Day 2

[1967]

It's the beginning of day 2.
I am starting to think everything is a trigger for me.
I will focus on day 7 and the fact that I can & will get better!!!

[Doggygirl]

Day 2

YOU GO!!! We can do this.

For me, everything was indeed a trigger. I'm an addict and I just wanted to drink and drink. Anything worked for me as an excuse to do that. Not sure if that is true for you, but I could sure relate to your comment. Doesn't matter - we can still get free of it even IF absolutely everything is a trigger. Never give up.

DG

[dill]

Day 2

I can relate to your comment that everything is a trigger. For me, even 'nothing' is a trigger! Like Doggy said, "Never give up." It is so worth the effort! You can do it.

[1967]

Day 2

Thanks 4 the encouragement. At least I don't feel like I am the only person with such thoughts. I need all the help I can get. I didn't realize how so many people need to escape from reality, some through video games, some film, reading.... Us it is booze. It is time to find a new escape!!
I am waiting on my flight. Four hours into day two.

[startingover]

Day 2

Yay! Keep it up 1967, you are doing great.
Each time you resist one of those triggers, they will get weaker.

[JackieClaire]

Day 2

Hi 1967,
An hour, 2hours,a morning, afternoon. then a whole day.
then another day.
soon you'll have clocked up a week,
then another one, before you know it a MONTH!
Keep it up. Jackie xxx

[1967]

Day 2

Okay I am home and I think, at 8:40 PM, it is safe to say I made it through day 2.
I had one big temptation which was "want a bottle of wine?"
"No!"
"Um, I mean, no thank you."

I will think of it as you said JackieClaire.
I will also see the doctor Monday and not worry about crutches. If I need a crutch to get through this, so be it.
I am fooling around with iTunes and won't sleep before 10.
One step at a time.

[queen of denial]

Day 2

1967
today was also my 2nd day without AL.
i will be thinking of you. We can do it. I dont understand i do feel better when i dont drink so why do i still want to drink? it makes no sense to me. I was drinking every day alone and hid the fact that i was drinking the entire bottle.. I was in privacy of my own home, i did not drink and drive, it did not interfere with my work etc. etc.
stay strong

[Arrow]

Day 2

1967 - a great year even if I do say so myself as I'm also a model from that year.

There are probably a number of ways of looking at triggers, one way is "attending". On the first day or two you are very conscious of what you are doing so it's very much a top of mind issue and so you are "attending" to not drinking - in this way by thinking of not drinking frequently you are also thinking about drinking frequently.

That will pass.

Seven days is a challenge but its do-able. As Jackie-Claire says you just break it up into small parts and personally I found it helpful to start each day by making a deal with myself not to drink on that day. I haven't had to do that for some time now.

Depending on how much and how long you have been drinking heavily then it will be a habit hard to break but there is only one way of breaking a habit - and thats by stopping so well done on getting on with it mate.

Obviously it's each to his own but do consider thinking about prescribed drugs as something different from "crutches". If your legs were injured you'd need crutches for a while before you could get back up onto your feet to walk normally and there's no shame in that.

Go for it 1967 and Queen of Denial!
Old habits can be changed if you take action.

[Doggygirl]

Day 2

1967 and Queen of Denial (love that name and your avitar!) - just wanted to post you both some encouragement for Day 3.

When I was first getting sober I made a very long list of things I wanted to do. Not just chores but other things too. Books to read, places to go see, all the little things I just never enjoyed when the bottle was my idol. During strong cravings when I thought I would lose my mind, it was nice to have those ideas in writing. I could just look at my list and pick something to do - that sure helped get my mind off the craving. They really do pass quickly even though it can seem like it takes forever!

If you haven't already read the Toolbox Thread which is a "sticky" at the top of this Monthy Abs section of the forum, there are lots of great ideas in there!

Best wishes to you both for a sober day. AFness is worth all the effort it takes to get there.

DG

[1967]

Day 2

hey all... Arrow I like the idea of making a deal w/myself!
good suggestion.
I am now almost 3 hrs into day three. I had some breakfast, plenty to drink, meds and will go out into the world... well the supermarket!
i am very conscious of my thoughts and paying attention to comments that trigger panic mode.
i CAN do this.
i CAN.
i don't have much of a choice anyhow.
i must do it.
i am realizing how positively dismal my thoughts were before i went on vacation some 1 month 3 weeks ago.
really not good. i couldn't see past the ends of my toes. i must stick w/the antidepressant/mood stabilizer, and focus on the fact that there is a future if i want it.
good luck to everyone today.

[1967]

Day 2

okay... I don't know if anyone is paying attention to this thread anymore but day 4 has started.
i do feel a bit better. the panic anxiety issue is still present.
can't expect miracles.
i've plenty to do today so best i get at it.
i will a page open on this site in case i freak.
not that i am planning on it, at all. lots to do, lots to do!

[startingover]

Day 2

Hi 1967. It sounds like you are getting your mindset in a good place and that is key.
Keep yourself busy and see that AF time wrack up.
Well done!

[1967]

Day 2

thanks startingover.
i am trying. i have a lot to do today. i've only done laundry so far and feel like a nap.
i really have to avoid situations/people that make me anxious but i don't know how i can do that once work starts again.
so, i will see the doc next week for anxiety and anti-depressant which also helps w/alcoholism.
it is called stablon but not available for sale in the US.
the last time i started on this i was still drinking some so i couldn't judge if it really was helpful or not.
this time i won't do that.
i need to solve this problem once and for all.
i know life will never be perfect but it needs to be tolerable.

u've been alcohol and smoke free since february? that is so great! congrats on your accomplishment.

[startingover]

Day 2

Your anxiety will improve with AF time and also getting some help with it from the doc.
What about some counselling and maybe looking at a different job? One that doesnt stress you so much?

I have been AF for just over a year now and am loving it. It has given me my life back.