Class of April

[OceanBound]

Day 21. Almost didn't make it yesterday after a meltdown that came out of nowhere. But I stopped myself before I got out of the door to go buy booze, let myself cry it out and stayed in for the night reading SR and a book. I am really surprised actually, no warning signs at all, I guess it was brewing in my subconscious until 1 seemingly trivial thing triggered "the hell with sobriety, I can't take it anymore." Anyway, slept for 11 hours which almost never happens to me and now I'm back here not hungover. Hope this day will be better.

Thanks, guys!
OB

[satyricon]

Day 21 here. Not really feeling that great this weekend - been pretty anxious. Just trying to tough it out and hope it gets better.

[electrickery]

day 20 sucks

Ocean bound I can relate once again! Last night I had a real sudden moment of **** it I just want a drink and almost bought some on the way home after a tough day at work. I didnt but all morning I have been getting cravings. And NOW just NOW a nearby store came in with a deliciously cold bottle of champaigne as a gift for me lending them the vacuum cleaner.

waaaaahhhhh I want it! Anyway its in the fridge for the other employees to drink. Bah! I mean who gives a gift of a whole bottle of champaigne for using a vacuum

[LauraS]

Today is day 34. I still want to drink, but I'm getting used to the idea that I won't. I'm feeling a bit out of sorts, though. Not wanting to go to meetings, not wanting to do the work, just wanting to sleep and eat and be lazy. I know that's not good, but I have no real sense of motivation to move past it.

I will probably force myself to go to a meeting this afternoon. I haven't been in almost a week.

[CarolD]

For those having cravings.....

I timed mine in early sobreity
they lasted 5-7 minutes in duration.
Some of you have noticed an improvement.

That is the time to take positive actions.
Dance around the room....Brush your teeth
Take a walk...Drink cold water...Shower
.Use the Serenity Prayers
anything you can think of to distract yourself.

My recovery requires vigilance and action.

Mine lessened in intensity and duration
Completely vanished by the end of 60 days.


Please continue to move forward...you deserve
a healthy joy filled future.

[Sweets79]

Day 15, depressed, general feeling of disgust, lethargic, self esteem low, no matter what I do, I'm restless, constant thoughts of someone I shouldn't be thinking of... bad cravings.

[CarolD]

For members interested......
here is a list of various recovery programs for you to explore

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-programs.html

Not all SR members use a structured program
and are happily sober.
However....if that is not true for you...
if you feel the need.....please find something that benefits you.


Forward we go ...side by side.........:ghug

[bartender129]

Day 41 here guys.

Keep on going!

[Jane47]

Hi everyone, hope everyone is doing alright. Day 15 here.

[bartender129]

Awesome Jane!

Day 42 right here.

I'm still working my recovery program and I am so much happier.

Keep on going!

[OceanBound]

Day 23. Feeling kinda blah. Sleep patterns keep changing from not being able to sleep to wanting to sleep for more than 8 hours. I used to wake up after 6-7 hours energized so this is new to me. Hope it goes back to normal soon.

OB

[LauraS]

Day 36. I actually feel good tonight. Sleep has been really hard but I slept a little better last night. Am not feeling quite the stress and anxiety I've been feeling recently.

I made an appointment for this Friday to see my doctor and talk about these feelings of anxiety and stress. I don't know if he will be able to help me, but I will ask. I am not going to take anything even remotely addictive however. Husband had a miserable time trying to get off of Paxil last year and I am not going to go there myself. I already kicked nicotine and now working on alcohol, so don't need to add a new addiction to the mix.

Glad to be feeling better, anyway. Hope it lasts!

[bartender129]

Day 43 here guys.

I hear you guys on the sleep thing.

My body can't seem to get enough of it now. 8 hours feels like 5 minutes and I am in such a deep sleep when it is time to get up.

Mornings have been tough.

Anyway, this is the happiest I have ever been in sobriety.

Keep on keeping on guys!

[Sweets79]

Day 17...agitated.

[jhay]

Made it through Day 38. I've been feeling pretty awful though and got put back on work probation today for time and attendance for one day that was beyond my control. I'm dealing with multiple things that make me frustrated and irritated but I'm hangin' in there.

[jhay]

Oh wow, OceanBound I feel you on the sleep thing and had no idea it was related. I had restless sleep for a while and couldn't even fall asleep until early morning and now I oversleep and feel the same way - lethargic and wanting to sleep the day away. I'm sure it too shall pass.

[CarolD]

Hi Everyone.......

Here is a link with sleeping tips....

Insomnia? 42 Simple Tips to Help You Get to Sleep - Insomnia treatment, cures

I hope it helps....

It's great to see everyone's progress
Good for you

[bartender129]

Day 44 here guys,

Thanks for the tip carol.

Same sleep issues here last night. I got a full 8 hours and still woke up exhausted.

Other then that I have no complaints which is a pretty incredible place to be...

Hang in there everyone!

[electrickery]

I've been all over the place with sleep too. Its getting a bit better though aside from waking up tired - and coffee not working the way it used too. Weird. Its been making me tired instead of energised. I feel robbed!

In general though I feel a lot more motivated to go for walks, get things done, actually do work while at work (shock!!!).... its good.

Had a few real challanging moments while my bf was here - he doesnt drink often but he did miss having a drink or two with me. He couldnt quite understand why I couldnt drink just one or two drinks and then stop again if I could not drink at all when I decided too. In the end he got there but I really just felt a bit dumb and embarrised about the whole thing.

[RohnertWestfiel]

Day 27 for me but I am nervous I fell off the wagon before on day 42... So I think till I beat that I will be a bit nervous. but I'm trying to stay positive... it's hard sometimes though.

[Sweets79]

19 days...strength and limits are being tested..feel despair.

[LauraS]

Day 38. Today is the beginning of my weekend. I believe that I will not make it through this weekend.

I am feeling bitterly resentful about having to do this. I am feeling bitterly resentful that I've decided to wear a label that flags me as someone who has no choices. I know that this is a bad way to be thinking but it's how I get.

My husband is quite happy about being able to relax with his own DOC while I get the privilege of being stressed out and anxiety ridden for the rest of my life because I have decided that self-medication is no longer an option.

I had seven years of sobriety under my belt once, and with my stress-related issues I absolutely know that, for me, this anxiety does not go away when the drink stops no matter how much time I get. I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to talk about this but, I swear, if he does not offer me any concrete assistance , I do not believe today that I am going to be able to do this.

[CarolD]

Mega Laura

I certainly hope your doctor will give you assistance.
If not....I sure would be changeing doctors.

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this.
Please stay as safe as possible.
Prayers coming your way.

[OceanBound]

Laura,

You are (almost) never out of options. You can try to find a therapist who'll help you learn coping skills for your trigger situations. You can take medication for anxiety. You can continue building your support network outside of SR. You can choose to fight for yourself.

I know you'll probably dismiss what I said because I "don't understand." But I do. Years of depression with intermittent anxiety. I know how dark it looks at times.

You are a fighter. You could have quit and drunk by now. Instead you came here. Never touching alcohol is not a death sentence.

Wishing you more strength. And as Carol said, be safe.

OB

[electrickery]

Hi laura!

Just sending you the strength to get through the weekend.

I don't have any idea about your situation but I am sure there must be some way to reduce your anxiety that doesn't involve alcohol. I am also sure you have tried a helluva lot of things out before but keep searching!

For me meditation has worked amazingly - less anxiety, more gratitude for small things in life, a sense of peace while having clarity.... feel free to PM me if you are interested and I can tell you about the techniques I find useful. They arn't just about sitting and trying to be calm and meditative while actually going mental inside your own head either - the ones I find best actually use some movement as well as stillness.

Take care! I'll be thinking of ya!