Let's get this started
 

I started drinking heavily in 2009 after I separated from my husband. It didn't take long to develop a bottle of wine a night habit. There were so many times I challenged myself not to drink for a few days and I couldn't do it. I never called myself an alcoholic and the people in my life didn't see me that way but I knew I had a problem.

So, 5 weeks ago I did it. Stopped drinking. I feel better mentally. I seep better. But I still feel like every night brings its own unique challenge. I never realized how many TV programs show people drinking. Every bar scene is a trigger that tells my brain - come on, buying one bottle of wine won't hurt.

Regardless of TV, every night around 7 I hit my witching hour. The time of day my anxiety spikes and I really want to make a stop at the liquor store. My tactic is to wait it out. If I can make it to the time the liquor stores close without going there I've made it through another night.

Quitting drinking started out as a "40 day" challenge I paired up with a yoga challenge I am doing. But I keep thinking that if I start drinking again I will inevitably fall back into bad habits. Oct 20 is my 40 days. I keep looking at that date, disappointed that it is so close and worried about what happens if I start drinking again.

I found this site and I am hoping it can be a source of support and inspiration to go farther then I imagined I could.

Five weeks is fantastic. I would suggest you don't have the 40 days as the ultimate goal. Seriously consider stopping for ever. When I get cravings I ask myself if having a drink will make my life better? The answer to that is a resounding NO.

Extend the yoga to forever as well. Then you dont have a "stop" date or date where everything changes and go back to drinking.

Welcome to the Forum!! :wave:

Welcome AtomicIndigo :c014:

Welcome to SR Atom! If you like the results that not drinking bring, don't be worried about your 40 day anniversary coming up... just keep on not drinking.

You're doing great!

Or change it, for now, to 80 days. "Double down" on it and treat it just as seriously as you are treating the arbitrary 40 days. Sometime between now and 80 days time, "forever" really may not look so bad or hard at all! I do think "forever", for good, "period" is the way to go...but it may not be the easiest step for everyone at 40 days.

You can do 80 days. You can do forever. You can.

Welcome to you.

It's great to have you with us, Atomic! :) You're with people who truly understand what you're going through. I think the extra support here will really help you. Nice work on your 5 sober weeks.

wow! I just joined today and I never imagine how much support would come of it. You guys are amazing. Thank you so much for all of the encouragement. I think this is the first time I have felt this excited about quitting :)

I could have written the exact same post except I started with a 20 day challenge and am now over 100 days ! I agree wine is everywhere but between this site and waking up without a hangover I never want to go back! Great job and keep up the good work!!

Welcome AtomicIndigo :)

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