The more I learn about alcoholism
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: UK
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The more I learn about alcoholism
The more I understand what is happening to me. I now recognise my relapse at 3 months was possibly due to PAWS, I really really did feel I was going crazy at that time and I'll be frank, it scared me. My head was a complete mess, had obsessive thoughts and repetitive thinking, my thoughts were so loud. Urgh.
I guess im sharing this as I think if I had understood what was happening at the time I may not of relapsed, who knows?
I now have another 3 months under my belt and I am very mindful this time around of recognising my triggers, how I feel and how to help myself when things get tough. I can now see why others say it is vital to have an action plan. Keeping a journal and counselling, and AA, my sponsor is really helping.
I think its important to educate yourself as much as you can on the nature of addiction, and have that all important action plan in place if you need it, keep talking and sharing how you feel, people do get it.
Today Im doing ok! Im sober
Day 94 tomorrow, Im almost past my last length of sobriety I so want to get there and beyond Keeping it in the day.
I guess im sharing this as I think if I had understood what was happening at the time I may not of relapsed, who knows?
I now have another 3 months under my belt and I am very mindful this time around of recognising my triggers, how I feel and how to help myself when things get tough. I can now see why others say it is vital to have an action plan. Keeping a journal and counselling, and AA, my sponsor is really helping.
I think its important to educate yourself as much as you can on the nature of addiction, and have that all important action plan in place if you need it, keep talking and sharing how you feel, people do get it.
Today Im doing ok! Im sober
Day 94 tomorrow, Im almost past my last length of sobriety I so want to get there and beyond Keeping it in the day.
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Join Date: Jul 2015
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Originally Posted by Mags1 
Congratulations on day 94, blueberry.
My mindset was similar, early on in sobriety, it takes a while to get the balance right, or it did me.
My mindset was similar, early on in sobriety, it takes a while to get the balance right, or it did me.
It is indeed a journey, I know now that I cant rush sobriety and that anything can happen, cravings and triggers can hit me totally unawares but knowing this and accepting that this can happen helps. There is a sense of accomplishment when you have gotten through a bad day sober and I truly believe this is because of awareness and understanding of the nature of the illness.
Anyways I cant get to a meeting at the mo, so sharing on here helps too!
A Day at a Time
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Grand Rapids MI
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I totally agree with one caveat. Education is essential for those who want to get sober but education alone will not keep you sober.
I went through a 4 month high end treatment program. I was a walking encyclopedia on addiction cause and effect. The problem was I was not willing to admit I could never drink like other people.
I stayed sober for quite awhile but eventually drank again. The AV worked on me for years and finally won.
It was only when I admitted defeat and became willing to make systemic changes in my life did the obsession and compulsion vanish.
I went through a 4 month high end treatment program. I was a walking encyclopedia on addiction cause and effect. The problem was I was not willing to admit I could never drink like other people.
I stayed sober for quite awhile but eventually drank again. The AV worked on me for years and finally won.
It was only when I admitted defeat and became willing to make systemic changes in my life did the obsession and compulsion vanish.
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Originally Posted by MIRecovery
I totally agree with one caveat. Education is essential for those who want to get sober but education alone will not keep you sober.
I went through a 4 month high end treatment program. I was a walking encyclopedia on addiction cause and effect. The problem was I was not willing to admit I could never drink like other people.
I stayed sober for quite awhile but eventually drank again. The AV worked on me for years and finally won.
It was only when I admitted defeat and became willing to make systemic changes in my life did the obsession and compulsion vanish.
I went through a 4 month high end treatment program. I was a walking encyclopedia on addiction cause and effect. The problem was I was not willing to admit I could never drink like other people.
I stayed sober for quite awhile but eventually drank again. The AV worked on me for years and finally won.
It was only when I admitted defeat and became willing to make systemic changes in my life did the obsession and compulsion vanish.
A Day at a Time
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Posts: 6,435
Originally Posted by blueberry2015
Did you work the 12 steps? Im currently working on step three at the moment.
It took me almost losing it all including my life to embrace AA, work the steps and form a relationship with a higher power and admit I was just a garden variety drunk
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Location: Dancing in the Light
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Originally Posted by blueberry2015
It is indeed a journey, I know now that I cant rush sobriety and that anything can happen, cravings and triggers can hit me totally unawares but knowing this and accepting that this can happen helps. There is a sense of accomplishment when you have gotten through a bad day sober and I truly believe this is because of awareness and understanding of the nature of the illness.
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Originally Posted by MIRecovery
My first go around with sobriety which I'm referring to did not include AA because at the time I believed I was above AA. I felt i was a special alcoholic and was not like those people.
It took me almost losing it all including my life to embrace AA, work the steps and form a relationship with a higher power and admit I was just a garden variety drunk
It took me almost losing it all including my life to embrace AA, work the steps and form a relationship with a higher power and admit I was just a garden variety drunk
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Originally Posted by Anna
This is so very true. I think it's a journey that happens when you learn something and move forward and quickly realize how much more there is to learn. The sense of accomplishment for getting through a tough day sober, is what will help you build your recovery time. I'm glad you've taken action talking to your dr. That sounds very positive.
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Originally Posted by secretchord
I just had another emotional breakdown tonight. Full blown sobbing. Never heard of PAWS until just now when I googled it. This explains A LOT about my mood lately.
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