New, and with a question about alcoholism
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,507
Hi scruple. I'm sorry you're having this struggle, but glad you came here to talk it out. All the good stuff's already been said - so I'll just add a bit. I wanted more than anything to be a social drinker. I fought hard so I wouldn't have to let go of it completely. I clearly remember thinking how pathetic & dull life would be without it. I insisted willpower would be enough to keep things under control. I fought an absurd & irrational battle against sobriety for over 25 yrs. Each time I picked up I was led down a dangerous path. In the end I had 3 dui's (complete with jail time), a life filled with chaos and fear. Never would I have imagined that could happen to me.
I'm glad you're doing what I didn't do - taking a hard look at what alcohol is doing to your life, & how it may impact your goals and dreams. I hope you'll continue to post and read here - SR saved my life.
I'm glad you're doing what I didn't do - taking a hard look at what alcohol is doing to your life, & how it may impact your goals and dreams. I hope you'll continue to post and read here - SR saved my life.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,313
But in terms of just chilling in the afternoon/evening, living in a place that stifles me, I feel at a loss. I'd love to know what other people do to combat the urges and to fill the time.
SR Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7,910
Welcome scruple!
I'm so glad you came here and posted....... if you read around a bit, I think you'll see your story in so many of ours. I was really scared to think about quitting, too....... alcohol seemed like the only bright spot in my day.
Thinking about "forever" was overwhelming. I had to stay in the moment and stay sober in manageable bites (a day at a time, an hour at a time, etc.). We can usually handle the present moment. The fear comes in when we think about the future.
After a few days I started noticing that I felt different, not just physically but mentally and emotionally, too. The anxiety disappeared and I started smiling more. You gather the strength as you go along, not beforehand. I wouldn't have imagined I could do it either.
We all stood in your place at one time. That's why we say "YOU can do ti too!"
I'm so glad you came here and posted....... if you read around a bit, I think you'll see your story in so many of ours. I was really scared to think about quitting, too....... alcohol seemed like the only bright spot in my day.
Thinking about "forever" was overwhelming. I had to stay in the moment and stay sober in manageable bites (a day at a time, an hour at a time, etc.). We can usually handle the present moment. The fear comes in when we think about the future.
After a few days I started noticing that I felt different, not just physically but mentally and emotionally, too. The anxiety disappeared and I started smiling more. You gather the strength as you go along, not beforehand. I wouldn't have imagined I could do it either.
We all stood in your place at one time. That's why we say "YOU can do ti too!"
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Philly PA
Posts: 814
I'm pretty new so I don't have anything really to add except welcome to the boards and I hope you find your way.
I wish I could quit for 6 months and go back to moderate but it was so hard to stop I know I can't go back. Don't let alcohol steal your life.
I wish I could quit for 6 months and go back to moderate but it was so hard to stop I know I can't go back. Don't let alcohol steal your life.
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