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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What I'v learned

bella51
bella51
I'v been 9 days sober. I never thought it could be.
Many of you has said I need a plan to stay sober...So I have been thing about that and a couple of things I'v learned. I need to stay busy so I decide what I want to get accomplished every day. Having a drink used to be a "reward" for everything...so I replaced that reward...new books!
Juice has been very helpful...Thanks for that suggestion
I believe in the power of rituails...try to follow a patterned day so I don't get bored or distracted. I eat something healthy 4-5 times a day. When I come home from work I make a cup of tea...replacing habits has been very helpful for me. Sometimes the simplest thing can make you feel good about yourself...Tidy kitchen, bed made, laundry put away, making a nice dinner, reading a good story, etc...instead of drinks which makes me feel bad about myself and creates alot of stress and undue anaxity...So I really contemplate "how will that make me feel" when I think about having a drink. I also have been much more productive and focused at work...I'm am area manager for a restaurant chain...very stressful and demanding! I am focusing one me for a change but work is really good!
There are several "newbies" out there..How are you all doing?
Thank you for all the support and suggestion...could not have made it this far without all of you!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey Bella- glad to hear your doing well. For the early sobriety, the busyness really helps. Long term, I think you will find that you settle down a little more and that you no longer require the concept of being constantly busy.

One note from personal experience. There is often a voice in your head (this was true for me) that says "it's okay to drink now.....you've proved that you can stay sober" And "you can control it now....you just needed a short break".

Beware of the voice, because that's the "old you" calling and it can be dangerous. That's what's good about staying in touch with other alcoholics.....it's a reminder of where you have been.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Bella,
you sound great! I am right here with you for sure because I have only 7.5 days of sobriety. This is an exciting and very scarey journey, but people told me at the AA meeting I attended this morning that we can do this. One kind lady gave me a book called "Drinking" which I plan to read starting today and I will share my thoughts when I am done with it. Have a sober day!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Oh, Bella, I forgot to tell you that I plan to attend 88 meetings in 88 days (at least one a day if not more), I'm on day 2.
billwfriend
billwfriend
chewing gum is a good distraction too....I used it more to quit smoking but it also keeps my desire to drink....(which is nature for a diabetic even non alcoholic drinks) in check...I know you said you substitute the tea good...that is why I suggested gum...give it try...I like Eclipse and Dentine Ice....the sharp minty flavored gums are my friend...they also freshen breath for this guy who refuses to brush teeth....
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey Bella, You are SO on your way! Your regimen didn't mention sleep. That's as important as good food and rewarding activities. In fact, when I quit smoking in '88, on Day17 I had the most ridiculously POWERFUL craving to light up. I had the money. I could see the store from my bedroom window. I refused to LOSE, having come so far. So, I forced myself to take a long nap. When I woke up, the intensity of the craving had simmered-down to manageable levels. Try it, if nec.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Are you keeping a journal? That is a great way to track your progress. Some people just write what they did that day-some write feelings associated....whatever you want. It is nice to look back and see how far you have come. It helps especially when you feel discouraged.
Community LeaderExJerseyGirl2
ExJerseyGirl2
Walking and exercise are other good ones.

Excellent job on nine days!
Taradactyl
Taradactyl
Sounds great! I think many people underestimate the importance of getting healthy, doing healthy things, and having a good routine/ritual.

In my experience (but not everyone's) I had a hard time sustaining all that until I addressed some underlying issues. Things got tough until I learned to cope. I could not keep myself sober despite all the things I was trying to do. You can keep making progress and stay vigilant - address those things that caused you to drink in the past and work through things that bother you on a day to day basis now. Remember a drink will never solve anything - it will only set you back.

Keep moving forward. xo
deleted_user
deleted_user
Bella, I've really enjoyed reading your posts. They're very inspiring to me. I'm drinking tea right now as well........LOL. Tea is my new drink. Today I'm making a 'Bucket List' all those things I WANT to do, I'm going to see if I can make some happen. Just simple things, like learning to ride a horse. Okay, maybe that's not simple!
Tonight I made supper when I wanted to, not at an unreasonable hour for someone else. The hardest part for me is adjusting my days. They are shorter now as I used alcohol to keep on going like the Energizer |Bunny when I couldn't do anymore.\
Now, it's more about taking care of me.
Keep on posting Bella, you're doing great!!
seaQ
seaQ
I'm doing really well, I have quit many times, struggled, then started again, but this time is much easier than ever before. I'm not feeling the obsessiveness over the past couple of weeks that always prove to be my downfall. I think I got over some invisible, inexplicable roadblock! I won't let my guard down. But losing that obsessive nagging mind grind is a huge relief.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm so glad to read that things are feeling better for you and your life is on a more even keel. I well understand that feeling that I had to keep busy but you do risk burnout eventually. Maybe try to formulate a plan that includes a way to stay sober for ever. I know people say 'it's a day at a time and that is how I try to live my life but I could only (and can only) live a day at a time because I have a way to stay sober for good and all!

When I think about how long I have been sober, it blows my mind - and it was all pretty much, lived a day at a time.
I sincerely hope that you will be able to move beyond this early phase of recovery into the next exciting phase.

Please feel free to pm me if you think I canbe of any help!

Lyn
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Bella51 - good for you - nine days is great and you have the right attitude. I congratulate you!

Your post made me smile, because me too, when I sarted peeling away the addictions two years ago, tidying the house was part of my program. For me it was very strengthening, calming and affirming to see a pleasant, orderly environment; it reflected the inner landscape I was creating.

And then...the books - Amazon used books. What a treat, what a fun way to be kind and loving to myself (and folks, that won't break the bank).

I'm a newbie at four months, and not drinking is brilliant. GO US!
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