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.
I was doing some spring cleaning and I came across some paperwork from when I went through out patient treatment over 10 years ago.
I thought I would re print it here in the hopes that it might help some of the newer people stay sober.
Realapse Prevention.
Situations that trigger cravings
1. The presense of alcohol 2. Places where alcohol was previously bought or sold. 3. Suddenly having alot of cash. 4. Strong negative or positive feelings. 5. Physical Pain. 6 Having nothing to do.
Significant factors associated with relapse:
1. Stress - negative life events or everyday hassles.
2. Negative emotions - a wide range of emotions. including anger, anxiety, depression and frustration. can precipitate relapse.
3. Positive emotions - good feelings can sometimes trigger a relapse. In other cases, alcohol use might be used as a reward or a means of celebration.
4. Interpersonal conflict - Relapse is often with conflict with family members and other individuals brought on by poor communication. unresolved conflicts, and other factors.
5. Social Pressure - Being enmeshed in a social network in which other people abuse alcohol is especially risky.
There are others but the ones listed above are the primary ones.
Relapse is often a result of several of these acting in combinations.
For me, the cravings began to gradually subside after the first few months but it took a support network of family, friends and AA meetings to help me get through it, and in putting into action, the tools I was taught while in treatment. The first thing I did when I left treatment was getting rid of my drinking buddies. No longer stopping at the friends house after work for a few beers and then driving home drunk to a wife who was infuriated with my drunkenness. God Bless her! She eventually motivated me to get the help I needed. It was actually a joy to be in detox because I was away from the anger that was directed toward me! This is what alcoholism does to families folks, and it isn't pretty. It tears them apart. So I hope, ya'll got some useful hints from the above. If any questions, don't be afraid to ask. We are all here to help one another!
God Bless
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check out that smoke ring. It tasted really good. I smothered it with Maulls BBQ sauce which is Local to St. Louis and one of the best I ever had.....
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I was recently separated from my wife of 33 years and it's complicated. Anyway I rented a room about 15 minutes away and I see my kids about once a week. I see the people who own the house I live in once in a while but other than that I stay in my room where I do my cooking, wash dishes in the shower, read, color, and sleep. I get out at least once a day. I grocery shop and I attend 2 meetings...
I would offer one amendment to this if I may.
For me, the craving begins AFTER the first drink - that is why one is too many and 1000 not enough. If I don't give in to the OBSESSION to drink - the "stinking thinking" - I don't get the point of craving the next drink. AA refers to this as the "allergy" of the disease. The effects of the "allergy" aren't produced if the allergen (alcohol) isn't introduced to the body.
This may be just a matter of semantics, but I have never "craved" another if I didn't have the first. And that, of course, which removes me from being a "normal drinker" to an alcoholic.
On a side note, I hope to be more active in this group. I have been with the group for many years (10+ I would guess). There have been good times and not-so-good times within the group. I hope "we" can make this a group offering real support and real solutions to those who want to quit drinking.
For me, I had plenty of support when it came to getting sober - friends, family, associates all wanted me to quit drinking, but unfortunately, they were unable to offer solutions - just prayers, hugs and hand holding.
That is what I would like to offer - real strategies and real solutions. My solution was found in AA. If you would like to know more of my "real life" experience with AA and sobriety, please feel free to PM me. But be warned - I am an old school AA "step Nazi" and "Big Book thumper".
Anyway, my wish is that all who want to find a permanent solution to their drinking problem find lasting, happy sobriety, regardless of how you get there.
Off the enjoy the sunshine,
Cora
For this alcoholic, the answer is to acknowledge, and like a cruise ship on a crash course with another ship, take a immediate and deliberate change on course to avoid a collision.
1is2many
Cora, you could also call that first drink a trigger! I found a better explanation.:
"Individuals may suffer from uncontrollable alcohol cravings when exposed to certain cues. The cravings act as a reflex to external or internal triggers.
Treatment helped me identify alot of my triggers but it was the 12 steps that helped remove them. . My job was loaded with triggers due to the daily stress, both physical and emotional, so I quit that job because I had to be willing to do everything it took to stay sober. It was the only way for me.
Thankyou two for your replies....reminds me of the old days ...:-)
God Bless
And yes, Bob, I enjoy the civil exchange of ideas and opinions. A far cry from the recent diatribes and rants that were far too frequent.
My program of recovery teaches me that alcohol is no longer the problem. I need not fear alcohol or avoid it. I just have no desire to drink alcohol. Alcohol is not dangerous to me. My character defects are the true danger to me and my well being.
Thank goodness for that because I wouldn't have wanted to not attend my daughter's wedding because alcohol was also invited.
But I do remember when I finally wrapped my head around the idea of "never drink alcohol again. Ever." My first thought was, with much panic, "OMG, what am I to do during the champagne toast when V gets married!!"
Mind you, my daughter was 6yo at the time and that was 18 years ago. Funny how my recovery grows better with time and practice.
STep one, I was invited to my nieces wedding when I was about 5 years sober. At the reception, I was the only one sober. A little uncomfortable maybe but I knew my family was just happy to have me there, so I grinned and bared it for them. But yes, I have no desire to be around alcohol, at all.
Step one. I had 4 years of sobriety when I relapsed while going through a divorce. Again, character defects. I chose to deal with it with alcohol rather then embrace the emotional pain of separation. It was only two beers and I immediately knew what I had done and called my AA sponsor, who picked me up and took me to a meeting. His wisdom and inspiration helped me alot around that time. I am forever grateful.
I purposely waited to answer these so as to bump this to the top:-)
God Bless
Judgefitness....my thoughts exactly
God Bless
If anyone is interested, I have a "Pocket Big Book" for free. Just pm your address to me.
God Bless