Didn’t even make it the day
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 6,902
Hi.
You know, this isn't about will power. That approach just ends up in a battle against ourselves. And the addict part tends to win out eventually.
Its more about acceptance and willingNESS. Acceptance that it's the first drink that does the damage and that we cannot, no matter what we alter to try to manipulate the situation, drink like 'normal' people. Our off switch is faulty. Mine even worked occasionally, but I couldn't ever rely on it.
The willingNESS part is about sitting with our feelings and making the decision not to listen to the inner voice that talks us that for whatever reason that first drink is necessary / a good idea / deserved / justified. Alcohol is a rubbish solution to ANY problem. It just makes things worse.
Why not hit an AA meeting today? You don't have to do this alone.
BB
You know, this isn't about will power. That approach just ends up in a battle against ourselves. And the addict part tends to win out eventually.
Its more about acceptance and willingNESS. Acceptance that it's the first drink that does the damage and that we cannot, no matter what we alter to try to manipulate the situation, drink like 'normal' people. Our off switch is faulty. Mine even worked occasionally, but I couldn't ever rely on it.
The willingNESS part is about sitting with our feelings and making the decision not to listen to the inner voice that talks us that for whatever reason that first drink is necessary / a good idea / deserved / justified. Alcohol is a rubbish solution to ANY problem. It just makes things worse.
Why not hit an AA meeting today? You don't have to do this alone.
BB
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 219
I’ve never been to an AA meeting. I think I’ve given up thinking I can do it alone- will look into tomorrow. I think there are some outpatient programs here that my insurance will cover as well. Is that something anyone has experience with?
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 6,902
Why not try AA first? It's free for a start off, plus there is no need to wait or apply. Yiu can just turn up to any meeying you like. It is the originator of the 12-step program that lots of the outpatient and inpatient rehabs have adopted. I reckon there's likely to be a meeting that you can get to today if you're willing.
BB
BB
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,378
Hi Julia
the first port of call for most of us is to 'try harder' and often unfortunately thats simply not enough.
We have to look at our approach, how much support we have, and how many changes we're making.
https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums...very-plan.html (What exactly is a recovery plan?)
D
the first port of call for most of us is to 'try harder' and often unfortunately thats simply not enough.
We have to look at our approach, how much support we have, and how many changes we're making.
https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums...very-plan.html (What exactly is a recovery plan?)
D
Mr
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: FRANCE
Posts: 5,230
Hey Julia.
Never give up.
Why wait till tomorrow. Throw away the booze and hop back into the drivers seat. Will power alone might help you through a few days or months but getting sober and staying sober are different subjects.
Feeling like a loser is not going to get you or keep you sober (sorry)
Take care,
Vinny.
Never give up.
Why wait till tomorrow. Throw away the booze and hop back into the drivers seat. Will power alone might help you through a few days or months but getting sober and staying sober are different subjects.
Feeling like a loser is not going to get you or keep you sober (sorry)
Take care,
Vinny.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 8,637
Thinking back on all the 'maybe tomorrow's', I sometimes chuckle. I sometimes feel a little sad at the 'what if's'.
But, ultimately, all the 'maybe tomorrow's' were what I needed to get - finally - to the TODAY, NOW.
I hope TODAY is your TODAY, Julia.
But, ultimately, all the 'maybe tomorrow's' were what I needed to get - finally - to the TODAY, NOW.
I hope TODAY is your TODAY, Julia.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: England
Posts: 14
This is exactly what Ive been like.. as soon as it gets near the evening I think about going to the shop for wine. It's like 'this is what i always do so I must do it' Even though I don't want to and I feel so much better when I don't. It's like repeatedly punching myself in the face, thats how irrational and ridiculous it is. I don't want to drink so why do I keep doing it?
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
Originally Posted by Berrybean 
Hi.
You know, this isn't about will power. That approach just ends up in a battle against ourselves. And the addict part tends to win out eventually.
BB
You know, this isn't about will power. That approach just ends up in a battle against ourselves. And the addict part tends to win out eventually.
BB
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 219
Thanks for all the words of advice guys. I said tomorrow because it was 1 in the morning where I am and I was in bed. It means a lot to me to feel supported by people who have been in this place I’m in now. I can imagine it’s frustrating to people at times. I’m going to wait to post again until I’ve at least had a few days sober. I’m going to an AA meeting tonight. Thanks again to everyone for the support.
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,531
Hi juliaclare. Please don't feel that you shouldn't post until you're sober. I was still drinking when I first came here - I knew what I had to do, but needed to gather up the courage & strength. Reading & posting was the encouragement I needed.
It's a good idea to go to the meeting - let us know how it goes. You're never alone.
It's a good idea to go to the meeting - let us know how it goes. You're never alone.
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