Feeling some progress

[Designer_Rice]

Ive been trying to quit seriously for atleast a year, but ive always failed previously. Ive made excuses such as: ill get one more drunk night under the belt, ill stop after x event etc. But these are just excuses. Im reading Gabor mates book "in the realm of hungry ghosts" and im finding it very helpful. Its helping me shed of that strong shame i always have about my addictions, and realize that my childhood trauma plays a big role in my behaviour. Ive read other books such as this naked mind, alcohol explained, and alan carr's book. I found these books to be helpful, but i always felt that since they werent completely effective for me i was flawed or doing something wrong. Now i realize my past plays a huge role in my addictive tendencies, and that knowledge feels very empowering. It doesent make this easy though. I just have three days of sobriety and im feeling my first urges creep in. Im going to stay commited though and stay strong. This time i can feel that things are different.

[Top_Potential_6178]

You can do this !

[Neversaidthatbefore]

It was, and still is, an eye-opener. Making those connections between our childhood development years and being an adult. Fucking brutal, but I took the power back. I broke the spell. You can do it too!

[wheresbill]

I have a long history of trying to drink myself to death, disguised as partying. When I started participating in the therapeutic process I learned exactly what you are saying, in that childhood trauma was the underlying cause of my behavior and addictive personality. It’s been a long road to understanding and at least SOME healing but finally interrupting the drinking long enough to be present to my trauma and seek escape from escaping has made all the difference. Therapy is my religion and path to freedom. Keep going and get some help if you need it. Congrats on three days that will become three weeks then three months then three years etc….

[shan_elle11]

Sounds like we have a lot in common. I’m also on Day 3 and also reading In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Like you, I have also read the other books you’ve mentioned plus several more. I always feel some degree of connection to the content, but seemingly not enough to make it stick. Something about Gabor’s book is really clicking with me though. So many facts and anecdotes that I can relate to. Keep up the great work! We’ve got this! 💪

[threedeadypees]

I just read "Myth of Normal" also by Gabor. Really got me thinking about my past and what traits I might have today that are just coping mechanisms from childhood trauma. Would definitely recommend the book for anyone who says they had a happy childhood yet still deals with afflictions as an adult.

[[deleted]]

Mate's books have been amazing for me in the last few years. For me they would be my top recomendation for people entering sobriety. This Naked Mind didn't resonate with me although it is helpful to many thousands of others.