You guys were right.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
You guys were right.
I few people on this site mentioned that once I quit taking my pain medication that I might crave alcohol to replace the chemicals that previously occupied the pleasure centers of the brain. I think there is some truth in that, as I had a few thoughts of unwinding with a few drinks this weekend. Did not do it of course, but I haven't had that "feeling" in a very long time. Must stay vigilant.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 11,423
Yep, but you can do that because your self-awareness of AV
and how powerful it can be has really grown in leaps and bounds.
I put in more gym time if I can when that happens.
I forget if you've tried yoga--hot yoga (in particular) kicks your arse
and really purges the urges right out of me if you have
a center in your area.
Any yoga will do that to a certain extent.
That kind is the kicker for me.
Don't expect to be even remotely good at it in the beginning.
As an athlete, I thought I'd just be able to do it.
Not so much. . .
Glad you are on top of Mr. Crafty AV Jeff
and how powerful it can be has really grown in leaps and bounds.
I put in more gym time if I can when that happens.
I forget if you've tried yoga--hot yoga (in particular) kicks your arse
and really purges the urges right out of me if you have
a center in your area.
Any yoga will do that to a certain extent.
That kind is the kicker for me.
Don't expect to be even remotely good at it in the beginning.
As an athlete, I thought I'd just be able to do it.
Not so much. . .
Glad you are on top of Mr. Crafty AV Jeff
Adventurer
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Tuxedo Park, NY
Posts: 1,101
I feel for ya Jeff. I sometimes get cravings at random points of the day and it can be very difficult to deal with. Having been sober a year and a half with two slips of a day each I obviously wasn't immune to the temptations. Sometimes I get cravings while driving or at work, just to "unwind". I always try to do something to get my mind off of it. I have done more house and car projects in the last 20 months than I have in ten years. I have been going to the gym and I have a saltwater fish tank that keeps me occupied when I feel I am getting thoughts of alcohol.
You will get through it and be completely clean
You will get through it and be completely clean
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Hawkeye: I saw so many people walking down to the lake today with their coolers full of beer and whatnot, the thought was tempting. Just not worth it at this point.
SVA: Funny you mention a saltwater fish tank, I want to get one. I think they are cool as hell.
SVA: Funny you mention a saltwater fish tank, I want to get one. I think they are cool as hell.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: California
Posts: 13,040
Originally Posted by thomas11 
Hawkeye: I saw so many people walking down to the lake today with their coolers full of beer and whatnot, the thought was tempting. Just not worth it at this point.
SVA: Funny you mention a saltwater fish tank, I want to get one. I think they are cool as hell.
SVA: Funny you mention a saltwater fish tank, I want to get one. I think they are cool as hell.
p***enger
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 19,036
Hey Jeff, I'm really glad you're off the pain meds. 
Not surprised you're having some cravings -- it takes a while for the head & the body to re-learn where to look for relief.
I agree w/Hawkeye that you might find some pleasure in yoga/meditation.
Not surprised you're having some cravings -- it takes a while for the head & the body to re-learn where to look for relief.
I agree w/Hawkeye that you might find some pleasure in yoga/meditation.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,308
Originally Posted by thomas11
Hawkeye: I saw so many people walking down to the lake today with their coolers full of beer and whatnot, the thought was tempting. Just not worth it at this point. SVA: Funny you mention a saltwater fish tank, I want to get one. I think they are cool as hell.
A good reminder for me too, thanks.
Adventurer
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Tuxedo Park, NY
Posts: 1,101
Salt water fish are fun and rewarding, been working on mine for about four years. Not to hard to deal with once you get it going but I do recommend a tank controller to automate lights, pumps, heaters ect...
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gulf Coast, USA
Posts: 2,229
You've come a long way Jeff. Good for you on being aware of these thoughts and acknowledging them. if you sweep them under the rug, they will come back with a vengence.
Never let your guard down. Stay strong!
Never let your guard down. Stay strong!
Guest
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 444
Hi Jeff
You have truly grown beyond belief the past year.
Your first many months indicated a dubious struggle and despite the fact that we were all rooting for you I couldn't have predicted how strong you would become over a matter of months.
You are a true inspiration and you should be aware of that. You give me hope; you've covered some difficult terrain.
I'm back at single digits after a good run and look to your example frequently.
Congratulations and I pray you stay strong. You are so much improved and should feel so good for it.
Jonathan
You have truly grown beyond belief the past year.
Your first many months indicated a dubious struggle and despite the fact that we were all rooting for you I couldn't have predicted how strong you would become over a matter of months.
You are a true inspiration and you should be aware of that. You give me hope; you've covered some difficult terrain.
I'm back at single digits after a good run and look to your example frequently.
Congratulations and I pray you stay strong. You are so much improved and should feel so good for it.
Jonathan
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Originally Posted by Zufrieden
Hi Jeff
You have truly grown beyond belief the past year.
Your first many months indicated a dubious struggle and despite the fact that we were all rooting for you I couldn't have predicted how strong you would become over a matter of months.
You are a true inspiration and you should be aware of that. You give me hope; you've covered some difficult terrain.
I'm back at single digits after a good run and look to your example frequently.
Congratulations and I pray you stay strong. You are so much improved and should feel so good for it.
Jonathan
You have truly grown beyond belief the past year.
Your first many months indicated a dubious struggle and despite the fact that we were all rooting for you I couldn't have predicted how strong you would become over a matter of months.
You are a true inspiration and you should be aware of that. You give me hope; you've covered some difficult terrain.
I'm back at single digits after a good run and look to your example frequently.
Congratulations and I pray you stay strong. You are so much improved and should feel so good for it.
Jonathan
Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Northeast WI
Posts: 163
Wonderful job, Jeff. I had the same issue when I weaned off pain meds a couple years ago, but it was before I had any real struggle with alcohol (and it became my first one). The PAWS makes it more difficult, I spiraled right down into depression and alcohol misuse/abuse as a replacement. I got a handle on it for awhile before it came roaring back.
Keep going, you're doing awesome.
Keep going, you're doing awesome.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,518
Originally Posted by shockozulu
Good job. If you do find yourself romancing the drink, romance it all the way to the blackout, toilet and hangover. That ended my craving for sure.
Jeff the thoughts come and go they always will I suspect . Today I went into a cafe with my son , he had a glass of stella I had a coffee and can honestly say it didn't bother me( not on this occasion at least but I know how powerful the thoughts can be so i'm not being smug) . Life needs to go on .
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
