mrshappy

I found this site by putting in a search relating to headaches after giving up the very addictive drink known as wine. I was pleased to see that the neck and headaches should go after about 6 days and I can say I really look forward to that!

I think what I need now is the encouragement to stay off the wine after drinking every night, and sometimes day, for the last 25 years.

I have always been envious of people that would say to me that they could take it or leave it.... (the wine of course!)

Although I'm feeling rather proud of myself for having lasted 6 days without alcohol for the first time in the last 25 years, I'm under no illusion that it is going to be plain sailing from here on in.

So what strategies do I need to adopt to ensure that I maintain the current status of being teetotal? And is it going to be possible to have a drink occasionally without me slipping back?

Most of my drinking has been at home. I don't socialise much as I love being at home. It would be nice though to think I could have a glass or two if I do go out without slipping back. Is it possible?

Impurrfect

((mrshappy)) - Welcome to SR and congratulation on 6 days!

I hope you keep reading around here, as I think you will find a lot of good information. There are many people who want to know if it will ever be possible to drink "occasionally" again.

For most of us...no. At some point, it's like a switch is flipped and "occasionally" just doesn't work. However, we also find that life is pretty darned good without drinking/using (I'm a recovering addict).

FWIW, I couldn't imagine never using again when I first stopped. Almost 6 years later, I can't imagine ever using again, but I also have respect for the fact that I'm just one bad decision away from going back to that life.

Hugs and prayers,

Amy

Dee74

Welcome MrsHappy

I find support really helps - and you find a lot of that here

Be prepared to make changes too - I found a lot of my life, if not all of it was incompatible with sobriety...

Above all always remember that any thought that tells you drinking might be ok, no matter what the factors involved, is a lie

D

mrshappy

I appreciate your response. I think the thing to do is read how it is for others as well. At the moment the thought of having a drink scares me because I've never given up before and I just don't want to spoil it.

I have read that some people have had a blip but are bouncing back to give it another go and at the end of the day the will is there and hopefully they'll make it.

I admire that you have been able to kick your demon into touch, I can't imagine how difficult that was/is and you must be feeling so proud of yourself.

I also love the cats, so gorgeous!

mecanix

For me reading and learning about recovery and what other people did from books and forums like this one, helped me work at maintaining sobriety .
Have a click about and i'm sure you'll find lots of interesting stuff others have posted and their tribulations and triumphs .

For me having one dosn't seem to work as the it slowly becomes two as the weeks pass then 4 , 5 ,6 ,7 , 8 you get the idea ... I just save myself a whole lot of hastle by calling it quits before anything truely disasterous happend !

Bestwishes, M