way it was going to be, then each day, sometimes each hour I just got through. Knowing I had taken away my choice to drink somehow helped because I knew that I had to deal with the emotions or sleep. I tended to sleep a lot!
Have you any tools to help you? Such as supplements? Or diversion tactics? A good plan will help give your days some structure...honestly this really does get easier as time goes on.

[sunshine_gg]

Baby Steps

Good morning Brightlite!

Gosh, yeah, I couldn't even do 3 days at first. Probably took 3 or 4 tries. You've done 5 days - so you know you can do it again and more. Let me guess... you did 5 days and then went to 'reward' yourself? Gets me every time.

I'm much like Starty... I need to NOT have an option. If I have a choice I'm done for. I have the will power of an old slipper. I literally repeat to myself, write down, start a thread here, that says 'Drinking is not an option'. Or 'I don't drink'.

I will definitely need help next week. Mr. Wonderful is going to be away again next week and I don't do well without adult supervision. So, would you like to band together next week? I'm certainly up for it!

.

[cyclefan]

Baby Steps

Sunny you are right up there on my most admired list. You have done a great job getting yourself sober and also have been very honest about your efforts so others can learn from the choices you made getting there, and have done it all with your sense of humor intact. Best wishes for next week, I know if you need a helping hand there will be many extended if you just ask.

[brightlite]

Baby Steps

Sunshine, you are also on my most admired list. OK, I'm in for next week! We will check in on each other.

Bright

[brightlite]

Baby Steps

Starts...you too are on my most admired list. Yes, I have supps....I'm really not one to pop pills all the time even if they are suppliments. I do have Kudzu and L-Glut and keep them in my purse. I'm trying to get in the habit of taking them around 4pm everyday.

[lilmea]

Baby Steps

Bright,
I think by day 5 all the alcohol is out of our system. So although we feel better physically the craving start to hit big time. If we could just, stop drinking, we would. But I have descovered that I have to learn how to get sober. (and trust me, I've been a slow learner)

Have you been to the toolbox thread yet? There is alot of information there on how to deal with cravings and starting a plan. Some call it a life plan. I call it a plan of action. It really was a big help to me in finding out how to stay sober and not just stop drinking.

There is also a thread in the ASAP section that explains the different meds that some of our members here use successfully to help curb the cravings.

Listen I'm a day or so away from a month AF. It's been years since I've had that many sober days. If an old drunk like me can do it-so can you. good luck.

[Joanna]

Baby Steps

Hi lilmea

I'm 30 days AF on Tuesday I think same as you. I'm new to the site. What are your plans for day 31? Any advice would be great as I'm seriously worried! Went to an AA meeting yesterday but don't think that's really for me.

My trouble is I'm surrounded by a lot of people who think my drinking is 'normal'. UP to 100 units a week? How can that be? Just last night a friend was saying we all drink a lot; it's nothing to worry about. Then when I get to AA meeting i cant really identify with what people are saying either.

I assume you will carry on. I'd like to but feel I need a different approach to the hiding in bed, gritting teeth, sleeping waiting for the 30 days to be over. :new:

Well done anyway Jo

[brightlite]

Baby Steps

Hi Lilmea and Joanna. Congrats on your almost 30 days. I hope to make it there someday in the not too distant future. I understand it is a lifestyle change. I am doing better than a year ago. I didn't have the knowledge and motivation to stop. I feel I'm armed a little better these days and I know that drinking is not fun for me...it is dangerous. Drinking is so much "fun" for others...its not for me anymore, I've come to that realization. Thanks for all your input.

[startingover]

Baby Steps

brightlite;547952 wrote: Starts...you too are on my most admired list. Yes, I have supps....I'm really not one to pop pills all the time even if they are suppliments. I do have Kudzu and L-Glut and keep them in my purse. I'm trying to get in the habit of taking them around 4pm everyday.

Bright, try taking them in the morning and then again about 4. That regime really helped me.

[Joanna]

Baby Steps

Thanks Wally. I do find it hard to think of what I can drink instead of AL and have to admit in 29 days I've only put myself into one situation where there is AL around me. Rest of the time I've stayed at home drinking tea! Other activities... I guess the computer takes over during the hellish 5pm-9pm period then it is a bit easier by 10.

[sunshine_gg]

Baby Steps

We're on Bright one!
I'll PM ya... let's stay close and keep an eye out for one another this week.

Oh God, CF (and Bright) please, no admiration - seriously. If I was anywhere near having this whole AL mess 'licked' perhaps... but I'm SO far away from that.

And now.. off into the tub, get ready to go out to dinner and such... wish me strength. I am planning on staying AF.

Again, happy Valentine's day to everyone!

.

[dlw]

Baby Steps

When you feel the beast, as I refer to him as, tapping on my shoulder, ( asking me if I want a drink) I take it one day at a time, but if that seems to long, I break it down to 1/2 day at a time, if that is to long, How about an hour at a time, and if that seems to long, I break it down even more- right down to one minute at a time. remember we are all in this together, use MWO as your lifeline, as I do

[sunshine_gg]

Baby Steps

Hey Brightlight...

I know V-day wasn't great for you... how are you now?

I was utterly relieved and felt rather silly on Valentine's day. All my fretting about being/staying AF - it wasn't even an issue at all. No biggie. How ridiculous to make such a big deal out of 'not drinking'. Absolutely nobody cared or paid any attention to what I ordered; I certainly didn't have to 'explain' anything. Hopefully I will remember this the next time there's a function at the pub

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