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Old 04-13-2015, 07:44 AM
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glad to see you are committed ZA, congrats on getting the first week
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Old 04-13-2015, 07:49 AM
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Originally Posted by LBrain View Post
glad to see you are committed ZA, congrats on getting the first week
Ta Brain, but the day is not over yet. The AV has been pretty strong this evening. Unfortunately I am still at work (first time in a long, long time), so all the old triggers are banging around as all the drinking holes are starting to get active around the office block where I work. To say the least - interesting way to adapt a plan on the fly to combat it.
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Old 04-13-2015, 10:46 AM
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get out of there as soon as you can when you leave work -
head straight home or to some safe environment
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Old 04-13-2015, 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by LBrain View Post
get out of there as soon as you can when you leave work - head straight home or to some safe environment
Ta brain, but I will reveal how I adapted my plan in tonight's entry. Remember - no plan should be set in concrete. It should always be adaptable and malleable.
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Old 04-13-2015, 11:23 AM
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Hoping you made it home Zab I have the same problem with work colleagues...it has led me off the wagon a few times. Get yourself home...
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Old 04-13-2015, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by martina12 View Post
Hoping you made it home Zab I have the same problem with work colleagues...it has led me off the wagon a few times. Get yourself home...
Ta Martina, I made it home no worries. As I told Brain in an earlier post, I will reveal in tonight's update how to change your plan on the fly.
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Old 04-13-2015, 01:29 PM
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Hi all,

So it is the end of day seven for me. One whole week without booze. I cannot remember when last that happened.

Before I continue with me, I would just like too put a few definitions out there. I know sometimes people are shy or too stubborn to ask. I am putting them down as I will be using them in future posts, and may have used them in earlier posts.

AV - Addicts/Alcohol Voice - the voice in your head that is waiting or actively trying to convince you to have a drink "Go on, just one. One can't hurt"
AF - Alcohol Free - How many AF days have you had?

Those two should suffice for now.

So, I have been AF for seven days now. I am sitting here smoking a cigarette and chomping on an ice cream for a change. I have already eaten my chocolate allowance this evening. Physically, I have a headache. I have cut my water intake down to three liters today. Let's see if my geneticist buddy is talking rubbish. Although my buddy reckons that too much chocolate can also give you a headache - I can already hear the uprising from the feminine quarter. We'll only know tomorrow. I did not have any sweats or shivering. So that seems to be gone. I will not mention it again unless it comes back. The brain mist did come back during the day, but it is ever so slight. I have a slight shaking in my hands. It starts off calm during the morning, but by late afternoon is back. I feel very fatigued almost to the point where I am too tired to sleep. My body feels fine, no physical pain. Muscular control gets better every day. There are still no physical cravings for alcohol. Urine is clear, except for after the vitamins. But all normal.

Mentally, I feel very good. As proof to the people out there who have just started or are wanting to start, that your concentration, brain power, what ever you want to call it does improve - please go read through this thread from post one. I know, I did today. I cannot believe how bad my spelling was or how the sentences are all over the place. Almost slap dash. The further you read the better the spelling gets and the more cohesive the writing gets. Unbelievable what alcohol does to your brain. I shudder when I think of how many reports I have submitted while I was drinking. So there you have it, your brain does get clearer. There is a good thread on this forum titled "Memory", it is so true. Look it up and have a read.

Emotionally, it has been a par for the course day. I alluded to it this morning that your emotional pendulum spends more time in each feeling as we progress through our sobriety. I still believe there is a reason for this and that it is to give us time to savor those feelings that were suppressed by the alcohol. For me it has become more stable. By this I mean I spend longer periods in each feeling as opposed to a few days ago where my emotions were all over the place. My main emotions today were sorrow and relief. The relief I will explain later on, the sorrow is probably for all the things I have missed while being drunk. Arguments instead of good times. We have all been there. I think when we are drinking we deliberately pick fights so that we can have extreme mood changes. It is either unbearably happy or unbearably sad. There is no middle ground when you are drinking. So sad.

I have been reading a lot of posts here on SR on people who had relapses over the weekend, and the standard responses seems to be - so what are you going to change in your plan. I would like to relate an incident that happened to me this evening. First of all, my plan for coping has always been - one day at a time, failing that - one hour at a time and failing that - one minute at a time. As an engineer I would like to share this with you. A plan is the goal. So my plan would be to spend more time with loved ones; go for a run or take a deep breath etc. a plan is not the method. Let me explain. To combat the AV today I plan to spend more time with my loved one. Great, how? So you see, a plan is the goal. The method would be something like - we are going to go spend the day in the park having a picnic.

A plan and method can never be rigid or fixed in stone. If it is, it is bound to fail. I will use my plan with what happened to me tonight to demonstrate. For the first time in a very long time I had to work late. All my old drinking holes are around my office building or in a near proximity. I went down to have a cigarette at about 16H30. This about the time that all these drinking spots start to get going. Of course my AV got onto me. It was very tempting. How nice to go sit on the open deck in the warm sunlight and have an ice cold beer. So I put my plan into action one hour, 30 minutes, one minute. The AV was getting very strong. So the method I tried to employ of making a deal to revisit it in an hour was not working. Revisit was out. 30 minutes, still big temptation. Time to change the method. So I got into my car and into peak hour traffic. There is nowhere you are going to get a beer on the freeway. Within no time in the traffic, the temptation and urge had passed. Anyone who has driven in SA would know why, we drive like idiots here so you are really forced to concentrate on what is happening around you, otherwise you will be in a fender bender.

So my plan of one hour, 30 minutes, one minute is sound. It is the method I choose to employ to combat The AV that makes all the difference between success and failure. If it is rigid, then I am a creature of habit and am doomed from the outset to fail. If it is flexible and I can mould it to the best to suit my predicament, I am unpredictable and therefore not a creature of habit. I therefore have a much better chance of succeeding.

As an aside, I am banning myself from smoking in my house and car from tomorrow. So I will be on the silver cigar (e-cigarette).

Anyway, enough rambling for one evening.

Be safe and be strong

Cheers

ZAB
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Old 04-13-2015, 01:53 PM
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This is an extremely insightful and yet a bit frightening thread. The things we do to ourselves.
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Old 04-13-2015, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by thomas11 View Post
This is an extremely insightful and yet a bit frightening thread. The things we do to ourselves.
Ta Thomas, but why frightening? Life gets better when you're sober.
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Old 04-13-2015, 02:04 PM
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Well, I guess say that because I posted today that I had drank too much over the weekend and had some discomfort. Mild body temperature changes, the heart beat thing, and a little anxious. Hate it. I spend most of my time sober, and I like how I think and feel. So I guess I am just being a little whiny.

What is frightening to me is some of the things you went through. It had to be pretty difficult. I admire your honest and detailed account of the process. The mild convulsions would scare me. Its impressive to me that you were able to keep your composure and fight your way through it. When I get even the most mild withdrawal symptoms the first thing I do is get angry with myself.
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Old 04-13-2015, 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by thomas11 View Post
Well, I guess say that because I posted today that I had drank too much over the weekend and had some discomfort. Mild body temperature changes, the heart beat thing, and a little anxious. Hate it. I spend most of my time sober, and I like how I think and feel. So I guess I am just being a little whiny. What is frightening to me is some of the things you went through. It had to be pretty difficult. I admire your honest and detailed account of the process. The mild convulsions would scare me. Its impressive to me that you were able to keep your composure and fight your way through it. When I get even the most mild withdrawal symptoms the first thing I do is get angry with myself.
I saw your post. Remember Thomas, not everyone goes through the same things. I was also a very heavy drinker. I can tell you though, every time you relapse, it gets worse and more dangerous. So I have probably used up my nine lives. I have to be honest, so that anyone reading should know what they could expect. It is not to say a moderate drinker would have convulsions, but it is also not to say that a heavy binge drinker would not have convulsions. I have probably lost the one person most dear to me, if I did not stop, I would have lost the only thing I have left - my life. You should look up urge surfing. Also take some vitamin B12. Don't get angry with yourself, get angry with the booze. You need yourself to fight the booze, therefore you need yourself on your side.
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Old 04-14-2015, 12:00 AM
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Hi all,

So I have managed to complete my first AF week and am now on day eight.

Physically I feel fine. I did wake with a headache, but that could be lack of sleep. The insomnia monster would not leave me alone last night so I only dozed off after midnight. Sleep when it did come was deep and sound. I slept right through until the alarm went off. I am very pleased with that. The sensation of the burning under my skin on the side of my face is still with me. It is not as noticeable as the previous days, but nonetheless it is still there. The hand shaking is very slight this morning, but I know that as the day progresses it will slowly get worse. I really do need to make time for some exercise as I am sure it will help me both physically; mentally and emotionally.


Mentally I feel fine.The brain mist is absent this morning, but I am sure it will return later during the day, but to a lesser extent. For those of you not familiar with brain mist - the best explanation I can give is this. Imagine wearing an overly tight headband. That is the sensation of brain mist. Concentration has improved vastly over the past week. It feels as if my brain is firing on all cylinders. I find that as the days go by and my sobriety increases that I am not afraid to face meetings and the confrontation that typically accompanies them. In fact I am starting to relish it again. I do not mean that it is an all out battle field, but rather I mean that it is a great feeling to use your brain to reach a compromise or outsmart an opponent. Whether this is to convince the person that your idea is actually theirs or to subtly bring your point across - it is great to be able to think clearly. Debate has become fun and not something to avoid.

Emotionally I am in a different sphere of feeling this morning. I am feeling anger and pain. Anger at myself. Anger at others for perceived wrongs against me. Anger at missed opportunities. Much of the anger is unfounded as many of the situations I find myself in today are of my own making. Pain is synonymous with loss. The loss of self respect, the loss of a sibling, the loss of the respect and or love of others. Perhaps I should re-label it as self pity. I know that I have to embrace these emotions and to learn how to deal with them. As stated in an earlier post, when sober, the emotions are much more intense. It is a bitter pill, but it will make me stronger.

I did manage to break my self-imposed ban this morning unfortunately. When I woke up, the first thing I did was light a cigarette. Too late as I realised that I am not supposed to smoke in the house anymore. At least I managed to only smoke that one. I did not smoke normal cigarettes in the car on the way to work, only the silver cigar. So at least the ban is now in the forefront of my conscious mind and so I should be able to stick to it.

Well this is the morning of day eight and this is where I find myself on this journey of self recovery and healing. Initially when I started this abstinence program, it was to detox or abstain from alcohol for twenty one days. The plan was then to control or moderate my drinking. The further down the road that I travel, the more I realise that this is a pipe dream. I could not control my drinking then. In all likely hood I would not be able to control it now and the probability is that I will not be able to control it in thirteen days time. So the idea of a detox has to be buried and the grief of never drinking again mourned. With the mourning of never drinking again, the celebration of sobriety, life, clear thinking and self determination.

Be safe and be strong.

Cheers

ZAB
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Old 04-14-2015, 10:05 AM
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congrats on the first week of many,

Do not mourn for thine enemy as thou wouldst mourn thine own fellows...
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Old 04-14-2015, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by LBrain View Post
congrats on the first week of many, Do not mourn for thine enemy as thou wouldst mourn thine own fellows...
Ta Brain, much appreciated.
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Old 04-14-2015, 11:57 AM
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The human body is an amazing organism, 20 years of drinking and in 8 days your feeling pretty darn good. It has an amazing ability to repair itself.
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Old 04-14-2015, 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by thomas11 View Post
The human body is an amazing organism, 20 years of drinking and in 8 days your feeling pretty darn good. It has an amazing ability to repair itself.
Ta Thomas, not completely repaired yet, but getting there.
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Old 04-14-2015, 12:53 PM
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Hi all,

Well it is the end of day eight for me.

Physically I am shattered. I have had fatigue since 2 this afternoon and it has not lifted. I am drinking a cup of camomile tea as I have heard it helps with the sleep. I hope the insomnia monster stays away tonight. I can almost feel that it is going to be a good nights rest. The shaking in my hands is barely noticeable. I expected it to be worse so I am not complaining. My headache is gone, but I had to take something for it. I did not manage to get any exercise in today, so I think I am going to have to get it in at work instead. I will take the stairs at least once a day.

Mentally, I am as alert and sharp as can be with the fatigue. I did not experience any brain mist today. I am not sure that it has gone just yet, but I will keep an eye on it. Concentration and focus at work is unbelievable. The day just seems to fly past. It is actually a blessing in disguise as it takes my mind off other things. I seem to be finishing my work way before all my deadlines. I am not complaining as it gives me time to read through the posts here on SR as well as a bit of research.

Emotionally it has been a trying day. As I said in my morning entry, I have been feeling anger and pain/self pity the whole day. It is easy to say embrace it, but a whole other ball game to try and accomplish it. I hope tomorrow will be a different emotion set as I don't feel ready yet to deal with this one. I don't suppose I have a choice though. I am going to have to apply my plan to this with one added plan - baby steps.

The appetite is still there. I need to start eating healthier foods. I have cut back on the chocolate. I am still busy with the pack of cigarettes that I opened this morning. So that is good. I do not smoke in my car or the house. Instead I use the silver cigar in those places. I am trying to introduce fruit into my diet, so I bought some grapes. So now I have apples and grapes for fruit. I continue to take my vitamin supplements twice a day.

So what can I tell you after eight days AF. Day one and night one were hell. It just gets easier every day after that. I would say my physical state is about 90% healed. My mental state about 80% and my emotional state about 60%. I know that pretty soon I am going to get to the point where the healing returns are not as noticeable on a daily basis. I also know that I am going to get to a point where I am going to start having to work at certain issues to heal them. Up until now it has been sheer will power and fear getting me through each day. I have not really addressed any of the problems that I had while drinking, nor those that I chose to drink away. I think it is going to be tough, but I won't be the first to walk down this road.

I have read quite a few interesting posts on the forum the past few days. No, I do not go to AA. No I do not have a sponsor. I have done all this through reading and interacting with the wonderful folks here on SR. I do not have anything against AA or any of those excellent support groups, it is just not in my personality. I cannot say for certain that I will never go there, who knows what the future brings. I prefer to reason and think things through until I understand them. Anyway, the cats are on the bed, my eyes are drooping. I hope to have a good one tonight. It would be the first since I stopped.

Be safe and be strong.

Cheers,

ZAB
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Old 04-14-2015, 10:45 PM
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Hi all,

Well it is the beginning of day nine.

Physically I am tired. The insomnia monster was my bed mate most of last night. Even though I was shattered, I just could not fall asleep. When I did though, sleep was sound. Unfortunately, it was not as long as I would have wished for and I woke up before the alarm clock. There were no noticeable convulsions last night - so that is a big plus. The burning sensation under the skin down the side of my face is still there. It is not as "In your face" if you will pardon the pun. The shaking in my hands is much better today. I measure this by resting my wrists on my laptop with my hands raised.

Mentally, I feel great. I cannot wait to tackle the work ahead of today. I am focused and the brain is sharp. The brain mist is still absent - so another huge plus. I am able to organise schedules and plan ahead in my mind now. My memory is starting to function which is great. I am not forgetting things like I was when drinking.

Emotionally I am in a better place then yesterday. I am not really sure what emotional sphere I am in today. It is sort of calm, like a mirrored lake. I hope this continues through the day as I am definitely not ready for yesterdays emotions yet.

I am hungry and should probably get something to eat. I think I am going to have to work on my diet and compile an eating plan. Something that is balanced and that works for me. I have a spring in my step today and boundless energy. I cannot wait to tackle my work. We have load shedding here from 10:00 - 14:30. For those of you that are not familiar with this phenomenon, it is where our power company switches the power off at scheduled intervals as they cannot generate enough power for the consumer demand. So it should be a short day for me. I think I will go catch a movie if that happens.

I have read some posts here on SR and other sites where people are experiencing diarrhoea and dry heaving. I did not have that once I stopped. I was going through those things in the days leading up to my stopping. I could be that I was not able to drink as much as I normally drank in the days leading up to me stopping or it could be that I was just drinking and not eating.

One word of advice I do want to give you as an old runner. You should keep hydrated when giving up and you should drink plenty of water. Be very careful though - you can die from drinking too much water. If you are drinking too much water and start to wretch or feel nauseous - get yourself to hospital immediately. If not, you will die. SA is ultra marathon mad and this has happened to many a poor runner. The wisdom being - keep hydrated. The problem is that with too much water - you wash the essential salts and vitamins that you need out of your body.

Anyway, I need to get as much work done as I can before the power goes out.

Be safe and be strong.

Cheers,

ZAB
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Old 04-15-2015, 05:00 AM
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keep with it Za,

before long you will forget you had the uncomfortable feelings.
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Old 04-15-2015, 05:58 AM
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Originally Posted by LBrain View Post
keep with it Za,

before long you will forget you had the uncomfortable feelings.
Ta Brain, that is the scary part for me. I need to keep reminding myself of the uncomfortable feelings. It is part of the arsenal in my armoury to drive the AV away. I regularly re-read this journal just to remind myself how bad it was to get to this point.
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