Only one so far and I hope to keep it that way - didnt want to give up previously and then once I did there was no going back - I did it rhouhg medical help the only way for me!

Howz about you are you doing it on your own?

I haven't tried any specific treatments. Right now, just trying to get a grip on it.

Faith has helped a lot, but I still feel powerless, which is terribly frustrating for me, because I'm such a driven achiever in every other area of my life.

Hi Russ I've only had 1 day one. I was so miserable I wanted it to stop. I was broken mentaly, spiritualy,and physicly. This disease is not one that every one can quit by themselves. I was an agnostic but now I have a higher power God as I understand him, and I can turn eveything over to him. I stopped trying to drive the bus and climbed into the passenger seat and let him drive. I ask him to give me strength and guidance. When I ask it is not a Lets Make A Deal Prayer it is the you guide me where you want me to go prayer. Insanity is trying the same thing over and over and getting the same results. Your way isn't working, so why keep doing it? As a former driven achiever i am doing much better and have been sober a bit over 3 months. I am also getting a life back. I am a bit happier, a bit more peaceful, and I make better decisions in my life. I see you are from Texas also. I live in the Hill Country. Take care good luck if I can help in any way holler at me. HOOK E'M HORNS

I sure hope someone answers this who doesn't have only one day one! I really think that we have to be the minority, but I, too, have only one day one. I tried many times to do the "controlled drinking" thing. That would work for a weekend or two and then I'd be right back where I started from. When I finally decided to quit for good - that's what I did.

I saw a therapist for depression (one who was recommended by my sister) for as many times as I could afford - unfortunately only 4 times. He really helped me to make the decision to quit for good. If you know anyone to recommend someone GOOD for you, I highly suggest it.

The more time I got under my belt, the easier it was for me not to even want to start at another day one. I've said before, that this is probably the only time being hard-headed and stubborn has paid off for me in my life.

What kind of a support system do you have? Other than us here. I know I am lucky to have my awesome family as my biggest supporters. Having a recovering sister who really "gets it" when I call her to vent has just been the greatest help to me. I am doing this for myself, but I would be letting so many people down if I relapsed now, myself the most, of course. It makes it so much easier when you're not doing it alone.

I'm not trying to cram anything down your throat, Russ, but did you ever check out the SMART Program? I posted a link to their toolbox on a post. It has helped me alot. There's good stuff there on relapsing and why we keep doing it. What can it hurt to check it out?

I am sending positive thoughts and prayers your way that this is your final day one. You can do this. We are all pulling for you. If there is anything I can do for you, I'm here. Be strong!

I've had a few day 1's in recent months. I haven't gone on complete benders, but I've been having some issues. Support? DS has been it up till now. I think that some outside support is a necessity. I've been avoiding church lately, and this has always been part of my support group. They don't know about my drinking, but they still keep me on track. I need to go again.

I don't have all this figured out yet, but I still think that some support at home (with real people in front of you) is important.

Thanks everyone. Encouraging words.
Russ

I have had several day ones at one time I stopped for a year and complacency set in and I thought I could have that one drink and stop, boy was I wrong!!!!

I found my last day 1 the hard way by nearly losing my Husband and family, so it was a very big wake up call and I had to chose and when looking at it through sober eyes my husband and family meant more to me than alcohol, but you really really have to want to stop, because it it not any easy road but a very worthwhile one.

Just get through one day at a time and don't look too far forward or set yourself unobtainable goals, after all we are all only human.

my life line was DS as I had tried AA and such and although they are great groups they were not for me.

When I feel really in need of a drink I come on here and find the support or laughter I am looking for.

The people here will help and encourage you all the way as we are all aiming for the same thing to be sober and take control of our lives again.

I am confused a bit, I do not think I have had a day 1. Does that mean relapse? I stopped drinking only once, and have still not picked up? So No, I hope... Just cause I am sober, doesn't make me any smarter..lol. My children and husband, wa my reason for quitting.. And know, I am in the equation, I am doing it for myself....
Peace

wow... these answers are surprising. i guess when you guys decide to stop... you do it!!!

my main enemy is ambivalence. i was not at "rock bottom", and went through so many iterations of I "SHOULD" stop, but not many where I "WANT" to stop.

so that makes for many many many day 1's.

I think you hit the nail on the head, bluebonnet6.

I'm not at rock bottom. Of course, I don't want to get there. That's why this is an issue for me now . It's a few glasses of wine a couple nights a week. Once every couple months or so, I go overboard, but that's getting better.

But, things are good for me. My marriage is wonderful. I love my family. We do lots of things together. I love my job. None of that is being affected, other than I always seem to wake up at 2am and can't go back to sleep. But, other than that, there are no serious consequences.

For me, I want to get control over it. Plus, I don't like coming to the conclusion that I really like the way it makes me feel, and I'm growing more and more powerless to it. That's what is bothering me.

Thank God, not one....yet.......(?)
There never will be becasue if I ever have ONE, there won't be another day......

russp, i could have pretty much written you post... for me it is just a nagging feeling that i am not in control. the mere fact that i think i need to GET control makes that pretty apparent.

i have an added issue with my hub, so i have things hanging over me that say I HAVE TO STOP. that almost makes it worse! I'm kind of rebellious, and don't like being told what to do! but on the other hand, I know deep down that I should be able to just stop... what are the rewards compared to the consequences? for me, i just have to keep asking myself that...

hang in there, and just keep asking and answering the tough questions. :)

my first day one was yesterday. i'll let you know, i suspect there will be more. i have never seriously tried to quit drinking, but i tried to control it, maybe going for a day or two without alcohol. yesterday i got the shakes at work and it scared the heck outta me. so yesterday i decided to quit. i never really hit bottom, but getting the shakes while i was working was close enough for me. my dad literally hit bottom, he fell down the stairs and had a traumatic brain injury. now he's sober.

Hey Rich, welcome to the group! I'm glad you decided to join us.

Hang onto that first day one for life ~ I've only had one, but I'm sure they don't get any easier.

Congrats on making the decision to stop the madness!

We're all here for you!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life