First time invitation!

[amcalexand]

First time invitation!

getterbetter;705946 wrote: Good thread Janet. I also found this site recently and joined a week ago Sunday.Same age group, similar issues. Empty nest, stressful job, ailing parents. I lasted until the night of day 3, then caved pretty much for the rest of the week. I embarassed myself again on bender yesterday. Was OK for work today, but started feeling anxious by the pm...hot flashes, flushing, etc. I need to post more frequently. I'm taking the Kudzu and L-glutamine (uh, forgot to take the latter today). I'm considering the Topamax, but don't want to go through my health care practioner to get it...cuz I work with many of them! Will once again throw in the towel and hang out with u guys! Thanks again for starting this thread.

Hey GetterBetter,
Sounds like we are pretty much in the same boat. Have the empty nest, stressful job, nursing home mom who used to live with us, busy husband -- an overwhelming sadness and lonliness. Pinot Grigio as well as any vodka drink was in my hand. Had my wake up call last Sat night and saw a doc who isn't my regular practitioner. Did order Topomax from River Pharmacy. It's not here yet, but my doc put me on neltexone and campral. these meds WORK. Took these yesterday late morning, and I had to work a fundraiser yesterday afternoon making margaritas! Woah! And not once did I want one. So this is only day 2, but I am happy about the meds for me. Looking forward to the cd support as well as the nutritionals. Keep in contact. I think that helps a lot. Will keep in touch!

[Sonny22]

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Sonny22

:new:

Hi its me again, managed to get through last night although had a very restless night but pleased that I didn't cave. I am now at work and yes like many of you I have a stressfull job but the added complexity is that I advise professionals on how to meet the needs of families affected by parental substance misuse, so there is nobody I can talk to without loosing my credibility.

My Mum was an alcoholic and I used to wish she wasn't apart of my life as I couldn't cope with the violence which is why I specialised in what I did, to try to stop this happening to other families. But then when she did die the overwhelming feeling of guilt and loss was imeasurable. It is now nine years on and I want to move forward as I don't want my kids who are late teens and early 20's, to look at me the way I did with my Mum.

Its been good to read all these threads and as we are all on different time zones, there always seems to be somebody awake!!

It's going to be a long road and I'm not sure how I will cope but its good to keep droping in and reading.

Thanks to Janet for starting the ball rolling on a healthier September

[namaste]

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Hi, thanks for starting this thread.

Hi Getterbetter and amcalexand and the rest...just flying by for now but had to stop by because you caught my attention.getterbetter, so glad to see you here. Looks like a lot of us have a lot in common..I'm 51, empty nest, deing with the drinking after many years of sobriety.
AMcalexan- your name caught my eye! It is very close to my maiden name...just asking?

This is not my first time, so I hope you don't mind if I join you. I threw in the towel this morning and am shooting for 30 days AF starting today! I have been drinking on average a bottle of wine almost every day over the past few months. My ODAT mantra will be "30 days past September". :-) I too am thinking Abraham Hicks and am in the midst of some serious manifesting...so this thread caught my eye. I'm definitely looking for some like minded soul sisters. I've been around MWO a few times before, but I am approaching some lifestyle changes with an attitude of " being a student" or of being a beginner, so it may be appropriate that I approach this attempt at moderation or abstinence..wherever I am guided, from the same attitude.
Namaste'
di

[Sonny22]

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Hi all,

Janet and all how are you getting on. I had another restless night last night and am struggling to see the light. It's really helpfull to hear how you guys are getting on.

Take care and I hope all is well. Not sure if I will make it AF through day 3 but will give it my best.

keep smiling

[amcalexand]

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getterbetter;705995 wrote: Hi Janet, Maisie, Amcalex(uh...sp?) and everyone else!!
Glad we're all here as well! I'm off for (hopefully) a good sound night's sleep.The Kudzu hasn't kicked in yet, but I bought a different brand than the one that's coming in the mail from this site. I'm looking forward to not embarassing myself by being an ole' lady drunk! I'm 54 as well....Wow. Running a marguerita machine and no cravings...that's amazing!!!

How you doing GetterBetter? Hope well. How are the vits working for you?:goodjob:

[janet54love]

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Sonny22;707042 wrote: Hi all,

Janet and all how are you getting on. I had another restless night last night and am struggling to see the light. It's really helpfull to hear how you guys are getting on.

Take care and I hope all is well. Not sure if I will make it AF through day 3 but will give it my best.

keep smiling

Hi Sonny,
Did you make it through day 3? I hope you are feeling stronger everyday! I am taking my supplements, exercising, and listening to the cd's. I think the cd's are a HUGE help.
How is today?
:h

[dancelot]

First time invitation!

Hi again Janet, amcal, Sonny' and hello getterbetter!

Hope you all are well and glad you came back! You will not regret it. I'm up to 25 days AF now thanks to MWO (and kudzu and L-glute!), and feeling great and better every day.

I had no idea when I came here there were so many women in my age group in the same situation (meaning drinking problems). I also wonder if, as our life experiences change at this age (aging and passing of parents, sometimes friends or relatives our own age, as well as empty nest and just recognizing our own mortality), we're sort of forced to face up to our own problems, such as excess drinking. I had recently started waking up feeling like I might wake up (?) dead one of these mornings, and wondering who'd care for my animals. Now I wake up alive and looking and feeling good.

I haven't read the mentioned books, but looked them up and they are definitely in line with my beliefs. When you open yourself to guidance, it does show itself. I've always found it best to follow my own spiritual (not reptile!) instincts and inner wisdom, even when they are at odds with real "facts", the wisdom is the right choice, and will always remind you, if you choose to listen. Before finding MWO, I had looked at a couple of other alcoholism sites, which made me feel sick and disgusted with myself. The third one was MWO, where I stayed for about 8 hours, and ended that night as my first AF day. I had not even intended that. I love MWO's holistic approach, the idea of not being powerless (though I have tremendous respect for AA and anyone who finds help there; that's just not me), the fact that it was started by women, and most of all the support and especially the respect people show one another (I wish every site was this way - the world would be a much better place).

Namaste- I like your spiritual outlook - I've noticed that about your posts. I love these types of discussions and am always open to hearing about them. Remember, in some cultures ladies our age are considered "wise women" - I think we all are too!

Anyway, thanks again Janet for starting this thread, it's great on so many levels. And keep hanging in there everyone, no matter how many or few AF days you have!

Much love to you all!!!

[janet54love]

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Hello Dancealot et al,
What a blessing and accomplishment that you have reached 25 days. I find it so fascinating that mostly fifty something women gravitated to this thread. I LOVE to witness synchronicity firsthand. I was reading my Daily Om from both yesterday and today. Daily Om is an insightful, daily, 2-3 paragraph thought that comes to your inbox daily. It is always very refreshing, positive, and thought-provoking. (Go to DailyOM - Nurturing Mind Body & Spirit to register for this free daily devotion!) Anyhow, yesterday (9.2) was all about 'Outlining Your Intentions' and discussed the importance of writing down your goals. "When we create a list of what we want, citing each item in as much detail as possible, our aspirations take on new substance.....As you pour the contents of your heart and soul into your list, your well-defined ambitions become a part of you, and the universe responds to your new determination by placing opportunities related to your objectives in your path....." Today was about 'Choose Your Words'...."The word failure puts forward a very simplistic way of thinking that allows for only two possibilities: failure or success. Few things in the universe are black and white, yet much of our language reads as if they are....WHEN WE REGARD SOMETHING WE HAVE DONE, OR OURSELVES, AS A FAILURE, WE LOSE OUR ABILITY TO SEE THE TRUTH, WHICH IS NO DOUBT CONSIDERABLY MORE COMPLEX. In addition, we hurt ourselves. All you have to do is speak or read the word failure and see how it makes you feel...." WOW, I LOVE THESE CONCEPTS and they so go along with the Teachings of Abraham which I enjoy listening to on my IPOD. These ideas are so on the money with all of us, aren't they? Tonight, after dinner when I was feeling so free and unimpaired, I chose to do 30 minutes of yoga. What a gift to myself. What a splendid alternative to sitting on the couch swilling wine and wondering what I'm going to have for dessert. The most wonderful part is that I am not hungry, I am not craving wine, I could give a rat's ass about dessert, and I am going to treat myself to a candlelit bath, some kudzu, EPO, and milk thistle. Now THAT is a miracle. And we are all capable of creating that for ourselves DAILY. How incredibly liberating. So, that being said, I am on my way to the bath. Blessings and Love to all of you.:l

[highfunction]

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Hi Janet. I'm brand new also and no ready for meds, with a drinking habit much likes yours, though I'm closer to bottles than glasses. I have question (maybe I should post it somewhere else - I'm not sure anybody responds to responses but I'll share it here anyway). I started today to get the herbal supplements together. Couldn't find the Kudzu, but I will, so just came home with Milk Thistle, Primrose Oil and the B-Complex. THEN I was cruising on the web looking for Kudzu to order and found some information that suggested B complex (especially high doses of Niacin) are HARMFUL to the liver. Anybody have an answer about this?? I was really excited about the program, but now I'm a bit nervous about doing harm instead of good for my system.

[~iirene~]

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highfunction;708115 wrote: Hi Janet. I'm brand new also and no ready for meds, with a drinking habit much likes yours, though I'm closer to bottles than glasses. I have question (maybe I should post it somewhere else - I'm not sure anybody responds to responses but I'll share it here anyway). I started today to get the herbal supplements together. Couldn't find the Kudzu, but I will, so just came home with Milk Thistle, Primrose Oil and the B-Complex. THEN I was cruising on the web looking for Kudzu to order and found some information that suggested B complex (especially high doses of Niacin) are HARMFUL to the liver. Anybody have an answer about this?? I was really excited about the program, but now I'm a bit nervous about doing harm instead of good for my system.

Are you drinking?> your energy level seems doomed before you start.
Your nervous because HUGS are FREE here.!!
However, spill the wine and join the class.
Learn about you and others whilst participating!

Happy :welcome:

[dancelot]

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highfunction;708115 wrote: Hi Janet. I'm brand new also and no ready for meds, with a drinking habit much likes yours, though I'm closer to bottles than glasses. I have question (maybe I should post it somewhere else - I'm not sure anybody responds to responses but I'll share it here anyway). I started today to get the herbal supplements together. Couldn't find the Kudzu, but I will, so just came home with Milk Thistle, Primrose Oil and the B-Complex. THEN I was cruising on the web looking for Kudzu to order and found some information that suggested B complex (especially high doses of Niacin) are HARMFUL to the liver. Anybody have an answer about this?? I was really excited about the program, but now I'm a bit nervous about doing harm instead of good for my system.

Hello, highfunction, and welcome- I can't answer you about the niacin, but we all know continuing to drink alcohol WILL cause liver damage!

[redhibiscus]

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Hi All,
I am pleased to find a group of women similar to me. I am 49, empty nester, stressful but wonderful job, and sick of my drinking. I am a functional drinker, but I know that if I continue, I will die. I think after 30 + years of drinking, our bodies start to become so damaged we have a choice, stop, or continue drinking and end up with liver damage and ill health.

I have to laugh at myself...functional drinker...what is that. A person who drinks too much, feels horrible on a consistent basis, and lies and hides the consequences. Or thinks I hide it from others. In the last several months, I have talked to people on the phone while drinking and made an a**of myself. No more. Keep on posting and sharing your stories..they are wonderful and each person has something great to contribute.

[janet54love]

First time invitation!

redhibiscus;708253 wrote: Hi All,
I am pleased to find a group of women similar to me. I am 49, empty nester, stressful but wonderful job, and sick of my drinking. I am a functional drinker, but I know that if I continue, I will die. I think after 30 + years of drinking, our bodies start to become so damaged we have a choice, stop, or continue drinking and end up with liver damage and ill health.

I have to laugh at myself...functional drinker...what is that. A person who drinks too much, feels horrible on a consistent basis, and lies and hides the consequences. Or thinks I hide it from others. In the last several months, I have talked to people on the phone while drinking and made an a**of myself. No more. Keep on posting and sharing your stories..they are wonderful and each person has something great to contribute.

redhibiscus,
I am glad you are here. :welcome:

[janet54love]

First time invitation!

highfunction;708115 wrote: Hi Janet. I'm brand new also and no ready for meds, with a drinking habit much likes yours, though I'm closer to bottles than glasses. I have question (maybe I should post it somewhere else - I'm not sure anybody responds to responses but I'll share it here anyway). I started today to get the herbal supplements together. Couldn't find the Kudzu, but I will, so just came home with Milk Thistle, Primrose Oil and the B-Complex. THEN I was cruising on the web looking for Kudzu to order and found some information that suggested B complex (especially high doses of Niacin) are HARMFUL to the liver. Anybody have an answer about this?? I was really excited about the program, but now I'm a bit nervous about doing harm instead of good for my system.

Good Morning highfunction (LOVE your name, rings a bell here!) and others,
Regarding the niacin/B complex question, I would just like to mention that Roberta Jewell's research was based on sound nutritional science. Personally, as a vegetarian, I have been on high potency B complex most of my adult life and my liver is thriving. However, I am not a medical/nutritional expert so am not in a position to say much more than that. I have used supplements and other modalities (EFT, hypnosis, Reiki, Chi Gong, meditation, yoga, ad nauseum) for over 30 years. The ALL ONE powder is second to none! I noticed a sense of well being the first day. Add the glutamine to your smoothie, and look out girlfriend. Trust your instincts and align your supplements with what resonates with you. All of our answers lie within.
Blessings to all and welcome.:welcome:

[Sarasmiles]

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Hi Everyone,
I just came across this thread, and although I'm not new to MWO, I am gearing up to start a stretch of abstinence, and could use the support of others who are doing that too.

I'm 45 and like many of you have been drinking in what I consider to be an unhealthy way for many years (25?). It's been off and on, though mostly on...Mostly wine, and too many glasses, but not bottles.

Usually I start an AF stretch on a day when I'm a little hungover, and feel guilty and anxious. This time I'm planning for it. We're going away this weekend to visit with family who drink, and it is not a good time for me to start with confidence. Maybe it's a cop-out, but I just can't set myself up for failure by planning on abstaining in that envirnonment. I'm going to view this next few days as a kind of "withdrawal" time...although I don't ever have physical withdrawal symptoms. I am setting a limit of two drinks a day until Monday, the 7th, when I will begin a 30 day AF period.

I'm ordering Kudzu from MWO today. I have some from the Vitamin Shoppe, but I honestly don't think it works the way the MWO kind does. I'll do Kudzu, L-Glut, fish oil and a multivitamin, plus B-complex. I also take Prozac, 20mg. I have the CDs and will start listening to them again. School will be back in session for the kids, and I'll take our dog for long walks in the woods and do pilates at home. I want this. I want health, peace and strength. I keep trying, and sometimes I find it, and sometimes I fall back into old habits. But to keep trying is all I can do right now.

I hope this thread continues...It looks like a good place to be.
Sara