HenryF

Well I did it again. I made it though another night. Still agitated. Stomach aches a bit. Appetite is small. Sweating at night but not nearly as bad as the past few nights.

Side note. Took the kids to favorite dinner place. Walked passed the bar and boy was that hard. More difficult than I ever thought. That is exactly why I am here. Enjoyed my soda but enjoyed the time with my kids way more especially with a lot of clarity!

I am happy my WD symptoms aren't that bad though my bp is up. Consulted with Dr. and following up with him next week. Hopefully it goes down.

The most difficult part are the pattern changes. Passing my usual liquor stores in the afternoon. Yes I had a cadre of about 6 stores on my route home so I wouldn't look too bad. Another difficult part is the feeling of embarrassment and shame in myself for allowing me to get to this point.

What I found useful is the 1/2 hour walk on the treadmill at just about the time at night when I would begin that spiral into oblivion. It really helps.

The best thing however is that I wok up more clear headed and looking forward to the day than I have been in such a long time. I even looked forward to getting dressed for work. Imagine that!

I do have many challenges that I will be facing in the coming weeks and months but my only worry now is not stopping on my way home from work!

Enjoy a clear day!

thomas11

Great work HenryF. Keep it going right?

Soberwolf

Your post has made my day your doing really well Henry congrats

HenryF

It may sound like its going easy for me. Very far from it. Getting a drink and the effects of being sloshed is on my mind constantly. This has been the most intense few days I have ever had. My body does generally feel crappy but mostly in the afternoon and evening when I am usually ready to feed from the fire hose.

My support network is quite limited by design until I am ready to broaden it. My nature. So I found SR and I am strengthened, hopeful, and encouraged (and sometimes worried) by folks like me who use this platform. I have read so many things on SR about despair, redemption, achievement, solace, and resiliency. Amazing! Thank you all for sharing. Now back to work.

jryan19982

Its never easy early on for 99% of us. Just keep pushing through and you will be alright.

Stay hydrated! For every soda you drink, drink that much water. In early recovery I would recommend drinking at least 64 oz of water when you arent working out. More when you are.

Hydration is key to making this time as painless as possible. Dehydration will only mess you up even more.

AnvilheadII

keep moving forward, Henry.

Plure

Great job! It's nice when you start to see those little rays of light (waking up with a clear mind, having extra energy, etc). They give you a glimpse of what's to come in sobriety!

ccam1973

Fantastic job HenryF. Keep going. It will get easier, I promise. Never loose focus on why you are quitting.

Congrats on day 3!

Dee74

I don't really think it's easy for anyone Henry - we all have ups and downs - congrats on day 3 - great start

D

Hevyn

Henry, that's wonderful news - 3 days is terrific.

least

Stay sober, it will get better.

Zebra1275

Early sobriety has it's challenges, both physical and behavioral. Keep up the good work.

SoberLeigh

Great job on three sober days, Henry. Keep on; it's going to get easier and better and better.

sva777

Keep up the good work, just wondering what is your BP?

chrcarlson

HenryF, you're doing it the right way. Changing your pattern makes it much easier. You might take a different route home. I take a scenic one with no stores. It's tough for me to ask for help but I found that makes it easier also.
Stay out ahead of it.

Best Wishes.

chrcarlson

I read a lot about relapses, that's one way I try to stay ahead of it.