New to MWO and curbing use

[dkmtw]

Hello. I am a 43 year old mom of teen boys. I started binge drinking in high school, around 14. I do enjoy drinking and it is a big part of my husband's and my social life, but over the past couple of years, it has evolved into a bottle of wine or more a night (on my own). It feels like it is mostly just a habit...I start craving around 5pm and drink until bed time. I wake up with a hangover about 3-4 times a week and I hate it! I also hate the shame I feel for not being able to control myself. The relaxation and "letting go" feeling when I drink just seem to be too good for me to pass up every evening.

I've read lots of great books on moderate drinking and I think AA would never be for me--I am definitely a fan of the non-12-step programs. I feel like I just got ripped off, though, because I paid $700 for some supplements/exercises that I just got, am supposed to take 6 times a day and they are drops that taste horrible! I know I can't follow that program (looking to get at least a partial refund), so here I am, once again looking for a way to cut back.

I just ordered the Kudzu Rescue from the MWO site and am hoping that helps, but am concerned about rushing into another program with more $$$ only to find I can't maintain it.

Well, that's my story. I'm glad you're here and looking forward to learning from everyone.

[Doggygirl]

New to MWO and curbing use

:welcome:

If it's just a habit, then it shouldn't be too hard to stop or cut back. If you find it difficult to stop or cut back, then you may be looking at something more than a habit.

Have you downloaded the My Way Out book to give that a read? (maybe so since you mention the kudzu) If not, that might be a good start. The e-book is only $13 or something like that, IIRC.

I think nutrition and exercise can play a vital role in recovery. They sure did for me anyway. Those things alone were not a magic bullet for me. It was actually very difficult to stop drinking. But it was the best thing I ever did for myself.

Best wishes to you on your journey!

DG

[K9Lover]

New to MWO and curbing use

Hi dkmtw and a big welcome!
I'm glad you're here and look forward to getting to know you. My "habit" turned me into a 12+ beer per night drinker. Slowly but surely it increased, until I was up to 14 beers, on a weeknight. The hangovers at work became a daily ritual. It's sad what we convince ourselves is "normal", the dizziness, nausea, tingling in limbs, etc, etc.
You've taken a great first step by coming here. I too, have a teenager, and as I posted in another thread, my "bottom" was the day she tearfully handed me a letter because she couldn't say out loud what my drinking was doing to her :upset:
Please stick around and read...there is a limitless amount of wisdom and experience here.
Take each day as it comes.
K9

[ImHereNow]

New to MWO and curbing use

I'm with you

Hi dkmtw (sorry about the initials, not many brain cells left).

We have lots in common. I often drink my bottle of wine alone on week nights (hubby travels). Have to time it so its too late for me to go out and get more - yet not so late that I'm still buzzed for work in the morning. On weekends (when I dont have work the next day) I drink until . . . I don't know, until I cant pour? I'm never cognizant at that point and am clueless as to what I possibly could be thinking. Next day is regrets, disappointment, depression and the look of disappointment on my beloved's face.

I'm surprised that I'm not addicted. I actually can go all week (I even did a weekend a few times) without a drink.

I am hoping the bag of tricks I ordered helps give me some control. I'm still reading the book.

I was alcohol free yesterday (and so far today!). I plan to make My Plan - and start with 30 days of abstinence. I'm interviewing for a new job and am too stressed right now to let go of my comfort zone - but I'm really making the effort to not drink in the week and be nearly a normal heavy drinker on weekends. I would like to be someone who has an occasional drink without getting sloshed and thinking about opening another bottle before the first is finished. I don't yet know if I can be that person - but I want to be.

[RitaNow]

New to MWO and curbing use

I also am of the belief that if it is just a habit - you will be able to stop without much difficulty. It may take some will power and conscience effort - but you will succeed. If you are 'past' the point of "habit" and have become addicted - you will need more than will power. I would highly recommend stopping for 30 days to know the difference. If it's a habit - you may decide that you just feel so much better without it that you continue on! If it's an addiction - you will have the first 30 days of Abstaining behind you and can focus on your new AF life!

Best to you!