Day one
 

Hi everyone. I've wanted to stop drinking for years now. I can't stand the power alcohol has over me. I have read Alan Carr's control drinking but it didn't grab me enough to make me quit. So now Im going to quit my way. I'm a single Mum of 2 beautiful children, and have found myself in the lifestyle of drinking in the evenings with friends because home can be so lonley. Often we start drinking early and I drive my children home knowing I'm probably over the limit. I'm so ashamed of this. The women I drink with arnt good friends and last night I drank a bottle of vodka and 2 bottles of wine with 2 ladies and we had a huge argument, it was horrible and ugly. I'm so hung over today, but the sun is out and Ive got lots to do, so it's perfect for day one. I've had enough of drinking, I want to feel strong and clear headed again. I want to kick this depression and stop using alcohol as a crutch and an excuse, so thanks for having me, I hope I can contribute to the forums and receive the advice and support I need to make all of these changes!

Hi Bright, welcome. :ring

Welcome, I'm glad you joined us.

Welcome to SR ,Bright.

Hi, Brightahead. I remember feeling the same way when I finally quit. I'm a single parent too, and I can't tell you how grateful I am I decided give up my crutch—because it turned out to be a ball and chain. I look back and think, no wonder I was so exhausted! Life gets easier without it, believe me. You're going to be really glad you made the effort! :)

Welcome Brightahead! I'm a single mum like you and I can tell you that quitting drinking was the best thing I've ever done. You can do it too! Look forward to seeing around here.

June

Happy to meet you Brightahead. I love your optimistic name. :)

I know that feeling too - we think we're helping ourselves cope, but we're doing just the opposite. You don't need it - and I'm glad you've discovered this. You can be free. Glad to have you join us - this is a wonderful place.

Hi and welcome brightahead :)

quitting your way sounds good - whats your plan? :)

D

Good on ya! (My feeble attempt at Aussie speak). Welcome...not only will your life improve in so many ways, your kids will benefit hugely from your newfound freedom from the prison of alcoholism.

Thanks everyone, Im not sure of a plan exactly, my first change is going to be not socialising in the afternoons/evenings until I gain some strength and clarity. I'm going to keep the evenings as a special, quiet and sacred time with a strict routine for the children. I am starting counselling for depression and anxiety and will make the effort to exercise every day. I will spend 30 minutes on sober recovery a day and work on friendships with people who don't need to be drunk and stoned all the time. And I won't let a drop past my lips! This is where I want to start for the first few months Dee, any advice? I can say that I have wanted to quit drinking for a long time and have consciously cut down and watched my consumption and the damage for sometime now, but Im at rock bottom emotionally and that desperation is driving me to change.

Hi welcome

Its great to have you here.

I often used to swear off drink after a bad night or a bad hangover.
I would make myself all kinds of promises that I would, never drink again, I was done, I was starting afresh.

The problem was as my hangover got better, my resolve got weaker.
I would go from being in an emotional ditch to thinking that I was fine, I just got carried away, how could I have a problem when I had done 2 days without a drink? Or I would go a week and then think well it's friday, I 'deserve' just one drink. The problem was it was never one drink.

I think part of my plan was to recognise these thoughts or this 'addictive voice' within me for what it was and how to ignore it or not act on it.

I understand what you mean about the Allan Carr book, I have read it myself.

I decided I just wanted to stop.
If I made plans to not drink mid week only at weekends, then I just wished the week away.
If I made plans to have no more than 4 drinks a night, I would soon find ways round it. Like 4 drinks at home but 10 drinks out at friends!
I also had to remember that with me, it never was just 'one drink'. What was the point of one drink to me. It was like torture, I just wanted more and more.

I'm a mum too. I have 540 days without a drink.
Thats mostly due to SR.

I had little clue about alcohol and addiction until I came here.
But by reading and posting, alcohol now has no place in my life and I am very, very happy about about that.

I wish you the best xxxx