Hi (again)

[IanRankin]

Hi,
I posted here a couple of times before but was unable to get past the Sat night pull of pubs/clubs etc. So I told myself I wouldn't post again until I have 2 weeks under my belt. So here I am, with 14 days AF including two weekends and ready to kick on. As you may recall I am a typical weekend binger. I'm not getting too excited as I have done 3-4 weeks AF before. I have an awful lot of work to do.

To date my plan has included most days writing down how I feel after a session of booze, the benefits of being AF etc. Also I have been reading posts on MWO most days. I have been hitting the gym 2-3 days per week and out walking/running other days. I have always hit the gym 2-3 days a week but the running/walking is a new addition.

I did go to the pub one night with friends and did not drink AL. I felt no desire to drink but had a strange feeling of melancholy when I left the pub early but also felt good??

Anyway - happy to be here.

IR.

[patrice]

Hi (again)

Hi Ian, I love your crime stories!!!ha ha
Good on you, you seem to be doing very very well .. keep on and let us know more benefits - I'm a week behind you but already feeling better.. I also want to start the gym just waiting for some fractured ribs to heal. Think then I will be able to give up the cigs..
Your plan sounds really positive.. I am doing something similar myself and find its helping a lot
Good on you and happy you are here
Patrice

[Lavande]

Hi (again)

CONGRATS on your AF time Ian!!
That's wonderful to hear, be proud & keep going! Life gets better & better, you'll see.

Tweaking your plan from time to time really helps as your moods & emotions change. For me preventing boredom was very important!

Wishing you continued success on your journey

Lav

[techie]

Hi (again)

hey ian sounds like you are doing great. are you taking any meds/supps for cravings. just wanted an idea of what you game plan is other than gym. i train daily, but take topamax & supplements. best of luck on your continued success!

[Johnny]

Hi (again)

IanRankin;891765 wrote: Hi,
I posted here a couple of times before but was unable to get past the Sat night pull of pubs/clubs etc. So I told myself I wouldn't post again until I have 2 weeks under my belt. So here I am, with 14 days AF including two weekends and ready to kick on. As you may recall I am a typical weekend binger. I'm not getting too excited as I have done 3-4 weeks AF before. I have an awful lot of work to do.

To date my plan has included most days writing down how I feel after a session of booze, the benefits of being AF etc. Also I have been reading posts on MWO most days. I have been hitting the gym 2-3 days per week and out walking/running other days. I have always hit the gym 2-3 days a week but the running/walking is a new addition.

I did go to the pub one night with friends and did not drink AL. I felt no desire to drink but had a strange feeling of melancholy when I left the pub early but also felt good??

Anyway - happy to be here.

IR.

Mate it sounds as though we are in very similar situations, I am a weekend binge drinker who has just seen out most of day 9, and got through two social situations this weekend, it was hard but I did it, good luck with it man!

Johnny.

[IanRankin]

Hi (again)

Hi all,
Thanks for the replies.
Patrice - are you a John Rebus fan too?

In response to the Q about supps for craving, I am not taking any supps because I have never really had any physical craving for AL. My dependency appears to me to be more psychological i.e. to remove any awkwardness in social situations and to feel included etc. My job involves me dealing with people on an individual basis and in groups daily and I feel no awkwardness at all. In the gym I interact with people easily all the time. Yet when I go to the pub my brain tells me I need a drink to fit in. For me this where I think I need to focus i.e. just saying no to that first drink and remaining cognisant of all the negativity that I feel surrounded by when I drink.

Any other tips on my plan are welcome.

[IanRankin]

Hi (again)

'My friends called me Boozy Suzy' - The Irish Times - Tue, Jun 08, 2010

Hi again,
Just to say I took great heart from the above article posted recently by Ktab. It puts a strong focus on the positives of being AF and how one can have an active social life AF - very inspirational.

[Guest]

Hi (again)

Ian

I'm very much like you in that I feel awkward amongst people but get me in my specialist area and I'm fine. Firstly you WILL find social interaction difficult and the only way to make that easier is to practice - just like anything new in life, patience is required. Secondly even I wouldn't just go to the pub for the sake of it. I bucked the traditional advice of going out pretty soon into my sobriety but I had experience via numerous previous attempts at going AF PLUS there was always a valid reason to be there, which wasn't to sit around at a bar or table to watch others drink. Even now I try not to attend social events involving AL more than once a fortnight. I can actually feel it when I'm getting too much 'exposure' and chose to stay in as it's much safer.

I seem to remember you were worried about not being able to attract females?I've found whilst intially I was a bit 'cut' out I'm now more popular with the chaps than ever because I'm looking and behaving one million times better than I was before.

Just be careful out there but jolly well done!:goodjob:

By the way aren't drinkers boring - I often get bored when out and find not drinking makes me actually want to go home early, when in the past I'd have been vying to drink as long as possible followed by make a complete fool of myself. Feels good sneaking off sober and in control now.

[spuddleduck]

Hi (again)

well done ian. youre doing great. dont feel you have to keep away if you drink, thats what we are here for, to help you along the way

[patrice]

Hi (again)

Hi Ian and Spuddleduck and anyone else
I joined in Nov last year and I did read but didnt post anything cos was still drinking and embarrassed.. wish I hadn't ... you are right S!! It is better to stay on and gratefully receive the support..
Yes Ian, I love DI Rebus!!
Patrice

[IanRankin]

Hi (again)

spuddleduck;892484 wrote: well done ian. youre doing great. dont feel you have to keep away if you drink, thats what we are here for, to help you along the way

Hi SDuck,
Thanks.
I don't think anyone need stay away if they drink etc but just felt for me personally I wanted to get some days under my belt first.