Sober 3 months & under Part 2 - Page 3 - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

gravity · 02-22-2008, 12:19 PM

Hey theonlyway,

You know, when I look back over the past few weeks, I did put myself in a few situations where my work colleagues were drinking. Most notably, I went to a hockey game in Toronto with three work colleagues/friends who were drinking & offering me drinks. I've also sat in bars (like for 20 minutes) & restaurants with people who were drinking. These particular people are not heavy drinkers (that I know anyway). I have to admit that I was uncomfortable & starting to crave at these times. This was my drinking environment. Out of town, work pressure/excitement, people to drink with. I guess that's a difference between us - I have virtually no problems abstaining at home, it's a safe haven for me - I am thankful for this. I understand the "friends/socialization withdrawal" situation. How many evenings can I sit alone in my hotel room when others are out kicking back, having fun? I just have to try to keep focused and sort of assess the threat to my sobriety.

I'm still considering the 'no long timers with active drinking friends' concept. My wife & sister drink occasionally (like, a couple of drinks a few times a year). My brother and my two best friends abuse alcohol - while I know they would support me if I told them I don't drink, what if I was having a tough go of it and asked them if they wanted to go for a drink, keeping in mind that they have their own drinking issues to deal with? For now, I talk to them and see them in circumstances where the likelyhood of drinking is pretty remote (eg. out for breakfast, sliding with the kids).

Anyhow, thanks for the post. You sound good, on track. Stay strong!

Negative Man · 02-22-2008, 08:32 PM

Big thanks to theonly, Tay-Lyn, and Barb for saving my *ss tonight with some well-timed PMs and Wall postings. Man, I came home ready to drink myself under the basement.

I get by with a little (lot of!) help from my friends. Day Four just about done. Feels like a month! But not in the good way!

Hi to everyone. I hope everyone's doing well!

scaredykat · 02-22-2008, 09:27 PM

I'm glad your handing in there NM. It will get easier. That's what everyone tells me. Congratulations on making it through day 4.

Tonight's the end of day 35 for me. Really rough week with all the stuff with my cats. i really wanted to drink today, but i made it through. I went to my meeting tonight and talked to people. Now i feel so much better. Tomorrow night is my home group meeting. i can't wait. It's my favorite meeting of the week. I really feel like I'm at home at that group.

Take care everyone. Tomorrow's another day of hope.
Barb

Negative Man · 02-22-2008, 11:20 PM

Thanks Barb! Congratulations on your 35. You rock!

Sportster · 02-23-2008, 06:10 AM

Hi All, I didn't join the two weks and under club for fear that I might have to drop out but here I am almost four weeks so figured I would join the 3 months sober club. I'm happy to be here and thrilled to be sober.
When I get a chance I'll read the first three pages here but for now I just wanted to throw in with you all. Three pages so something must be working here.
Thanks for listening,
Sportster

SF69 · 02-23-2008, 10:30 AM

Barb: Congrats of the 5 weeks! I know it's been an especially bad week for you, but I'm really proud that you were able to work your way through it and stay sober. Great job!

NM: glad to see you came here for support last night. I know it's a struggle, but keep it up!

Sportster: Welcome to the thread and congrats on the four weeks!

nodrinkingzone · 02-23-2008, 02:51 PM

Hey all, Day 70 here for me - still getting along, hope you're all well, I'll post more wehn I get the chance

mayorob1 · 02-23-2008, 04:03 PM

Hi everyone,

I am posting this after drinking 4 beers,

I have had a very stressful couple of weeks, my job has been very demanding, my home life has been over loaded. Mentally and physically.

My house is for sale, my dog was in to be fixed, my wife's office asked me to move all there computers and telephones equipment (that's a skill I have)

I left my wife's office today feeling very frustrated, all afternoon having my old thoughts about working hard and rewarding myself with beer on the way home.

Many times I talked myself out of going to the beer store all afternoon, but the whole process was so frustrating and I just am so tired from working so many hours at work. ( I know that I have preached about just saying no and I am sorry for that)

I drove by the beer store three times. finally I stopped, actually I went to the liquor store because beer is less expensive there. I bought 4 beers and headed home. Because I didn't want my son to see me drink I stopped around the corner from my house ( I live in the country) and drank the beer

I sat there and listened to my radio and had so many feelings go through my head, I drank the first beer and thought this is so wrong, but the old feelings won and I drank the second. That's when I knew I had made a mistake.

At that point I decided that this was only going to happen today, that I was going to get back on my goal and move on, I listen to the music and drank the other two beers. And went home.

My wife was not happy with me but after I explained what was going on in my head she understood and was happy that I just drank 4 beers and came home.

I am really sorry guys, I have let you down.

I don't think I would have made it this far without you,

I am back on day one,

Love and hugs

Rob

SF69 · 02-23-2008, 05:24 PM

Thank you for sharing and being honest Rob. You haven't let me down. I know none of us are perfect. You've done a lot of hard work (and that hasn't been lost), and this is just a slip. All any of us can do is keep trying. Take care of yourself!

gravity · 02-23-2008, 06:09 PM

Hi Rob,

You have been and will continue to be a source of strength & inspiration for me. You put together a great stretch of time without drinking, enough to appreciate what a gift sobriety can be for yourself & your family.

What really helps me when I need to relieve stress is that I try to do other things to unwind, sort things out, get out of my head, or reward myself. Exercise is a big one for me - gym membership, mountain biking, cross country skiing. Taking my family out to dinner and playing with my kids are also awesome rewards - my kids, their laughter & excitement. I also have people I can vent my frustrations to. Sometimes just kicking back and watching a hockey game on TV (like right now

) or a movie gets me out of my head. Much better results than drinking!

You know what I liked about your post? "I am back on day one." Your not giving up and that's all anyone can really do.

Take care my friend.

D

Dean62 · 02-23-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayorob1

Many times I talked myself out of going to the beer store all afternoon, but the whole process was so frustrating and I just am so tired from working so many hours at work. ( I know that I have preached about just saying no and I am sorry for that)

I drove by the beer store three times. finally I stopped, actually I went to the liquor store because beer is less expensive there. I bought 4 beers and headed home. Because I didn't want my son to see me drink I stopped around the corner from my house ( I live in the country) and drank the beer

I sat there and listened to my radio and had so many feelings go through my head, I drank the first beer and thought this is so wrong, but the old feelings won and I drank the second. That's when I knew I had made a mistake.

OUCH! Rob I could feel that one. I know exactly how you were feeling. A slave to king alcohol.

We are a slave to this thing Rob. I pray we find freedom together.

Thanks for coming back.

Negative Man · 02-24-2008, 12:40 AM

Welcome sportster. And hey y'all! to Gravity, NDZ, Dean, SF69, Barb, theonly, and everyone else.

MayorRob... Thanks for posting about what you're going through. You have not let us down. You can only let us down by not coming back to SR, and guess what: you came here and posted when I bet you didn't feel like it.

Thanks. Thanks for doing that for us. It means so much to me to have a place for you. When I know there's a place for you, I know there's a place for me.

I'm on day 5 now. Going to bed. Feeling really good. I remember 5 days ago. Just get your next day. Good times ahead.

-- NM

timetogiveitup · 02-24-2008, 01:31 AM

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd pop in and give a quick update.

I'm on Day 50 today which has been a pretty fun day. I went for a drive to Mt Baw Baw. It was about 4 degrees celcius (~37 degrees fahrenheit) at the top of the mountain and quite wet but the drive up and down the mountain was thrilling.

I've been attending regular AA meetings (about 4 a week) and I've now got a home group and a sponsor. Both things I kinda did against my will but I feel a sense of relief now that I've decided to make the commitment to AA and sobriety.

I've had some up and down times and it's felt a bit like being on a rollercoaster with these dizzying highs that are followed up by some pretty ordinary lows.

Physically I feel fantastic as I'm back training well in the gym, eating healthy and resting on the weekends so my body's feeling good.

Emotionally I'm feeling better than I was a couple months ago, much of that is due to the support of some great friends, family, AA & SR.

Pschycologically, my mind is still going a million miles an hour but I'm learning how to deal with things without resorting to drinking every week. Drinking never really solved any of my problems in the past but it did give me a period of time where I could blank out my problems. I don't know if that was a good thing but not being able to do that these days has been a bit of a learning curb. My problems are now there 24/7 and I have no where to hide at any time so this has been new to me.

Anyway, hope you are all well and well done to all of you who have busted but are still here trying as hard as ever... You are an inspiration!

Dean62 · 02-24-2008, 11:00 AM

Sunday February 24. 30 days sober. I can't believe it has gone so well for me. I am grateful for everyone at SR, AA my sponsor and most of all my Father in Heaven. I could not be where I am today at this moment without any one of those components.

I'm not just sober today but I am happy. I have had my moments of depression and cravings but they are nothing to what I was feeling 31 days ago.

Life is good, God is good, today is good.

Love to all

Dean62.

SF69 · 02-24-2008, 12:07 PM

Way to go Dean! Great job on the 30 Days!

02-22-2008, 09:27 PM	#53 (permalink)
scaredykat Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Upstate, N.Y. Posts: 2,395	I'm glad your handing in there NM. It will get easier. That's what everyone tells me. Congratulations on making it through day 4. Tonight's the end of day 35 for me. Really rough week with all the stuff with my cats. i really wanted to drink today, but i made it through. I went to my meeting tonight and talked to people. Now i feel so much better. Tomorrow night is my home group meeting. i can't wait. It's my favorite meeting of the week. I really feel like I'm at home at that group. Take care everyone. Tomorrow's another day of hope. Barb
	__________________ "Understanding is the first step to acceptance and only with acceptance can there be recovery." - Harry Potter 4 by JK Rowling Sober since: 1/19/08

02-23-2008, 02:51 PM	#57 (permalink)
nodrinkingzone Fighting the good fight Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 306	Hey all, Day 70 here for me - still getting along, hope you're all well, I'll post more wehn I get the chance
	__________________ “When a warrior learns to stop the internal dialogue, everything becomes possible; the most far-fetched schemes become attainable.” - Carlos Castaneda “The warrior's approach is to say "yes" to life: "yea" to it all.” - Joseph Campbell

02-23-2008, 04:03 PM	#58 (permalink)
mayorob1 Rob From Canada eh!! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Brantford Ontario Posts: 83	Rob has fellen of the wagon Hi everyone, I am posting this after drinking 4 beers, I have had a very stressful couple of weeks, my job has been very demanding, my home life has been over loaded. Mentally and physically. My house is for sale, my dog was in to be fixed, my wife's office asked me to move all there computers and telephones equipment (that's a skill I have) I left my wife's office today feeling very frustrated, all afternoon having my old thoughts about working hard and rewarding myself with beer on the way home. Many times I talked myself out of going to the beer store all afternoon, but the whole process was so frustrating and I just am so tired from working so many hours at work. ( I know that I have preached about just saying no and I am sorry for that) I drove by the beer store three times. finally I stopped, actually I went to the liquor store because beer is less expensive there. I bought 4 beers and headed home. Because I didn't want my son to see me drink I stopped around the corner from my house ( I live in the country) and drank the beer I sat there and listened to my radio and had so many feelings go through my head, I drank the first beer and thought this is so wrong, but the old feelings won and I drank the second. That's when I knew I had made a mistake. At that point I decided that this was only going to happen today, that I was going to get back on my goal and move on, I listen to the music and drank the other two beers. And went home. My wife was not happy with me but after I explained what was going on in my head she understood and was happy that I just drank 4 beers and came home. I am really sorry guys, I have let you down. I don't think I would have made it this far without you, I am back on day one, Love and hugs Rob
	__________________ I used to reward myself with a drink, Now I reward me and my family each day without a drink.

02-24-2008, 01:31 AM	#63 (permalink)
timetogiveitup taking it one day at a time Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 66	Hi everyone, Just thought I'd pop in and give a quick update. I'm on Day 50 today which has been a pretty fun day. I went for a drive to Mt Baw Baw. It was about 4 degrees celcius (~37 degrees fahrenheit) at the top of the mountain and quite wet but the drive up and down the mountain was thrilling. I've been attending regular AA meetings (about 4 a week) and I've now got a home group and a sponsor. Both things I kinda did against my will but I feel a sense of relief now that I've decided to make the commitment to AA and sobriety. I've had some up and down times and it's felt a bit like being on a rollercoaster with these dizzying highs that are followed up by some pretty ordinary lows. Physically I feel fantastic as I'm back training well in the gym, eating healthy and resting on the weekends so my body's feeling good. Emotionally I'm feeling better than I was a couple months ago, much of that is due to the support of some great friends, family, AA & SR. Pschycologically, my mind is still going a million miles an hour but I'm learning how to deal with things without resorting to drinking every week. Drinking never really solved any of my problems in the past but it did give me a period of time where I could blank out my problems. I don't know if that was a good thing but not being able to do that these days has been a bit of a learning curb. My problems are now there 24/7 and I have no where to hide at any time so this has been new to me. Anyway, hope you are all well and well done to all of you who have busted but are still here trying as hard as ever... You are an inspiration!
	__________________ I like the person I am today, I like the person I was yesterday and I'm more than likely to like the person I'll be tomorrow.... *That's something worth being sober for.*

02-22-2008, 12:19 PM	#51 (permalink)
gravity Keep me where the light is Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 672	Hey theonlyway, You know, when I look back over the past few weeks, I did put myself in a few situations where my work colleagues were drinking. Most notably, I went to a hockey game in Toronto with three work colleagues/friends who were drinking & offering me drinks. I've also sat in bars (like for 20 minutes) & restaurants with people who were drinking. These particular people are not heavy drinkers (that I know anyway). I have to admit that I was uncomfortable & starting to crave at these times. This was my drinking environment. Out of town, work pressure/excitement, people to drink with. I guess that's a difference between us - I have virtually no problems abstaining at home, it's a safe haven for me - I am thankful for this. I understand the "friends/socialization withdrawal" situation. How many evenings can I sit alone in my hotel room when others are out kicking back, having fun? I just have to try to keep focused and sort of assess the threat to my sobriety. I'm still considering the 'no long timers with active drinking friends' concept. My wife & sister drink occasionally (like, a couple of drinks a few times a year). My brother and my two best friends abuse alcohol - while I know they would support me if I told them I don't drink, what if I was having a tough go of it and asked them if they wanted to go for a drink, keeping in mind that they have their own drinking issues to deal with? For now, I talk to them and see them in circumstances where the likelyhood of drinking is pretty remote (eg. out for breakfast, sliding with the kids). Anyhow, thanks for the post. You sound good, on track. Stay strong!

02-22-2008, 08:32 PM	#52 (permalink)
Negative Man Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California Posts: 222	Big thanks to theonly, Tay-Lyn, and Barb for saving my *ss tonight with some well-timed PMs and Wall postings. Man, I came home ready to drink myself under the basement. I get by with a little (lot of!) help from my friends. Day Four just about done. Feels like a month! But not in the good way! Hi to everyone. I hope everyone's doing well!

02-22-2008, 11:20 PM	#54 (permalink)
Negative Man Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California Posts: 222	Thanks Barb! Congratulations on your 35. You rock!

02-23-2008, 06:10 AM	#55 (permalink)
Sportster Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: RI Posts: 30	Hi All, I didn't join the two weks and under club for fear that I might have to drop out but here I am almost four weeks so figured I would join the 3 months sober club. I'm happy to be here and thrilled to be sober. When I get a chance I'll read the first three pages here but for now I just wanted to throw in with you all. Three pages so something must be working here. Thanks for listening, Sportster

02-23-2008, 10:30 AM	#56 (permalink)
SF69 Anxiety King Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 403	Barb: Congrats of the 5 weeks! I know it's been an especially bad week for you, but I'm really proud that you were able to work your way through it and stay sober. Great job! NM: glad to see you came here for support last night. I know it's a struggle, but keep it up! Sportster: Welcome to the thread and congrats on the four weeks!

02-23-2008, 05:24 PM	#59 (permalink)
SF69 Anxiety King Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 403	Thank you for sharing and being honest Rob. You haven't let me down. I know none of us are perfect. You've done a lot of hard work (and that hasn't been lost), and this is just a slip. All any of us can do is keep trying. Take care of yourself!

02-23-2008, 06:09 PM	#60 (permalink)
gravity Keep me where the light is Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 672	Hi Rob, You have been and will continue to be a source of strength & inspiration for me. You put together a great stretch of time without drinking, enough to appreciate what a gift sobriety can be for yourself & your family. What really helps me when I need to relieve stress is that I try to do other things to unwind, sort things out, get out of my head, or reward myself. Exercise is a big one for me - gym membership, mountain biking, cross country skiing. Taking my family out to dinner and playing with my kids are also awesome rewards - my kids, their laughter & excitement. I also have people I can vent my frustrations to. Sometimes just kicking back and watching a hockey game on TV (like right now ) or a movie gets me out of my head. Much better results than drinking! You know what I liked about your post? "I am back on day one." Your not giving up and that's all anyone can really do. Take care my friend. D

02-24-2008, 12:40 AM	#62 (permalink)
Negative Man Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: California Posts: 222	Welcome sportster. And hey y'all! to Gravity, NDZ, Dean, SF69, Barb, theonly, and everyone else. MayorRob... Thanks for posting about what you're going through. You have not let us down. You can only let us down by not coming back to SR, and guess what: you came here and posted when I bet you didn't feel like it. Thanks. Thanks for doing that for us. It means so much to me to have a place for you. When I know there's a place for you, I know there's a place for me. I'm on day 5 now. Going to bed. Feeling really good. I remember 5 days ago. Just get your next day. Good times ahead. -- NM

02-24-2008, 11:00 AM	#64 (permalink)
Dean62 I'd rather be happy then right Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 279	Sunday February 24. 30 days sober. I can't believe it has gone so well for me. I am grateful for everyone at SR, AA my sponsor and most of all my Father in Heaven. I could not be where I am today at this moment without any one of those components. I'm not just sober today but I am happy. I have had my moments of depression and cravings but they are nothing to what I was feeling 31 days ago. Life is good, God is good, today is good. Love to all Dean62.

02-24-2008, 12:07 PM	#65 (permalink)
SF69 Anxiety King Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 403	Way to go Dean! Great job on the 30 Days!