Quitting everything
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Leeds
Posts: 399
Quitting everything
Hi guys, it's been a few days since my relapse and I've had a lot of time to think. My job interview went well by the way so fingers crossed.
Now I've been considering the possibility of trying to quit.... well, everything. Everything bad for me that is.
Since I've quit drinking I've noticed my addictive behavior in multiple aspects in my life: the obvious ones are smoking and drinking. They come together and are certainly the most immediate threats to my life quality and health.
But I'm also considering quitting other things: caffeine, high sugar products, very high fatty foods, casual sex.
This isn't because I want to become some straight edge preacher with "X" tattooed on my knuckles, I'd just like to feel as though nothing is in control of my actions except my own free will.
Part of me thinks this will be all too much for me, on the other hand I think maybe going all out is the kick I need to sort my life out.
Plus, although it's a shallow reason, I'm worried about losing friends for being different.
Now I've been considering the possibility of trying to quit.... well, everything. Everything bad for me that is.
Since I've quit drinking I've noticed my addictive behavior in multiple aspects in my life: the obvious ones are smoking and drinking. They come together and are certainly the most immediate threats to my life quality and health.
But I'm also considering quitting other things: caffeine, high sugar products, very high fatty foods, casual sex.
This isn't because I want to become some straight edge preacher with "X" tattooed on my knuckles, I'd just like to feel as though nothing is in control of my actions except my own free will.
Part of me thinks this will be all too much for me, on the other hand I think maybe going all out is the kick I need to sort my life out.
Plus, although it's a shallow reason, I'm worried about losing friends for being different.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,429
If you lose friends because you're different, I think you need new friends tho?
best wishes with all of that at once - denying myself anything had the tendency to make me crave booze...if you find yourself craving, don't be afraid to rethink or rejig your plan, Mr Ben.
D
best wishes with all of that at once - denying myself anything had the tendency to make me crave booze...if you find yourself craving, don't be afraid to rethink or rejig your plan, Mr Ben.
D
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Central America/Florida USA
Posts: 4,064
Great idea Ben!
One quick observation - you're just a few days off a relapse, and now you're not just going to quit booze...but all that other stuff too? Don't get me wrong it's a noble idea, but maybe you should just start with kicking the drink. Seems like that might be enough of a challenge for you for starters. In recovery we always talk about taking things slow, one step at a time, etc etc etc. There's a reason for that. Good luck, whatever you do. But maybe you can start with a plan to quit drinking alcohol Ben?
One quick observation - you're just a few days off a relapse, and now you're not just going to quit booze...but all that other stuff too? Don't get me wrong it's a noble idea, but maybe you should just start with kicking the drink. Seems like that might be enough of a challenge for you for starters. In recovery we always talk about taking things slow, one step at a time, etc etc etc. There's a reason for that. Good luck, whatever you do. But maybe you can start with a plan to quit drinking alcohol Ben?
30yrdrunk
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 89
For those looking to quit caffeine.
I have had success quitting caffeine by switching to flavored seltzer or plain seltzer with a splash of OJ, cranberry juice or lemon juice.
The first couple of days were rough; however it's been smooth sailing since.
I have had success quitting caffeine by switching to flavored seltzer or plain seltzer with a splash of OJ, cranberry juice or lemon juice.
The first couple of days were rough; however it's been smooth sailing since.
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Johannesburg
Posts: 203
In rehab we were advised to have at least 6 months sober before giving up smoking or caffeine. The reason is as Dee mentioned, when we feel stressed we look to alcohol for relief.
I admire you for trying to get so healthy and in control!
I admire you for trying to get so healthy and in control!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Australia
Posts: 11,351
Hiya MrBen
Good for you on your commitment to give up the booze .
Personally I would take baby steps and do all the other things gradually as you are setting yourself up with huge expectations to do all that at once even though its a great idea.
If you deny yourself everything at once you will just crave everything.
Perhaps a visit to your Doc for a bit of guidance and some blood tests to see where you are at so you can do things safely .
Good on you and good luck ;-)
Good for you on your commitment to give up the booze .
Personally I would take baby steps and do all the other things gradually as you are setting yourself up with huge expectations to do all that at once even though its a great idea.
If you deny yourself everything at once you will just crave everything.
Perhaps a visit to your Doc for a bit of guidance and some blood tests to see where you are at so you can do things safely .
Good on you and good luck ;-)
Randummy
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: London, UK
Posts: 131
Originally Posted by MrBen 
Hi guys, it's been a few days since my relapse and I've had a lot of time to think. My job interview went well by the way so fingers crossed.
Now I've been considering the possibility of trying to quit.... well, everything. Everything bad for me that is.
Since I've quit drinking I've noticed my addictive behavior in multiple aspects in my life: the obvious ones are smoking and drinking. They come together and are certainly the most immediate threats to my life quality and health.
But I'm also considering quitting other things: caffeine, high sugar products, very high fatty foods, casual sex.
This isn't because I want to become some straight edge preacher with "X" tattooed on my knuckles, I'd just like to feel as though nothing is in control of my actions except my own free will.
Part of me thinks this will be all too much for me, on the other hand I think maybe going all out is the kick I need to sort my life out.
Plus, although it's a shallow reason, I'm worried about losing friends for being different.
Now I've been considering the possibility of trying to quit.... well, everything. Everything bad for me that is.
Since I've quit drinking I've noticed my addictive behavior in multiple aspects in my life: the obvious ones are smoking and drinking. They come together and are certainly the most immediate threats to my life quality and health.
But I'm also considering quitting other things: caffeine, high sugar products, very high fatty foods, casual sex.
This isn't because I want to become some straight edge preacher with "X" tattooed on my knuckles, I'd just like to feel as though nothing is in control of my actions except my own free will.
Part of me thinks this will be all too much for me, on the other hand I think maybe going all out is the kick I need to sort my life out.
Plus, although it's a shallow reason, I'm worried about losing friends for being different.
Like a few others said above, giving up all that stuff at once is a huge thing! That being said, you know yourself better than anyone and if you're doing it, then good luck to you. Don't be hard on yourself if you have any slips, it happens sometimes and you can just pick yourself up and carry on.
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