DAY 20 AF.

[ashanka1]

Hi ,

This is my first post after ages on this forum and after trying a lot of methods to cut down on my drinking, I finally saw my GP and decided to stay of the sauce completely.

I have a few questions for those who have been successful at abstinence ; -

1. I quit without rehab or any other institutional intervention. Does anyone feel it is imperative to go for counseling sessions in order to stay off. I dont go for AA meetings and would prefer something online if possible. Alcoholism is quite taboo in my country.

2. Most of my friends drink and hang out in pubs and bars, so far I have coped okay, but any advice on how to make this easier will be much appreciated.

I currently keep a busy exercise regime and yoga regime that seems to help me a lot. Am also on some mild prescription librium. I also pop a capsule of GABA and Melatonin a couple of hours prior to bed. Would anybody have anything further to suggest in order to make this easier?

Thanks to all and my apologies for having disappeared for a while.

[mario]

DAY 20 AF.

Hi ashanka well done on your 20 days :good job:
Imo its not imperative to go to counseling but a lot of people do as there alcohol problems where seen to be hiding a deeper problem and a lot of people were drinking as they could not deal with what was really going on in themselves,not everyone of course so its really up to oneself. re your socialising once again imo its not good for you to be going to bars and clubs at the start of this battle that's where having a plan comes into play also there is no easy way to stop drinking every way has its downsides,The more sobriety you get under your belt the more freedom you will have to do other things and hobbies.Give yourself a chance you deserve it.keep posting and talking and asking questions.

[Doggygirl]

DAY 20 AF.

Hi Ashanka! Congratulations on your success getting AL out of your life. I know how hard it is but I sure think it's worth it! You can get a lot of support from this stie. Some people get additional outside help through AA or other means (I personally go to AA) but other peole do not. I take the approach that I am willing to do whatever it takes to stay sober. Whatever that ends up being, I'll do it.

If you are wanting to focus mainly on on-line support, there is another program you might want to check out in addition to My Way Out. SMART Recovery is a program based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and they have an actual structured program in addition to a general discussion forum. Of course there are also lots of on-line AA meetings you can check out if your main issue with AA is not wanting anyone to see you there.

We are so fortunate to be dealing with our addiction in this modern time instead of a few decades ago! We have many more options for support these days.

Hope to get to know you better around the forum!

DG

[ashanka1]

DAY 20 AF.

Thank you Mario and DG for your invaluable advice. I am still in very early stages of my recovery and would probably have a lot more questions that you guys could help me out with.

However all is well for now and today went on smooth thankfully ! .... I wish you guys the best in your endeavors as well, and hope to get to know you better over the course of time.

Thanks again,

Ashanka.

P.S. DG - I do belive we met previously on the forum a few years back when I was a bit more active on the forum. So hi again ! :-) !

[techie]

DAY 20 AF.

Congratulations. Great progress!