Dee74

seems to be a lot of people struggling right now.

I understand that - being around drinkers was an ordeal for me - all I could see was others having fun, relaxing, laughing, not a care in the world.

I would almost live vicariously through the drinkers- so much so my mouth would sometimes water.

Then I'd get ticked off.

I felt left out, I felt stupid for not being able to control my drinking, I got angry that I had this problem and noone else seemed to.

More often that not I drank again.

As a drinker I only thought short term. Immediate gratification was the name of the game.

In recovery I had to learn to think beyond immediate needs to long term goals.

I wanted my life to change. I wanted to be sober.

I needed to focus on that.

There are things you can do - play the tape through and remind yourself that for you drinking often ends badly.

you can use urge surfing on emotions too as well as cravings - just because you feel angry or left out or you just hate how unfair it all is, or you're scared of never drinking/having fun again...you can work through those emotions without drinking.

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...e-surfing.html

and the Thanksgiving guide is still useful even tho the remains of the Turkey are in the fridge:

Crying Out Now: Thanksgiving Survival Guide

Most important of all tho? Reach out.
Share your problem, 'out' your desire to drink. Post before you break down.

there's a lot of willing people here who want to help you stay sober this weekend

WE CAN DO IT!


D

LindaLou

Thank you Dee. Your posts are always so timely!

Mikie9

Thanks for your post Dee, new things to read yay!

jaynie04

Thank you Dee!

suki44883

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for those in early sobriety. It's nice that there is a place like SR to come to for support. Thanks for posting this, Dee.

Ladybug2

Thank you, Dee. Needed to read this tonight.

least

A timely reminder in this holiday season.

MIRecovery

I still am very selective about holiday events. I gauge the level of drinking, how easy it is to exit, how much I wish to attend, the strength of my sobriety, if I have support people present.

Unless I can say with 100% certainty that I will not drink there is no way I will go.

Renarde

Thank you Dee!

kadidee

Thanks for this, Dee! This post reminds me that we're not alone struggling in early sobriety as we near the holidays.

alphaomega

Needed this. Thank you.

Junegirl

Exactly what I needed, Dee. I know I need reminders and to constantly revisit the techniques. It's so easy to fall back to the old ways...

Thanks,

June

Vandermast

tthank you mate, what an awesome and timely post....

fond regards

v

LadyinBC

Nothing or no one is more important than my sobriety. That had to become my motto.

hypochondriac

The concept of using urge surfing on emotions is an excellent one I must remember that more often. I think I subconsciously do it anyway but I think the awareness is key really. Thank you Dee xxx

KateL

I always buy myself a couple of bottle of schloer for Christmas. I used to feel left out but now I feel that my drink is much nicer than everyone elses

MIRecovery

Looked up Schloer and

Good news it looks like a great NA drink

Bad news it is not sold in the US, Boo Hoo

phoebe64

Wish I came and read this at 10:10PM last night.

KateL

Appletizer is similar.

stevie88

Fantastic post from the big man yet again....Thank you Dee.