The Craving Thread

[Guest]

Hello folks, I'm on my 74th day AF and feeling terrible. I thought I post here firstly so I can get some support and then also start a thread others could read when in the same situation.

Basically today was my day off work, I was supposed to take advantage of this regards training plus a day out with my mum around my usual trip to the counsellor. Had a great day but was feeling tired, yawning when driving back etc(although I wasn't in any danger - I don't drive like that!).

Got home banging head ache, drank some water, had some fruit then a lie down. All the while I'm annoyed I'm not keeping up with my fitness stuff(this is something I want to get back into big time and have some very specific goals). There's other cr@p in my head about it being the wrong day to take off(I'm self-employed), that I've missed out on stuff etc etc.

I usually get through cravings ok I use L-Glut twice a day, have tried Campral without success in the past and do believe this is purely a mental state.

Just thought there would be people on the site who could shout some things at me that would be useful.

So off you go!

[techie]

The Craving Thread

Hi blonde. How about a walk maybe get your energy level back up. I'm in Chicago on a monthly buiness. trip. In my hotel room eye balling the service bar. Since I know this is NOT good for me, I'm going to hit shops on the miracle mile. I'm trying to be mindful of past relapse situation. For instance, I'm not going to the restaurant I normally hit while I'm here. This is my first trip since going AF and I do feel the vulnerability and craving big time. So for me your post is timely. Hang in there as we need to fight this UK.

[Coco-Nut]

The Craving Thread

Ukblonde;883483 wrote: Hello folks, I'm on my 74th day AF and feeling terrible. I thought I post here firstly so I can get some support and then also start a thread others could read when in the same situation.

Basically today was my day off work, I was supposed to take advantage of this regards training plus a day out with my mum around my usual trip to the counsellor. Had a great day but was feeling tired, yawning when driving back etc(although I wasn't in any danger - I don't drive like that!).

Got home banging head ache, drank some water, had some fruit then a lie down. All the while I'm annoyed I'm not keeping up with my fitness stuff(this is something I want to get back into big time and have some very specific goals). There's other cr@p in my head about it being the wrong day to take off(I'm self-employed), that I've missed out on stuff etc etc.

I usually get through cravings ok I use L-Glut twice a day, have tried Campral without success in the past and do believe this is purely a mental state.

Just thought there would be people on the site who could shout some things at me that would be useful.

So off you go!

You know you're not going to throw away 74 days! WOW! I'm only on Day 10 - 74 days is incredible!

I know this will sound ridiculous - but doing sit ups helps me pass the craving... (And then a big handful of M&M's or Smarties or whatever horrendously sweet bit of evil you have handy!)

[Doggygirl]

The Craving Thread

Techie, I'm a fellow Chicago area person - lived RIGHT downtown at Harbor Point Towers for a couple of years. What a great city!! In addition to walking the shops on the Miracle Mile, there are the Museums too! (Field, Art, Science & Industry, Aquarium) Mr. Doggy and I were just talking yesterday about planning a visit to the Science and Industry Museum.

Don't hesitate to ask the hotel staff to remove the alcohol from your room. Don't worry about what they think. I'm sure they get this request from time to time, and they are strangers. Put your sobriety first - ALWAYS.

UK, avoid H.A.L.T. (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) Sounds like you've got a combination going on today. I hope by now you are relaxing in a hot bath, after having eaten something nutritious, and you are playing some soothing music. The one thing you know for sure - this feeling will pass.

I am very capable of setting high expectations for myself and stressing out over it. I'm developing a greater appreciation for the phrase "Take it easy." I think it's especially important for us alkies to try not to get wound up too tight. (I know that is important for THIS alkie anyway!)

DG

[Boss.man]

The Craving Thread

Fitness is good. Definitely my exercise has helped me steady out a lot. It helped a lot when I got sober. It still helps be a center in my day.

What has worked best for me is that my gym is very close (in the building I work) and that I have an absolute rule to work out 9am-10am every day. Now some days, I can't even get close to the door until 10:30 or 11am. But I still make a point of getting into the gym, however late, dressing in my clothes, and doing at least enough to hit aerobic heartbeat (120bpm for me). Sometimes I do five minutes, no shower. But I do it. In the last 18 months I've missed only three days.

My normal schedule is 26 mins of aerobics three days a week, and mixed aerobics and small weights two days a week. I have a miss almost once a week where I can't do my intended workout. Sometimes I have to cut short to hustle back for a meeting or phone call, or sometimes I come down very late. But my rule is, no matter what, get a few minutes. My rule is to go through the motions. Get in the gym door. Really change clothes. Really stretch, get on my machine, and cool down, even if it's just a five minute session.

I've done this now since President's day 2009 (Feb 2009). I'm 49 years old male germanic build and slightly overweight at 5'10" 178lbs. Very happy to be 110/70 blood pressure when both my parents and my spouse are on blood pressure meds. Two years ago I was 140/90 and about 20 lbs heavier. I'm hoping to be med free for at least 30 more years. For me, it's all about getting my metabolism kicked up five days a week.

I would encourage you to get a plan that works. It's hard to be good 24x7. My point, is, all you have to do is be good 1x5. Five hours a week. Find a way to make it work. The more time spent now, will save years from needing meds, walkers and wheelchairs later. If you want to discuss wheelchairs my grandmother has time. I'm nearly 50 and she's still alive. That's enough to scare me to the gym! If I can do as good as her I'll have 40 more years on my feet.

[Cinders]

The Craving Thread

UK,

HALT came to my mind, too. You know it well, having gone to rehab and AA.

Unfortunately, though, I believe all of us at times will have cravings, mental, physical, spiritual for alcohol.

I disheartens me a bit because I want to just quit and get on with it.

It doesn't work that way, does it?

I am with DG, a warm soothing bath, some good food and good non-A drink with some restful music.

You have been doing so well and this first real episode is going to be a bit rough on you. Pink clouds have gone away. You can ride it out, though, and I am hoping you will.

I also know how important your physical goals are. Don't obsess over them, though and do not stress over your job. You took the day off and that is what you needed to do.

Us alcoholics do tend to dwell on what might happen and why can't we just be perfect?

I hope you have a nice evening after all.

Love,
Cindi

[LVT25]

The Craving Thread

Great advice here! I really like what you're fitness plan is Boss. I really struggle with getting a routine but absolutely believe it improves longevity and quality of life. I want to feel as good as I can and hurt as little as possible in my older years!
My blood pressure dropped as well as a few pounds when I quit drinking, but I am out of shape for sure.

I am also a true believer in paying attention to H.A.L.T. Just today I had a pretty major craving and had to remind myself I had been too busy to eat!

Good idea for a thread.:goodjob:

[mollyka]

The Craving Thread

UKB, I hope you are feeling much better today - I only spotted your thread this morning. It's like a monster takes over in your head sometimes isn't it. I suppose to see the positive, if you resisted which I'm quite sure you did - you sound like a very strong person - it is one more thing to add to your list of achievements!!! Let us know how you feel today, oh and I agree with previously expressed - I think 'take it easy' is a very important concept for addictive type people in particular
Molly

[Theme2be]

The Craving Thread

Thank you so for your posts~

I find the "days off" so much work. You know?

Quieting the mind
Fighting the body
Wrestling with spirit over will's and urges.

All the time, thirsting only for rest on all levels.

Rest on all levels, what a peace to strive for continuously. For it is my hope that once in the arms of our true identity, that we rest like a baby.

Assurance.

When you come here, you arm yourself with more ammunition.
It can be subtle nevertheless it is assuring.

Be sure of yourself. Moments turn into hours.

Sometimes its nice to slow it all down.

Wishing you well~

[Guest]

The Craving Thread

Thanks for all you responses. Yes I got through it by just staying in bed. I do have a fitness regime and train up to 6 days a week getting up most mornings at 7am to either swim, cycle, walk plus 3 sessions of weights . I've just felt really tired this week and missed Wednesday completely then yesterday felt to bad to lift weights later afternoon. Hoping I'll do the weight training later today during a break in work.

[Guitarista]

The Craving Thread

I train with weight's, box, run, then off to my day job. Sometimes, if i'm starting to feel a little run down, i will take a week off, ruthlessly. It's great. I am then fresher, and it's no big deal, cause i go with the universal flow these day's. If tired, just 10 minutes of cardio will maintain your fitness if you really have to train. Listening to my body, and not my mind when training, has been the difference.

[hippie37]

The Craving Thread

It sounds to me blonde that you may be having too many high expectations of yourself at this early stage. "Easy does it!" is a phrase used a lot in AA and we need to take heed of this as we can set ourselves up for failure and eventual relapse if we put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect. Put down the stick and stop beating yourself up and give yourself permission to have these 'lazy' days. There is real growth to be had in looking at the reasons why we find it so difficult to allow ourselves this. Personally speaking I found that I was still not accepting of my imperfections and the need to control things in my life. One of the hardest things I find doing sometimes is just enjoying the stillness in my life without telling myself "I'm not doing enough, I should be doing more" or "I'm doing it wrong".

Just be careful as well that the training doesn't become your new obsession to replace alcohol.

Have a beautiful day.
Many Blessings
Phil

[spuddleduck]

The Craving Thread

uk, i glad you got through it. you know you can do it the next time you feel like that. each craving is a challange and when we beat it, its a little more strength against AL. well done

[Guest]

The Craving Thread

hey! I feel amazing again......yay. Took me til around midday today. I had got on with some work which started to make me feel good again, then decided it was time to have my nails redone. I have those gel nails(no tips too fiddly!) that require infills every 2-3 weeks. So popped along and lo and behold started to feel like me again. Been to the gym where I didn't get cross when I couldn't get on the piece of equipment central to my workout(I only work certain body parts each work out), I simply adapted something else which made for a challenge.

Got some nice food at the shop on the way back and feeling all sunny again. Yay!

[Cinders]

The Craving Thread

YAY!!!

That is great news, UK.

Have a nice sunny day.

Cindi