managed to get here, struggling to stay

[stella123]

hi everyone

I have been binge drinking for many years, since a young teenager and now I really need to stop,(I'm 43) in the past I have managed to get to 3 weeks then it all falls apart. Today I am at day 18 I'm am facing the same old struggle, I have managed fairly easily until now but the old cravings are coming back in abundance, I am taking multi vits evening primrose oil and have managed to lower the dose of my anti depressants. Does anyone have any tips and ideas to keep me AF for longer because right now I really need some wine!!!

thank you in advance

[K9Lover]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

Hi Stella and congratulations on 18 days!

The thing that helps me the most with fighting cravings is remembering the reality of drinking. It turned me into someone I don't want to be. I know we're all different, and maybe this wasn't the case for you. But I constantly remind myself of all the stupid crap I did while I was drunk, and I just don't want to go back there. How have you been keeping yourself busy the last 18 days? I am still searching for a hobby, or something to keep me busier in the evenings. You've done 18 days and that is so awesome...just remember that a craving will never last as long as a hangover!

Sorry I didn't have more advice...someone will be along soon I am sure. Keep up your good work!

K9

[Struggles 106]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

Hey Stella
I have to agree with K9-the thoughts of how I am drunk-YUCK
It is hard but drinking is harder. I recently had a slip and I could not regret it more!
Terrible.

And I would bet that if you think about it you know that after drinking you would fell-not necessarily in this order-regret,shame,sick,guilty,hungover,confused,irratio nal
and on and on and on.

[Chillgirl]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

Stella - use the fast forward video in your mind, the 1st glass might seemed quite nice but what will the whole picture look like in 5 hours time? How will you feel in the morning? Do you remember that crippling anxiety of regret and how you would get through each torturous minute at work the next day. Is it really a pleasure to numb our brains and sit spaced out forgetting what we are even watching on TV? Were you ever impressed by a drunk person? Did you ever wake up in the morning and think, damn I wish I had gotten drunk last night?!

Remember all the good things about being sober, when I saw you at the weekend you looked AMAZING!!! You looked healthy and happy. You are far more capable at everything you want to achieve and I promise you that only gets stronger. You will see a new person emerge over the next few months if you stick with it. Our self esteem improves as does our confidence and our desire to take better care of ourselves.

If you need to chat later let me know.... :l

[Shiner]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

Stella. Just wanted to say hi and tell you I am 43 and have been drinking since I was in highschool. Drinking heavily for 15+ years. And I love wine. But it hates me. You can beat this. Hang in there.....

[stella123]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

Hi Guys
Thanks so much for your words, and yes FFWD to the hangover is great advice I will concentrate on that tonight its so weird how I have managed this far and all of a sudden bang!!! I am determined not to give in and trying not to worry about the weekend just get plans in place to keep busy busy busy

thanks guys

[jessie]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

Hi everyone,
After months AF I suddenly have those stupid nightmarish dreams again. In my dreams I want to drink and I start hunting for a secret botttle to drink in secret...I wake up disgusted but happy that it was just a dream. Weird.

[stella123]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

Chill, thanks for the compliments ur looking not to shabby yourself Just gutted that i feel like this tonight, really didn't expect it thought I might feel like this earlier i.e. first week or so but for it to hit out the blue has knocked the feet from me however I will stick with the plan

[mauritiusdodo]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

HI Stella, I am 43 in July and also been drinking heavily for many many years, I can successfully quit for a while (9 months whilst pregnant) and a few days occasionally a week in a row but then find I slip back into my old ways, I am trying so hard to overcome my addiction, I don't have any words of wisdom for you I'm afraid just wanted you to know you are not alone :l

[Lavande]

managed to get here, struggling to stay

Stella,

Congrats on your 18 AF days!
Now tell me, how do you picture your future?

This is a good time for you to start making positive changes & moving forward toward that happy life! New hobbies, new job, the possibilities are endless. You can do anything you want to do

Thinking in terms of gratitude not deprivation really helped me. We miss absolutely nothing when we kick AL out of our lives. I am grateful to be hangover/anxiety free, have more $$ in my pocket, more time to do the things I really want to do.

Hang in there, we're on this journey together!

Lav