starting point?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1
starting point?
hey,
first time trying anything like this. how does one start? is it a a day at a time? a week at a time? What do you do when you reach the point when you really wnat a drink? how do you socialise?
first time trying anything like this. how does one start? is it a a day at a time? a week at a time? What do you do when you reach the point when you really wnat a drink? how do you socialise?
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 1,591
Mazy, start with your decision not to drink. It sounds like you have taken that step already.
I say over and over again that I never used to understand One Day At A Time, but I do now. When you ask about how to socialize, that is going outside Today. Don't give yourself mountains to climb, because that might have the potential to make you give in. Confidence builds when you stack one day on top of the other, looking back at when you started.
Some people use a list of reminders about why they should not drink again, read sad stories, occupy their mind on positive things, stay active. That is a list you can create too (how to stay active when you would normally drink). I would say it's OK to make a list of things you want to change (aside from the drinking itself), but don't expect to accomplish them all in a short timeframe.
Roam through here and see what else you think.
I say over and over again that I never used to understand One Day At A Time, but I do now. When you ask about how to socialize, that is going outside Today. Don't give yourself mountains to climb, because that might have the potential to make you give in. Confidence builds when you stack one day on top of the other, looking back at when you started.
Some people use a list of reminders about why they should not drink again, read sad stories, occupy their mind on positive things, stay active. That is a list you can create too (how to stay active when you would normally drink). I would say it's OK to make a list of things you want to change (aside from the drinking itself), but don't expect to accomplish them all in a short timeframe.
Roam through here and see what else you think.
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 40
Sometimes it's one minute at a time...
When cravings hit I have a list of things I can do instead. Distractions help me stay clean and sober.
Socializing is easier without drugs or alcohol. I tend to meet better people and have way better conversations - conversations I remember no less.
Good luck,
Chavo
When cravings hit I have a list of things I can do instead. Distractions help me stay clean and sober.
Socializing is easier without drugs or alcohol. I tend to meet better people and have way better conversations - conversations I remember no less.
Good luck,
Chavo
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,504
Hi Mazy,
It's a good idea to focus on the moment because it can be overwhelming to think of forever.
When I wanted a drink, I did anything at all that would take my mind off drinking for even a moment. Go for a walk, call a friend, listen to music, play with your pet, anything that works. And, I didn't go anywhere where alcohol was served for a long time when I stopped drinking.
It's a good idea to focus on the moment because it can be overwhelming to think of forever.
When I wanted a drink, I did anything at all that would take my mind off drinking for even a moment. Go for a walk, call a friend, listen to music, play with your pet, anything that works. And, I didn't go anywhere where alcohol was served for a long time when I stopped drinking.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,439
Welcome mazy 
I agree with everyone else - stop drinking - a day at a time - thats enough to start with - then see what falls into place after that
You'll always find support here when times get tough
D
I agree with everyone else - stop drinking - a day at a time - thats enough to start with - then see what falls into place after that
You'll always find support here when times get tough
D
SR Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7,910
Hi Mazy - I was pretty nervous and scared when I first came here (not to mention going through some withdrawals). I spent most of the first few days just reading and posting here, and it really helped a lot. I agree with all the others, too, that taking it a day at a time means doing whatever it takes to get through the day sober and let tomorrow worry about itself.
What happened to me is that I started to really like being sober, something I wouldn't have believed the first couple days. I've been able to do most social things, but I have no reason anymore to attend functions where the main purpose is drinking.
You'll find a lot of wisdom around SR, so keep reading and posting!
What happened to me is that I started to really like being sober, something I wouldn't have believed the first couple days. I've been able to do most social things, but I have no reason anymore to attend functions where the main purpose is drinking.
You'll find a lot of wisdom around SR, so keep reading and posting!
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,780
Everyone has already said what I would say. I would only add to see your doctor if you start feeling badly in the first few days or so. Reactions to withdrawing from alcohol can range from very annoying to downright dangerous, so err on the side of caution if you feel really crappy.
Taking it one day at a time really makes sense tho, cause we're only given one day at a time to live, so why not just not drink for today and not worry about tomorrow until it becomes today.
Welcome to SR!
I would only add to see your doctor if you start feeling badly in the first few days or so. Reactions to withdrawing from alcohol can range from very annoying to downright dangerous, so err on the side of caution if you feel really crappy. Taking it one day at a time really makes sense tho, cause we're only given one day at a time to live, so why not just not drink for today and not worry about tomorrow until it becomes today.
Welcome to SR!
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Buzz-free Zone
Posts: 1,372
Welcome to SR! Glad you're giving it a try. You'll find alot of information and support here.
There are alot of adjustments that go on in early sobriety; both physically and emotionally.
Our bodies went through alot of adjustment to tolerate the alcohol we put into it - so it goes when we stop putting alcohol into it.
It's all good, yet best to take things slowly and as they come before trying to figure everything out all at once.
Like others have said, it's a great time to read about others' experiences, see what you identify with, check out the other forums here too and by all means, ask questions or just post your feelings anytime.
That, in itself, is very cleansing. Glad you're here.
There are alot of adjustments that go on in early sobriety; both physically and emotionally.
Our bodies went through alot of adjustment to tolerate the alcohol we put into it - so it goes when we stop putting alcohol into it.
It's all good, yet best to take things slowly and as they come before trying to figure everything out all at once.
Like others have said, it's a great time to read about others' experiences, see what you identify with, check out the other forums here too and by all means, ask questions or just post your feelings anytime.
That, in itself, is very cleansing. Glad you're here.
Snarf Snarf
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: ATL
Posts: 835
It sounds so cliche, this One Day at a Time stuff. But it's the truth. A lady at work, who I've known only a couple weeks since I just started there, asked me the other day if I wasn't drinking ever again. I told her I honestly can't answer that question. I'm no prophet, I can't travel into the future, so I can't say for sure whether I'm not going to drink ever again. I told her I don't try to put a time on it; I just know that I didn't drink yesterday, I haven't drank yet today and don't plan to. Everything after that is stuff I don't concern myself with, mainly because I don't have to.
Welcome, mazy. Good to have you. Hope you can find some help and encouragement here.
Welcome, mazy. Good to have you. Hope you can find some help and encouragement here.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
