Hi New here, need help

[Elsa]

:new:
Hi
After finding MWO I decided to stop drinking, it was good to feel less alone. I have been drinking for the best part of 20 years, and I know it is time to stop. I tried to do 30 days AF, I managed two. On the plus side it is the first time in 10 years that I have gone for 2 days without drinking, on the down side I feel like a failure for not being strong enough to say no when I was offered a drink. I am back on track, I didn't drink yesterday, and I don't plan to drink today, and I feel OK. I even slept which was my biggest worry. Am I being too ambitious in aiming for 30 days, I know I can't moderate, once I start I don't stop.
Anyway, just wanted to say thanks for being here, I feel much less alone since reading the posts on the site.

[JackieClaire]

Hi New here, need help

:hello2: :welcome:

Morning Elsa,

Good safe please you've found here.

If you're unsure about doing 30 days, there's a 7 day thread in 'General Discussion'.

Keep reading the posts. Loads of advice for whichever path you choose.

All the luck in the world.

Love and hugs

Jackie xxx:l

[rubywillow]

Hi New here, need help

Elsa! so glad you found MWO! Personally, when I first started, looking too far ahead was a bit depressing and overwhelming. Your on the right track with thinking about TODAY. There is great comfort and support in numbers, but you've got to put yourself out there and talk to people. After reading maybe you'll see a site you would feel comfotable in, and talk to others. You are not alone. Your problem is one heard over and over here, and there is hope. Have you tried anything - cd's, meds, doctor intervention? Different things work for dif people. Again, so glad you're here, and ready to work!
Rubes

[Elsa]

Hi New here, need help

Hi
Thanks for replying, I don't feel I can go to my doctor, it will go on my medical record that I have a problem, then if I need to change jobs no one will touch me with a bargepole. I can't talk to family or friends (the few I have) as I am too ashamed, and they would be disgusted with me. I am going to try without the drugs, but if I fail again I will look at the supplements that have been suggested.
Thanks for being here.

[puddytat]

Hi New here, need help

Hi Elsa, it's can be a bumpy road. Might I suggest L-Glutamine supplement, to have on hand during physical cravings, especially during the first days? Put some of the powder under your tongue to help calm the craving. and welcome!

[Elsa]

Hi New here, need help

Hi
Thanks for the advise, I will go and buy some. Although I must admit, I looked it up on the internet and the pictures of men flexing huge muscles is a bit off putting. I'm not sure that look will suit me. But then the drunkard look does'nt suit me either, so I will give anything a go.

[universal]

Hi New here, need help

LOL Elsa - don't worry, the l-glut won't make you look like a huge man flexing muscles - but it will help with the cravings!

Good luck!

[Elsa]

Hi New here, need help

Damn, so I will hopefully be sober, but still have flabby arms.

[savon19]

Hi New here, need help

Elsa - take small bites! Join the 7 day thread as mentioned. Or the ODAT thread (one day at a time).

Everyone here is SO helpful and non-judgmental.

I need to do 30 days, too. For a LOT of reasons!!

[Doggygirl]

Hi New here, need help

Elsa;719100 wrote: Damn, so I will hopefully be sober, but still have flabby arms.

:H

I love that! Wanted to say :welcome: and NEVER STOP TRYING!!! There are so many people here who struggled and struggled and struggled and finally something somehow clicks. Miracles happen every day! It can happen for you too if you don't give up.

Strength and hope,

DG

[cocoeagle1]

Hi New here, need help

Hi Elsa

I am beginning day three. The fear of going into the weekend is daunting. I have been drinking for 44 years. I wish you luck. I am thinking about how good I feel this morning as opposed to feeling weak in mind, body and soul from the hangover.

I went to a memorial service of a friend yesterday who drank whiskey for thirty years and it finally did him in. I have read this website for the past three days and it is my inspiration. I know I can make it today as I have a big presentation tomorrow. Thursday, Friday and the weekend will be my big test.

Good Luck and try to remember how good it feels in the morning. My salvation has been to get my hands on some sleeping pills (Ambien) so I can get to bed early and sleep well.

[rubywillow]

Hi New here, need help

Welcome, Coco. You sound good, so stay with your program. If you get discouraged or scared, come here and the good folks online will help talk you thru it.
Rubes

[Elsa]

Hi New here, need help

Sleeping

Hi
Since trying to give up AL one of my biggest worries was being able to sleep, I have been using Paul McKenna's stop smoking CD. I am still smoking, but it puts me out like a light.

[Doggygirl]

Hi New here, need help

Welcome Coco! I'm sorry to hear about your friend who died. Sometimes I forget that I'm dealing with a deadly substance. I can't afford to forget that - not even for a moment.

I understand how you feel being a bit nervous about the weekend. What helped me was to make plans plans plans and committments - all of which were far far away from any booze. I had to turn down invitations to social activities with the drinkers. (even the normal drinkers!) I just couldn't risk being around AL. I still put my sobriety FIRST in my life, in order to HAVE a life of quality with my husband and other loved ones.

The Toolbox thread at the top of the Monthly Abstinence section offers lots of ideas for achieving and maintaining sobriety through all kinds of situations. It's a good read - will keep you busy this weekend! :H

Strength and hope - if I can, you can.

DG

[almostthere]

Hi New here, need help

Totally get it

Hi Elsa,

I read your post and it really hit home. After 15 years of drinking I could never get past day 2. I am now on day 5 yey. I slept like a baby last night and had the most productive day in years. You just have to push push through those first few days knowing light is right around the corner. Hope to see you back here