Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

[Bessie]

Well, back on the boards after a fun and busy Christmas period. Hope you all had a lovely time whether AF or moderating.

My drinking, without the support of the boards and the supps (stopped taking them as it was just another thing to remember and I was away for several days) has returned to original levels at a very scary speed. I'm looking at an empty bottle of wine and another half empty one from last night - just me on my own. SOOOOO, definitely time to log back in, get back on the supps, re read the book and clear out the leftover Christmas booze! I know what I have got to do to get back on track and I can't tell you what a huge relief it is to know this place is here to provide support and inspiration. So, if you're just lurking and wondering whether to dip your toe into the MWO community, do it, you won't regret it!

Have a lovely day all, whatever you are doing.

Bessie x

[sweetpea]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

Bessie know what you mean, I thought I was doing ever so well and here I am back to square one!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your right about getting back on the sups, reading the book, listening to the DVD and clearing out the booze!!!!!!!!

But am committed to an AF January so will be on the boards loads

Everyone have a good day thinking of you and sending LOL

Sweetpea xxxxxxxxxxxx:h

[rudemama]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

i too know what you mean about clearing out the christmas booze. i am going on day 4 af, with booze in the house i couldn't do it with out mwo. I will not drink today rudemama

[emily]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

after doing great on a 30 day AF I tried to moderate and since the start of December I think I've drunk more than ever. I'm actuallly sick of the sight of the stuff.

It's the 29th December and Hogmany is nearly upon Scotland and the place is awash with alcohol. Like you I'm going to re-read my book, put on some hynotherapy and start the supps again, do you think I'm kidding myself at this time of the year?

Any Scottish friends' advice who are aware of the culture at this time of the year would be great. Good thing I suppose is I'm not planning any parties this year but sometimes you feel forced to go and refusing a new year toast almost rude. What I'm trying to say is, should I start January 1st or is this just another excuse for the start always to be tomorrow...

[charlee]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

Morning all to come
Bessie and Sweetpea....congrats to you for taking the steps to a AF New Year, getting rid of the booze is a major step, and not easy to do..That was the scariest part for me but once I did and truly committed to myself I was on my way. Take it slow, be good to yourselves and know we are here for you.

[Cinders]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

I am starting my AF days today, too.

Good luck, everyone.

MDBiker posted a quote in another post that really hit home.

It was:

Not drinking will not open up the gates of Heaven and let you in, but it will open up the gates of Hell and let you out.

I actually started crying when I read that. Glad my hubby's still asleep or he will think I have really lost it. Oh, wait, I have.

We can do this everyone.

I have to do this.

Love,
Cindi

[retteacher]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

Hi Everyone: This surely is the hardest time of year to try to mod or abs. We are invited out for New Years Eve, & I'm planning on being AF. I have a few simple things I practice before I go out to parties. I find that the first few minutes when the host is asking what you want & pouring wine/spirits is the hardest. I've practiced:
"Selzer would be fine for now."
"I think I'll start w/soda."
or if I'm feeling a little insecure:
"I'll start w/soda...I felt a headache coming on earlier."

When the host refills glasses & asks again.
"I'll stick w/this...it's fine."

It sounds so simplistic to have to practice such simple phrases, but in the moment, I've given in many times. This has helped me. You all will find your own strategies.

I just know that there is no way on earth, I will do anything to jeopardize my sobriety at this point.

Mary

[Deena]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

Thanks for sharing that quote, Cindi...I love it too! I'm only here for my second day but I hope you all don't mind if i join in on this daily thread. I think it will help to have some place to "check in" every day...that worked when I quit smoking, and also when I was on the Weight Watchers Online program (to lose the 15 lbs I gained when I quit smoking - hah!)

I'm going to start reading the book today and I've ordered the starter kit and Topamine. I want to get the CD's, but they are expensive...have any of you used them and are they worth it?

:new:

[Cinders]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

Deena,

You are more than welcome to join this thread. The more the better.

I have never used the cds, myself but have heard wonderful things about them.

Good luck and again :welcome:

Cindi

[salem]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

What is meant by MF? 7 drinks a week? 27? The recommended amount for women is 7 drinks (5 oz. glass of wine, 12 oz. of beer, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor etc.. I had gotten to a point where I was drinking at least 21 drinks a week when I counted. I am up to 75 mg. of Topiramate just now and (cross your fingers) my brain hasn't exploded or anything yet. I am still reeling from the "scolding" I received from the doctor I went to see. I would have said "my" doctor, but he is no longer "my" doctor--I'm going to find a new one. I wonder why certain doctors think that shaming and scolding will help an already miserable situation? He was (to say the least) not opened minded about MWO--even though he had agreed with me that AA has a 98% failure rate. He kept referring to it as "No Way Out," and then would catch himself. But I have now seen reports reports of topiramate being used for alcohol dependence in several articles--one that implied but did not state long term use.

Anyway, during this holiday season, I have been able to keep it down to 2 to 2 1/2 drinks per night. May not sound like much, but it is less than the four or more that I was doing. Starting January 2nd, I want to go AF until my anniversary on January 25th. I do so want to get this under control. And only then will I have a better idea of whether I can manage MF. Happy New Year y Prospero Ano!
Salem



?

[cuckoosnest83]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

Emily, I too was doing so well on a 30 day AF and then I hosted a small party and I ended up drinking some wine. I only had a small amount that night and then went AF for a few days but now my drinking has again escalated. Tonight I will be hosting another party and plan on going AF but like you, don't know if I am kidding myself. I am also wondering if I plan on Jan 1 is that just another delay tactic. Anyway good luck to everyone on going AF.

[FinallyRN]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

Good morning all.
Good to have you back Bessie.
Thanks Mary again for your insite. Believe it or not that is the hardest thing for me.
saying "no". Something so simple. I feel saying "no" means admitting to all I have a problem, I think I'm being watched. And maybe its admitting to myself? My best excuse up to this point has been, " Can I have some water first please? I just finished running and I'm so thirsty" After that no one pays attention to me.
I too am looking forward to Jan 1st mostly to have my life back. I have to say I'm a bit concerned that all are putting up such importance to that date. I'm scared that those who don't see 30 days AF will torture themselves. I'm getting scared of the pressure. Right now all the social events have been my excuse for not going AF............when thats gone there is only me and AL.

[paula]

Newbies in need ODAT - Saturday

Hi everyone, I managed a sober Christmas, hope to do the same for new year.
RN, Jan ist is just a date, don't worry, you will be fine. I'm going to a party tonight
and do not plan on drinking. New year's eve I am looking after my grandchildren.
Best of luck everyone.
Paula.x