Alcoholism Support Group
Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.
When I decided a few weeks ago to try yet again to stop drinking (with more success so far this time), I reflected back on the reasons I would drink. Boredom was one thing I was trying to "cure." Anxiety around my high tech job at a dysfunctional company was another.
Another reason I drank was as an alternative to diving into any of several personal tasks or chores that were on my plate. Of course this is related to overall anxiety of feeling overwhelmed, but I somewhat kept my work and personal anxiety separate if that is possible!. So rather than buck up and attack whatever project should have been at the top of my list, I'd bring out Jim Beam (Red Stagg my fav) and give myself a pass for that day. And the next, etc, etc,...
Of course as a result, things don't get done, they pile up, anxiety builds, yada, drink, yada, drink, drink...
Anyone else have procrastination stories to share? While I still have alot of things that I need to attend to (both for me and now for my Mom), so far I am not letting that overwhelm me. I have given myself permission to not attack them overly aggressively. I am making lists and trying to prioritize them over time, but not kicking myself if they don't get done right away, and no longer using alcohol to make that OK.
I try to remind myself that I only have so much energy, and if I approach these tasks one by one, slowly over time they will get done - much more so than if I let them languish while I marinate in bourbon.
Another reason I drank was as an alternative to diving into any of several personal tasks or chores that were on my plate. Of course this is related to overall anxiety of feeling overwhelmed, but I somewhat kept my work and personal anxiety separate if that is possible!. So rather than buck up and attack whatever project should have been at the top of my list, I'd bring out Jim Beam (Red Stagg my fav) and give myself a pass for that day. And the next, etc, etc,...
Of course as a result, things don't get done, they pile up, anxiety builds, yada, drink, yada, drink, drink...
Anyone else have procrastination stories to share? While I still have alot of things that I need to attend to (both for me and now for my Mom), so far I am not letting that overwhelm me. I have given myself permission to not attack them overly aggressively. I am making lists and trying to prioritize them over time, but not kicking myself if they don't get done right away, and no longer using alcohol to make that OK.
I try to remind myself that I only have so much energy, and if I approach these tasks one by one, slowly over time they will get done - much more so than if I let them languish while I marinate in bourbon.
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Dick Van Dyke’s path to sobriety was a turning point in his life and career. Here’s what happened:How He Got SoberStruggles and Realization: Van Dyke began drinking as a teenager, largely to cope with shyness and social anxiety. Alcohol made him feel more comfortable in social settings, but over time, his drinking spiraled out of control. By his mid-40s, he recognized that he had an addictive...
I am learning a wonderful lesson - all of that time I thought shutting down with alcohol was making things "easier" somehow. It allowed me to hide and escape for awhile. However, the problems were still there, plus a hangover to boot.
Now, I'm discovering that life is not HALF as scary as I thought and that dealing with issues sober is so much easier. The funny things is, I always considered myself a strong, independent person. Now I KNOW that I am because I don't need alcohol to hide behind. I want to fix and address the things in my life that aren't working or need attention. Bring it on, life:)))))
Whew. Sorry for such a long reply but you really touched a nerve (in a good way, of course) within me.
THANK YOU for posting that.
Jen
It really doesn't make anything better by drinking.
Alcohol really dulls and stunts your motivation and initiative. Things are so much better sober!
I was / still am just a lazy but.
Today I can at least get things done and I'm not frozen in fear. That was the worse , unable to even make a decision.
I had ostrich syndrome. Just pit my head in the sand and hide
1-2
I totally get it.
Hugs.
I procrastinated quitting drinking.. that was the big one for me.
Anyway - yes, I have SO much more energy and motivation when I am not drinking. I know that intellectually. But the bottle seems to "call" to me just the same. Learning to ignore it.