Day 12 Sober
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 25
Day 12 Sober
I'm a 31 year old male. I'm not sure I am an alcoholic, but I'm telling myself that I am. I definitely abused alcohol on and off for a period of around 8 years. I never drank daily, never drank in the day time, didn't drink liquor, etc, so I sorta naively thought I didn't have a problem. I rarely made an ass out of myself, but I was embarrassed about my drinking and would drink to intoxication a couple of times a week. I'd ball park around 18 - 22 units a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less or none.
I never hit any sort of bottom (never missed work, never got a DUI or even drove drunk) but my last hangover really concerned me and opened up my eyes. I think it was less of a hangover and more of a withdrawl. Anyway reading about everyone's experiences has been quite helpful. Although the physical craving has never entered the equation for me (I think I drank out of anxiety alone), too many people on here say too many familiar things for me to deny that there's something going on with me.
I'm depressed and tired, but right now my problem (I hope) is the anxiety... I might be acting like a hypochondriac or I may have ruined my body. Or I may have caught a bug. Sigh. Anyway I'm having symptoms 12 days sober (like vomiting and kidney sensitivity) that I didn't have until today. Anyway, thanks for reading and thanks for this forum.
I never hit any sort of bottom (never missed work, never got a DUI or even drove drunk) but my last hangover really concerned me and opened up my eyes. I think it was less of a hangover and more of a withdrawl. Anyway reading about everyone's experiences has been quite helpful. Although the physical craving has never entered the equation for me (I think I drank out of anxiety alone), too many people on here say too many familiar things for me to deny that there's something going on with me.
I'm depressed and tired, but right now my problem (I hope) is the anxiety... I might be acting like a hypochondriac or I may have ruined my body. Or I may have caught a bug. Sigh. Anyway I'm having symptoms 12 days sober (like vomiting and kidney sensitivity) that I didn't have until today. Anyway, thanks for reading and thanks for this forum.
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: The Great Outdoors
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Anyway I'm having symptoms 12 days sober (like vomiting and kidney sensitivity) that I didn't have until today.
Well I googled your symptoms..we could call it pyelonephritus if you have pain in one flank. I don't know what a flank is but my point is..see your doctor before you work yourself up! There are a gazillion things that this could be. Way to go on 12 days sober!! Make an appointment to ensure you don't imagine the worst.
Well I googled your symptoms..we could call it pyelonephritus if you have pain in one flank. I don't know what a flank is but my point is..see your doctor before you work yourself up! There are a gazillion things that this could be. Way to go on 12 days sober!! Make an appointment to ensure you don't imagine the worst.
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Join Date: Dec 2010
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Thank you for your support and advice! IF I had insurance, I'd definitely do that ha ha. Anyway the pain is mild and I'm not even feeling it at the moment, so I'm going to hold off unless it progresses.
The vomiting... was abnormal. I just hacked out my Taco Bell for no reason right after eating it. I didn't feel nauseous before and actually feel better after doing so. Hopefully that's unrelated. That wouldn't start on day 12, would it??
The vomiting... was abnormal. I just hacked out my Taco Bell for no reason right after eating it. I didn't feel nauseous before and actually feel better after doing so. Hopefully that's unrelated. That wouldn't start on day 12, would it??
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Join Date: Nov 2010
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No but make sure your flank is ok....
Taco Bell is bad enough going down. So sorry it came back up! I never did hark so I am not sure if others did on day 12 or not..I am sure you will get some more comments soon..but I am serious..good job on 12 days!! It does get better and better..
Taco Bell is bad enough going down. So sorry it came back up! I never did hark so I am not sure if others did on day 12 or not..I am sure you will get some more comments soon..but I am serious..good job on 12 days!! It does get better and better..
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Join Date: Dec 2010
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Ha at the Taco Bell remark. Anyway thanks for the support :-) In googling, pyelonephritus and vomiting are related, but it's not burning when I pee and I'm not peeing more than normal. I'll chalk it up to hypochondria unless it returns or gets worse.
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Join Date: Nov 2010
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I wasn't serious..I was just making the point that if we don't get checked out we can think of all kinds of horrible things. I think there are some threads on what to expect in early recovery. Start there. Everyone is different..thank God.
DOS: 11/6/10
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Florida Panhandle, USA
Posts: 736
Welcome to the forum...
Like you, there's a lot that didn't happen to me: No DUI's, no lost work, didn't do the "eye opener" thing... no "clear" bottom- - and yet, my drinking was a big, big problem. Until I accepted that, I wasn't going to get any better. So- it doesn't matter what a person does or doesn't label it- if alcohol is causing someone doubts or issues, there's a problem.
Some of what you mentioned in your post are what are occasionally called "yets". In other words, you have stopped drinking but if you go back to it- there's no saying you won't have a DUI in the future. So- I haven't ever gotten a DUI- yet. I never used alcohol as an eye opener- yet. But- if I drink again, all of these are possibilities.
Any physical symptoms you are having should be checked out by a doctor, pronto... honesty with him will be the best policy.
Glad you're here and hope you stick around; congrats on your 12 days.
Like you, there's a lot that didn't happen to me: No DUI's, no lost work, didn't do the "eye opener" thing... no "clear" bottom- - and yet, my drinking was a big, big problem. Until I accepted that, I wasn't going to get any better. So- it doesn't matter what a person does or doesn't label it- if alcohol is causing someone doubts or issues, there's a problem.
Some of what you mentioned in your post are what are occasionally called "yets". In other words, you have stopped drinking but if you go back to it- there's no saying you won't have a DUI in the future. So- I haven't ever gotten a DUI- yet. I never used alcohol as an eye opener- yet. But- if I drink again, all of these are possibilities.
Any physical symptoms you are having should be checked out by a doctor, pronto... honesty with him will be the best policy.
Glad you're here and hope you stick around; congrats on your 12 days.
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Join Date: Dec 2010
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Originally Posted by sunrise1 
Welcome to the forum...
Like you, there's a lot that didn't happen to me: No DUI's, no lost work, didn't do the "eye opener" thing... no "clear" bottom- - and yet, my drinking was a big, big problem. Until I accepted that, I wasn't going to get any better. So- it doesn't matter what a person does or doesn't label it- if alcohol is causing someone doubts or issues, there's a problem.
Some of what you mentioned in your post are what are occasionally called "yets". In other words, you have stopped drinking but if you go back to it- there's no saying you won't have a DUI in the future. So- I haven't ever gotten a DUI- yet. I never used alcohol as an eye opener- yet. But- if I drink again, all of these are possibilities.
Any physical symptoms you are having should be checked out by a doctor, pronto... honesty with him will be the best policy.
Glad you're here and hope you stick around; congrats on your 12 days.
Like you, there's a lot that didn't happen to me: No DUI's, no lost work, didn't do the "eye opener" thing... no "clear" bottom- - and yet, my drinking was a big, big problem. Until I accepted that, I wasn't going to get any better. So- it doesn't matter what a person does or doesn't label it- if alcohol is causing someone doubts or issues, there's a problem.
Some of what you mentioned in your post are what are occasionally called "yets". In other words, you have stopped drinking but if you go back to it- there's no saying you won't have a DUI in the future. So- I haven't ever gotten a DUI- yet. I never used alcohol as an eye opener- yet. But- if I drink again, all of these are possibilities.
Any physical symptoms you are having should be checked out by a doctor, pronto... honesty with him will be the best policy.
Glad you're here and hope you stick around; congrats on your 12 days.
I was able to hang out with a buddy last weekend who keeps a keg in his house. He got pretty drunk by me but didn't pressure me to drink (I didn't get into an explanation as to why). So I'm glad I can say no.
I'll consider your advice about the doctor, but don't be mad that I'm holding off. I'm unemployed (not my fault, the place went out of business) and have no insurance. Creating unnecessary debt would definitely be a trigger to drink. Anyway, I actually feel really good since I hacked up the Taco Bell, good enough to go for a jog. Probably telling people here about this anonymously helps a lot too, I haven't told anyone I think I have a problem (and no one's noticed). So I think my anxiety is what's getting to me, where every ache or itch means I'm dyin', ha ha. But I'll keep a close, honest eye on my health since everyone's advising me to do so.
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 432
Yeah, stay strong and it will definitely get better. You will have ups and downs in your mood and your physical symptoms, but try not to worry about them too much, they WILL even out if you don't drink. Try sweets if you get a craving. Not a miracle cure but they help a bit. So does exercise, even mild or moderate.
Nobody here has mentioned this yet, but have you tried AA? It was TOTALLY different than I expected. There are doctors and lawyers in there, totally squared away people, dealing with life well, just getting together for a little "fine tuning" , if you will.
Nobody here has mentioned this yet, but have you tried AA? It was TOTALLY different than I expected. There are doctors and lawyers in there, totally squared away people, dealing with life well, just getting together for a little "fine tuning" , if you will.
DOS: 11/6/10
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Florida Panhandle, USA
Posts: 736
I won't be a bit upset if you don't follow any particular piece advice I give out... it's part of the peace I have in AA. Now, I fully understand why your body might not tolerate Taco Bell whether you quit drinking or not :P so that's absolutely your decision to make. I'm just glad you're here figuring things out and taking that first baby step forward.
Welcome to day 13! Exercise is good. You may have motivated me to get some.
Welcome to day 13! Exercise is good. You may have motivated me to get some.
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 508
Sounds like Kidney Stones or a Kidney Stone to me! Start drinking lots and lots of cranberry juice. And look at the label - most of the cranberry juices out there are just high fructose corn syrup and water. Get 100% juice cranberry juice and get drinking! If it gets to large or the pain gets to severe you'll have to get to a doctor. Maybe there is an inexpensive walkin clinic in your area that has a fee based on income? Good luck. Stay away from dairy for now too.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Please read this informative link
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
Again...welcome to our Alcoholism Forum...
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
Again...welcome to our Alcoholism Forum...
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Thanks everyone! Things are going good. I think I have a cold but the kidneys aren't uncomfortable today.
Hey, anyone have good advice on how to turn down drinks this holiday, or in general? I mean, without making a big deal out of it and saying "I have a drinking problem." This time of year, I'll be around some family and friends I don't see everyday and being offered free drinks will probably be an issue. I don't want to be all in their face about my sobriety but don't even want to test the waters after my last hangover. With most people I've socialized with, I rarely had "too much" so I don't think they'd be clued into my problem.
Maybe a fib like "I'm on a medication that I can't drink with" or "My New Year's Resolution is to drop weight" or maybe even "I'm allergic" or something? Just curious if anyone has anything that is simple and believable but doesn't draw too much attention.
Hey, anyone have good advice on how to turn down drinks this holiday, or in general? I mean, without making a big deal out of it and saying "I have a drinking problem." This time of year, I'll be around some family and friends I don't see everyday and being offered free drinks will probably be an issue. I don't want to be all in their face about my sobriety but don't even want to test the waters after my last hangover. With most people I've socialized with, I rarely had "too much" so I don't think they'd be clued into my problem.
Maybe a fib like "I'm on a medication that I can't drink with" or "My New Year's Resolution is to drop weight" or maybe even "I'm allergic" or something? Just curious if anyone has anything that is simple and believable but doesn't draw too much attention.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
My favorite was..."Taking med's for a gum infection"
No one ever wanted to look in my mouth
for verification...and it was not so serious
that it alarmed anyone.
No one ever wanted to look in my mouth
for verification...and it was not so serious
that it alarmed anyone.
Groovy Dancer
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: The States
Posts: 4,751
I hope you're still doin well seeley. Congrats on the sober time. I know it's the holidays, but try to avoid drinking situations this early in sobriety. If you go and are uncomfortable telling people you have stopped, use the excuses above. Good luck and keep us posted!
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 508
How about "I can't drink because I'm on antibiotics for bronchitis" So you're on antibiotics but for something that is pretty much a cold gone bad. Another one we came up with on another site was to tell people you have a really bad stomach flu and haven't kept in food down since yesterday. People won't be begging you to drink knowing it could come right back up at them! Ha Ha Stay strong. Don't go out unless you have to!
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 581
Sometimes I just use being healthy as my excuse for not drinking, as in:
Host: Sophie would you like red or white?
Me: Neither, thanks, just a diet coke.
Host: What? No wine?
Me: Nah, I'm tryin to be healthier these days. (then maybe change subject) I've been going to bootcamp at the Y. (or) I've been getting up early to run and it's really energizing.
Host: I really need to do that too. (Usually they say something admiring)
Then you are actually an inspiration to people and they're like, "gee, she isn't drinking wine, maybe I should lay off too" - hee hee!! And you don't have to get caught in the lie of antibiotics or meds which usually prompt more questions or worse, you can't keep saying antibiotics forever.
Host: Sophie would you like red or white?
Me: Neither, thanks, just a diet coke.
Host: What? No wine?
Me: Nah, I'm tryin to be healthier these days. (then maybe change subject) I've been going to bootcamp at the Y. (or) I've been getting up early to run and it's really energizing.
Host: I really need to do that too. (Usually they say something admiring)
Then you are actually an inspiration to people and they're like, "gee, she isn't drinking wine, maybe I should lay off too" - hee hee!! And you don't have to get caught in the lie of antibiotics or meds which usually prompt more questions or worse, you can't keep saying antibiotics forever.
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 432
I try not to give a specific reason because it's hard to keep track of what you've told everybody. I just say no thank you, and say it's for general health reasons. These days, everybody is so health-conscious that it's not a big deal. If you live in the South, there are a lot of tee-totallers so it rarely even comes up.
DOS: 11/6/10
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Florida Panhandle, USA
Posts: 736
Yes-that is the other great tactic I've used... the decline of the drink, and immediately to a new subject- for example: "no thanks... I've just started working out at X gym, and I can't believe how good I feel after only a week... they've got all these programs etc etc"... I've never had anybody catch me at this (and I do it a lot in my business; lots of backstabbing going on that I choose not to participate in) and it solves the problem and changes the discussion.
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