gottatry

So for those of you that have had success with recovery.

How did you all get through your first weekend in recovery?

Weekends are always the thing that kills me especially since the wife drinks as well. Any tips/pointers?

Nonsensical

Plan ahead. What will you do instead of drinking? What will you do when you feel like drinking? I found that having a plan in place was very helpful.

Good Luck!

Cathryn2001

HALT: Eat when you're hungry, rest when you're tired, seek out companionship when you are lonely (log in to SR; it and the Weekenders thread were Godsends for me), and pursue a healthy activity (i.e. exercise) if you are feeling angry/frustrated.

I was really kind to myself in the early days. That meant no big projects and no social situations which might include pressure. I planned my meals and drank TONS of water. I also watched A LOT of mindless TV (Law and Order ).

You know your witching hours/triggers. Have a plan for them (i.e. going to the gym, taking a nap). Not sure if you are following a program, but if you're in AA, attend meetings?

Above all, envision the life that you want to create--think about all of the things that you are gaining by not drinking. For me, it was better to frame my sobriety as a reward rather than something punitive. It really does get easier as time goes by.

Best of luck to you!

PurpleKnight

We have a Weekender thread here on SR that people post and seek support from, sticking together with like minded people trying to accomplish a Sober weekend can get you through!!

Keep an eye out for the thread, it'll start either Thurs or Fri!

Soberpotamus

I chatted online with others in recovery, read recovery books, and soaked up some sun outdoors.

MandalayVA

The Weekender thread--now known as the Whee!Kender thread--starts on Thursdays. A super-helpful resource. See you there!

Jupiters

yup, plan in action will be key!
are there things you wanted to do but never did b/c you were drunk or hungover??

I also picked a new "replacement" drink and have lots around me at all times.
(Flavoured seltzer with lemon or lime)

Applekat

Definitely have a fridge stocked with replacement beverages (sparkling waters, coconut water, iced tea, diet coke, tonic water, juices...) and avoid triggering events if at all possible, for a few weekends (barbecues, dinners, parties) but if you cannot, bring your own beverage/have a drink in mind to order to have in your hand.

Check SR a lot. Join the weekend thread. Join the June class. Pick a new book and/or movie or TV series.

Ruby2

plan plan plan ahead. And the "Whee! Kenders thread here. I made plans for busy and not so busy times. I also attend a friday night AA. eginners meeting at what would be happy hour. anything to break the routine inherently associated with picking up the first drink.

LBrain

In the very early days I was fortunate enough that my only responsibility was not drinking and going to meetings or IOP. I had no job to report to or anything else really. My weekends consisted of morning and evening meetings.
Otherwise I just stayed in the house and watched TV - sad but true. But it kept me from temptations. Eventually I was able to come out of my shell and visit the real world again.

Do what you must to keep yourself safe. But try not to isolate too much.

Dee74

SR helped me a lot gottatry - there's always someone around

D

LBrain

YES! And once I discovered SR, I practically lived here.

gottatry

Thanks you guys, am so glad I found this site.

Gonna stock the fridge, make sure all the meals are planned for starters, and plan to get on to SR as much as possible, I need to download the App.

Anna

That sounds like a good plan.

We'll be here!

BGS9595

exercise and reading, 2 great and healthy diversions