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.

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garagecat 04/27/2016

I have a major trigger heading my way and I have never been able to stop it before. It has actually been the reason I know I am an alcoholic.

My wife is leaving Saturday for a week to visit her grandchildren out of state. Mrs GC has never nagged me or tried to shame me. She has been very helpful these past 5 weeks ( but I can tell she doesn't want to admit I can't control my drinking). But when she leaves Saturday night I will be all alone and my mind has been working on a story to tell myself to make getting a case of beer sound like a good thing, and all kinds of other things... but I am determined to never use alcohol again except for medical purposes.

My mind just told me having a few beers would... be alright and... it would only be for a few days... just think how good it will feel to get that buzz going again. hahaha

Anyways I posted this here to try and make myself accountable, knowing that if I give in to the urge I will need to tell it somewhat publicly.

Oh today marks my 5th week of Living Alcohol Free!

msmermaid 04/27/2016

I know how you feel. My husband has been out of town a week and a half and thoughts have crossed my mind. Hang in there, and post here before you do anything

1is2many 04/27/2016

very normal thought. you dont have to act on it though.
I would go to meet witn some other alchiholics and find help in the fact that others are going thru the same issues. You can do it!
1is2many

jeffneedshelp 04/27/2016

Congrats on 5 weeks. Go to a meeting. Go to 2 or 3 a day if you need to. Ultimately you can drink whenever you want. Treat each day the same. Wake up and say you won't drink. Go to bed knowing you made it. It takes a good while to get the obsession of the mind to clear.

It is great you acknowledge that you're an alcoholic. Stay strong G C.

bobinmaine 04/27/2016

If I was going through the very fragile early sobriety and my wife was going away for a week, I would head over to the nearest AA meeting. I understand that some do not believe in the power of the 12 steps and that's ok. There is a path for everyone. But that's what I did in the past and it helped me.

God Bless

forestfreek 04/27/2016

I commend you very strongly for coming here and admitting that you know a trigger is coming on. I think that's half the battle right there is being honest with ourselves and being proactive when we know risky situations are coming up. Is there any reason you can't go with your wife for the visit? I know you can't avoid being alone forever but you are very new to sobriety so this may be too soon to test yourself.
Make sure you figure out a plan, though. Don't leave it until Saturday - have an alternative to being alone. Like others have said go to a meeting (if that's your thing), call a friend, plan an outing, come on here for support. Do what you have to do to make it through.
And congrats on 5 weeks! That's awesome:))

BabyShelby 04/27/2016

When my tomcat was away, I was hard-wired to play. I figured I could get my drink on and sober up by the time he came back and no one would know the difference. There was an underlying issue as well -- he could just pick up and go off with friends for a week at the drop of a hat but it took an act of Congress for me to get a few days away.

Why not go with Mrs. GC to visit her grandchildren? Every city or town has something interesting to explore if hanging with the rugrats is not your thing but then you'd have a safety net which is exactly what you need right now. Good luck!

sheriprince 04/27/2016

Making a plan, I think is the way to go. Meet with friends. Even if meetings aren't your thing, it might be a good idea until your wife gets back. Also, play your tapes in your mind. I know for me if I drink I would be very disappointed in myself, and feel defeated. Play the tape that when your wife comes home that you are able to say your still 'Alcohol Free'. That's just an empowering feeling to know you can do it. And to see it. Those tapes in my mind have helped me these last two weeks when I've thought of giving in.
I'll keep good thoughts for you
God BLess

garagecat 04/27/2016

Thanks for the support everybody. I went with her the last time but she goes 3-4 times a year and just can't afford to miss work. I made plans for the first Sunday she is gone to go up to my sons place and help him and his wife with some stuff around the house.
I told the Mrs. how I'm feeling. she said I should get rid of the beer that is left in the garage. I know she's right but I am leery of even picking it up let alone opening it up to dump it down the drain... maybe I should ask her to get rid of it for me. Anyways there is a store just down the street and I can get all the beer I want anytime I want.
I have looked into AA but I'm just not ready for it yet. I have the 24 Hours A Day devotional for AA and read the daily passage.

I plan on spending more time at the gym...before I stopped the alcohol I was only going 1 a week, now almost everyday. I could take longer, maybe swim, hot tub, sauna or play handball. Maybe one night go to the gun range and take some practice.

msmermaid 04/27/2016

Yeah! Plan stuff you enjoy doing and spoil yourself. I think asking your wife to get rid of the beer is a good plan. I have my hubby lock our fridge where the beer and alcohol is especially when he gors out of town. I know i to could go to the store and get more, but i guess having a few more steps i would have to think about helps me.

1is2many 04/29/2016

I had to get rid of the alcohol in my house, or I would just obsess on it
1-2
my mind was not strong enough to do it on my own, i found that some other ppl with the same deal were crucial in my getting and staying sober.

I hope and pray for you in this time.

I poured my last stuff down the sewer in the street. It was instrumental and very symbolic in my first step to plugging the jug

fitnessinrecovery 04/29/2016

A lot of it has been said, but filling up your time with stuff to keep you busy is key. I live alone, and at times just get bored and think about drinking. Going to the gym is an awesome idea, or just being active. You mentioned handball, maybe finding a local league. You could also maybe check out to see if there are local meet ups that aren't necessarily AA meetings, but just group of people getting together for some type of activity. Congrats on 5 weeks that awesome keep it up!

garagecat 05/01/2016

Quick check in. Did really good last night! I didn't even think of the beer still left in the garage although I did think of how much I would like to have a buzz going on. Thought about opening the can and drinking it down gulp gulp ah. but then started recalling how awfull I have been while under the influence of alcohol. I don't like being like that and I feel more like me now than I have in a long time.
I stayed busy all day and then went to Best Buys and bought a fitbit watch. Wish I had time to go though the board and respond to some of the post but have a full day planned and need to leave. Thanks everybody for your support it really was helpful knowing I would be coming back here and telling everybody what I did. 1 day down another 1 to is on it's way

msmermaid 05/01/2016

Great job!

1is2many 05/02/2016

How's things going? Keep it up!

citychick2011 05/03/2016

How is it going so far? I know how you feel. Hubs had a trip to Vegas and I was alone. I managed not to drink. Hang in there Garage Cat. Hugs

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