Heading into the witching hour
 

Day 1...It has grown dark

This is when I'd pour that first glass of whatever.
I will not tonight. Just for tonight, I will not be drinking.

But i'm trying to think of what to replace it with when I get to this hour (especially since I'm here now!!!)

My husband suggested I work out. I mean it's not a bad idea, although It's not something I ever look forward to doing. And I've feel a little down and tired all day today. Overthinking this step I made has worn me down.
Anybody got any ideas? I need some replacement therapy.

Keep busy, Change your routine.
Post here, for yourself and to others :)

You can do this :)

D

While I think balance is key for a healthy lifestyle, in early sobriety, I needed to immerse myself as much as possible in this new way of life. I needed to minimize distractions that could potentially take my eye off of the prize. So my replacements were activities that were oriented in the direction that I wanted to go.

Replacements for me were:
recovery meetings
talking with other alcoholics in recovery
reading recovery/spirituality books
participating on recovery websites such as SR
volunteer work for non-profit organizations that give back

As I got more comfortable in the new lifestyle, I was able to expand my tunnel vision view to incorporate activities that weren't necessarily recovery oriented, in order to work on achieving a balanced lifestyle.

I bike or walk in the evening when I used to drink. Once you have a few months it's not a big deal, at least for me.

It was very difficult in the beginning for me as well.

I worked out. I fell in love with reading again. I could only manage short stories in the beginning. I walked a lot, and I went to a lot of meetings.

Exercising can improve your mood, clear your head, feel tired in a different way, and, eventually, give you more energy. Even a reasonable walk each day can help.

It wasn't like I thought it out beforehand to replace drinking, but I ended up getting hooked on jigsaw puzzles once I got sober. That, walking a lot (at least an hour a day, usually 3 or 4 miles worth), and SR were a winning trifecta for me in my 1st year of sober life.

Jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, coloring books, arts and crafts, reading (you don't have to start with War and Peace; light reading is fine). Anything you think will grab your attention for a few minutes to distract you.

How is it going today VeggieFriend?

wow so wow
 

The witching hour is my failure. I do so well through the day (although suffering a hangover). and then nap for 45 mins after I get home. Watched a favourite show after and it was sooo gratifying. Then I proceed to get as drunk as I can and still function the next day. It is very precise. I measure my vodka intake in ml and drink 4-5 16oz bottles of water through the night. I am a foodie and love trying different things but end up settling for whatever my drunk ass can come up with? Yes I know my body is suffering and want to quit. Just need to reach deep and commit.

Hi VeggieFriend. The "Witching Hour".... gosh I know that so well! It's good you have recognized your pattern of drinking. I replaced it with Club Soda with lime slices, I posted here BEFORE my usual first drink (or the drive to the liquor store) and I would have an activity started (painting a piece of furniture or a craft or sewing) Hang in there and I would tell myself the same thing.... I'm not drinking today.... maybe tomorrow but not today. I am 3 years sober. :)