I'm back for a second try
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,256
For me, exercise helps. I have also started trying to remember to eat three meals each day and to not worry so much about my weight. I also read the Big Book, which teaches me how to avoid resentments, which can lead me to drinking. I also stay away from caffeine, which can be a trigger for me. I come on here often which helps my sobriety as well. I have also begun to meditate and clear my thoughts each day, as well as stretch after exercising. These are all things that have helped me to stay sober for now 4 days. It was a struggle for me in the beginning, but I believe that I am making good progress. Oh, I also have individual counseling, which I am enjoying. And I also now have over 30 days of not gambling, which previously could lead me to drinking if I lost.
Examine and look at your life honestly. Find out what helps and hinders your sobriety. Be thorough and honest with yourself. Good luck and God bless!
Examine and look at your life honestly. Find out what helps and hinders your sobriety. Be thorough and honest with yourself. Good luck and God bless!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 27
Hi,
I'm only a couple of days in but what worked was admitting I had a major problem and giving myself a100% commitment not to drink or take drugs ever again, whatever happens.
If you don't ever want to be that person who got too drunk at the party again then say enough is enough, I'm never going to drink again *whatever* happens.
I did this with smoking tobacco 15 years ago & it worked (although I've managed to get messed up on just about every other substance since then) - but stuck to the never smoking tobacco as I'd made this promise.
Now I've had to make the same promise for drink & drugs before something terrible happens.
I'm no expert, I'm not saying this is right for you or anyone else, but I'm just saying it seems to be the only psychology that works for me.
I think SMART recovery works on this a bit.
Good luck
I'm only a couple of days in but what worked was admitting I had a major problem and giving myself a100% commitment not to drink or take drugs ever again, whatever happens.
If you don't ever want to be that person who got too drunk at the party again then say enough is enough, I'm never going to drink again *whatever* happens.
I did this with smoking tobacco 15 years ago & it worked (although I've managed to get messed up on just about every other substance since then) - but stuck to the never smoking tobacco as I'd made this promise.
Now I've had to make the same promise for drink & drugs before something terrible happens.
I'm no expert, I'm not saying this is right for you or anyone else, but I'm just saying it seems to be the only psychology that works for me.
I think SMART recovery works on this a bit.
Good luck
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 985
I remember you, Sansa.
I also always had a glass of wine or a beer in hand for most every activity. Baths, cooking, cleaning, talking on the phone, thinking (LOL - when you need the wine for "thinking" you're pretty much an alcoholic...).
I'm in my 10th month of sobriety, and I can tell you honestly and fully that I do not need a glass of wine to enjoy my bath anymore!! I rarely think about it even, and if I do, I feel almost an aversion, because I'm enjoying activities MORE at this point in sobriety. I've come to appreciate being clear and present for each experience. I hike, kayak, play with my dog, socialize, cook, and - yes - even think without alcohol. I do all those things happily, and with better focus. Truth is that - by the end - I certainly wasn't going kayaking on a beautiful summer day, because it was easier to just sit on my porch, drinking and thinking...
So, the first few months of quitting alcohol were infinitely challenging. I attending lots of AA meetings (they were a great support in the beginning; now I attend only one or two a week and that's just right). My whole focus was on quitting; it felt like all I could handle. I was on SR for hours a day sometimes. I managed to keep working, but that was about it.
That period feels very far away now. Part of the past, like my memories of drinking are.
It truly is one day after another. It builds slowly. It takes a lot of focus and energy in the beginning. But, my experience is that there is a morning that you wake up and launch into the day, and move through the day and all its activities, and fall back into bed that night, and realize suddenly that you didn't miss alcohol for even a moment that day...
Your body, mind, and spirit will flourish without alcohol. You will become healthier and stronger in a thousand ways. There is a tipping point where you like your new self much more than the old self!
I also always had a glass of wine or a beer in hand for most every activity. Baths, cooking, cleaning, talking on the phone, thinking (LOL - when you need the wine for "thinking" you're pretty much an alcoholic...).
I'm in my 10th month of sobriety, and I can tell you honestly and fully that I do not need a glass of wine to enjoy my bath anymore!! I rarely think about it even, and if I do, I feel almost an aversion, because I'm enjoying activities MORE at this point in sobriety. I've come to appreciate being clear and present for each experience. I hike, kayak, play with my dog, socialize, cook, and - yes - even think without alcohol. I do all those things happily, and with better focus. Truth is that - by the end - I certainly wasn't going kayaking on a beautiful summer day, because it was easier to just sit on my porch, drinking and thinking...
So, the first few months of quitting alcohol were infinitely challenging. I attending lots of AA meetings (they were a great support in the beginning; now I attend only one or two a week and that's just right). My whole focus was on quitting; it felt like all I could handle. I was on SR for hours a day sometimes. I managed to keep working, but that was about it.
That period feels very far away now. Part of the past, like my memories of drinking are.
It truly is one day after another. It builds slowly. It takes a lot of focus and energy in the beginning. But, my experience is that there is a morning that you wake up and launch into the day, and move through the day and all its activities, and fall back into bed that night, and realize suddenly that you didn't miss alcohol for even a moment that day...
Your body, mind, and spirit will flourish without alcohol. You will become healthier and stronger in a thousand ways. There is a tipping point where you like your new self much more than the old self!
Trudgin
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,346
Originally Posted by heartcore 
Your body, mind, and spirit will flourish without alcohol. You will become healthier and stronger in a thousand ways. There is a tipping point where you like your new self much more than the old self!
The new self - not "feeling like my old self". This is an important distinction.
I too am finding a new person not simply the old person now sober. How I view myself, others and the world at large. The types of programs and movies I find of interest. Books, articles and the sparks of new hobbies. Not old ones, but new ones!!!
Lately I have a bug to buy a plasma cutter and learn how to create metal artwork. I think it'd be great!!!
Never, ever would have come onto my radar.
Glad you're back with us and love the insight Heartcore
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 534
Thanks for remembering me heartcore. Makes me s little sad that I didn't make it through from last time- I think it was last October I was here- I would be where you are today 
I'm proud to hear that you've made it so far, but disappointed in myself that I couldn't do it too I really hope I can get to the point where my mind, body and soul are free this time. Thank you for supporting me and sharing your story.
I'm proud to hear that you've made it so far, but disappointed in myself that I couldn't do it too I really hope I can get to the point where my mind, body and soul are free this time. Thank you for supporting me and sharing your story.
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 596
Originally Posted by SansaS
I'm on day 4, and I have to say that today is the first day where I've really felt like a wine. I'm not going to do it, but I'm really worried about what's coming up.
But it also can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. It only takes a few times breaking that cycle and staying strong to develop a new pattern of sobriety. Eventually sober living becomes normal, and the binge cycle becomes unimaginable.
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