Support for those struggling to quit
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,097
Support for those struggling to quit
I just wanted to post a message of support for those people in the early days who may be struggling or questioning their decision to stay sober at this time of year. It may seem overwhelming,especially with impending Christmas parties, works functions, NY functions and get togethers with friends & family.
I quit 17 days before Christmas and went through the whole 'silly season' sober for the first time in more than 20 years. I questioned my ability to do it and often had thoughts of " aw just leave it till 1st Jan" I'd been putting it off for years though and I had just had enough. Getting through Christmas & New Year sober was odd. It wasn't bad, just strange but after I felt that if I could get through the season that typically involved lots of alcohol then I would get through any function/event etc.
There will always be an event which will try and convince us to put off quitting till tomorrow/next week -birthday, anniversary, hen weekend, wedding, christening, holiday, works function, graduation, bbq, get together. Getting sober for me is about learning to deal with these events sober and as nothing seems as intense as the Christmas season it's a great start.
So for all of you struggling and tempted -you CAN do this. Do whatever you need to do to stay sober. It's probably best to avoid unnecessary events/functions in the early days. If you have to attend or visit people then at least have an escape plan and leave early. Even things like Christmas day aren't really full days- merely a few hours which can be broken down and will soon be over.
Keep close to SR at all times-there will always be someone around. Attend AA or read your RR/AVRT -do use whatever support method you need as much as you need it. Try urge surfing -it really works and urges do pass i minutes.
You can do this and will feel so much better both mentally and physically stronger waking up sober in the New Year. It will feel odd but it's well worth it. Good luck you can do it
I quit 17 days before Christmas and went through the whole 'silly season' sober for the first time in more than 20 years. I questioned my ability to do it and often had thoughts of " aw just leave it till 1st Jan" I'd been putting it off for years though and I had just had enough. Getting through Christmas & New Year sober was odd. It wasn't bad, just strange but after I felt that if I could get through the season that typically involved lots of alcohol then I would get through any function/event etc.
There will always be an event which will try and convince us to put off quitting till tomorrow/next week -birthday, anniversary, hen weekend, wedding, christening, holiday, works function, graduation, bbq, get together. Getting sober for me is about learning to deal with these events sober and as nothing seems as intense as the Christmas season it's a great start.
So for all of you struggling and tempted -you CAN do this. Do whatever you need to do to stay sober. It's probably best to avoid unnecessary events/functions in the early days. If you have to attend or visit people then at least have an escape plan and leave early. Even things like Christmas day aren't really full days- merely a few hours which can be broken down and will soon be over.
Keep close to SR at all times-there will always be someone around. Attend AA or read your RR/AVRT -do use whatever support method you need as much as you need it. Try urge surfing -it really works and urges do pass i minutes.
You can do this and will feel so much better both mentally and physically stronger waking up sober in the New Year. It will feel odd but it's well worth it. Good luck you can do it
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Gatineau, QC, CA
Posts: 5,100
I totally agree! When I quit 7 days ago, mind AV kept telling me I could wait for the new year. But why wait I thought? I'm still ahead of the game kind of, no dui no major health issues. So here I am and so glad I kicked this addiction to the curb!
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