New here...hope this works!

[Harlequin]

I heard about this site last week when it was mentioned in the NY Times. There was a link that I followed to the MWO home page. I am very very nervous about this and I really really hope it works for me. I have ordered the book and my first batch of kudzu.

Kudzu!:H I grew up in East Texas and believe me, I never thought kudzu would enter my life in this way! LOL!!

I have been a moderate to heavy drinker for almost 40 years, but it has begun to get out of control over the last 3-4. My drink of choice is cabernet, and I can put away a whole bottle without being aware I am doing it except in a vague sort of way. Last night was a good example. I held off until about 4 in the afternoon, then started pouring it down while cooking dinner. Eventually drank almost 1.5 bottles. Slept terribly, of course, and feel rocky today. For me the worst time is between about 4 and 7 PM. If I can make it past 7 in the evening the craving dies away.

So anyway, that's where I am right now. Thanks for listening.

[tawnyfrog]

New here...hope this works!

Hello Harlequin and :welcome:

Glad you found us. This is a good place to be because we know exactly what you're talking about ... we've all been there. The good news is that it can get better!

Looking forward to seeing you around.

[lukalee]

New here...hope this works!

Welcome Harlequin!!! I am new too. I think you are off to a great start. You know the time of day that is difficult for you. Try to change your routine and find things during those three hours that can keep you preoccupied---like coming here!!!

[Shikakai]

New here...hope this works!

Welcome to the site, Harlequin... I have to go out today and I feel "weak". I was thinking of not drinking anything until after five and then just a glass of cabernet.

I'm trying real hard to put it out of my head, though.

I will peruse the book for strength before leaving.

I hope you find the much wanted and needed peace so many of us are seeking.

[choklyteyes]

New here...hope this works!

:welcome: I am fairly new too...I can tell u I was doing about the same thing before I knew it. Drinking a couple of bottles of wine and feeling like sh** . Got the kudzu,then the topa (thats up to you) and the other stuff. It does work....not that it isnt a struggle sometimes but it has all helped me...and all these great people here have helped alot! keep coming back,reading,posting and learning...just like was suggested to me and u can do it :l

[betty boop]

New here...hope this works!

Harlequin, :welcome: ........

We all know exactly how you feel, because we've all been there, you have found this place when you need to, I actually got worse than you last year, but with the help of all of my friends here I am moderating nicely now ......... You CAN do this, the only thing that you need to do is to really WANT TO DO IT ....... If you have that passion for it then with the help of the lovely people here, you WILL DO IT ........

BB xx

[mn_mom]

New here...hope this works!

I'm new here too! I saw a link for this site on an article at msn.com about boozing and the holidays. I am, according to several shrinks (ha ha) a maintenance drinker - I only feel compulsion to drink under certain circumstances - my "routine". It started years ago, and always involved my time alone at night (after kids were in bed, I lived alone at the time) - when I could catch up on e-mail, watch movies (or, more appropriately, have them on for white noise), just "me" time. This "routine" has continued since, even though I am now married. I look forward, all day, to my "me" time. It's become more and more stressful for my marriage and our finances. The weird part is that, when I'm not at home and able to do "my thing", I don't crave alcohol at all. I can be away for days and be fine. Or, if there's nothing at home to drink, I"m fine. However, obviously, most of my evenings are spent at home, when I drink. It has progressed to the point where I get pretty intoxicated. I've been to rehab twice, and the AA thing just isn't me. I've given it my 200% each time, but (again, according to my shrink), that program just doesn't mesh with my brain/personality/etc. Anyway, thanks for listening, and I look forward to what being here can mean.

[cuckoosnest83]

New here...hope this works!

Welcome, Harlequin. Can't really add anything other than this is a good place to be if you aren't trying to quit drinking. Lots and lots of support.

Cuckoo

[Harlequin]

New here...hope this works!

Thanks for your replies, folks. It is a risk to post here...even to admit I need to post here...but it helps to know others have the same issues. :thanks:

[Cinders]

New here...hope this works!

Harlequin and MN_Mom,

:welcome:

As you both know there are no "magic" bullets but there are lots of things here that help. The supplements and for many the topa really do help.

You both sound just like me in terms of how it developed. That wine at night while cooking, etc, and then it just gets to be a little more and a little more and pretty soon you are downing large quantities of wine every night.

Yikes!!

Here's hoping we all get off that train!!

Love,
Cindi

[tiredinhollister]

New here...hope this works!

Hoping

I have been looking at the site for awhile now and decided to join. I admire everyones courage and honesty. I hate that i mostly drink alone and that my family suffers. I love my kids and husband and don't want to loose them. Hope someone can help.

[Deena]

New here...hope this works!

I'm new too, but not new to understanding the support and strength we can give and receive in this online format. I'm an ex smoker because of a similar forum that had a program to follow.

Doing it by yourself, for yourself, doesn't mean you have to go it alone.

[Harlequin]

New here...hope this works!

We are having my son's GFs family over tonight and I'm a little concerned about it. I know I can make myself hold off, and that I'll be a better guy tomorrow for doing it, but I'm sure not looking forward to it!

Harlequin

[FinallyRN]

New here...hope this works!

Harlequin and everyone else who's new to this site. Welcome.
I have been here for a month and have found great comfort here. I think you will too. I too was very apprehensive about joining such a group or website. My privacy is of the utmost importance plus I never wanted to get suckered into hidden agendas or fees. I have found none of that here. You can participate if you like or just read.....its totally up to you. I'm in control, no one else is.
I went to AA years ago and one of the things I found to be helpful was; Never get thirsty, never get hungry and never get bored.........that's helped a lot. Vit B's, large doses help with cravings.....good luck and I hope to see you all on these posts.

[ChefRobaire]

New here...hope this works!

Me too

New too....and excited about it...good luck