I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

[mylife]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Hi Struggles, glad to hear you hung in there through all that! I had a hard time this afternoon, no shakes but just very strong cravings. I immediately went online and started reading posts on this site, and it helped. It's not helping me meet deadlines at work, but I'll deal with that by working all weekend! LOL! I guess that will keep me out of trouble!

I also like the carbonation -- maybe you should try some sparkling water? You might be having too much caffeine with all the diet cokes, and that could be making you feel worse. I don't know, but it seems everyone reacts differently to AL withdrawal. I know my brain starts teasing me around now that my problem "really isn't that bad" and "just have one"... so I'm determined to stay sober for Christmas this year, too. Think of how great we'll all feel if we can do this together!

Have a great evening and congratulations on battling your cravings! I know it will get better. :goodjob:

[Choochie]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Struggles I would say the soda is what's making you feel bloated. Even though it's diet, it has a lot of salt - you would be better off drinking a regular soda than a diet one - lots of recent research on this I think. Lots of water with lemon would be so much better for you. The lemon gets rid of the acid in your system (I know it's counterintuitive) and makes you more alkaline. Soda is probably the worst thing you can do to your body. Could you limit yourself on that?

Regarding specific days that are bad - I think it varies a bit for everyone. Are you getting exercise and eathing healthy food?

Hang in there - remember you're trying to give your body a chance to heal - you've been damaging it for a long time so you have to be patient.

ML - I think the mental images are good - I even get on line and look at them to keep me strong.

Sending you peace and strength,
Choochie:l

[jennyneric]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

I'm doing pretty well, I have made it to day 6 recently but haven't made it past 10 ever, well see if I can this time. . .we have a busy night here. . .I am trying not to be short with the kids but it seldom works, I can only hope it will get better.

[Choochie]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Jenny, ML, Struggles - have you thought about any alternatives if this doesn't work for you - like Antabuse? I don't know a thing about the meds but I was noticing that Mama Bear just made 30 days - and I think K9 is having good results with it. Just throwing it out there. I really hope you can just make it on your own, but am just thinking out loud.

Choochie

[Doggygirl]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Jenny, it WILL get better.

Struggles, have you read the My Way Out book? It's only about $12 to download it. I think the information about nutritional deficiencies, etc. will explain a lot of what you are feeling. I think it's helpful to read about the program that this web site was really based upon. Hang in there. It does get better even though it might not feel like it right now.

DG

[mylife]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Hi Guys, Choochie, I was just asking K9 and Sunshine about Antabuse on another thread. I think I'm going to hold it over my head that if I don't make it this time I'll try it. I will read up on the side effects, but in the meantime I'm going to plan not to fail this time. Finishing up with Day 6!

[jennyneric]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Mylife and Choochie, I have thought about antabuse also, if I only slip once a week I figure thats not that bad but also not the results I want either. . . thinking out loud also Choochie.

[Choochie]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Guys - I think reading up on the SEs is smart because you want to know what you're dealing with - I have no clue. I'm really an a naturale girl but understand people wanting to have a back burner plan if things get too tough. I did read that Antabuse stays in your system for 2 weeks so if you miss a pill you can't think it's ok to drink. And, you would get really sick if you drank on it is my understanding. I would just do a bunch of research before I went that route but I would do it now in case you need it. I think Doggygirl originally was going to take some meds but decided against them after reading about the SEs -- think it was Topamax, though, not Antabuse. I have read some on the Meds thread -- people having luck with Balcofen. I'm just trying to educate myself too just in case.

Choochie

[jennyneric]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Good morning. . .I feel horrible. . . well just leaving it at that.

[struggles]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

What's going on Jenny? It's day 5 for us?

I finally slept last night and woke up feeling hung over....but that just gave me the incentive I wanted to make sure I don't drink today or tonight so I can see how I feel tomorrow morning. I know it will be tough, but I'm going to try my damnest to do it!

Hang in there and have a good day.:l

[jennyneric]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

No struggles, I'm ashamed to say, it is not day 5 for us. . . .I am back on the sleigh though and we are going for the rest of December, it was not worth it at all. Sorry to let y'all down. Thanks for the hugs and the words of encouragement. I just don't want to influence anyone in the wrong direction you know. I have my first counseling appt today and was not going to go but now I think it's a good idea. Well here goes my first sober weekend. Sorry to be a downer but if anyone need to talk tonight I'll be here.

[Choochie]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Jenny, I think the counseling is an excellent idea. I hope you can do this. You will not regret getting sober. The alcohol is a losing proposition all the way around.

Sending you peace and strength,
Choochie:l

[DaisyAngel]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

I started AF on 1st December, so I am 3 days in.
I do not find it easy, but I realise that my alcohol abuse is down to boredom at home alone in the evenings and am doing things to occupy my mind instead of reaching for a bottle of wine.
The weather here has been so bad that I have not been able to work, so the decision to stop could not have come soon enough, otherwise I fear I would start drinking at lunchtime.
If I can make it through to the 16 December, that will be my first milestone. Do not want to say the whole of December as I fear I will be setting myself up for a fall and will then punish myself with feelings of self worth and loathing.
Thing is, I am out with my staff on 16 and when out with others I do not have the urge to drink because I guess I am not feeling lonely and bored, so I have every hope of getting beyond.
I am finding it harder to give up and stay stopped these days. i can go a day here and a day there, but it does not last.
I have found this website and those of you that use it incredibly supportive in helping me and I thank everyone for your encouraging words of support

xxx

[Choochie]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Hi Daisy :welcome:I see you've posted a few times, but I've missed you. Glad you have picked it up again, as posting really helps us work things out in our minds. Since you're not new to the site, I'm wondering how much you know about where to find things. The toolbox which is invaluable is under Monthly Abstinence. Otherwise, I recommend reading as much as you possibly can.

I totally understand the boredom issue, etc. In the toolbox, there are some wonderful articles that address the issue. The loneliness can be mitigated by this site. I read voraciously and try to exercise every day. I spend time cooking too, which takes a lot of time. AA meetings are also good for a way to be around others who understand addiction and are fighting it!

Let us know how we can help.

Choochie:l

[jennyneric]

I'm starting my rest of the year sober challange today!

Good morning y'all! How is everyone? I went to therpy yeasterday and she recommened meds for my apparent OCD. . .I knew I had OCD but I kinda like my OCD so I will have to think about that. I see her again on 12-22. Hope everyone has a great AF Saturday!