cmon lets go, Giddy up
1-2

welcome back

Welcome back, itstheshoes!
Have you asked yourself how this time is going to be different?
I also don't care for the band aid approach, but that will mean different things for different people.
For me the band aid approach is the equivalent of a dry drunk; quitting drinking cut and dry by not getting to source of what had lead me to the point of being irrevocably addicted to alcohol. For me it wasn't enough to just stop drinking, or else I would be drinking again. Since I have been really digging deep within my soul and my psyche, uprooting some demons, I have felt so resolute and my conviction to WISH to stay sober has been my shield.
I am so glad you came back!

Welcome back! I wish you the best of luck this time around. Please keep us updated on how you're doing and what your game plan is.

Hi ITS,

Suggest you might take a slightly different tact this time. Your theme of "Time to get healthy and strong" is a good start, but also realize that even people who seem to be able to "manage" their alcohol use are still addicted to it at some level. Like the nicotine addict who only smokes 1 or 2 cigarettes a day. They are still addicted to nicotine use. My take is you need to develop the belief that all alcohol ingestion is harmful (for all people) and can lead to a significant and damaging addiction. In addition, when you stop, you will cease to suffer through the drink, hangover, drink, hangover, repeat, repeat syndrome. Keep it simple. Stop forcing your body to battle with alcohol ingestion and give yourself a chance to live a more natural life. No human body will never win a long-term and sustained battle with alcohol no matter how well someone can "manage" their drinking.

Welcome home.

We all come to that point where we realize "managing" our drinking does not work. I have tried several times to "manage" my drinking or drink less after being sober for so long. Each time I fail. We all need to go through trials. You will find strength through yourself, and through others who understand what you are going through. Way to go on pushing forward!

U know what to do, U did it for a year.
I have finally realized that alcohol is poison and I have no room for poison in my life anymore.
It is not attractive or tempting to me. I look at it as Windex, I would not be tempted to drink Windex.
U tested the waters for your final time and now U know for a fact where it leads U: Back here, where U were years ago.
I been in your shoes before, I understand.

Welcome back. ITS

I tried to manage my drinking after 2 years of sobriety. I failed terribly. It took me a DUI to take sobriety seriously. I am so glad I did. I thought that I would be bored, but instead my life has turned out better than I would have dreamed for.

Welcome back, there is a lot of sobriety here.

Hugs

Thanks guys!! So far, my gameplay is this: I have a doctor's appointment next week, I plan to start walking for exercise and stress relief. I've sent away for SMART recovery workbook to try. Can anyone recommend a non 12 step/ non religious program or book? I don't believe in religion and would like to find a program where I can remain true to myself.

Hi itstheshoes,

Welcome back. Beginning with a doctor's appointment and exercise is an excellent start. Don't forget to add diet and proper sleep to the mix.

SMART does have forums online and some face to face meetings, but they are scattered. There is also Women for Sobriety that take a self affirming/empowering approach. WFS also has written, online groups, and some face to face meetings. There are other resources and other members will probably chime in.

http://www.womenforsobriety.org/beta2/

I read The Easy Way To Stop Drinking, by Allen Carr.
It is NOT a 12 step program, but it was very useful to me. He makes a lot of books, but that is the one U want. It is on Amazon, less than a bottle of booze.

Hi ITS,

I would recommend the 3 books I have read so far as good alternative approaches that are not based on turning yourself over to a "higher power" or recognizing alcohol addiction as an incurable disease or genetic defect.

Empowering Your Sober Self by Martin Nicolaus
Stop Drinking Now by Allen Carr
Stop Drinking Alcohol by Kevin O'Hara

Welcome! Me too. You r not alone.

Lots of support here. Always remember you are not alone. Everyone here is a good listener.