Sydney1988

It's only been like 12 hours, feeling like this usually would have me reaching for another drink. I'm a little shaky, have been sick a couple of times and generally pretty anxious. I'm trying my best not to have another drink. I've taken some valium. Hoping that will make me feel better.

Any tips on how to pass the time!?

new star

Hi sydney I recommend going for a walk or go to the shops, anything to get you out and about! Try not to sit there and think about it, it makes it worse. You can do this! Xx

DuckyDarling

Cold shower or a hot bath? Treat yourself to some comfort food - maybe ice cream, or a bit of chocolate? Do you have a favorite tv show that makes you laugh that you can watch? Laughter always makes me feel better.

Hang in there. You can do this.

Dee74

I usually lounged around the first day.
It's normal not to feel very good Sydney.

Hopefully you'll feel a little better tomorrow.

D

Sydney1988

Thanks all. I think I'm mainly just having an anxiety attack. I shouldn't have read all that stuff about withdrawal! It's making me a little paranoid.

360shoes

I focused only on what reinforced my decision to stop drinking. I refused to look at anything else. Heaven knows nothing scared me into quitting so I used the positive only approach.

Don't get me wrong. The first couple of weeks sucked a little. But I just vented on here. Asked for help when I needed it and found out that it lifted here and there. As each day passed it lifted here and there more. I was realistic. I didn't get messed up over night so I knew it wouldn't get fixed over night either. But it sure helped to focus on what I was gaining. And one thing I gained right at day 2 was I woke up and didn't hate myself.

That alone was worth keeping it up for.

Hang in there. Get some support. Ask for help when you need it. You can do it!

Pedro1234

Just try and occupy yourself. My withdrawals normally last 4 days. After that its just the mental addiction to deal with. Keep yourself busy. Good luck

Coldfusion

Stay here at SoberRecovery. You have made quite a few posts, and seem to be getting the hang of it.

mecanix

I found and still find that things like laurel and hardy movies are good .

I found i enjoy light fun , not political , not making a point , not anything horrifying happening , just laugh out funny films . Most of them seem to be pre 1940's , seems to be good for my mood and therefore sobriety .

Will hay , arthur askey , laurel and hardy are all favourites , most of them i can watch for free on youtube in the UK .

Bestwishes, m

FeelingGreat

Hi Sydney, hang in there, we're all cheering for you. If you think it's mostly anxiety related, try controlled breathing.
Sit in a comfortable position and breathe slowly and deeply, concentrating on how your body feels as you breathe in…out….
If find this super relaxing.

Don't give in…in a few days you'll be over the worst.

Hearts

Scrubs always gets me through the withdrawal period. I know each episode so well at this point that I don't even have to worry about keeping my eyes open, lol. And it's always been on Netflix.

LadyinBC

Focus on today. All you need to do is get thru today without drinking. Keep it simple.

Yes, it hard in the beginning, however, it is not forever. You will feel better. Believe me, if I can get it thru it, so can you!

You can so do this Sydney, we are all behind you!

stayonthepath

Sydney, how did things go? How are you today? Hope you're feeling stronger.

TigerLili

Well done Sydney. Don't give up.

ushanka83

Stick with it Sydney. My thoughts are with you.

Day one for me this end too. I tapered off the alcohol to avoid getting the withdrawals bad. I've still got a bit of a hangover this morning though. :-(

I've been trying to write as much as possible about my experience in my journal. When I'm feeling weak it gives me something to look back on.

stayonthepath

That's a good idea to keep a journal - I'm on day 5 and I'm going to try it.

ushanka83

Aww. Glad I inspired someone. One of my most powerful entries I wrote is there first one I wrote after I detoxed. It's a powerful letter from sober me to all future me's, reminding me how horrible the withdrawal is, and how when the chips are down, I have no control over the alcohol.

Other entries I just write all the bad crap that's happened during the day. Then when I close my journal it's gone and put to rest.

One day maybe I'll turn it all into a book?!

Mags1

Hi Sydney, thinking of you, xx

stayonthepath

You certainly did inspire me! I wish I had done that earlier this week when I got sober - perhaps I can do it retrospectively.

Sydney, if you came through yesterday, writing down how you felt would be a great start. I'm going to start this weekend. Why don't we check in on Monday and see how our writing helped us?

I reckon you should turn it into a book, Ushanka. Or even a public blog?

Sydney1988

Well It's night time and I've made it through the day. I've been feeling pretty sick and anxious. Hope my withdrawal is safe and not going to go badly. About to take another valium, have a tea and go to bed. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep.

Thanks for all the support guys and hope you're doing well!!