Newbies in need May day 7

[aduggan]

Good morning everyone and happy Monday. The start of a new week and for some of you that started on the 1st May it will be day 7. What a fantastic achievement one whole week. For those of you who sturggled last week or over the weekend Monday is always a great day to start afresh with a new motivation, a spring in your step, knowing that others who understand are here to help you. So post on this thread ever day and lets make this week a good one! Good luck.

To any new newbies out there, welcome! We started this thread on the 1st May so that we could encourage each other on a daily thread, please join in you are all welcome.

[bird]

Newbies in need May day 7

Hi all,
Day 2 for me. Was up all night with a sore neck/shoulder.Must have pulled a muscle. A good reason to stay home from work and get some real work done. Hoping for an AF week for us all. Later Bird

[retteacher]

Newbies in need May day 7

Hi Aduggan & Bird: You can't imagine how much I look forward to seeing this thread. I'm on the east coast of USA, so therefore am one of the later people to log on. I love looking at the progress of others. It keeps me going.

I just did my drink tracker & saw 3 zeros in a row. Felt good to be AF all weekend.

Yesterday, an interesting thing happened. I went to my local supermarket for some supplies. I had a bottle of wine in my basket. When I got to the checkout, the clerk told me I could not buy the wine, because it was before noon on a Sunday (in our state, you can't buy alcohol before noon on Sun.). While I was driving home, I saw the hand of God in what just happened. I felt grateful that I couldn't buy the wine. I had a few moments during the day when I would have liked a drink, but I had nothing in the house. I wasn't willing to go back out later in the day (as I would have a month or so ago). I feel great right now: clear & hangover-free. I owe my 3 AF days to this forum & the strength I get from it. Thank you everyone.

[bird]

Newbies in need May day 7

Way to go retteacher.It feels so good.Bird

[bluesky]

Newbies in need May day 7

Can someone help me please I'm hoping that tonight will be my first night without a drink in a very very long time, thanks for any words of help.

[Lorelei]

Newbies in need May day 7

Day 5 AF for me! I am really looking forward to making my 10 days!

Jeff (the BF) and I went down to North Carolina to visit my best friend from high school this weekend. Her little daughter is 4 mos old and just as cute as a button. We had a great time and I look forward to the next trip down. I haven't laughed so much in months!!!

Congrats on all who reached their goals!

For those who didn't, we KNOW you can...just keep trying!!!!

-Lorelei

[zincityzen]

Newbies in need May day 7

Hello all! This is Day 8 for me, I did indicate a .5 on drink tracker though because my favorite Chinese tonic to which I used to add a little sake to seems to have alcohol all on its own (NOT on the label, but not unusual for Chinese products to be inaccurately labeled), or at least I felt a buzz after taking it. Needless to say, I gave it away. I still consider myself AF for a whole week. Listened to the sleep CDs both nights. I think my dog, a retired racing greyhound, must have had similar doggy hypno-tapes back in the racing kennels because she was running in her sleep and whimpering, something she hasn't done in over a year. I had some VERY vivid dreams as well. Yesterday was a hurdle, its always after a super-busy day that I'm dying for a drink.

[Kathy123]

Newbies in need May day 7

Bluesky--Ditto to what More2life said--that's the best I could sum up my advice in a few words. Also, what's ahead of you if you stay AF is wonderful!!!

I have 2 AF days under my belt now. That means this is the THIRD morning that, instead of waking up feeling tired and crappy with a wasted day ahead of me, I am waking feeling rested, refreshed, energetic, happy, and proud of myself!! I'm walking around proud as a peacock, smiling at everyone, and standing up straight. I don't want this to end!!

I was never able to stick with it this far until I found a way to have support--through this board. I'd tried in the past, but I've come to the conclusion that I cannot quit, white- knuckling my way through it, on my own. It's too hard, and the temptations are too strong.

BEST WISHES to you, and to all of you!!

[aquamarine]

Newbies in need May day 7

Hi Everyone- I had planned on posting everyday on this thread but somehow the weekend
got incredibly busy and I was hardly home. But anyways I slipped up once on Friday night. Had 2 small glasses of wine with friends at dinner. I don't feel too bad except that it was kind of silly to do because I didn't really feel a strong urge to have it I just hadn't really planned ahead on what to do when we ordered and was caught off gaurd. The rest of the days I have been AF and feel really good about it. I'm realizing you really do have to think ahead and plan how you will avoid difficult situations or you can give in almost unexpectedly. Overall I feel really good. It is such a relief to not be thinking about how , when, where I will drink. What a huge stress off of me. Reteacher I'm so happy you have been able to put together some AF days. You sound like you have gained a bit of confidence in yourself. That is wonderful! I have been at this off and on for probably the past year and I can tell you that slowly, very slowly you get better and better. Even if you slip at times you will find it easier to get back up. Be proud of your self! Bluesky- best of luck with your first Af day. Come on here if you are struggling- it really can help to reach out and have some contact . Well, it is a beautiful day here on the East Coast and I am going to enjoy it. Stay strong everyone, I'm keeping you all in my thoughts. Aquamarine

[Janice]

Newbies in need May day 7

Hi everyone, well done everyone - Bird keep it going - 2 AF days - brilliant and retteacher too!! Kathy - you sound so motivated now - its amazing isn't it how your life can be transformed in just a short time. I'm on day 8 now and thats just how I'm taking it - a day at a time. I'm sitting here with my cranberry juice (the hardest part of the day for me) but reading all your posts just gives me such a boost. Bluesky, get through tonight and you will feel amazing in the morning. You can do it!! Physically, I feel so much better in just 8 days. I'm sleeping so deeply now yet some mornings I'm waking feeling so tired. Today though I walked 5 miles with my family and felt great. I definitely feel healthier. This feeling is whats stopping me from going back. I realise how I wasn't a very nice person with drink - miserable, depressed, negative, finding fault with everyone and everything - thanks everyone for your support and aduggan for setting this thread off each day - its my lifeline. Janicexxx

[eg]

Newbies in need May day 7

I don't know why i't seems so easy for you guys, it's not so easy for me. I listen to the tapes twice a day, take the supps, I'm up to 75 mg of the Topa a day, I drink less, but non the less I can't seem to leave it alone! I can't stop smoking either and it's driving my husband crazy. I feel like such a looser.

[Lorelei]

Newbies in need May day 7

Its not so easy for everyone, give yourself time to get into the program. I was a binge drinker, hitting the bar twice a week and drinking until I was hammered every time. I still want a drink. Every day around 2pm I have start planning my evening so I DO NOT end up at the bar. Continue to listen to the CD's and find ways to relax (baths are my fav!) Get the alcohol out of the house if you cannot resist. YOU CAN DO THIS!! YOU ARE NOT A LOSER!!

[IAD]

Newbies in need May day 7

EG,
Drinking less is a good start! The supps & meds can only curb your drinking. The rest is up to you. To stop drinking is'nt easy. It's the hardest thing you'll ever have to do. One day at a time. That's all you can hope for.................Little Victories turn into bigger ones as time goes by. It's been a rollercoster ride for all of us; if we hang tight long enough will keep our heads above water. Keep Reading & Posting Threads...........We're all here to help.
IAD

[Janice]

Newbies in need May day 7

Its definitely not easy thats why we're here. I've tried so many times to "cut down". I just ended up drinking more and more. I've had a lot of family problems including my mam who is an alcoholic and I've blamed my drinking on all the stress over the last few years. I knew what i was doing wasn't normal/social drinking, I knew it wasn't right and I knew I didn;t feel right. This site has given me the motivation to change, up until last week I didn't know what to do, see my doctor, talk to my husband?? I was pretty desperate. Friday was a bad day for me, I was so close to having a drink (day 5) but I came on here instead and it took my mind off the pull - like I said, my lifeline. Good luck, Janice

[retteacher]

Newbies in need May day 7

Blue & Ego: It isn't easy but so worth it. I try to list (in my mind) the pluses of not drinking:
-feeling good about self both physically & mentally.
-enjoying my loved ones instead of just tolerating them.
and the minuses of drinking:
-hangovers
-low self-esteem
-worry & anxiety
Come here as much as possible. It's helped me so much.