Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

[rustop61]

Good morning everyone

It feels so good to be logging in first thing in the morning again. It's hubby's first day back at work and one of the girls has gone to the stables so I am having some me time.

We had people for dinner yesterday and it was very tempting to have wine. I did moderate successfully over the holidays and had the first sober xmas day in years. However, I really wanted to start the New Year with a 0 in the drink tracker so I said to myself not today. I poured a large glass of AF wine and left it at my place and then when we sat down I poured the other glasses from the bottle. Nobody even noticed.

A big welcome to those of you who have just joined us. Keep coming back and checking in every day regardless of whether you have slipped or not. It's too easy to stay away and then you are back to square one. The big picture can be frightning so remember One Day at a Time.

Rustop

[tylyr]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Good morning from the UK. Yes, it is a good feeling in the morning. You've done well Rustop. For me, the trick is not to give in to the first one - I know that's true for a lot of us. My continuing worry is that I seem to do just that, and wonder how long it actually takes to be free of alcohol. It's a true questions. I keep coming back, coming back, coming back - re-affirming and then falling again. People on these posts say that they've tried a few times, but the number of times is now getting a bit scary for me. Sorry for being negative. Still, today is another day. Best of luck everyone, Tylyr

[Suki411]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Good morning, Rust, welcome back. Good tip for pouring a glass of AF wine and leaving it there.

Hi Tylyr. I've tried a number of times, too, Tylyr. It does great easier. I discovered that being negative takes too much energy. Of course, it took me a long time to get there. Refuse to beat myself up (since other are doing a good job of it!). Life is a journey, I might take the wrong turn, every once in a while, but I now know at some point, I'll get there.

You two are right, it does feel good to wake up feeling good!

Great day to you both and all to come.

[HarveyDanger]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Day 2 done

Day 2 is done and day 3 is beginning. Back to work today. Hopefully that will make a productive distraction and make today easier. :new:

[Cinders]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Good morning all ODATers!!

Yes. It is AWESOME to wake up in the morning hangover free and guilt free. Yea!!

Tylyr, even though most of us are looking at an AF life, remember, every day AF is a day you would not have been AF. Period.

I prefer to think a slip is just another learning experience. Don't let the same thing trigger a slip again. Recognize that cravings are always going to be a part of your life, they simply will get easier and easier to stamp down.

I have found cravings last less than a minute. LESS THAN A MINUTE!!

When they hit, or the fear and anxiety hit (omg, I can't go without a drink tonight/this morning/this afternoon/tomorrow, blah blah blah) I find deep breathing, standing up if sitting down, changing whatever I am doing.

Sometimes I just stare at the second hand of my watch until it goes away..

However, Tylyr, giving up on giving up is truly giving up. Hanging in there, whether you slip multiple times or not, is the way to win.

Many of the counselors in rehab slipped for YEARS. Yes, YEARS. One of my counselors was in and out of hospitals over 10 times. He has now been AF for 15 years and happy and healthy.

When you get right down to it, Tylyr, what is the option?

Hang in there, EVERYONE. Let's keep on keepin' on!!

Love,
Cindi

[Suzanna]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Hi ODATers, happy Wednesday, day 2 for me, yes again! But I am really determined this time, new year, new beginnings, but any day works as an anniversary date! I know I have to arm myself with supps and as I get to days 3 - 5 stay close to the boards. Which is not hard, I love it here with all the support. :h

Rustop glad you are back! Welcome to HarveyDanger, tylyr and all newbies to come.

[Eastender]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Hi Rustop and everyone,
Well done to you Rustop for your strength over Xmas and new year,

Today seems to bring some normality to life, Oh I do think boring can be good sometimes!

There are two quotes that I read recently i would like to share that hit home;

"I've learned that something constructive comes from every defeat" Tom Landry


"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try" Beverly Sills

Have a great day AF everyone!

Eastx

[charlee]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Welcome all ODAR'ers and all the new folks who joined us for 2008.
I agree it is finally good to get back into some kind of routine..Had a big New Years day dinner yesterday complete with homemade wine, but I passed, played the perfect hostess and when everyone left felt real good. Tired, but a good tired.
For all our new ODAT'ers, remember to not look at the big picutre, as it can be very overwhelming.......choose not to drink today and only today.

[James Harvey]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

I enjoyed all of your advise. This is my second day on this site. I am newly back for a Re-hab program and they want me to go the AA route. I did that 20 years ago and stayed sober for about 10 years-------but I have real problems with the AA program. I am a 64 year old retired high school teacher. The doctor at the rehab put me on Campral. Has anyone used this drug?
James Harvey

[James Harvey]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Campral

I am just back from Re hab and the doctor put me on Campral. Does anyone have any experience with this drug? I am new to this site and looking for away to go that does not include AA.

Thanks

James Harvey

[retteacher]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

James: I too am a retired school teacher. MWO has been my salvation...although I do go to AA & Alanon (as they say in the program: "Take what you like & leave the rest."). I don't take any of the supps or prescriptions, but that's just me. Others do & find success.

Tylyr: I second everything Cindi says. I tried & tried (yes, years). Even when I got here, I drank more than ever at first. However, the AF days in between had their effect. I hardly have any cravings now, but in the beginning, when a craving hit, I had to do anything to stave it off: pet the dog, watch TV, call someone, etc. Keep trying. Don't give in to the impulse to not come to MWO. We've all been where you are. If you stay away from MWO (I've seen this many times...I've wanted to do that myself), it's very difficult to come back (though we welcome everyone back w/open arms).

Good luck, Mary

[Miss October]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Happy January 2, 2008 !!

Good Morning Everyone !

Thanks for starting this thread once again Rustop. Good job with the AF wine, something I also plan to stay away from........anything in a wine glass would not be good for me. I need to break that habit, besides the addiction.

You are correct Tylry, today is another day, and IT IS THE DAY to be AF with all us ODATer's. We are right here by your side to help you along the way.

HD, i'm right behind you. Completed Day One yesterday. My outlook is so much better than it was in December, and this is my first day back to work. Feels good, especially being AF last night. Yes !! DB2 good for you on Day 5, and always enjoy your posts.

Easttender love your quotes, and James Harvey :welcome: MWO is a wonderful place to be. Stick with us, and Mary always has such good advice for us.

Take Care Everyone and for all those to follow.

[Taking Control]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Happy new beginnings to everyone.

Newbies, the MWO program really does work, if you work the plan. It has been a God send to me and I am so thankful to Roberta and to this forum. Even if you have a slip, I think it is extremely important to at least continue reading the posts. We are what we think about. If you continually think about quitting drinking, I believe you will eventually achive it.

Prior to 2007, I had very few AF days during the past 9 years. In 2007, 1/3 of my year (121 days) were AF. This year my goal is to have at least 2/3 of my year AF. I could have never even thought about a goal like this a few months ago.

I achieved 30+ days prior to Christmas. I am back for at least another 30 AF days in January.

tc

[universal]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Hi everyone!

I have to say, I have such a positive outlook today. Now that I have made the committment to go to AF in January I feel like I have a weight lifted off my shoulder - I really think I just needed to make that commitment to myself. Today is day 2 and I am going to take everything ODAT.........

Good luck to all the rest of us!!!

[KAT20]

Newbies in need ODAT - Wednesday

Hello everyone, I have a positive outlook as well. Day 2 for me also of the many times I tried but will not give up. Tylry, don't ever get discouraged. I can't count the number of times I tried and failed. I did recently stop beating myself up for it when I come on here and read all the encouraging words of support.