Class of February 2017 Support Thread Part 2
Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 60
Morning!
This is the start of Day 5.
Last night was the worst yet. No sleep at all, and my husband didn't help by snoring and tossing and turning all night. I could cheerfully have killed him.
We are visiting our son today, and he set the alarm far too early, so not even a chance of 40 winks in the morning, then lay there for ages without getting up.
I am in a vile mood today.
This is the start of Day 5.
Last night was the worst yet. No sleep at all, and my husband didn't help by snoring and tossing and turning all night. I could cheerfully have killed him.
We are visiting our son today, and he set the alarm far too early, so not even a chance of 40 winks in the morning, then lay there for ages without getting up.
I am in a vile mood today.
lillyknitting
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Loughton, Essex, England
Posts: 638
Socialising sober
Had/having a lovely but hectic weekend. I don't usual out Saturday nights but last night I was invited by my cousin to go to the O2 for a Jazz evening. I had a lovely time in being with my cousin and us loping off to get something to eat, but in all honesty these so-called social events, where everyone just has to drink to have a bit of fun are really a bore for me. The singer was dreadful but thought she was great. Everyone only gets up to dance when they're suitably intoxicated - which I now find boring and false. People will cheer and whoop at anything when they're boozed. I now just find the whole thing boring, dull and tedious, but I'm not alone, as my cousin doesn't drink much at all (literally one glass) she felt exactly the same. So we decided to leave early together and had a jolly good chat on way back to the station.
The one thing I never tire of is being sober, enjoying the fact I remember everything. Getting home safely and leave when I want to go . And that amazing feeling of waking up hangover-free. Yippeee x
The one thing I never tire of is being sober, enjoying the fact I remember everything. Getting home safely and leave when I want to go . And that amazing feeling of waking up hangover-free. Yippeee x
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: NM
Posts: 144
I've been reading a lot here but haven't had much time to post (not a fan of posting from phone like I am doing now) but as I lay here waiting to start my day I figured I have the time.
I had a plan for dealing with my best friend/drinking buddy in place but I was so focused on dealing with him I totally allowed myself to get blindsided by others and drank consecutive nights a week ago. Thankfully it was not a lot but it was not zero which is the plan. I have changed my plan to be more universal and on Thursday night revealed my choice of sobriety to my closest drinking buddies. The response from them was totally predictable but I was able to temper their objections because I had a plan mentally in place and worked it. I kept relating it to my health. I kept reminding myself that they object because my sobriety somehow threatens their ability to drink.
I feel fantastic as this is the first Sunday in I don't know how long I'm not hungover and I feel that tremendous progress has been made in the journey of me never drinking again. Happy Sunday everyone. Off to install new bedroom flooring in
the kids bedrooms
I had a plan for dealing with my best friend/drinking buddy in place but I was so focused on dealing with him I totally allowed myself to get blindsided by others and drank consecutive nights a week ago. Thankfully it was not a lot but it was not zero which is the plan. I have changed my plan to be more universal and on Thursday night revealed my choice of sobriety to my closest drinking buddies. The response from them was totally predictable but I was able to temper their objections because I had a plan mentally in place and worked it. I kept relating it to my health. I kept reminding myself that they object because my sobriety somehow threatens their ability to drink.
I feel fantastic as this is the first Sunday in I don't know how long I'm not hungover and I feel that tremendous progress has been made in the journey of me never drinking again. Happy Sunday everyone. Off to install new bedroom flooring in
the kids bedrooms
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Georgia, USA
Posts: 2,229
Good morning everyone! Sue, I'm hoping you can nap in the car on the way there. Can you? So sorry. I'm over not being able to sleep already. Now, I am sleeping way too much! But I'm going with it. My body must need it.
I fell asleep trying to watch the news again last night at about 9 and slept until 10 am this morning. Woke up at 6 and started reading and fell right back to sleep. That's after taking and afternoon nap.
I'm hoping this helps me get better faster. I am missing out on following the news, and maybe that's not such a bad thing. It had become almost an obsession, these people in my country, and really all over the world, are just acting so odd, doing things so differently from ever before. And I was putting a lot of thought into all of it. But right now, I need to focus on recovery, so I'm not concerned about falling asleep every time I turn on the news.
One development, the lady who use to be my sponsor and is now my only AA friend wants to apply for the position I have open in my department. I'm going to some meetings but not sure if I'm going to do the whole AA program or not. Haven't ruled it out, just not decided. She's all into AA, which is great for her, she's been sober almost three years doing that. I just wonder how it would affect our friendship. I'd love to hook her up though, she's been working menial jobs all these years and this is a great, fun job.
Loving being sober and not hungover on a Sunday! Hugs and happy day to all.
I fell asleep trying to watch the news again last night at about 9 and slept until 10 am this morning. Woke up at 6 and started reading and fell right back to sleep. That's after taking and afternoon nap.
I'm hoping this helps me get better faster. I am missing out on following the news, and maybe that's not such a bad thing. It had become almost an obsession, these people in my country, and really all over the world, are just acting so odd, doing things so differently from ever before. And I was putting a lot of thought into all of it. But right now, I need to focus on recovery, so I'm not concerned about falling asleep every time I turn on the news.
One development, the lady who use to be my sponsor and is now my only AA friend wants to apply for the position I have open in my department. I'm going to some meetings but not sure if I'm going to do the whole AA program or not. Haven't ruled it out, just not decided. She's all into AA, which is great for her, she's been sober almost three years doing that. I just wonder how it would affect our friendship. I'd love to hook her up though, she's been working menial jobs all these years and this is a great, fun job.
Loving being sober and not hungover on a Sunday! Hugs and happy day to all.
Guest
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 24
Hi everyone. Good work on asking for help Trees.
Years ago when I realized I needed/wanted to quit cigarettes I spoke to my doctor. He helped create a plan for me, part of which was openly admitting to others that I had a problem and was quitting. It was an interesting practice, difficult at times...it's never fun to admit weakness, but also empowering because vocalizing it was a physical step toward doing something about it. Instead of being an awkward situation, it was actually reassuring when someone would ask "How are you doing with quitting ciagarettes?" In one sense, I had someone else to be accountable to. The little bit of social pressure I created for myself was helpful in my weak moments because, in addition to honestly wanting to quit, I didn't want to let down my friends and family. It was actually surprising how many people seemed inspired and motivated to challenge some of their own issues because I had admitted mine. I had some slips, but "quitting" finally turned into "quit" and at this point, it is no longer something that requires much thought. Also, sharing your goals with others is a REALLY good way of seeing who is truly in your corner and who your real friends are. Anyone who is not supportive of a positive and necessary decision you've made, is not a real friend.
I think a lot of people get stuck thinking that what led them to recovery is/was some kind of failure, and perhaps there is something to that. However, I think admitting you need to recover is a success. It takes a good, strong person to identify a problem and do something about it. It's not easy, but everyone on this site/forum has done it and, although we should stay focused and vigilant, we should also feel good about it.
I had a rough moment AGAIN yesterday. I've been screwing up in regards to eating regularly and drinking enough water which (I've now learned) makes things much harder for me. Anyway, I was at the grocery store and the beer isle started singing me a familiar and lulling tune. Yesterday was 49 days for me and the devil on my shoulder starts saying (Inner Dialogue).....""You deserve a reward!! Just get one 22oz beer, it'll taste so good. Wait....it's still pretty early. One 22oz will never be enough, better get a sixer. You can stretch that out until the end of the night! Actually, maybe you better get the 22 and the sixer."
The inner dialogue wasn't hard to recognize for what it was, my addictive voice (or whatever you want to call it) trying to bring to back to my old, pointless ways. What was worse was realizing that the fight is still on, maybe stronger than ever because it isn't something I'm having to think about all the time anymore. It was a surprise attack. I made it out of there without buying alcohol, but felt exhausted when I got home and basically locked the door and hid out from the world for the rest of the day. I had been planning on going out and seeing friends but it didn't seem like the right move.
I'm going to sit down tonight, write my schedule for the week, and just try to stay as busy and focused as possible.
Have a good day everyone.
Years ago when I realized I needed/wanted to quit cigarettes I spoke to my doctor. He helped create a plan for me, part of which was openly admitting to others that I had a problem and was quitting. It was an interesting practice, difficult at times...it's never fun to admit weakness, but also empowering because vocalizing it was a physical step toward doing something about it. Instead of being an awkward situation, it was actually reassuring when someone would ask "How are you doing with quitting ciagarettes?" In one sense, I had someone else to be accountable to. The little bit of social pressure I created for myself was helpful in my weak moments because, in addition to honestly wanting to quit, I didn't want to let down my friends and family. It was actually surprising how many people seemed inspired and motivated to challenge some of their own issues because I had admitted mine. I had some slips, but "quitting" finally turned into "quit" and at this point, it is no longer something that requires much thought. Also, sharing your goals with others is a REALLY good way of seeing who is truly in your corner and who your real friends are. Anyone who is not supportive of a positive and necessary decision you've made, is not a real friend.
I think a lot of people get stuck thinking that what led them to recovery is/was some kind of failure, and perhaps there is something to that. However, I think admitting you need to recover is a success. It takes a good, strong person to identify a problem and do something about it. It's not easy, but everyone on this site/forum has done it and, although we should stay focused and vigilant, we should also feel good about it.
I had a rough moment AGAIN yesterday. I've been screwing up in regards to eating regularly and drinking enough water which (I've now learned) makes things much harder for me. Anyway, I was at the grocery store and the beer isle started singing me a familiar and lulling tune. Yesterday was 49 days for me and the devil on my shoulder starts saying (Inner Dialogue).....""You deserve a reward!! Just get one 22oz beer, it'll taste so good. Wait....it's still pretty early. One 22oz will never be enough, better get a sixer. You can stretch that out until the end of the night! Actually, maybe you better get the 22 and the sixer."
The inner dialogue wasn't hard to recognize for what it was, my addictive voice (or whatever you want to call it) trying to bring to back to my old, pointless ways. What was worse was realizing that the fight is still on, maybe stronger than ever because it isn't something I'm having to think about all the time anymore. It was a surprise attack. I made it out of there without buying alcohol, but felt exhausted when I got home and basically locked the door and hid out from the world for the rest of the day. I had been planning on going out and seeing friends but it didn't seem like the right move.
I'm going to sit down tonight, write my schedule for the week, and just try to stay as busy and focused as possible.
Have a good day everyone.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 252
I've passed the 2 week mark!
badger257, hope you are still with us. You can do it. We are all doing it together.
SueDenim, maybe a cup of tea will help?
Behappy1, hope you are feeling better today.
Trees39, looks like you and I started our new lives on the same day.
Sober369-----agree, I too can NOT stop watching the news!
nexttime---I am avoiding my drinking buddies like the plague. I know from past experience that I will let them persuade me that I can cut down instead of quit, but now I know that I am NOT capable of moderation. It is truly freedom not to have to torture myself with bargaining, etc. about cutting down. So much easier to quit---it just becomes a non issue.
Good luck to us all today.
badger257, hope you are still with us. You can do it. We are all doing it together.
SueDenim, maybe a cup of tea will help?
Behappy1, hope you are feeling better today.
Trees39, looks like you and I started our new lives on the same day.
Sober369-----agree, I too can NOT stop watching the news!
nexttime---I am avoiding my drinking buddies like the plague. I know from past experience that I will let them persuade me that I can cut down instead of quit, but now I know that I am NOT capable of moderation. It is truly freedom not to have to torture myself with bargaining, etc. about cutting down. So much easier to quit---it just becomes a non issue.
Good luck to us all today.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 980
Hey all, day 5!
Remember how I'd said I felt like the alcohol was lingering in my system? I had a REALLY physical day yesterday outside working and think I've sweated it all out. Lol. My cravings were over the top last night. I am certain it's because my body is removing it and my brain is screaming for it. I find this pathetic actually. Like it's two people living in my brain.
While I was outside I kept smelling a skunk last night. I walked around my shed. It's pretty big (30x50). Nothing. This morning I went out and was smelling it again. Looked IN my shed. Low and behold there is a skunk in the shed. Ok then, I opened the overhead door thinking it will just leave. Went out later it's still there and not moved. It's dead. Not sure how in the world it died or why it's in my shed or what I'm going to do about it. I'm thinking shovel to put in a garbage bag and take back to the woods.
Remember how I'd said I felt like the alcohol was lingering in my system? I had a REALLY physical day yesterday outside working and think I've sweated it all out. Lol. My cravings were over the top last night. I am certain it's because my body is removing it and my brain is screaming for it. I find this pathetic actually. Like it's two people living in my brain.
While I was outside I kept smelling a skunk last night. I walked around my shed. It's pretty big (30x50). Nothing. This morning I went out and was smelling it again. Looked IN my shed. Low and behold there is a skunk in the shed. Ok then, I opened the overhead door thinking it will just leave. Went out later it's still there and not moved. It's dead. Not sure how in the world it died or why it's in my shed or what I'm going to do about it. I'm thinking shovel to put in a garbage bag and take back to the woods.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 793
Dau-(can I use that for short? ) 
I am still here. Over the withdrawal for the most part. I feel like I've done this so many times is almost predictable daily. Now just a couple weeks of self loathing and I'll be fine! Hope the sarcasm came through on that. I am going to seek professional help this time as part of my plan. Which is something that scares me. ... reaching out has never been a strong suit. Hope everyone is doing well today!
I am still here. Over the withdrawal for the most part. I feel like I've done this so many times is almost predictable daily. Now just a couple weeks of self loathing and I'll be fine! Hope the sarcasm came through on that. I am going to seek professional help this time as part of my plan. Which is something that scares me. ... reaching out has never been a strong suit. Hope everyone is doing well today!
Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 60
No skunk advice, I'm afraid, Behappy. They are thin on the ground in small towns in the UK .
I had a cup of tea when we arrived, Dau. We all went for lunch, and I had a lime and soda, when usually I'd have had most of a bottle of wine. It was fine, really. I only managed to eat about half of my (huge) plate of Sunday lunch; but I had a lovely day, and am pleased that I didn't give in.
I didn't sleep in the car, Sober. The infuriating thing is that I was napping off and on on Friday and Saturday. I don't know if it was just the snoring that kept me awake, or if this is the shape of things to come. I really hope not, as I'm at work tomorrow.
.I had a cup of tea when we arrived, Dau. We all went for lunch, and I had a lime and soda, when usually I'd have had most of a bottle of wine. It was fine, really. I only managed to eat about half of my (huge) plate of Sunday lunch; but I had a lovely day, and am pleased that I didn't give in.
I didn't sleep in the car, Sober. The infuriating thing is that I was napping off and on on Friday and Saturday. I don't know if it was just the snoring that kept me awake, or if this is the shape of things to come. I really hope not, as I'm at work tomorrow.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 980
Curious February class - what are YOU doing to assist in your recovery? AA, Smart, CR, AVRT? I realize it's early one and most of us are just trying to not drink right now. I'm curious about your long term plans for when your AV starts screaming?
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 209
Do you mean about making a plan or something else. I have wrote a plan for the next week. I've done a 24 hour clock and have put it on an excel spreadsheet in 15 minute slots and completed every slot down to spending 15 minutes putting on calm music and looking out the window as well as bigger tasks like reorganise the garage.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 209
I was sent the link below I found it without doubt my bible and turn too it often to read in dark times
I found that a written recovery plan has been extremely helpful in keeping me motivated, providing some accountability to myself, preparing me for the inevitable time of extreme stress, and recognizing that getting sober is just the initial step (albeit a very big one) in recovery.
I highly recommend that you take time to draft up a written recovery plan tailored just for you. Here is a great link providing some information on recovery plans: The Alcoholism and Addictions Help Forums- by SoberRecovery.com (Psst...wanna know why I'm always recommending recovery plans
I found that a written recovery plan has been extremely helpful in keeping me motivated, providing some accountability to myself, preparing me for the inevitable time of extreme stress, and recognizing that getting sober is just the initial step (albeit a very big one) in recovery.
I highly recommend that you take time to draft up a written recovery plan tailored just for you. Here is a great link providing some information on recovery plans: The Alcoholism and Addictions Help Forums- by SoberRecovery.com (Psst...wanna know why I'm always recommending recovery plans
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 209
Hi sorry this is the link
I highly recommend that you take time to draft up a written recovery plan tailored just for you. Here is a great link providing some information on recovery plans: The Alcoholism and Addictions Help Forums- by SoberRecovery.com (Psst...wanna know why I'm always recommending recovery plans?).
I highly recommend that you take time to draft up a written recovery plan tailored just for you. Here is a great link providing some information on recovery plans: The Alcoholism and Addictions Help Forums- by SoberRecovery.com (Psst...wanna know why I'm always recommending recovery plans?).
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 209
It may take a little time and some deep thought, but it's really not that difficult
Here are some helpful links and ideas
https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/conten...0/SMA-3720.pdf
https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/conten...SMA12-4474.pdf
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-recovery.html
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-cravings.html
Here are some helpful links and ideas
https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/conten...0/SMA-3720.pdf
https://store.samhsa.gov/shin/conten...SMA12-4474.pdf
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-recovery.html
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-cravings.html
Last edited by Dee74; 02-19-2017 at 03:55 PM. Reason: fixed a few links
Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Georgia, USA
Posts: 2,229
I have cravings sometimes, too. It's terrible! I try to avoid them by making sure I drink lots of water, don't get hungry and get plenty of rest. And come here a lot. And now that I truly believe that drinking is not a viable option for me, saying, out loud, "Nope, not an option!" does wonders for me. I feel silly writing that, but it's true for me.
Big hugs to you! Have you made a plan?
Big hugs to you! Have you made a plan?
Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: UK
Posts: 60
Have you got something you can drink instead of your booze of choice, Badger? I don't know what you like, so can't suggest anything specific; but something that would take your mind off the cravings.
What time is it where you are? Can you go for a walk, or dig the garden, or anything to keep you busy?
Keep posting, so we can know you are ok?
What time is it where you are? Can you go for a walk, or dig the garden, or anything to keep you busy?
Keep posting, so we can know you are ok?
Meow
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: The Great Lakes State
Posts: 1,585
Be Happy - For me, I'm going through a program at the Veterans Administration that includes education, counseling and (if desired) medication - I'm taking Campral and it helps a lot. Plus everyone close to me knows that I'm not drinking and why (health problem). Beyond that, reading here and sticking to my diet plan (also necessary for my health).
So I have accountability to my VA group, to my nutritionist, to my family and to me. And to all of you. For now it is working, although I have had my moments.
I cannot avoid alcohol around me, unless I want to cut pretty much all of my family out of my life. I'm not going to stop going to the Symphony or bowling or eating out so I have to deal with it. Surprisingly, my husband's daily drinking here at home doesn't bother me at all. It's the social situations that I find challenging.
ETA: hang in there Badger! Try to get something else to drink or eat some fruit for the sugar. Keep distracted until it passes. Good luck.
So I have accountability to my VA group, to my nutritionist, to my family and to me. And to all of you. For now it is working, although I have had my moments.
I cannot avoid alcohol around me, unless I want to cut pretty much all of my family out of my life. I'm not going to stop going to the Symphony or bowling or eating out so I have to deal with it. Surprisingly, my husband's daily drinking here at home doesn't bother me at all. It's the social situations that I find challenging.
ETA: hang in there Badger! Try to get something else to drink or eat some fruit for the sugar. Keep distracted until it passes. Good luck.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 793
Originally Posted by Sober369 
I have cravings sometimes, too. It's terrible! I try to avoid them by making sure I drink lots of water, don't get hungry and get plenty of rest. And come here a lot. And now that I truly believe that drinking is not a viable option for me, saying, out loud, "Nope, not an option!" does wonders for me. I feel silly writing that, but it's true for me.
Big hugs to you! Have you made a plan?
Big hugs to you! Have you made a plan?
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