Hi, gang. First and foremost, a big THANK YOU, Rob, for coordinating and overseeing this fabulous event. I?m so impressed with your energy and enthusiasm in pulling this together. It?s really wonderful, what you?ve done here and the support you've shown to all who have participated. Thanks also to those of you who have agreed to share your stories. Also up front, an apology, as I?ve been on the road without Internet access and simply haven?t had a chance to keep up with the thread. I hope to catch up in the next few days. Here?s a rather quick response to the questions posed:
Please write a brief introduction describing yourself in general terms, who you are, what you do, etc.
I use the pen name Roberta Jewell. Much of my story is described in the book My Way Out. My childhood was pleasant; I?m now married and have three kids. I?m proud to administer this forum and the program associated with it. If you?re dying for more information about my fascinating life, you can read an excerpt from my book which is linked here from our home page. :H
1. What event or series of events made you realize that your drinking was out of control?
By the time I reached my 30?s I understood my drinking habits differed greatly from those of my family or friends. My tolerance for alcohol was greater. Unlike others, I couldn?t take it or leave it. As my life became more stressful, I recognized that I was using alcohol to cope and I began to lose control over it. I made promises to myself that I couldn?t keep. At one point, my 14-year old daughter poured my vodka down the sink and replaced the bottle with water. I eventually lost all self respect because of the person I had become.
2. How many times did you try to quit drinking before you were successful?
Impossible to count, but this went on for nearly two decades; trying to gain control. To clarify, I did not quit drinking at first, but moderated my drinking. It was the first time I had been successful in doing so. However, I ultimately decided to make our home alcohol free after my husband was diagnosed with a neuropathic condition in which he was advised against consuming any alcohol. So after nearly three or so years I moved from mods to AF. This was a few months ago--I never really kept track of the time. We had to get our heads around it a bit since drinking had always been a part of our lives and it took some adjustment. My husband and I still enjoy a drink every night, but it?s a cup of tea or a St. Pauli N.A, not a glass of wine.
3. Which tools, do you believe, have helped you to remain AF?
A combination of tools. For me, medication, dietary supplementation, hypnotherapy, exercise, and positive thinking have all helped along the way.
4. font-family: Verdana;">How did you deal with sudden overwhelming cravings?
A number of strategies have been effective and include:
* L-Glutamine capsule poured under tongue
* Eating something (hunger can bring about craving)
* Distraction (e.g. take dog for brisk walk; make popcorn and watch movie; call a friend to chat)
* Drinking an N/A beer
* Exercise
* Play inspirational audio book/podcast (for me: Dyer, Chopra, Hay, Hicks, Myss)
* Take a nap (sleep deprivation can also bring on a craving)
5. What was your biggest obstacle to remaining AF?
Old habits, old thinking. I believe it?s much less difficult to live AF if you truly see yourself as a healthy non-drinker--compared to someone who is struggling with abstinence from alcohol. There is a huge distinction.
Finally, if you could provide five holiday tips for remaining AF, it would be greatly appreciated.
1. Visualize and mentally prepare yourself (include the detailed scenarios in your hypnotherapy or meditation) in which you easily pass up alcoholic drinks--because you are no longer a drinker and you don?t care for them. In your mind?s eye, picture yourself happy and content to drink other beverages and this will come much more easily to you at Christmas parties and other events. Don?t feel nervous about telling anyone why you?re not drinking. People often make a much bigger deal of this than it is. It?s no one?s business, but if you?re not comfortable saying you don?t drink, simply say you?re watching your weight, are on health kick, or have sworn off the stuff in support of a friend who?s doing the same.
2. Like it or not, holidays are stressful. Ramp up your dosing of amino acids, which can be very calming to the brain.
3. Take time out, no matter how busy, for stress busters like warm baths, massage, exercise, meditation, herbal teas, or a funny movie. Humor is a fabulous stress reliever!
4. Always remember how far you?ve come. Think of your sobriety as a special gift and every day take pause to consider at least one way it has blessed you--one thing for which you are grateful. If you can, share your success with others. It is hugely motivating when you can talk to someone else or write about your progress.
5. Don?t be surprised if/when a craving hits you right out of the blue. Be prepared for it ahead of time, having visualized, talked and walked yourself through it beforehand. You?ll feel like a million bucks in the morning when you know you didn?t succumb! Tell yourself how proud you are and know that it gets easier with time.
Congrats to each of you for how far you have come!
RJ
Please write a brief introduction describing yourself in general terms, who you are, what you do, etc.
I use the pen name Roberta Jewell. Much of my story is described in the book My Way Out. My childhood was pleasant; I?m now married and have three kids. I?m proud to administer this forum and the program associated with it. If you?re dying for more information about my fascinating life, you can read an excerpt from my book which is linked here from our home page. :H
1. What event or series of events made you realize that your drinking was out of control?
By the time I reached my 30?s I understood my drinking habits differed greatly from those of my family or friends. My tolerance for alcohol was greater. Unlike others, I couldn?t take it or leave it. As my life became more stressful, I recognized that I was using alcohol to cope and I began to lose control over it. I made promises to myself that I couldn?t keep. At one point, my 14-year old daughter poured my vodka down the sink and replaced the bottle with water. I eventually lost all self respect because of the person I had become.
2. How many times did you try to quit drinking before you were successful?
Impossible to count, but this went on for nearly two decades; trying to gain control. To clarify, I did not quit drinking at first, but moderated my drinking. It was the first time I had been successful in doing so. However, I ultimately decided to make our home alcohol free after my husband was diagnosed with a neuropathic condition in which he was advised against consuming any alcohol. So after nearly three or so years I moved from mods to AF. This was a few months ago--I never really kept track of the time. We had to get our heads around it a bit since drinking had always been a part of our lives and it took some adjustment. My husband and I still enjoy a drink every night, but it?s a cup of tea or a St. Pauli N.A, not a glass of wine.
3. Which tools, do you believe, have helped you to remain AF?
A combination of tools. For me, medication, dietary supplementation, hypnotherapy, exercise, and positive thinking have all helped along the way.
4. font-family: Verdana;">How did you deal with sudden overwhelming cravings?
A number of strategies have been effective and include:
* L-Glutamine capsule poured under tongue
* Eating something (hunger can bring about craving)
* Distraction (e.g. take dog for brisk walk; make popcorn and watch movie; call a friend to chat)
* Drinking an N/A beer
* Exercise
* Play inspirational audio book/podcast (for me: Dyer, Chopra, Hay, Hicks, Myss)
* Take a nap (sleep deprivation can also bring on a craving)
5. What was your biggest obstacle to remaining AF?
Old habits, old thinking. I believe it?s much less difficult to live AF if you truly see yourself as a healthy non-drinker--compared to someone who is struggling with abstinence from alcohol. There is a huge distinction.
Finally, if you could provide five holiday tips for remaining AF, it would be greatly appreciated.
1. Visualize and mentally prepare yourself (include the detailed scenarios in your hypnotherapy or meditation) in which you easily pass up alcoholic drinks--because you are no longer a drinker and you don?t care for them. In your mind?s eye, picture yourself happy and content to drink other beverages and this will come much more easily to you at Christmas parties and other events. Don?t feel nervous about telling anyone why you?re not drinking. People often make a much bigger deal of this than it is. It?s no one?s business, but if you?re not comfortable saying you don?t drink, simply say you?re watching your weight, are on health kick, or have sworn off the stuff in support of a friend who?s doing the same.
2. Like it or not, holidays are stressful. Ramp up your dosing of amino acids, which can be very calming to the brain.
3. Take time out, no matter how busy, for stress busters like warm baths, massage, exercise, meditation, herbal teas, or a funny movie. Humor is a fabulous stress reliever!
4. Always remember how far you?ve come. Think of your sobriety as a special gift and every day take pause to consider at least one way it has blessed you--one thing for which you are grateful. If you can, share your success with others. It is hugely motivating when you can talk to someone else or write about your progress.
5. Don?t be surprised if/when a craving hits you right out of the blue. Be prepared for it ahead of time, having visualized, talked and walked yourself through it beforehand. You?ll feel like a million bucks in the morning when you know you didn?t succumb! Tell yourself how proud you are and know that it gets easier with time.
Congrats to each of you for how far you have come!
RJ
c: :heart:
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