Let's try this again I really *must* stop drinking for awhile, and Im gonna lean on you nice people for the first couple of days. Once I get through one day, I'm usually OK for awhile. My weakness is giving in to a drink to medicate the withdrawal. I have a lot of events approaching that are important to me, so it's time! Anyway, I've got a plan here. I live in an apartment complex that has everything -- a gym, pool, jacuzzi, computers, etc. As long as I stay within the place, I won't be running into any alcohol -- there's none in my apartment. I also ordered several days' worth of a green juice cleanse (juice, protein drinks, detox soup) that gives you an exact schedule for when to consume each thing. When I've done that before, I feel better quickly. I don't like sweets, so that common withdrawal technique wouldn't appeal. I'm a musician and writer -- I have a big concert across the country in 10 days and I'm out of shape. And I have a book proposal due that I haven't started. Good work, girl! Sigh. I'm staying home and being kind to myself. I'm definitely going to want to check in throughout the day tho! I don't have to go anywhere for two days -- and that's a class where there won't be an alcohol issue. I had developed a terrible habit of stopping for a Diet Coke and two mini-bottles of vodka, which is drinking WHILE drive, which I obviously must stop on every level. I think a two-day DIY home rehab will help me start better habits. So far no serious symptoms, just feeling foggy, stupid, and flabby. And I have a lovely crop of acne.:dee |
Someone's here 24/7/365. Welcome! |
You can do this Razorback!! :) |
So far so good! I'm lucky to not have to be anywhere but home... |
Welcome back. Sorry to see your struggles continue. Maybe this points to a reason:
Originally Posted by Razorback
(Post 4771152)
I really *must* stop drinking for awhile, |
You're making a great start by realizing you may have a problem. I used to buy shooters and drink them on the way home, too. And this was at 8am. It was a miserable life. Just remember, you never have to go through this again if you don't take that first drink. Best to you. |
Doggonecarl, you are right, sometimes it takes a few tries -- and I was trying to add a little levity there. But you are correct and I know it. And Ghostlight1, I've progressed to that point as well. I was just listening to a podcast where the speaker -- Irish guy named Paul Garrigan -- points out how much simpler sobering up is if you take the possibility of drinking again off the table. Despite my being a truly loose cannon, life is still going well. Maybe now I can find out how much better it can go -- like, I haven't had a romantic partner in YEARS. Still inside, listening to podcasts, meditations, with a mud pack on my face. Can't go out like this! It's amazing what a waste of time drinking is, and how much I've gotten done this morning. I recently got a shrink who specializes in drinking problems. I was doing well -- I've been honest with her. But she is out of town, so here I am. There's a nature trail nearby that doesn't pass any shops. That would be a good activity on this sunny day. |
Good luck!! |
Still good. Still in my bathrobe, but sober! |
As soon as I heard "I have a plan" I knew you would do great. :You_Rock_ We will be here, and enjoy the facilities at your place for me! Specially the pool! |
OK, practicing (it's a woodwind instrument) was really unpleasant. Cancel that! Strapping on my Fitbit pedometer and going for an easy walk -- on the waterside trail that passes no stores. And I'm not taking any money with me, either! This is incredibly helpful to check in here....thanks, guys. |
30-minute walk. Home. I did it! Now I'm in for the night. Early to bed and a happier morning tomorrow. Thanks everyone. |
Bravo! You may not read this until tomorrow, but your running commentary was so inspirational. You have a plan and you've stuck with it. This is a hard journey to make, but I believe in the long run so very much easier than the other option. Be well. I look forward to your morning post. :grouphug: |
Thanks! It's 7 pm, and I'm going to try and go to bed now. Have not slept well in many moons. Maybe tonight. Didn't get very much done today, but I sure look forward to clearer thinking in the morning. |
How is it going so far this morning, Razor? |
Yesss! I was up between 2-5 am, but then had decent quality sleep 5-9 am (might as well sleep when it comes). I feel a lot smarter this morning. Drinking my juice cleanse green juice and protein drink now. I'm over the bad part now -- my drinking came in two ways: to medicate a hangover (and that could repeat daily for a long stretch), and hanging out at happy hours. I quit the happy hours months ago, I'm pleased to say. Otherwise I don't get the cravings some people do, so I'm not prone to want to buy any alcohol. Got a lot of things to do today, and I guess that's the key. Going towards things you want more than thinking about NOT doing something. Much to my delight, my weight -- which is 20 lbs too much -- was down this morning. I don't foresee any problems today. Tomorrow might have a challenge, but here's the plan. I'm going to an all-day symposium of panel discussions and networking. Fortunately, it's at a theater, not a hotel, and lunch is outdoor food trucks (I'm going to have my juice cleanse items in the car). But I'm betting there will be a networking reception at the end. I'm going to take an Antabuse mid-day so I will not wander over to the wine guy. I think I will start carrying the Antabuse around in my purse for when a tempting situation pops up, but I don't want to take it every day. Thanks for getting me through the horrible Day 1, everyone. |
congrats on your progress Razorback :) D |
Looks like you're off to a great start :) |
Day 2 good. Did some errands, went to the gym, practiced an hour, walked 8,000 of the 10,000 steps my FitBit wants. I passed a LOT of liquor stores and didn't want to go in, but when I wanted a soft drink I knew habit would take over -- so I went in a booze-free gas station shop. Success! My shrink has stressed that I don't have to do anything 100% at times like these -- just do *something!* That's really helping. There's a lot more time in the day when you're not busy drinking all the time... Home now. On to Day 3. |
This is wonderful news! Keep up the great work! |
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