New here 1 week sober but very restless
 

Hi,

I'm new here and am after a little advice please.

Quick background: I have been a big binge drinker for almost 10 years, I drink to get drunk and like it.

My drinking has escalated over the past 24 months from drinking hard Friday - Sunday usually a bottle of vodka or other spirits a night, to drinking 2-3 bottles of wine a night after work + the vodka a weekends.

I started drinking vodka in the mornings and at work during day, this is when I knew I had to stop and I've made a real effort and have not had a drink since 7th July (I was very drunk at work, don't know how I got away with it)

I really want to stop, something is different in my head this time, I really want to do it and know I can, the cravings have not been so bad I think I can deal with them ok.

My problem is I am very restless in the house, can't relax and need to be doing something constantly, I also can't seem to "switch my head off" (drink was great for this) after work and am having trouble sleeping, I'm not tired at night but in the mornings I can barely open my eyes, it's almost painful I'm that tired when I wake.

Any advice appreciated.

Welcome to SR Jespah. Yes, its tough to get to sleep & there are a ton of new emotions & thoughts to deal with. Its like you have been sitting in the dark for years & someone flicked the light switch to on for your emotions & thoughts.

There are some good sticky posts about alcohol & why you feel the way you do as well as what to expect. I will be back with them in a second.

Stay close to SR & keep posting, there are a lot of caring people who have been through this & will be there for you.

Take Care,

NB

P.S. Exercise is also a great help/

Here are the links:

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...influence.html

What NB and Phal said.

I find things to occupy my time...and I also go to therapy.

Welcome to SR, Jespah! :wavey:

Welcome Jespah

the advice here is good - keep busy, take it a day at a time and post here whenever you're in any trouble. It's a bit of a bewildering time, but you're not alone :)

Keep posting :)

D

"My problem is I am very restless in the house, can't relax and need to be doing something constantly..."

As others have suggested - more activities might help you.

Also - AA meetings to listen & share around people just like you. ;)

All,

Thanks for the helpful replies, I really like this site and the people on it, and have been reading everything I can to try and help and understand my problem.

I did something today I've not done for probably 15 or so years, I bought a book, well three actually as they were on offer, I'm going to try and read to keep myself busy in the evenings

I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks Again :thanks

Welcome to SR. Reading does help.

Hi and Welcome,

Finding a good book to read is a great idea. It often helps me to quiet my mind when I am feeling agitated. I also began to do a lot of walking, which has benefited me in so many ways.

Congratulations on your sobriety!

Hi.... and welcome

I had trouble with switching off after work.... still do sometimes... but i have things to help me... I come here... even if i dont post... i read.... I always find if i read what others have written it takes me away from how i am feeling and usually my mind settles itself down....
I really think its good to post how you feel though.... and believe me... sometimes i dont know HOW i feel... i numbed myself with things for so long that i have trouble expressing how i feel now.... but what helps is i try.... and theres always some friendly folk round here to help and support me when i need it.
Reading is good too.... i read loads now..... and i enjoy it.... its been along time sice ive enjoyed doing things....

Anyway... just really wanted to say hi and stick around... you'll like it here
be gentle with yourself though

louis