The plan
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: San Diego, ca
Posts: 128
The plan
Well, after 5 long days post alcohol poisoning hospitalization, my withdrawals are finally gone, my mood is leveled out, and I'm determined to never have to go through that hell again. I've resisted the urge to drink in some pretty challenging situations in the past few days. I've been to my first AA meeting. I know that now is the time for me to make a plan so this never gets out of control again. Here is what I have come up with so far.
-continue attending AA meetings regularly
-read that Big Book thing
-discuss the importance of my sobriety with close family and friends and ask them to hold me accountable
-make a list of reasons to stay sober and carry it with me
-continue talking with my friend and cousin that have had success in recovery
-continue posting here in SR
-regular exercise
-make staying sober my #1 life priority
Any other suggestions are very much welcome ... This is my second and most serious attempt at long term sobriety, so I'm relatively new to this, but I really want it .... Unless I want to die young or loose everything good in my life, I know that staying sober is my only choice ... If any of you have any good tips / tricks for doing this please tell me... Thanks everybody, and I hope you are all doing well...
-continue attending AA meetings regularly
-read that Big Book thing
-discuss the importance of my sobriety with close family and friends and ask them to hold me accountable
-make a list of reasons to stay sober and carry it with me
-continue talking with my friend and cousin that have had success in recovery
-continue posting here in SR
-regular exercise
-make staying sober my #1 life priority
Any other suggestions are very much welcome ... This is my second and most serious attempt at long term sobriety, so I'm relatively new to this, but I really want it .... Unless I want to die young or loose everything good in my life, I know that staying sober is my only choice ... If any of you have any good tips / tricks for doing this please tell me... Thanks everybody, and I hope you are all doing well...
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Strailya
Posts: 8,017
Hey Erik
that list sounds quite strong. Will you also get a sponsor and consider doing the steps ? My other suggestions are practicing mindfulness and meditation. Having said that, it seems like you have a lot on your plate already !
that list sounds quite strong. Will you also get a sponsor and consider doing the steps ? My other suggestions are practicing mindfulness and meditation. Having said that, it seems like you have a lot on your plate already !
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ireland
Posts: 25,826
Great plan Erik! 
I think the toughest thing to get across to people starting out being Sober, is that the first few days can be hell, the danger is to have a drink to feel better, but by pushing through during the first week as you say the withdrawals ease up and mood swings level out a bit!!
It all starts with taking that first leap of faith!! Great Job!!
I think the toughest thing to get across to people starting out being Sober, is that the first few days can be hell, the danger is to have a drink to feel better, but by pushing through during the first week as you say the withdrawals ease up and mood swings level out a bit!!
It all starts with taking that first leap of faith!! Great Job!!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,062
Your list is good Erik!! I am so happy that you have come to this decision and are committed!
Remember also to stay hydrated, eat well and manage your stress.
Many triggers occur when you are tired, hungry, thirsty and/or stressed.
Take care of yourself and glad you are here!!!
Good job!!
Remember also to stay hydrated, eat well and manage your stress.
Many triggers occur when you are tired, hungry, thirsty and/or stressed.
Take care of yourself and glad you are here!!!
Good job!!
instant
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 5,711
The daily practice of gratitude has really helped me. I was initially very sceptical, but I saw someone else here swore by it. it takes at least 30 days for the effect to start "kicking in". From there the effect grows slowly.
See the gratitude threads on the main menu and just start.
See the gratitude threads on the main menu and just start.
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Probably my living room. Maybe my bedroom if I'm feeling lazy
Posts: 1,085
If you're going to go to the AA route, I would HIGHLY recommend getting a sponsor and beginning the step work asap.
Meetings are a big part of AA. But the program is the steps. The emotional and spiritual change comes from working the steps.
I'd also suggest to continue to build your support network. It's great that you plan on discussing your sobriety here on SR and with your cousin and friend. But the more people you have on your side, the better. When you're in a difficult situation or struggling, you want to be able to pick up the phone and reach out to someone. The first (or second or third) person may not pick up. So the more people you have to talk to, the higher the odds that you can deal with a rough patch.
Best of luck!
Meetings are a big part of AA. But the program is the steps. The emotional and spiritual change comes from working the steps.
I'd also suggest to continue to build your support network. It's great that you plan on discussing your sobriety here on SR and with your cousin and friend. But the more people you have on your side, the better. When you're in a difficult situation or struggling, you want to be able to pick up the phone and reach out to someone. The first (or second or third) person may not pick up. So the more people you have to talk to, the higher the odds that you can deal with a rough patch.
Best of luck!
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: C.C. Ma.
Posts: 3,697
Your things to do are fine. My very early desires and doing things were slowed by being reminded of Easy Does It and Keep it Simple as I bit off more than I can handle even today.
I got a lot of good advise/help from the AA booklet "Living Sober." and practicing the slogans on the walls at meetings.
BE WELL
I got a lot of good advise/help from the AA booklet "Living Sober." and practicing the slogans on the walls at meetings.
BE WELL
Sober since 10th April 2012
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 6,047
Hi Erik, your list sounds great. What worked for me was identifying the situations and times when I would normally drink (after work, in the evening) and doing something different to break the habit. So I would walk part of my commute, have a nice juice after work, make sure I didn't come home hungry or thirsty. That helped break the habit.
Living and Loving Life at Last
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: gods own country
Posts: 12,166
Hi Erik you have put a lot of thought into your sobriety. The last point you made is really your primary point, make your sobriety your focus.
Are you a regular on any threads here? There will be a class of December 2013 thread for others in the same boat as you and you will all help and support each other through. There is also the year and under thread, where there are all sorts, some almost civilised! ( I jest, I'm one of them) the thing is if you join a thread where you feel a bond, it increases your personal strength.
You have a very positive outlook, which will stand you in good stead. You have your life ahead of you, I hope you make it a happy sober one. X
Are you a regular on any threads here? There will be a class of December 2013 thread for others in the same boat as you and you will all help and support each other through. There is also the year and under thread, where there are all sorts, some almost civilised! ( I jest, I'm one of them) the thing is if you join a thread where you feel a bond, it increases your personal strength.
You have a very positive outlook, which will stand you in good stead. You have your life ahead of you, I hope you make it a happy sober one. X
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
That sounds like a great plan Erik and I am glad you made it through detox and you survived alcohol poisoning.
Now that you don't drink, remember you do not pick up the first drink not matter what. Also if that pesky little voice which tells you that you are feeling good and can have "just one last one" is not you Erik but your AV. Do not listen to it.
I hope you will join us at the 24 hours club where we commit to stay clean and sober for the next 24 hours. Before you know it, those days do pile up http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ml#post4350175
Last but not least, you might want to think about getting a new job. I have known a couple of bartenders and a cocktail waitress in AA who had been sober some years, still God bless them it is a tough job for an alcoholic especially in early sobriety.
Now that you don't drink, remember you do not pick up the first drink not matter what. Also if that pesky little voice which tells you that you are feeling good and can have "just one last one" is not you Erik but your AV. Do not listen to it.
I hope you will join us at the 24 hours club where we commit to stay clean and sober for the next 24 hours. Before you know it, those days do pile up
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ml#post4350175Last but not least, you might want to think about getting a new job. I have known a couple of bartenders and a cocktail waitress in AA who had been sober some years, still God bless them it is a tough job for an alcoholic especially in early sobriety.
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
Just click on the link, with the 24 hours club all you have to do is write down the time and that you are in for another 24 hours. Gilmer posts the rosters, people's proud time and some inspirational things at least once a day.
When it comes to threads on SR: The only requirement for membership is a desire to start clicking
When it comes to threads on SR: The only requirement for membership is a desire to start clicking
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