One month down
 

Hi guys,

I've been reading the forums for a while now and thought I would introduce myself and tell you about my story.

I've always enjoyed a drink. Started off with a four pack on a Friday night with my mates in my teenage years. Then the usual university drinking. I think I probably drank more than others but it didn't seem like an issue at the time. Drinking is so ingrained in our culture; it's the norm!

The past year or so things had got a lot worse. I went from drinking on Friday and Saturday to maybe one night in the week. The week day drinking then escalated to every day. We're not just talking a beer or two - my weapon of choice was white rum and coke. Started off with a fifth of a bottle (1lt) to a quarter, to a third to a half. I would wake up feeling pretty terrible but I got used to it.

The reason for my drinking was work-related anxiety. If I drank at night I wouldn't think about the things that make me anxious. So it seemed like a good system. Just make it until 18.00. That way I can get drunk, not worry, then wake up and try to get to 18.00 again without thinking too much.

But of course I then entered a viscous circle. My anxiety the next day would be multiplied. My increasing tolerance meant I had to drink more. Drinking more increased my anxiety. Because I was more anxious I had to drink more. The warning signs for me was when I could get through half a bottle of rum and still feel anxious. The once calming effect of the alcohol had stopped working.

With the help of reading the forums here and the advice that people have offered I am now over a month sober.

After the first day I felt great. Waking up without a hangover was great! After the third day I experienced a relaxing tingly sensation throughout my body. Things pretty much then plateaued apart from maybe 3-4 separate days of feeling tired or anxious. I now feel like this is something I will do for the rest of my life. I cannot be trusted with alcohol. One drink will turn into 5. One day a week will turn into 7.

Thanks for all the posts you guys have made. You honestly have made a huge difference to my recovery. Here's to the long journey ahead together!

Welcome to SR coopertemple - and congrats on a month :)
Thanks for sharing a little of your story too. I can relate to drink over anxiety and finding the anxiety getting worse.

I'm so glad I made that lifetime decision to quit and I know you will too :)

D

Congrats on getting at it before things got real bad. Very smart unlike me.

:tyou:scoregood:c011:

Good for you cooper. Trust me it can get a lot worse. Your doing the right thing

:You_Rock_

Always remember this :)

No one is ever
too broken,
too scarred.
or too far-gone
to create change.
Never stop fighting.
Never lose faith.

Hi Coopertemple - thanks so much for your helpful post! I definitely can relate to all of it.

Even though I had the same experience, I didn't try to stop all together until I was middle aged. I spent many years trying to use willpower so I wouldn't have to give up the 'fun' of drinking - or deal with the fear of missing out. I ended up drinking all day. I was completely dependent on it to cope with life. Which of course wouldn't have been so difficult if I hadn't been drinking. As you said, a vicious cycle. I'm happy you have a month sober - congratulations!