I've been completely sober for six months and a little over a week.
I'm turning forty at the end of January. I was well on my way to putting my life in conastant peril not too long ago. My wake-up-call was a car accident - I praise the Great Spirit in utmost gratitude for sparing my life - and I must say, I've heard about accidents from other alcoholics that were way more life-threatening than mine.
As I sit here now (hoping I don't sound like the egomaniac from another planet), having been taking a couple of rare days off, I'm really amazed that I haven't been drinking in isolation. I was dreading shovelling snow. To my surprise, I was not exhausted, pissed off or dehydrated. I still had the energy to take a pleasant walk into town to run a few errands. In addition to this, I couldn't help but notice how incredibly beautiful the snow looked in the late morning sunshine - it actually reflected the blue sky. The air was cool and clean, with no wind. I sweated out toxins and paused to marvel at how much snow I was able to move (y'know - carefully). I'm sore, but I took some natural anti-inflammatory stuff in my tea.
I also remember playing my first sober gig, about a week into it. I sweated so much, and I pretended to be a few other people as I played. It felt so weird to play without alcohol - I had to walk through some major awkwardness, and I was so nervous. But prior to that, I had almost lost my position in the band due to my drinking. Therefore, I was left with no other option than to feel like an ass. I've played several gigs since. It took a while, but now I'm back to discovering who I am as a player. I perform much more convincingly.
I was drawn to Roberta Jewell's book because I could relate to things like missing work. I also liked the fact that there was discussion of alcoholics and problem drinkers as being different, and posed moderation (which I DO believe is possible for problem drinkers) as a possibility.
After exploring the hypnosis cd's, the nutritional supplements, Topamax, and the readings, I began to check out the website as well. I wanted to wind down my drinking significantly. I got a physical from my doctor, found out I was quite well (for someone who was becoming a 24/7 drinker), and was encouraged.
I must admit however, that as much as I wanted to be one of those problem drinkers, I am not. I am a hard-core alcoholic. And this program has been CRUCIAL in helping me to stay completely sober!
When I couldn't keep it down to a couple of drinks after a couple of weeks of trying to moderate, I became quite frightened. The car wreck, my bizarre behavior, my feeling terrible even under the influence - all of it added up to me having to admit defeat.
I soon went to an out-patient facility, and attended three times a week for six weeks. If it hadn't been for Topamax and Kudzu, I don't think I could have done it. And if it weren't for My Way Out, I wouldn't have known about those supplements. I also took the other supplements that this website offers, and they helped greatly for my outlook on things and my energy level. (I had taken supplements before when I had been sober about ten years ago, so I believed in them - but apparently I needed more miserable alcoholic experience.)
I have since used the cd's and the website quite a bit. I do attend a 12-step program. I personally could not do this until I found the right combination of people. Some meetings are just not right for some people, so I believe it is very important to shop around. I find it inspiring and reassuring to be among other alcoholics.
Once again, I am an alcoholic. There are many problem drinkers, and I've known a few who learned to drink moderately. I'm just not one of them. Either way, My Way Out rocks. And of course, a lot of love and a sense of humor.
Peace,
Rebel
I'm turning forty at the end of January. I was well on my way to putting my life in conastant peril not too long ago. My wake-up-call was a car accident - I praise the Great Spirit in utmost gratitude for sparing my life - and I must say, I've heard about accidents from other alcoholics that were way more life-threatening than mine.
As I sit here now (hoping I don't sound like the egomaniac from another planet), having been taking a couple of rare days off, I'm really amazed that I haven't been drinking in isolation. I was dreading shovelling snow. To my surprise, I was not exhausted, pissed off or dehydrated. I still had the energy to take a pleasant walk into town to run a few errands. In addition to this, I couldn't help but notice how incredibly beautiful the snow looked in the late morning sunshine - it actually reflected the blue sky. The air was cool and clean, with no wind. I sweated out toxins and paused to marvel at how much snow I was able to move (y'know - carefully). I'm sore, but I took some natural anti-inflammatory stuff in my tea.
I also remember playing my first sober gig, about a week into it. I sweated so much, and I pretended to be a few other people as I played. It felt so weird to play without alcohol - I had to walk through some major awkwardness, and I was so nervous. But prior to that, I had almost lost my position in the band due to my drinking. Therefore, I was left with no other option than to feel like an ass. I've played several gigs since. It took a while, but now I'm back to discovering who I am as a player. I perform much more convincingly.
I was drawn to Roberta Jewell's book because I could relate to things like missing work. I also liked the fact that there was discussion of alcoholics and problem drinkers as being different, and posed moderation (which I DO believe is possible for problem drinkers) as a possibility.
After exploring the hypnosis cd's, the nutritional supplements, Topamax, and the readings, I began to check out the website as well. I wanted to wind down my drinking significantly. I got a physical from my doctor, found out I was quite well (for someone who was becoming a 24/7 drinker), and was encouraged.
I must admit however, that as much as I wanted to be one of those problem drinkers, I am not. I am a hard-core alcoholic. And this program has been CRUCIAL in helping me to stay completely sober!
When I couldn't keep it down to a couple of drinks after a couple of weeks of trying to moderate, I became quite frightened. The car wreck, my bizarre behavior, my feeling terrible even under the influence - all of it added up to me having to admit defeat.
I soon went to an out-patient facility, and attended three times a week for six weeks. If it hadn't been for Topamax and Kudzu, I don't think I could have done it. And if it weren't for My Way Out, I wouldn't have known about those supplements. I also took the other supplements that this website offers, and they helped greatly for my outlook on things and my energy level. (I had taken supplements before when I had been sober about ten years ago, so I believed in them - but apparently I needed more miserable alcoholic experience.)
I have since used the cd's and the website quite a bit. I do attend a 12-step program. I personally could not do this until I found the right combination of people. Some meetings are just not right for some people, so I believe it is very important to shop around. I find it inspiring and reassuring to be among other alcoholics.
Once again, I am an alcoholic. There are many problem drinkers, and I've known a few who learned to drink moderately. I'm just not one of them. Either way, My Way Out rocks. And of course, a lot of love and a sense of humor.
Peace,
Rebel
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