Sunflower17

I first posted here a couple of days ago after lurking for a while. I've spent the last couple of days thinking and drinking. Up until this weekend I had been trying to convince myself that I don't have a problem as i 'only' binge drink a few times a week. That binge would consist of beer, wine and gin.

This weekend, i have drank, a lot. BUT I have also accepted that I have a problem. And I have made the decision to stop. Now. No more. I'm done.

I have just poured all the.alcohol, mixers etc. down the sink and today will be the start of the new me.

I don't expect this to be easy, but I have found such comfort in reading that there are people like me, who don't judge me and who will support me.

I'm so glad i found this forum. I really do feel it has saved my life!!

Wish me luck!!!

hpdw

Welcome sunflower great decision pouring the poison down the sink . Work on a plan for the holiday season and going forward .

Sunflower17

I need to avoid risky situations and that will inevitably mean not socialising in the way that i am used to. I will work on a plan this afternoon.

I have been reading the thread on what folks will not miss by not drinking. So much of what has been said resonates with me and my experiences.

RetiredGuy

Welcome to the forums,Sunflower, I had tried to stop drinking for good many times over a 40+ year period. This current attempt has been a success due to the support of the fine folks here. I hope you find the same.

In addition to the support here, the key for me was finally accepting that I would never be able to moderate my drinking. In my many other attempts I would fall into the trap of thinking "Gee, it wasn't that hard not the drink for xxx weeks/months, I must not be an alcoholic."

The earlier in your life that you accept the simple fact that you cannot moderate your drinking, the more fulfilling the rest of your life will be.

Ok, this old guy will stop preaching. Happy Holidays and Good Luck to you!

Hawkeye13

Good choice!

It is really hard to accept at first but gets much easier,
especially as the benefits of sobriety start to manifest

Good luck, make a plan, and keep posting!

Ezra78

Welcome, and congratulations on making the best decision for yourself.

tomsteve

something extremely important i had to do to get and stay sober was to stop hanging around wet places with wet faces.
it took time, but i was able to find new friends that didnt have alcohol as part of their lives.

PeacefulWater12

Welcome Sunflower

wildflower70

Great decision Sunflower! I am going to have a mellow, event free holiday, as I am newly sober (37 days) once again. Maybe you could focus on YOU over the holiday and not worry about attending every party, dinner, celebration ect.. I can finally go to the store without thinking about the booze isle....it gets easier!
Good job on dumping the poison down the drain

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season!

Sunflower17

Thank you all!!! So i'm almost through day 1!! I feel sick and horribly anxious but i know it will pass. I'm looking forward to not feeling like this anymore.

Now i know and understand that I cannot moderate my drinking and that stopping means stopping!! I have made so many poor choices when drunk and I have felt ashamed of myself so very many times. To actually put some of this down on here is a relief in many ways!

I have just told my mum, sister and brother in law that I will no longer be drinking. They are all drinkers and my brother in law was particularly baffled as to how I could possibly not want to drink!!! Especially at Christmas!!! But i stood my ground!!

Anna

That's a really good decision, Sunflower. I think it's good to know that others just don't understand, hence the comments you have gotten from friends/family. The point is that you know what's up and what you need to do. And, yes, making a plan to socialize in different ways is a good start.