It's a major bummer...

[aclassicgirl]

I had felt so good about it... the doctor said to come off the AL slowly (give it at least a week). Coming off up to 8 glasses, I feel is possible and have done the past couple of nights: 4 glasses, 4 gls, 3 gls, and then dinner with friends...I was thinking I could do 2 ritas at dinner and 1 vino at home. It didn't work...................
I have no idea how to address my friends because I thought I already did. Next thing I know I had a 3rd rita in front of me...I thought tonight I would only have 3 drinkis. I mean I didn't drink ALL DAY just so I could have ONE rita at the restaurantA and 2 vinos at home. So I guess screw tonight and get back on track and only have 2 drinks tomorrrow.
**aclassicgirl

I'd like to see an smile that holds a "Still New" sign...

[lil.michelle]

It's a major bummer...

HI!
I'm sorry it was a major bummer last night. It's really hard not to drink or to only drink a little when out with friends or at social gatherings. It was a huge test for me too. Even if a drink is placed in front of you, you have all the right in the world to not drink it. Don't feel pressured into drinking when out, easily said then done i know. It's still early days for me and i know how hard this is, most of us screw up, i think it's a learning curve. !! Always remember tomorrow is another day!

[Long Road]

It's a major bummer...

Amen lil.m. Social events or business occasions are v. hard. I always prepare my mind as much as my suit for such circumstances. In OZ it's even harder than in the US because drinking is expected here, particularly from males. I simply tell the truth: I'm an an alcoholic and so can't drink: people are so shocked that they don't have time to judge U. Works 4 me.

[Doggygirl]

It's a major bummer...

Welcome Classic girl. Quitting alcohol is a tough road that's for sure. After over a year of working at quitting, I can say I find it MUCH easier to say "NO" to booze entirely than try to drink "just one or two" when what I really want is ALL the drinks.

Long Road - LOL at your strategy but I bet it works!! I have actually said " the problem is I don't want one drink, I want all of them" when asked why I was drinking AF beer.

Each of us is different, but for me to be successful in my quest for sobriety, I have to avoid as many drinking situations as possible in the early days. I have to put my sobriety first, even if that means I disappoint a few people socially in the short term. I realize you can't get out of everything, but we CAN say no to lots of situations that involve lots of temptation.

Happy to be 68 Days AFHF (Alcohol Free, Hangover Free)

DG

[savon19]

It's a major bummer...

I think I have to agree with Doggy Girl... "I dont' want ONE, I want them ALL!"

Is there a reason your Dr. wants you to slowly cut back vs. stopping altogether? Does he think (know?) you'll have bad withdrawals?

Just before I quit this time (AF #4 today!), I had bought a bottle of my favorite poison (bourbon), thinking I could just have a couple every now & again. WRONG. Addiction just doesn't work that way... After drinking more than I should and having weird conversation w/ "kind of" bf, I actually poured half the bottle down the drain. I don't think I've ever done that before! (Altho others have in past...)

I haven't yet been in a social situation where it was expected I should join in, though... But after going nearly 3 wks. AF, I went to a friend's house who offered me wine. I only had a couple, but the next time I went over a couple days later, I somehow justified bringing a bottle of bourbon (???).

We're all different, but when you're addicted, a little usually leads to a lot...

Good luck - and you CAN do this. One good outcome is that after a day AF, you do feel as though you've accomplished something, which leads to a bit more self-esteem. And a lot of the reason for drinking is low-self esteem in many cases.

[A Work in Progress]

It's a major bummer...

Savon, that is so well put! (Dittto to LM... ) I love the image of "somehow justified bringing a bottle of bourbon (???)" to a friend's house! I've done that... my alcohol-craving brain was making SURE that there would be enough to drink of what she WANTS to drink! Crazy, crazy!

Dog and LR, I like your strategies... another one I have used is just to say: "Thanks, but I've already consumed my whole quota of alcohol... "

Best wishes, Classic, and just look at it as a really important learning experience about your own behavior with alcohol... How it works is just how it works.

best wishes,

wip

[Doggygirl]

It's a major bummer...

A Work in Progress;370695 wrote: ... another one I have used is just to say: "Thanks, but I've already consumed my whole quota of alcohol... "

wip

LOL - I think I consumed my whole AL quota by the time I graduated college at about age 24. (I'm 50 now, and WAY WAY over budget.....)

DG

[Seacailin]

It's a major bummer...

Hi ACG

I am so glad that you stopped into Chat last night. Do come back. Social situations are tough. I still have one former drinking buddy who keeps sending me text messages to meet him to get drunk. Not gonna happen. When someone goes to hand me a drink, I say, "If you ever saw me drunk, you would Not be handing that to me" That usually works.lol. No one wants a crazy, out of control drunk around. Stick around. You Can Do This!!!

[aclassicgirl]

It's a major bummer...

You all are so great and I thank you so much for your responses. I just read what I wrote last night and I'm so proud of y'all for actually being able to make sense of it! Chat was so key as I was EASILY able to stop drinking. I poured out the remainder of my drink and had a big water. It was so funny on chat last night! I was really cracking up at some of that!
I had a headache this morning, of course but then took my son to parent / child swim class and am feeling much better.
I will call my friends and tell them not to order me a rita as the first drink is usually ready for me when I arrive! Actually, not going to dinner would be the best choice...
Excited about ditching the AL!
**aclassicgirl:thanks:

[mwo2]

It's a major bummer...

[QUOTE=Seacailin;370847], "If you ever saw me drunk, you would Not be handing that to me"

I'm going to use that on myself !! good one.

I was able to have my brother in law have some beers while he worked on my fence sat. he stayed the night to finish on sun. Then I gave him the remaining beers in the fridge, just said take these home I wont drink them. He didnt ask me any ?? just took-em. My kids were here that helped . I have chosen not to go to their house because I feel it would be sooo easy to start al.


aclassicgirl, sounds like you are working your way to dumping al, the sooner the better I say. And you may have to not go to dinners for awhile if you get handed ritas when you arrive! Hope calling them beforehand works.

[vera-b]

It's a major bummer...

Hi Classic,

Those ritas are wicked, aren't they? Taste like all mix and they hit you before you've polished off the salt on the rim! I think you've been given some great tips. May use some myself. However, I've found going out that most people don't really care what or how much I drink. I like to start out with a club soda and lime and then when the second round comes, just order another. Besides, isn't the point of the evening to be with friends, have great conversation, learn a few things about someone else and enjoy a break from the routine? Who needs al for that?

My limited experience is that conversation gets far more interesting when I'm AF because my head is free to really listen. Back in the old booze days, all I was thinking about was the next drink. Enjoy your sobriety - wouldn't be surprised if you look back on these days and say "what was I thinking????"

V.