WhoDey

As I head into my first weekend in a long time with the intention of not drinking, I want to thank all of you here.

I found this place by the grace of Google. Deep down, I knew I had a problem even if I didn't have the courage to admit it to myself. I searched and found this community. It didn't take much time for me to learn that I had a lot in common with posters here. Reading your stories I saw myself.

Honestly, I didn't like what I saw. Who wants to be an alcoholic? Who wants to accept that they can't drink "normally"? I joined on Tuesday because even though I didn't want to be here ... I knew that this is what I needed to do. I feel stupid most of the time posting. I don't know much beyond the fact that I need to change and that I need help in making that change.

When I was on Day 1, I read the posts of those on Day 4 with a bit of envy. Now, with headaches subsiding, I'm on Day 4 looking forward to making it a clean week. I'm sure I harbor a boatload of self-delusions regarding alcoholism, but I'm commited to making it through one month sober.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has the courage to post here. I identify with you when reading of your stumbles and reading of your successes gives me hope.

Peace.

switchboard

Happy Day 4 to you! Well Done!

soberjim

WhoDey... I joined the same day as you...and am looking to the 30 day mark, one day at a time. I relate to pretty much everything you have expressed in the above post.


Here to a successful week end!

Jim

WhoDey

I want people who feel they are in the grip of struggle to know that the sharing of their battles is helping more people than they know.

Knowing you're not alone is so important.

sissy07

WhoDey,

Nice post! Congratulations on your four days. Stay strong!

pikkle69

Isn't it just simply amazing how you feel when you've gotten one day under your belt, then another, then another??? I never, ever thought that I would, or even want to get this far (24 days and counting.) I'm so damn stubborn that if it had been someone telling me to quit drinking, I would have continued just to spite them! It had to be me to tell me to quit and even that was a fight. But in the end, I still won.

Good job on your days, keep up the good work, we're here for you!!!

heathersweeds

wecome!!!! Sounds like you working your way through acceptence and great job at that!! It sometimes doesnt feel good at first but its a procses. Keep coming,reading and posting! I so love this site! :ghug3

soberwingz

Hey whodey...welcome back and thanks for sharing. Days go by quickly and soon melt into weeks and months and so on. Be patient with yourself and know that help and support is always here.

Great job on your four days. That is a great accomplishment.

Please continue to keep us posted.

harleyq

Hey WhoDey. Congrats on Day 4! We are on the same day. I have trouble accepting that I can't drink normally, but something someone posted the other day really helped me. I think of it as an allergy rather than an addiction. If I had a peanut allergy and ate nuts, I could die. If I drink, I could die and almost have. It's helping me change my thoughts about this not being fair and thoughts I can control it. There's no fairness in having a peanut allergy and the thoughts of controlling it don't come into play.

DarrenW

I am right there with you. On Day Two but want so much to be on Day 7! I know I'll get there this time! Go Bengals!

StPeteGrad

This is awesome, you guys! Hitting the fourth day really shows you mean business. It means you've had to deal with the negative effects and discomfort of quitting and yet you still resolve to stay sober.

In my experience there are two phases to recovery. 1. Quitting 2. Staying Quit.

Your body is starting to flush the toxins and the cells are screaming out. This stage will pass pretty quickly (thank God!).

This is a really good time to look at what you are going to do for a long term program. My early sobriety consisted of just making it 24 hours - or 1 hour at a time.

My drinking career took over my entire life so AA is the route I chose. It helped fill the "down-time" and social void. Many seem to be afraid of AA, as was I. I think most people don't really know what it is other than the stories their fellow drunks told them about it. For me, everything I'd heard about it was wrong.

With the most difficult part behind you now, I can't say strongly enough that you find something to help you in the long run - for those day-to-day mind-f***s that try convince us we don't have a problem. Keep it up and you will feel terrific before you know it.

aasharon90

I use to think I was cursed with an affliction.
Alcoholism. Then in time I learned about
addiction and how it affects people in different
ways. Once i was fed that knowledge I began
to understand, that just because i cant drink
poison or a controlled substance sucessfully
and with a program of recovery to live by, I
dont feel negative about my life any longer.

There are so many people out there in the
world with more severe problems than me
and Im extremely grateful for my life today.

I entered rehab via the back seat of a police
car after family stepped in to get me help I
desperately needed in my life at that time 21
yrs ago at 30 yrs old. married with 2 little ones.

After 2 weeks in I was to be sent home but was
told if they let me go I would surely drink again,
so they wanted to sent me out of state to a half-
way house for 6 months.

I begged and pleaded to stay there and not be
sent far away from my babies and upon agreement
to complete 28 days in with a 6 week outpatiant
tact on.

What ever i did, going to any lengths to drink,
so did I do the same for my sobriety. Sure I felt
different from all my family who had no addiction,
but realized this was my program, my sobriety
and I wanted it more than anything.

I continue on my same journey I began 21 yrs
ago today not feeling any different from you guys.

Just a many one days at a time collected together
to get me where I am today. Happy Joyous and Free.