Class of November 2015 Part 7
Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Southern California
Posts: 690
Originally Posted by ultradad 
Exactly Dee, I was about to point that out...if we read all the way through it states that a nutritious diet (with no/limited sugar) and exercise helps the healing process.
Feel better, learntofly!
I'm glad you figured out it was PAWS KIR and managed to get some information to help you through it, you're doing awesome!!!
I'm up drinking my first cup of coffee, over the holidays I only have one class (at noon) to coach so that allows me to sleep in, nice! The extra sleep truly does wonders. Have a great day everybody!!!
Feel better, learntofly!
I'm glad you figured out it was PAWS KIR and managed to get some information to help you through it, you're doing awesome!!!
I'm up drinking my first cup of coffee, over the holidays I only have one class (at noon) to coach so that allows me to sleep in, nice! The extra sleep truly does wonders. Have a great day everybody!!!
I'm down to the last two stocking stuffers to wrap (not bad out of 5) and all of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. Now it's relaxation and planning for our Christmas meal ( I love that part). The kids all pick a theme, and it's usually Mexican food, so it's tamales, enchiladas, chicken tacos, maybe some carne asana, black beans, rice, and mom's killer spicy salsa! (Very California influenced) Then fun family games later. This year I bet I can do decent at the games since I'll be sober! Actually I might suck anyway, but it will be fun!!!!! Sweet!!!!!
Anybody else have special plans?????
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,075
Originally Posted by Dee74
Hi enfin
PAWs can last up to two years...but people often interpret that in the worst way
Not everyone gets PAWs...and for most people the experience is not 2 years..
I had off days I attribute to PAWs but they were a day here, a day there and none at all after I hit 120 days
try not to worry - even if you do 'get PAWs' there's a lot you can do to mitigate it's effects
PAWS | Digital Dharma
PAWs can last up to two years...but people often interpret that in the worst way
Not everyone gets PAWs...and for most people the experience is not 2 years..
I had off days I attribute to PAWs but they were a day here, a day there and none at all after I hit 120 days
try not to worry - even if you do 'get PAWs' there's a lot you can do to mitigate it's effects
PAWS | Digital Dharma
Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 134
Hi everyone. Update from Texas . . .
1. So I restarted my "clock" to where I am now on Day 4. I confess to having a couple of drinks in the days after my half-marathon, but . . .
2. While it was a slip from how I want to be, I would not call it a "relapse." Honestly it didn't really taste all that great and I didn't love how it made me feel. (And I was in a hotel, on the road, with no bar, restaurant, or mini-bar, so there was really no ability to go nuts even for a very experienced drinker.) I often think of the "alcohol years" as just something I had to do, for whatever reason, and now it's past. And the booze tasted like something I would have liked as a kid but just don't like anymore. Like a Slurpee or something. And . . .
3. My restarted clock included the office holiday party on Saturday, and I didn't drink a drop. It's weird - you can really taste the food (some better than I would have thought with a few drinks, some worse) - and you can watch some people slip from "having fun" to "it's really time to stop now I hope you don't get pulled over later," and . . .
4. Because it turned out to be a terrific motivator and a reason for not drinking that everyone respects, I signed up for another half-marathon in about a month. If I just stretch more, I should best my December time.
So I'm not sad about my restarted clock - I just think of it as a countdown for the new race. It should carry me through the New Year parties and well into a strong start for 2016!!!
1. So I restarted my "clock" to where I am now on Day 4. I confess to having a couple of drinks in the days after my half-marathon, but . . .
2. While it was a slip from how I want to be, I would not call it a "relapse." Honestly it didn't really taste all that great and I didn't love how it made me feel. (And I was in a hotel, on the road, with no bar, restaurant, or mini-bar, so there was really no ability to go nuts even for a very experienced drinker.) I often think of the "alcohol years" as just something I had to do, for whatever reason, and now it's past. And the booze tasted like something I would have liked as a kid but just don't like anymore. Like a Slurpee or something. And . . .
3. My restarted clock included the office holiday party on Saturday, and I didn't drink a drop. It's weird - you can really taste the food (some better than I would have thought with a few drinks, some worse) - and you can watch some people slip from "having fun" to "it's really time to stop now I hope you don't get pulled over later," and . . .
4. Because it turned out to be a terrific motivator and a reason for not drinking that everyone respects, I signed up for another half-marathon in about a month. If I just stretch more, I should best my December time.
So I'm not sad about my restarted clock - I just think of it as a countdown for the new race. It should carry me through the New Year parties and well into a strong start for 2016!!!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 563
Ultradad, that Clark Griswold picture gave me a good laugh this morning!
Trying, I'm glad you're back with us. What matters is that you want to be sober and we are there to support you! Was there anything in particular that triggered the drinking? That way you can avoid it in the future or plan a different approach next time it pops up.
I've got this week off work, so I'm trying to figure out what to do with my day. Probably will hit the gym in a bit, and then do a little shopping later. Will definitely try and keep my cookie intake under control! I hope you all have a good one
Trying, I'm glad you're back with us. What matters is that you want to be sober and we are there to support you! Was there anything in particular that triggered the drinking? That way you can avoid it in the future or plan a different approach next time it pops up.
I've got this week off work, so I'm trying to figure out what to do with my day. Probably will hit the gym in a bit, and then do a little shopping later. Will definitely try and keep my cookie intake under control! I hope you all have a good one
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 734
Hi All,
37 days now and going well with things at present, the last week has been much better than weeks 1 to 4.
Interesting read regarding PAWS which I had taken a look at a couple of weeks ago after somebody else had mentioned it to me.
Nutrition and exercise are both things I've put a lot of time into for a good few years now (another obsession to be honest) - and been a reason I've abstained previously, upto 2 months on one occasion but always a huge binge on the cards at the end and never admitting any problems, I suppose the fact I've been able to do that has made it easier to avoid the fact that it really is a problem.
I can without doubt confirm that when a completely clean diet / no sugars / processed foods etc (of course goes without saying no alcohol) and a good exercise plan are put into place that everything does become significantly improved.
First 2 weeks is extreme with only protein and some veg and days 3 to 5 can be pretty rough but once through them energy levels seem to increase significantly if you're able to stick with it (pretty sure that everyone here having the willpower to succeed with abstinence can do this if looking for general improvements):-
Banned list
Wheat and all other grains
Dairy
Limit nuts to 6 at a time
Root Veg (except carrots)
Sugar
Fruit
Legumes
Beans
Eat 6 meals a day and then a cheat meal on day 15 and every week thereafter (3 courses of whatever you feel like but just eat until full and not until fit to pop), over the following weeks introduce other things gradually into the diet. Week 3 add in berries / apples / pears / brown rice / quinoa / butternut squash. Week 4 add sweet potaotes / legumes / beans.
No doubt at all in my mind that cutting / omitting sugar is the most beneficial thing that can be done (after alcohol and drugs of course !!) - general feeling definitely improves massively - start of last week after a bit of a sugar binge at the weekend I woke feeling like I'd been out on the ale.
Worth a try for anyone who wants to reduce the possible effects of PAWS and if not affected will benefit greatly, weight loss is also significant if that is a goal - one thing to note with this plan I'm rarely if ever hungry (not a diet in my eyes - just healthy eating).
Once the Festive period has come and gone the sugar will definitely be being cut from my diet again.
37 days now and going well with things at present, the last week has been much better than weeks 1 to 4.
Interesting read regarding PAWS which I had taken a look at a couple of weeks ago after somebody else had mentioned it to me.
Nutrition and exercise are both things I've put a lot of time into for a good few years now (another obsession to be honest) - and been a reason I've abstained previously, upto 2 months on one occasion but always a huge binge on the cards at the end and never admitting any problems, I suppose the fact I've been able to do that has made it easier to avoid the fact that it really is a problem.
I can without doubt confirm that when a completely clean diet / no sugars / processed foods etc (of course goes without saying no alcohol) and a good exercise plan are put into place that everything does become significantly improved.
First 2 weeks is extreme with only protein and some veg and days 3 to 5 can be pretty rough but once through them energy levels seem to increase significantly if you're able to stick with it (pretty sure that everyone here having the willpower to succeed with abstinence can do this if looking for general improvements):-
Banned list
Wheat and all other grains
Dairy
Limit nuts to 6 at a time
Root Veg (except carrots)
Sugar
Fruit
Legumes
Beans
Eat 6 meals a day and then a cheat meal on day 15 and every week thereafter (3 courses of whatever you feel like but just eat until full and not until fit to pop), over the following weeks introduce other things gradually into the diet. Week 3 add in berries / apples / pears / brown rice / quinoa / butternut squash. Week 4 add sweet potaotes / legumes / beans.
No doubt at all in my mind that cutting / omitting sugar is the most beneficial thing that can be done (after alcohol and drugs of course !!) - general feeling definitely improves massively - start of last week after a bit of a sugar binge at the weekend I woke feeling like I'd been out on the ale.
Worth a try for anyone who wants to reduce the possible effects of PAWS and if not affected will benefit greatly, weight loss is also significant if that is a goal - one thing to note with this plan I'm rarely if ever hungry (not a diet in my eyes - just healthy eating).
Once the Festive period has come and gone the sugar will definitely be being cut from my diet again.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Augusta, GA
Posts: 888
Originally Posted by Keepnitreal
Thanks Ultra- Today is another up day! I can handle a coupke weird ones for several up days.
I'm down to the last two stocking stuffers to wrap (not bad out of 5) and all of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. Now it's relaxation and planning for our Christmas meal ( I love that part). The kids all pick a theme, and it's usually Mexican food, so it's tamales, enchiladas, chicken tacos, maybe some carne asana, black beans, rice, and mom's killer spicy salsa! (Very California influenced) Then fun family games later. This year I bet I can do decent at the games since I'll be sober! Actually I might suck anyway, but it will be fun!!!!! Sweet!!!!!
Anybody else have special plans?????
I'm down to the last two stocking stuffers to wrap (not bad out of 5) and all of the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. Now it's relaxation and planning for our Christmas meal ( I love that part). The kids all pick a theme, and it's usually Mexican food, so it's tamales, enchiladas, chicken tacos, maybe some carne asana, black beans, rice, and mom's killer spicy salsa! (Very California influenced) Then fun family games later. This year I bet I can do decent at the games since I'll be sober! Actually I might suck anyway, but it will be fun!!!!! Sweet!!!!!
Anybody else have special plans?????
So, I figured out stress is a huge trigger for me, got seriously stressed earlier while arguing with my wife and almost felt like drinking just to show her, like I'm gonna punish her by drinking, that's just crazy thinking!!! The more I thought about it I realized how childish it was of me and that my AV was just looking for any excuse to drink. I know full well drinking wouldn't make a single thing better. Soooo, came straight home after work and making lunch to calm the nerves.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 734
Talking of Mexican food - I just got home and the wife had taken out 2 lamb steaks from the freezer which didn't actually look too great - they went in the bin - she'd also taken out some ground beef enchiladas I made a few weeks ago - they seemed fine and were there so nuked them in the microwave (not my usual preferred way of heating food - I use it for milk and frozen peas and that's yer lot) wish I'd practiced what I preach tho and just eaten until full !! Seemed a shame to waste them as they were very tasty but there was probably enough for 2 people - now I feel fit to pop :-(
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 734
Know exactly what you mean re the stress and arguing with the wife Ultradad - same thoughts yesterday for me about drinking after we had words - like you say tho what on earth is that going to prove and who exactly is it going to punish ??
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 974
Hi all. Struggling again today. Not sure why but I'm just feeling a little restless. Thought I'd post here to be accountable. I don't want to blow my 30+ days. Guess I'll start on dinner and get to bed early tonight. Stay strong guys.
Administrator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,366
Just catching up
Congrats Max on 50 days and canguy on six weeks
Two observations Tufty...sober socialising gets easier the more you do it...but being around people still remains pants for me.
I'm glad you felt good about your decision
D
Congrats Max on 50 days and canguy on six weeks
Originally Posted by tufty13
I'd love to say I had a great time last night but I didn't. It was utter pants.
I'm glad you felt good about your decision
D
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,366
Congrats to everyone hitting milestones today - 38 days is great BBF
Welcome back Trying - whatever you want to call it is your call
I think it's more important to think about your recovery plan and what you can add to it to make sure it doesn't happen again
D
Welcome back Trying - whatever you want to call it is your call
I think it's more important to think about your recovery plan and what you can add to it to make sure it doesn't happen again
D
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 5,250
Hi everyone! Crazy busy day. Finally had a chance to read posts & check in. The holidays exhaust me!
Had my 2nd counseling appt today. I love my counselor & I think she's really gonna help me work out all the crap from my childhood. She gives lots of great (but hard) homework too. I feel like I'm finally moving forward in my life & making progress instead of moving backwards to "no where".
Meeting my sponsor tomorrow & Wednesday at AA meetings to get some more "armor" for the holidays.
Today is day 37, I think. I haven't been counting lately because it's not like there is gonna be a graduation. Haha. This is just my new way of life & I like it!
I have to admit I had a small craving last night AND today but attribute it to doing my counseling homework. Hard stuff & I'm used to numbing my feelings. Not anymore! If I want to feel good feelings I have to feel bad ones sometimes too. The cravings passed quickly especially after I ate.
Healthygoals, SwimKim, Tufty, Ultradad, Keepinitreal, Canguy, Rah, enfin, snowvelvet, Dee, Blackbird, Learntofly, Soonerman, Patricia, TryingInTexas, RedAndy, Cristina & everyone else....HI!!!! Everyone is doing great!!!
Hang in there
Cristina...just keep ignoring that AV!
Had my 2nd counseling appt today. I love my counselor & I think she's really gonna help me work out all the crap from my childhood. She gives lots of great (but hard) homework too. I feel like I'm finally moving forward in my life & making progress instead of moving backwards to "no where".
Meeting my sponsor tomorrow & Wednesday at AA meetings to get some more "armor" for the holidays.
Today is day 37, I think. I haven't been counting lately because it's not like there is gonna be a graduation. Haha. This is just my new way of life & I like it!
I have to admit I had a small craving last night AND today but attribute it to doing my counseling homework. Hard stuff & I'm used to numbing my feelings. Not anymore! If I want to feel good feelings I have to feel bad ones sometimes too. The cravings passed quickly especially after I ate.
Healthygoals, SwimKim, Tufty, Ultradad, Keepinitreal, Canguy, Rah, enfin, snowvelvet, Dee, Blackbird, Learntofly, Soonerman, Patricia, TryingInTexas, RedAndy, Cristina & everyone else....HI!!!! Everyone is doing great!!!
Hang in there
Cristina...just keep ignoring that AV!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Augusta, GA
Posts: 888
Originally Posted by CristinaN
Hi all. Struggling again today. Not sure why but I'm just feeling a little restless. Thought I'd post here to be accountable. I don't want to blow my 30+ days. Guess I'll start on dinner and get to bed early tonight. Stay strong guys.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: deepest england
Posts: 1,119
Originally Posted by Dee74
Congrats to everyone hitting milestones today - 38 days is great BBF
Welcome back Trying - whatever you want to call it is your call
I think it's more important to think about your recovery plan and what you can add to it to make sure it doesn't happen again
D
Welcome back Trying - whatever you want to call it is your call
I think it's more important to think about your recovery plan and what you can add to it to make sure it doesn't happen again
D
Speak laters xxx
Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 5,250
Originally Posted by rah555
Checking in, day 3. Not feeling that well today. I feel bad about having to start over (again). Your posts motivate me to do better
Each day you don't drink you will feel better and better until one day you will feel so good that nothing in the world could make you drink & lose your happiness!
Praying 4 u!
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: deepest england
Posts: 1,119
Originally Posted by rah555
Checking in, day 3. Not feeling that well today. I feel bad about having to start over (again). Your posts motivate me to do better
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 678
Originally Posted by CristinaN
Hi all. Struggling again today. Not sure why but I'm just feeling a little restless. Thought I'd post here to be accountable. I don't want to blow my 30+ days. Guess I'll start on dinner and get to bed early tonight. Stay strong guys.
I feel like I have PAWS today, after all the PAWS talk. My brain just wasn't firing at full capacity for some reason, struggled for words at times and had trouble focusing. Probably has very little to do with PAWS, just more of a Monday thing, I hope anyways.
Tomorrow will be 30 days. Looking forward to it!
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