Hello everyone. Felt kind of sneaky to post last night on Bashly’s new thread without first having written a proper intro – but I got tired, was smoking cigs to the point of giving myself a headache and decided to call it a well done day two AF and go to bed. THANK YOU to those who posted a welcome on Bashly’s thread – I was tickled by them – you really are a wonderful group of people.
I’ve been lurking and reading here this summer and have learned a lot about what to expect, possible pitfalls, and mostly not felt alone or discouraged, though sometimes what I read scares me – which is not necessarily bad.
Until this past month, the last time I can remember going a day or more without a drink was two years ago while recovering from minor surgery. Before than it was maybe four years ago.
I became concerned about my drinking a little over a year ago. Attempts to moderate failed. A drastic reduction resulted only in my taking half a mg of Ativan daily. Fortunately, I’m off that. In January of this year I started on 5mg of an SSRI but was still drinking to the tune of 1-2 bottles of wine a night. My doc knew I was reluctant to enter detox and suggested I see a counselor. Having had a totally useless experience with counseling years before (not alcohol related) it took me a while to find someone.
I found one who was emphatic about treating the mind and body, including exercise and nutrition. I like the proactive approach & I had read about a technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) which this counselor practices. It took a while for me to take the leap but I did it.
I had just started an intense cardio/strength class, yoga, and meditation being sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. The counselor provided EFT training – (though the basics can be found online for free) audio tapes for autogenic relaxation, and suggested reading. I credit The Power of Now with giving me the most compelling understanding I have ever had about my thought processes and emotions. It has been crucial to every change that has taken place in the past three months. I also started visiting this site. Along with the reading on MWO, I now have what I lacked in previous attempts – a toolbox.
I still haven’t ordered the supps – funny how I didn’t have much obvious concern about taking an SSRI and consuming alcohol, but I’m concerned about the puerarin content in Kudzu affecting my serotonin while on the SSRI.
I’m only on day 3. I have been moderating and skipping days for the past month to hopefully lessen withdrawal symptoms. I know from reading other’s posts that the worst may be yet to come. I declined going away with my husband for a big sporting event weekend. I need to take the cardio class tonight and tomorrow morning and stay busy and stay away from party atmospheres. Fortunately, my husband is supportive even if a bit uncertain about this. He doesn't think I have a prob, just drink a leetle too much. You know, I put my clothes on everyday and do a good job at work, he just doesn't see how my drinking is problematic.
Day 3 and still a lot to learn – a new lifelong pursuit. Trying to keep it in the perspective of a positive challenge rather than pitiful deprivation.
Well, that's my intro. I'm out of the office today but have an appointment soon. Will check in later with a cup of tea.
I’ve been lurking and reading here this summer and have learned a lot about what to expect, possible pitfalls, and mostly not felt alone or discouraged, though sometimes what I read scares me – which is not necessarily bad.
Until this past month, the last time I can remember going a day or more without a drink was two years ago while recovering from minor surgery. Before than it was maybe four years ago.
I became concerned about my drinking a little over a year ago. Attempts to moderate failed. A drastic reduction resulted only in my taking half a mg of Ativan daily. Fortunately, I’m off that. In January of this year I started on 5mg of an SSRI but was still drinking to the tune of 1-2 bottles of wine a night. My doc knew I was reluctant to enter detox and suggested I see a counselor. Having had a totally useless experience with counseling years before (not alcohol related) it took me a while to find someone.
I found one who was emphatic about treating the mind and body, including exercise and nutrition. I like the proactive approach & I had read about a technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) which this counselor practices. It took a while for me to take the leap but I did it.
I had just started an intense cardio/strength class, yoga, and meditation being sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. The counselor provided EFT training – (though the basics can be found online for free) audio tapes for autogenic relaxation, and suggested reading. I credit The Power of Now with giving me the most compelling understanding I have ever had about my thought processes and emotions. It has been crucial to every change that has taken place in the past three months. I also started visiting this site. Along with the reading on MWO, I now have what I lacked in previous attempts – a toolbox.
I still haven’t ordered the supps – funny how I didn’t have much obvious concern about taking an SSRI and consuming alcohol, but I’m concerned about the puerarin content in Kudzu affecting my serotonin while on the SSRI.
I’m only on day 3. I have been moderating and skipping days for the past month to hopefully lessen withdrawal symptoms. I know from reading other’s posts that the worst may be yet to come. I declined going away with my husband for a big sporting event weekend. I need to take the cardio class tonight and tomorrow morning and stay busy and stay away from party atmospheres. Fortunately, my husband is supportive even if a bit uncertain about this. He doesn't think I have a prob, just drink a leetle too much. You know, I put my clothes on everyday and do a good job at work, he just doesn't see how my drinking is problematic.
Day 3 and still a lot to learn – a new lifelong pursuit. Trying to keep it in the perspective of a positive challenge rather than pitiful deprivation.
Well, that's my intro. I'm out of the office today but have an appointment soon. Will check in later with a cup of tea.
c: :heart:
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