where do I begin

[misunderstood]

Hi can anyone give me advice. I desperately want to cut back on drinking, I don't drink everyday, but when I start, I don't stop till I am asleep. It causes problems at home and I would love to be able to have an odd glass and control my drinking. I have tried kudzu but it didn't seem to help,maybe it wasn't a very good make. I have seen the items for sale and the cd to control drinking on social occassions looks good but can anyone recommend what they have used, I will look forward to replies.

[Peacefull]

where do I begin

welcome to this wonderful site...The general advice for moderating is to really get some AF time first. I am on Day 16 and think down the road I will moderate, but for now I am really enjoying the amazing feeling of not drinking. I am going for 30 days but really know I will not drink for a long time, don't want to stop feeling like this. For me, to think of never again is too overwhelming right now.

Keep coming back, lots of great support.

Peace

[mollyka]

where do I begin

Welcome Misunderstood, Peace is after giving great advice so I don't really have anything to add. Check out the 'tool box' in the Monthly Abstinence section, it has great hints and tips. Others will be along and advise you on meds and cds etc. sorry I haven't used them but good luck and do try to have some AF time, it is important to get a sober perspective before even dreaming of moderating.
Molly

[choice]

where do I begin

:colorwelcome:

I think if you keep reading around this sight you'll find a lot of answers to the questions your asking. I would suggest the 30 days AF time as well. Once you have this time under your belt you will be in better touch with yourself and in a position of strength. Best of luck on your path!

-choice

[not tonight]

where do I begin

Hello misunderstood and welcome to MWO. There is a great deal of information and support, so spend sometime reading. Getting some alcohol free time under your belt will give you some perspective on your drinking. I have not tried the Kudzu, however I have found the supplements to be very good at moderating my mood swings, especially after 6pm.

As I said, there is a great deal of support here so keep reading, posting and asking for help. Glad you are here.

[Millynilly]

where do I begin

Hi Everyone:
Well, this is my "witching hour" generally around 2 p.m. I have a couple of glasses of wine then continue throughout the afternoon and evening. I feel so restless and bitchy, but I am gritting my teeth (grinding actually) and digging my heels in. Basically, what I am trying to do at this point is moderate. But, of course this is only Monday so weekdays aren't on the drinking agenda. I hope I don't sound too whiny, and I really feel quite ridiculous. My brain is pretty much mush today. Jumping out of my skin would be great!!! Anyway, thanks for listening.

[Lavande]

where do I begin

Hello Misunderstood & Millynilly!

Welcome to MWO, this is a good place. The support I received was tremendous & I am now AF nearly 1 1/2 years! You can do it too!

You should start by downloading the MWO book from the Health store. It explains the different aspects of the program. You need to make a good plan for yourselves as well. Take a look in the https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...box-27556.html for good ideas. I personally didn't use the suggested supplements (due to allergy problems) but I did use the Hypnotherapy CDs & highly recommend them. They helped me learn to relax without AL & start to sleep normally again.

I wish you both the best on your journey. Make a commitment to do 30 days AF then see how you feel. I felt so wonderful at that point I gave up the notion of ever drinking again. I don't feel deprived because I have gained so much.

Lav

[FancyC]

where do I begin

Just wanted to say Welcome! Not in a good position to give advice, but this site is great. It will certainly help you on your journey. Will be sending good thoughts your way. Good luck!

[greeneyes]

where do I begin

Hi misunderstood and millynilly! :welcome:

I second lavande's advice and I'll add a vote for the supplements. I think they are invaluable in helping your body recover and reset and resist. A note on the kudzu; it is pretty much unanimous that the Kudzu from this site is superior. Also, you'll probably find this thread helpful: https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...lan-41280.html And last but not least, L-glutamine!! Give it your best shot - anything less is wasting more of your precious life!

[symbols]

where do I begin

My only advice, come here at least twice a day every day. It'll just make sense. But you do have to start with day one of alcohol free,and then 2 and 3 and so on. I'm around day 20 something. First time in 20 years. Just did it but not cocky! So can u, and we share the same pattern.

Be strong,

[Guest]

where do I begin

Mindset is key to dealing with alcohol problems, and generally that means accepting you need to be at peace with AL. For many it's about stopping the fight with it and learning to be at ease without getting plastered.

[Mish]

where do I begin

Hi Misunderstood. Wow! I even considered your username when choosing mine only a few weeks ago, because I felt so terribly misunderstood. I spent days researching labels such as "problem drinker," "compulsive drinker," "binge drinker" and "alcohol abuse." All this was to prove to myself that I'm not...you know...that horrible term for ...um...oh heck. You do know what I mean, don't you?
A few people suggested that i might be an...an...but that made me uncomfortable even to think about it.
Anyway, one morning after a "slip" and feeling very sick and ashamed and worthless I looked at myself in the mirror and tried to say (furtive efforts not to look at myself) "I am not an alcoholic."
I couldn't even convince myself any more.
I am an alcoholic.
Give it a try for yourself and see how you go.
I found I wasn't misunderstood after all. I was misunderstanding.
My very best wishes
Mishy

[Pride before Fall]

where do I begin

Mishy, excellent post! My mirror-self did an intervention, too. This shaky, nauseous woman with a puffy face and flat red eyes looked back at me and managed to get out (between vomiting), "Hey, have you ever considered this maybe isn't a treat, something you "earned" or "deserved," but a gun?" A freaking gun! I took it out of my mouth, removed the bullets, and threw it in the trash.

I don't know why or how my relationship with alcohol changed out of the blue when so many people here struggle with cravings and miss it, and I don't know if it will last, but I kiss the ground every day for it.

Mis, it may help to think about it like this when you feel like you're missing something:

"Another round of topical antiseptic diluted with sugar and citrus to mask the taste that we recoiled from the first (and 10th) time we forced it down, please! Woo hoo! Bring on that chemically-induced dopamine rush, and let's pretend it's real! Woooot! havin' fun now!"

You can do this! : )

xoxox Pride