Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm almost at 30 days AF, and have been following the Women For Sobriety Program (and participating on the message boards). I've been to 3 AA meetings-- 2 of them nightmares, one of them helpful.
I am 26, and have had a problem with alcohol since I was maybe 18 or so. For a few years, it was masked by eating disorders (I'd avoid booze due to the calories), and then as that got better, the alcoholism would get worse...and so on, and so forth.
I did a good job of "moderating" for a while, but always felt "different." Angry that I had to limit myself. Angry over my many, many, many horrible experiences with blacking out, overdrinking, etc. I don't think I ever hit bottom, but I also believe in the saying that "you hit bottom once you stop digging." I've stopped digging, and decided to lose the booze.
I started with the goal of abstaining for 30 days, but the wisdom on the WFS boards showed me that so many others like me have tried, and failed. I am not out to call anyone a "failure;" rather, I thank them for sharing their experiences, and I honor them by learning from their mistakes.
Begrudgingly, I am trying to build an AF life. I have felt better over the past 20+ days than ever before (day 30 on 7/23!) but then again, I've avoided the usual social situations and friends that prompted me to drink. I see there are some younger people here, and though I love the WFS program, I find myself wishing for more support from people in their 20s and early 30s. The social pressures are a bit different for us, I think.
I've spent all morning (at work, bad-- I know! But it's a slow day) lurking on these boards. I've learned so much already. I'm not sure I buy into the whole nutritional supplement aspect, but I have definitely been eating healthier and it makes me feel better. Maybe I'll start taking a multi-vitamin, and take my B supplement (I have leftovers from my vegetarian days; a few months ago I began eating meat again).
Some more food for thought: Most of the "attempting moderation" posts I've read here reaffirm my desire to remain AF. I'd check for "all posts by this member," and see most of them stopped posting. Maybe I shouldn't draw conclusions, but that's enough evidence for me that sobriety isn't such a bad lifestyle to strive for.
So, here I am, and hello.
I am 26, and have had a problem with alcohol since I was maybe 18 or so. For a few years, it was masked by eating disorders (I'd avoid booze due to the calories), and then as that got better, the alcoholism would get worse...and so on, and so forth.
I did a good job of "moderating" for a while, but always felt "different." Angry that I had to limit myself. Angry over my many, many, many horrible experiences with blacking out, overdrinking, etc. I don't think I ever hit bottom, but I also believe in the saying that "you hit bottom once you stop digging." I've stopped digging, and decided to lose the booze.
I started with the goal of abstaining for 30 days, but the wisdom on the WFS boards showed me that so many others like me have tried, and failed. I am not out to call anyone a "failure;" rather, I thank them for sharing their experiences, and I honor them by learning from their mistakes.
Begrudgingly, I am trying to build an AF life. I have felt better over the past 20+ days than ever before (day 30 on 7/23!) but then again, I've avoided the usual social situations and friends that prompted me to drink. I see there are some younger people here, and though I love the WFS program, I find myself wishing for more support from people in their 20s and early 30s. The social pressures are a bit different for us, I think.
I've spent all morning (at work, bad-- I know! But it's a slow day) lurking on these boards. I've learned so much already. I'm not sure I buy into the whole nutritional supplement aspect, but I have definitely been eating healthier and it makes me feel better. Maybe I'll start taking a multi-vitamin, and take my B supplement (I have leftovers from my vegetarian days; a few months ago I began eating meat again).
Some more food for thought: Most of the "attempting moderation" posts I've read here reaffirm my desire to remain AF. I'd check for "all posts by this member," and see most of them stopped posting. Maybe I shouldn't draw conclusions, but that's enough evidence for me that sobriety isn't such a bad lifestyle to strive for.
So, here I am, and hello.
Mostly Irish & UK posters ! With the a Saffa & US poster thrown in !
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