My first time on this site

[seila1]

Today is my first day on this site. Although I purchased the hypno cds and read the book, I started and was fine for 7 days and then fell off or just fell down. I tend to be the type who refuses help and feels it is a character flaw that I can't get myself through this. So, today I decided to reach out. I think I realize I cannot do this alone. What makes me hopeful is that fact that reading everyone posts and struggles proves to me that I am not alone. I have felt that I was the only person with this problem a defective person that isn't worthy of anything.

I am not sure how all this works or if there is a protocol to this. So I thought I would start by saying thanks for all the posts. I feel better knowing that there are others out there and a place to go.

I am starting over today, one day at a time.:thanks:

[LookingToGrow]

My first time on this site

Seila, Welcome to the site :h

[shelbysmiles]

My first time on this site

Welcome! Glad you are here!

[seila1]

My first time on this site

Thanks everyone, I've just been breezing through the posts and feeling better by the second.

Question, I have just been doing the hypnotherapy but no meds or suppliments. I am not sure I am ready to discuss this yet with my doctor. Also, I have other medications that I need to take and am concerned about the interactions. Has anyone had success with just the hypnotherapy?

I am not a daily drinker, rather a binge/trigger drinker but one drink is never enough. I can go a day or so, but I find alcohol is always in my thoughts and I wait for the evenings when I will be alone and can drink. Once I'm "in the zone" of needing a drink, I tend to not be able to make myself listen to the CDs or focus. Any suggestions?

[vlad]

My first time on this site

seila1;450045 wrote: So, today I decided to reach out.

So glad you did! It's hard to do things alone, we all need support and help from one another, especially from those who understand because they've been in your situation. Looking forward to more of your posts!

[akgirl]

My first time on this site

:colorwelcome:

Hi Seila
This place and these people are amazing.

I love the CDs but don't think they would be enough by themselves. I ordered the Topa online without a prescription. I also do the supps because a lot of them are to help heal. The Kudzu and L-glut really help with cravings.

Wishing you success on your journey to being AF

[seila1]

My first time on this site

Thanks - akgirl. I will try the suppliments, may just have to get up the courage to admit to my doctor what's really going on with me. I will also look on line for the Topa, I did a little research and I guess I now have a topic of conversation with my doctor.

[lil.michelle]

My first time on this site

Hey!!! Welcome!!!! You really should get the supplements. They do help but you do need will power. This is a fantastic site, everyone is so amazing and supportive and NEVER judge! It's great! I'm glad you realise you're not alone! We're all here for you through the good and the bad! Keep posting, stay strong and i look forward to reading your posts!

[cuckoosnest83]

My first time on this site

Hi Seila, welcome. I think the cds and the book were helpful but also found the supplements were an added benefit. I'm currently taking the topamax too. Like you I felt I should be able to do this on my own and felt it was a character flaw to have to reach out for help. Always had the feeling I should be able to "pull myself up by my own bootstraps" or whatever that saying is. Recently I have been opening up more on the site and I think it helps more if you are honest in your struggle. The people on the site are very supportive and non-judgemental. All are going through or have gone through what we are going through and will offer you advice, support, or just a shoulder. Good luck and will look for you on the boards.

Cucks

[toughintexas]

My first time on this site

Welcome! This is an awesome group, we really support each other, no matter what, and this is like a "family" to many of us. I'd do all the suggestions RJ has, esp. read the book, you can download it, and the supp's....the best L-glut, you can get right now, its MetRx powdered, take it about 30 mins before the "witching" hour, and again if you are still craving, and if you have one drink, take another dose in betw., it also helps the body rid itself of the internal yeast, that is rampant from the alcohol converting into sugar....most of the cravings, are like a diabetic, hitting hypoglycemia, the body is used to that influct of sugar from the alcohol, and hits a low, that signals the urge...it'll help break the cycle. Also, the first most important thing to do, is change your habits, whatever time you usually start drinking, make sure you do anything else during that time....go for a walk, go to the grocery, bookstore, anything, just don't be where you usually are, when you start drinking....its a habit, so you have to replace the bad habit, with a healthy one, it really helps to just change the environment that usually starts the drinking.... getting more physically fit, slowly, and just fresh air, and a lil exercise helps too, endorphins.... Stay with us, read, read, and read, and go to chat, and just hang in there...its a long road, there's speed bumps, but we all understand, and have "been there, done that".....Welcome!

[toughintexas]

My first time on this site

Opps, sorry I didn't see you'd already read the book....I swear, that was me when I read it...... It does help soooo much to think you aren't the only one! I thought that too, I was soooo relieved to know it wasn't just me....this support is so great. You'll find that most of the folks here, are very normal, everyday folks, hard working, great parents, some very highly educated, and very successful, control freaks about things, and goals, and yet....for some odd reason, we can set and acheive lots of things, but this bugger of a beast, is something we can't "control or conquer", so we all need help with it... You have made a huge step, admitting you need help, that a great start....you will have good dys and bad til you make it, we all have, and its nothing to be ashamed of..... You are never a failure, unless you quit trying! Look forward to getting to know you!

[Peanut]

My first time on this site

A big welcome to you Seila!
You can buy the supplements on the site - I found that the easiest. I have the CD's too, but don't get around to using them that often, but alot of people swear by them. They are bit pricey, but if you can afford it, it is worth it to try I think. Do the whole program. As for the Topamax, not everybody uses it, for much the same reason you have. I really works well for some, but in some cases, side effects can be bothersome. I took it for a while - I think it really helped - but had some side effects I didn't like, so I stopped. I keep considering going back on and staying at a low dose, but haven't done that yet! May be a good idea to chat with your doctor though!
Best to you!!!
Peanut

[Peanut]

My first time on this site

Hi TITexas - cross posted.
Very interesting about the L-glut and the getting rid of internal yeast. I didn't know that. I was looking at the bottle and it says "help with intestinal function" but I had no idea in what way!!!!
Peanut

[seila1]

My first time on this site

Thanks, everyone. I agree that TITexas's advice and information on L-glut was awesome. I am going to try that. I found a link on this page to get Topamax so once I talk to my doc I can decide from there. I also really liked the : and yet....for some odd reason, we can set and acheive lots of things, but this bugger of a beast, is something we can't "control or conquer", so we all need help with it...It feels like a beast, it feels so tangeable and everywhere. I certainly fall in the control freak category and it just kills me that there is this one giant think looming over me all the time. Not sure what life would actually be like without it??? Could I actually be happy? Healthy? Confident? I know when I quit when pregnant with my son I felt very in control. I did it for him so he would be healthy and it was easy - how I can't stop now for myself drives me nuts. I also guess in a way I am doing it for him because he needs a healthy mom and a good role model.

I love the warm welcome and have spent a lot of my day reading posts and stories (don't tell my boss). I have enjoyed meeting everyone and am feeling stronger already.

[seila1]

My first time on this site

Peanut - what were some of your symptoms? I hear that it can make you foggy brained and forgetful? Did lower doses help?