Hi Kate I have been wondering how you are doing. Three months is great!! Not out of the woods yet though, huh? That pull to slid back into old ruts is powerful. Who do you want in control of your life? You or the alcohol. Those urges usually pass in a short time so feel them but refuse to give in to them. Have a cup of tea or a snack instead. I would drink so much water that the thought of taking another sip of anything was off- putting. Lol.

Thank you so much. I was hoping you would see my post -- you were on when I logged on. I made it through another difficult situation and the urge has passed thank you Jesus. Wow they are powerful. I'm going to try to figure out my date. It was some time in February. Very good to hear from you. Kate.

You had a craving, but you recognized that craving for what it was and you made an alternate plan to deal with it, should it come up again.

It took me about 6 months before I really felt in control so yes, the first 2-3 months are very critical to point where every day you risk relapsing, But, if you take one of those tools you learned, out of your tool box and make use of it, then it can be a very strong deterrent, preventing a slip.

If you recognize what your triggers are then you can make a plan to deal with them. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask someone.

The problem I had, was that I would get a craving...but not think about the consequences of my actions so I was enabling myself, so to speak. Now, I "think" before I act!

God Bless

Yes, that's exactly what I'm dealing with now - the consequences of deciding to drink. I used to disregard that and only think about the feeling the alcohol gave me. Today was really hard for me but I'm so happy I made a good choice. And I know I'll have to deal with it again and hopefully will remember today. Kate.

Keep posting here. There’s support all around.

Yes I'm making an effort to post. I haven't had an urge to drink since that day. Today is a lot warmer but it still doesn't feal like the season is about to change.

congrats on three months Kate, that's a wonderful start on your new life. are you working any recovery program to address the core issues that lead to your drinking? I only ask because I couldn't continue on my path until I began this work, which is as important as stopping itself for me. wishing you continued success!

Not working a recovery program now. I went to AA for about 7 or 8 years, did the steps. I really disliked the program when I left. It had become really monotonous for me. Since I left my pattern has been to periodically drink, I once stayed sober for 2 years. And other than that I drank two or three times a year. And that's what I'm working on now. Trying to break that pattern. I have no desire to go back to AA. There isn't one way that works for everyone.

Look up books by Jason Vale and Anne Grace . Both on giving up booze but not AA way. Her book is naked mind

Thank you for the book recommendations, Flash. They look good to me, I checked them out. Kate.