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[Notorious]

Hello to all in the forum,

This might go long but I am just going to open up and get as much out on the table as possible.

I am brand new here, having found this site through an internet search. I am a 53 yrs old and a heavy drinker. I haven't decided that I want to be completely alcohol free but I know for a fact that I want to drink a good 90% less than I do right now.

I cannot say that I am running from any problems as my life is pretty much stress free. I believe I am more alcohol dependent than any thing else as I certainly started at a much lower intake and have now reached this level of drinking.

I drink tequila on a daily basis. How much? I would venture to guess about 15 ounces on average. Some (rare) days are less and some are more. Amazingly, I function very well as the shots are throughout the day to just maintain some level in my body that is comfortable. I don't slur my words or have any other noticeable impairments as a result. And yes, this means that I carry a bottle with me at all times. It is usually an 8 ounce water bottle with "silver" tequila in it.

My biggest fear in reducing my consumption are the withdrawal symptoms that I have read about. I am somewhat anxiety prone having once suffered from panic disorder but am able to recognize the symptoms and use my mind and my breathing.

Yesterday, I reduced my intake to 12 ounces and did not notice anything too major in terms of discomfort outside of having a little trouble getting back to sleep after a bathroom call.

I plan to reduce today's intake to 10 to 11 ounces and reduce by an ounce over the next week and a half. I may try to do a little more and then supplement with a beer or something.

I am hoping to become a moderate drinker. Perhaps just weekends or at a dinner party drinking beer only with the occasional margarita or something. AF could come in time but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

I would like to thank you in advance for the support I am sure to receive here as well as the support I see so many others receiving.

Cheers!

[aihflvt]

Good Morning Thank You!

Welcome Notorious. Just my two cents regarding withdrawal - each detox gets progressively worse, so if you are fortunate enough to escape withdrawal symptoms, or have mild withdrawal, I think you should consider yourself lucky and quit while you are ahead. I don't mean that to come across as pompous, but I had a really bad detox a few months ago in May, the likes of which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. You may also want to try tapering down on beer or wine, something that has significantly less alcohol than spirits. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[K9Lover]

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Hi Notorious!

A huge welcome to you! I'm glad you've found us. I think you are smart to cut down gradually, considering the amount of alcohol your body has become accustomed to. Is it possible for you to see a doctor and get some medication? I was a 12+ pack of beer drinker for over 10 years. I never thought I would go completely alcohol free, but I did! Yes it took MANY stops and starts, but here I am. You can do it too. Please be careful during your detox and keep us posted on your progress. Stick close and keep posting so we can get to know you!

K9

[Notorious]

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It is not possible for me to see a physician at this time as I have no insurance and would hate to become "un-insurable" in the future as a result of the MD's visit.

So my question to the forum would be this; Are you of the opinion that my plan is too aggressive? Should I try the different tapering amounts for say 3 to 4 days at a time and take longer to reach my goal?

I don't know if it makes a difference but I will add that I do have an overall healthy diet and do moderate exercise, drinking hours tend to be from say 11a.m/noon to 8p.m. Bed time is usually 9:30 to 10 with waking time between 5 & 5:30 a.m. and never with a hungover feeling.

[Lavande]

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Hello & welcome to MWO Notorious!

This is a good place with lots of support.
Have you read the MWO book yet? You can download it from the Health store here. It has lots of info for you.

Your plan does not seem too aggressive, but then we are all different. You will have to judge for yourself. Just be sure you are staying hydrated with lots of water & eating something healthy

Wishing you the best!

Lav

[Notorious]

Good Morning Thank You!

How Tuesday turned out...

I'll just keep my progress in this thread.

Managed to keep my alcohol intake to 9 oz of tequila and 18 oz of light beer. First drink at 1p.m. and last drink before 8 p.m.

6 bottles of water throughout the day, 3 with the juice of a fresh lemon wedge squeezed in.

Nutritious lunch & dinner. In bed @ 10:15p.m. - asleep within 15 minutes.

Bathroom call at 1 a.m. - no problem getting back to sleep. Woke up at 5a.m. but went back to sleep until 6:15.

Feeling fine

[SKendall]

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Good Job Notorious! It sounds like you have an intelligent plan in place. Welcome and keep up the good progress.

[K9Lover]

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Notorious,

You sound good. Please let me know if I can help in any way! Stay strong...this DOES get easier.

K9

[ITGeekChick]

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Hi Notorious!

It sounds like the plan you have in place is working well. Keep up the awesome work!

I, too, was very afraid of the possible detox symptoms, but was lucky and had only some mild anxiety the first couple of days, and mild headaches and fatigue. I started taking a B-complex vitamin to combat the fatigue and it seems to be helping.

Best of luck to you!

[Byrdlady]

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Great job! Don't be surprised to feel like you might be 'coming down' with something. I felt like I was getting the flu the first 2 weeks. Hang in there, keep your tummy full and drink water! It is so worth it!

[Notorious]

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Weird Wednesday...

Only 8 ounces of Tequila and 16 ounces of beer. First drink at 2p.m. - last drink @ 7p.m.

I did not drink enough water yesterday, and I skipped breakfast & lunch. I ate only a cold fish stick and a piece of bread before dinner. I know this was a mistake as I had a pretty bad headache when I went to bed at 9:30ish.

I did feel achy all over but I took a P.M. pain reliever & was able to fall asleep in about an hour. Had some odd dreams but slept through the night.

Woke up at 5:30 feeling fine.

Today's plan: DO NOT skip meals, DO drink a lot of water w/lemon. Reduce tequila intake to 7 ounces and thank heaven that I am making headway.

In the past three or four days I have reduced my heavy alcohol intake by 50%!!!

[Notorious]

Good Morning Thank You!

Well, I failed in one part of my mission yesterday in that I did not reduce my alcohol intake. I drank the same amount as on Wednesday. I guess the good thing is, I didn't increase the amount.

I did however maintain healthful meals and have plenty of water w/lemon. I went to bed at 10p.m. a little bit nauseous but was asleep within 30 minutes, slept through the night and woke up feeling okay.

I face a little bit of a test tonight as I am going to a concert with friends to see my fave musician and I want to continue to decrease my intake of tequila but feel confident that I can maintain my resolve.

As a side note, my heart is deeply saddened by the events that took place in Colorado last night. I pray for the emotional and physical healing of the families and survivors.

[mama bear]

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Welcome to MWO Notorious!

[Kradle123]

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Good morning Notorious,

You Really sound determined and committed whichme is 80 percent of the battle. So glad you found MWO :l

I love your signature line. Is that original to you or another author ??

Have a great time tonight. Maybe you can keep checking in here during breaks. I Phone maybe ?

:welcome:
Hugs,
:l

[Notorious]

Good Morning Thank You!

Thanks mama, Kradle and the others for the welcomes.

I don't think I would have had the courage to begin this journey had I not find MWO. I had so much fear but I saw that there are a lot of caring people on this board who offer encouragement and hope to others. I am feeling positive about my progress.

Kradle, no the signature line is not mine but I haven't been able to find the author. I just think that it fits in so many areas of life and it is something to remember as I deal with or before I attempt to judge others.

All the best to everyone on the board.

I will try to check in tonight