Hopeful

[4MyHealth]

Hello,

I have been drinking since I was about 15. I was very shy and used alcohol to "open up". It was only a 1 day a week (if that) thing; but it was the start of 24 long years of abuse.
I've tried to stop before (did successfully while pregnant with my boys, just the occasional glass of wine toward the end of the pregnancy).
It has worsened over the last 6 years. Began having wine with a friend in the evening while the kids played. One glass turned to two and then 1 bottle.
Unfortunately, I think I have gained a reputation in my small community. My relationship with my husband is strained, understandably. My weight is the highest ever (when not pregnant, that is). My self esteem is low, low, low.
So I made it 2 nights last week without drinking. Caved on the weekend. The supplements and Social Situation self-hypnosis cd arrived on Saturday. I listened to it Saturday, while intoxicated. Listened to it Sunday as well. Made it through Sunday without cravings. Actually drove past a liquor store during my "witching hour" and was so excited to have no desire to stop and shop!
My prayer is that this is the beginning of the end of alcohol abuse. That I may one day be able to have a glass or two of wine, enjoy it, and stop. Please God, please.

[LVT25]

Hopeful

Hi 4my and :welcome:

All I can say is, that since I quit drinking, I have very few regrets about quitting. Before I quit, I had tons of regrets about drinking.

This program really worked for me, and I'm sure it can as well for you. Let me know what you think about the social situation cds. I used the regular cd's and really think they helped. I do feel like something changed inside of me.

Stick around and keep reading and posting.

[Doggygirl]

Hopeful

:welcome:

Wow - LVT - that post was so good all I can think of is "Ditto!" I too have no regrets since quitting AL. If I can do it, so can you.

DG

[LT]

Hopeful

Hi 4My,

I just posted in the Just Starting Out section ... if you have a chance read the post. I have been having the same struggle since 2007!!! Well, except now it's worse. I'm jumping in full steam ahead this time!!!!! Maybe we can buddy up?

[spuddleduck]

Hopeful

well done 4myhealth and wishing you the best on your journey. many people here recommend (and i agree) on getting plenty of AF time under your belt before you try just having a couple of glasses of wine. for me the couple of glasses turn into a couple more and then im off for another bottle

[sick of being sick]

Hopeful

Welcome to the site, 4my! When I found this 2 months ago, I could have never imagined how much it would change my life! I have been drinking and drugging all my life and I've tried to quit a million times before, but these people have been so great and encouraging and now I have been sober for 24 days! Don't be afraid to post anything and everything you are feeling or going through. We are all here to help you and encourage you on this journey of getting and staying sober! YOU CAN DO IT! If I can, anyone can! Love ya, Vicki

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Thanks everyone for the encouraging replies!! Now it is 5:34. Usually I would be 34 minutes into a bottle of wine...whatever that means. Not a craving. Hate to get excited too soon, but this is amazing!! I'm so inspired by all of you!

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Completed day 2, starting day 3. Definitely feel tired. Just read another post that said this is a symptom of the body detoxing. I feel so groggy in the a.m. (Probably doesn't help that my hubby is out of town and my 6 and 9 year old (and 9 mo. old puppy) are all sleeping in my room. Ha Ha! The 9 year old talks in his sleep; the 6 year old sleeps right next to me though we have the whole bed (9 yr. old on air mattress) and the puppy is just loud.) I do get more energy mid-day and then find I need some green tea to wake me up in the late afternoon early evening.
Not having cravings or the anxiety about not having wine in the house is the most amazing feeling of freedom! I love it! Now I have to keep loving it so I don't slip back into bad habits.

[LT]

Hopeful

Yay 4MyH!!!!!!! You've got lots of buddies here!!!!
Have a GREAT day!

[sick of being sick]

Hopeful

CONGRATULATIONS! :yougo: I am so happy you are doing so good, 4my! Just take one day at a time! Go read my posts from this morning "You Can Do This!" We are all here to help you and encourage you. Don't be upset if you fall, just get back up and start again. Never quit! Keep coming back! We all love you! Hope today is another AF day for you!

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Thanks to all of you...I made it through another day. Can't believe tomorrow will be day 4! I've haven't made it past 3 since I don't know when. ...but I will say tonight, I really did miss the "ritual" of a glass of wine. Didn't really crave the wine, just the ritual. Had some hot tea, some cool pelligrino and now, off to bed.

[LVT25]

Hopeful

Good job. Every time you do something different (tea instead of wine) you are retraining your brain. Keep up the great work. Remember it is so worth it!

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Thanks LVT. Hadn't thought of that...the event of having tea actually retraining my brain.

Today is the first day I don't feel completely foggy upon waking...what a nice change!
Have a great day everyone!!

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Today is day 5. What a relief to be here...not even a week yet I am excited!! Friday and Saturday will be the tough part. Again today, I don't feel as tired. I can see how the further along you get AF, the less you want to drink because who wants to go back to feeling tired, depressed, guilty, etc.?!
I do have a social event coming up on the 10th. Hopefully by then I will be ready to have just one and then stop.

[4MyHealth]

Hopeful

Okay, this thread is really for me to reflect on this process. So, not intending to bore you. I hope I can come back to this and reflect on the positive changes I've made.
Today was day 5. It was really a great day until about 5:30 and then I really wanted a glass of wine! I feel like I have eaten everything in sight in addition to drinking lots of Pellegrino. Anyhow, now the grouchiness has overcome me. My husband came home and mentioned his evil step-mother whom I loathe and despise. She loves to hate me and will be visiting soon. So the thought of enduring her without the escape of alcohol, pushed me into a grouchy mood.
Having vented, I feel better. Day 6 tomorrow. Please let the evening be easier than this was. ...questionable, since it will be Friday night. Wish me luck.
Good luck!