Drinking on Autopilot Last Night

[adagirl]

OK, after almost one month of doing this MWO program and having really great success being AF most days and moding at only 3 drinks about once/week, I went out last night and had a little slip. I'm trying to keep it in perspective because it really wasn't that bad, but I'm kinda disappointed in myself because I wasn't as controlled as I'd like to be. I kinda just went out without a plan (which I'm learning is always a mistake). Instead of planning exactly how much I would drink and where I would drink how much (to make sure the pace was OK), I just went on auto-pilot and kept ordering drinks (or drinking drinks that friends bought me) whenever my glass was empty. Not really thinking about whether I really WANTED another drink or how I would feel the next day. Ultimately, the damage was not that bad. I had six drinks and stayed away from the doubles. But, looking back, I did not really WANT or NEED that many drinks. I stayed out later than I wanted to stay out and felt tired and hungover this morning. Not terribly hungover. I've been so much worse off before, BUT I really don't ever want to be hungover AT ALL anymore. That is one of my major goals, along w/never drinking more than I plan. But, I didn't plan. I guess I kinda set myself up for failure that way.

Anyway, I'm trying not to beat myself up over it. It was still a very successful night compared to how bad I used to be. But, its a good lesson to me that even w/all the tools (meds, vitamins/supps, hypno, etc.), I've still got to be diligent, plan ahead, and keep my goals in the forefront of my mind because otherwise I can easily just fall into old habits, go on auto-pilot, and just drink without thinking about if I even really want the drinks. I think I was feeling so good about my success so far that I just let my guard down.

[lushy]

Drinking on Autopilot Last Night

I think a big part of this whole process is being conscious of what we are doing and why and what for. Sounds like you have made huge strides since coming here. Now you know going out with friends is going to take a little more diligence on your part, and maybe more glasses of water! Sounds like you did not do too bad though, considering. Keep working at it!!!:goodjob:

[MDBiker]

Drinking on Autopilot Last Night

Ada you are doing fine. I envy you if you can moderate. I think it is a slippery slope for many. You didn't do that bad, and you are doing a really good job considering your past. You should keep working on it. If you find you cannot moderate, you can always go AF. These are your decisions and you know better than anyone what you need to do.

God Bless
Bear

[bootcampbarbie]

Drinking on Autopilot Last Night

the great news also is that you can tell when you don't even want to have another drink so if it is just old habit speaking or if it is the craving. so looks like you are really doing well with your program. take care of yourself and be easier on yourself.
boots

[Paddy]

Drinking on Autopilot Last Night

Hey Ada,

I have to second what Bear said. I believe as long as you're able to monitor what you're doing it's positive. Why don't you do that over the next couple of weeks or so. That's what I did. I wrote down my drink intake meticulously per day. Until I got to the point where I am now, where I came to the conclusion that successfully moderating was hard. It's not impossible. But it's hard when you're tired after work, and you're stress out. And when you have friends/colleagues pushing you into drinking more, and your energy is low due to fatigue. I came to the conclusion that after nearly 6 months trying to moderate (more or less successfully, but the last month with more and more slips moving dangerously close to my old level of knocking off a bottle) to move to total AF. I did this because it spares me the emotional stress of feeling bad after not keeping my goal of moderation. And also because I feel healthier, too.

But, on the other hand, a number of people, (at least so it seems) on this board are able to moderate successfully. So total AF could always be a backup plan if successful moderation doesn't work out.

Best

[Saint Jude]

Drinking on Autopilot Last Night

I guess in a way living 10 miles up a windy river road... can be a good tool for moderating... I always know I've got to be responsible, if I want to go home... (which is where I wanna be after a busy night of running my A$$ off, throwing food @ people!)
Not that there's ever much going on in this "one horse town"...

[I Like Brandy]

Drinking on Autopilot Last Night

Adagirl;

Congrats on your success so far. Having a plan is a good idea! Keep on going, you're an inspiration!!

Brandy

[Guest]

Drinking on Autopilot Last Night

Adagirl,
I think you`re doing fabulously to have gotten this far. Also, think it`s great that when we moderate, we are learning to enjoy a little drink without the horrendous ensuing hangover of days gone by. I really do think that once we`ve left the hangovers behind, we really do not want to go there again........ever!!!

And yes, I think the idea of having a mental plan in place before starting to drink (as you usually do), is perhaps the best strategy to keep us on track.

I wish you continued success,

Starlight Impress