Just hang on and don't give up. The sun is going to come up and you will have another day to start anew. What is done is done. Accept it, deal with it, and let it go. Jump back on! Hugs

Have a lot of water with your cold turkey.

Keep checking in and let us know how you are doing.

Moderation is a lie for alcoholics, I can never drink safely. Non alcoholics can moderate effectively.

When I reached the point where the desire to never drink again overtook the desire to drink I stood a chance of recovery. Even then, I had no real idea of what I was dealing with and that treating the drinking problem successfully meant far more than just looking at how much I was/was not drinking.

Keep hope alive by nurturing your desire to be sober, find people who have recovered to help you along by sharing their own experience of what they did. Face to face it is very powerful.

I wish you the best BM. Caffeine was never a problem for me. I can't take or leave a cup of coffee. I obsessed and was powerless over alcohol.

Tried cold turkey many times. Never stuck. Also tried moderation and failed miserably. I am of the belief that moderation is simply not an option for an alcoholic. This is my own opinion based off my own experience as an alcoholic, and growing up around others who have tried them both. It is not me being self-righteous. I am just putting my two cents worth into the bank.
We all share in your journey, and many of us have been where you are now. And of them, many are now happily sober and going strong. So it can be done and you have many around you happy to give their support and advice when requested.
I personally and most sincerely want for you to be free of this Hell.

Willingness is a start.

I went cold turkey 1 million times. Every day actually but by the time the sun set it was back to the bottle.

Until I found a room and actually worked on the inner me and what made me drink so hard. I couldn't do it on my own. See I couldn't learn what I don't know. I didn't realize I have a condition that when I drink it's out of control. I just can't manage one. It leads to more and then I'm on a ride that only ends with getting locked up or just in a bad place , depressed and not happy.

Know this You are not alone. Many have quit , you can as well

1is2many

There are some people who quit without going cold turkey. Most of them have support -- a friend who will give them a reduced amount of alcohol to gradually reduce intake over a period of days to lessen withdrawal risks.

I think for most people it is easier to quit cold turkey. If we could moderate the amount we drink many of us probably wouldn't quit.

Yep I quit cold.
I didn't drink a glass of wine as my last glass though.
I just woke up massively hung over on a Monday, not unusual at all, and went to a meeting that night 1.5 miles down the road from my home.
It was a wild ride but not one I want to get off of, ever, a day at a time?..

Thank you for the kind words, perspective & guidance.

Like those who have gone down this path before, I expect turbulence, trials & turmoils.

For me, it will all be about censoring the intoxicating voice of Booze Brain.

I think that's a good and effective plan, BurningMan :)

So far so good.

Had a few moments at work that tweaked the Booze Brain Bogeyman. The opportunity was used to reinforce the resolve. The difficult days lie ahead.

Still sloshing the water to keep the thirsty excuse happy.

Tnx for your kindness & affirmations.

The first 3 days are the worst for me. Many people here will agree, at day 4 it eases up and is more manageable! Don't let success trick you. Burn it into your brain and don't drink no matter what! Cravings abate, just hang on, it will go away! If possible find something to occupy your time when you are craving. Come here and talk about your craving. Your mind is going to play tricks on you, don't waiver! It will go away, mine lasted about an hour and then waned. Don't give up! Ted

So far, so good. I'm finding that work stress is an excuse to find rationalization. Things are changing.

But I made it home & remain sober. It's worth it.

Congratulations on your determination. We know you are going to make it. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

Who else is going cold turkey on January 1st?
Thing is, I don't get drunk anymore - after two bottles of wine, I don't have a headache or mumble or stumble. I just have elevated liver enzymes and a dull ache in the liver area and a fear that next doctor's visit will expose to my whole family that I have liver damage.
My inner dialog is "it's too late, another glass won't matter" and "damn it, I have to have a few good hours a day." And it's so stupid because I have a great husband and I just had a family visit with my daughter that went so well.
OK, January 1st it is. How are you all doing it?