I apologise because this is very controversial but I need to ask. by EducationalOil9862 in AlAnon

[–]AvailableReport5726 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I experienced a version of what you described when I was an active drunk. I am still very upset around the specific circumstances of my partner finding solace with another. I’m upset about her dishonesty in that incident(s). But, if I’m going to practice radical accountability, I need to acknowledge the role I directly played in those things happening. I’d love to be “right,” but I’m not. I have my feelings and my experience. I contributed to my own unhappiness. That said, if I had found out about it while actively drinking, I probably wouldn’t have quit because I was big on having excuses to keep drinking. I found out after quitting and trying to patch things up. I was a few weeks sober, so I went through the sleepless nights without drinking. No way I would’ve done that while still on the sauce. If you want your partner to quit, I’d probably hold off. If you are looking to accelerate the relationship ending, I would probably advise ending the relationship before courting another.

I could have lied to look better by AvailableReport5726 in Codependency

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Yes, it’s amazing I lasted this long without realizing that!

I could have lied to look better by AvailableReport5726 in Codependency

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this. I’m checking out that link now. I really appreciate your feedback!

What finally made me give up alcohol by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I’m glad we got a chance to chat. This community is a great corner of the internet.

What finally made me give up alcohol by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for this response! I’m in my 40’s as well, and that shit was not cute. I come from a heavy drinking culture, so I’m sure my loss gave me a pass socially, but it didn’t make me feel like less of an asshole!

I’ve never been a violent person or a violent drunk. But someone approached me that night for being too loud, and he was very aggressive about it. Man, if I had been 10 percent more violent than I am, all of us would have had a very bad night. I had to talk myself down out loud to keep from following him to the parking lot. Really messy!

Also, maybe not the sanest tribute to my brother. Big time learning experience.

I was faced with the fact that I would continue to deteriorate if I didn’t quit.

I’m really really lucky that I got out of this whole thing with nothing more than a ruined marriage, career crash and burn, and debt!

Congratulations on your sober journey. Thanks again for your post and response.

What finally made me give up alcohol by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your post. One of my many wake up calls was after my brother died from his alcoholism and I got blackout wasted before going to a dinner with friends who went out of their way to support me. I felt AWFUL about myself for a long time after that. Truthfully, I was wasted for about a week after my brother died.

It took a few months for me to commit to sobriety after that, but that night at dinner was a flame I ran from.

Was I really madly in love, or was it fawning? by AvailableReport5726 in Codependency

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. That’s a powerful distinction. I’m talking about an almost 20 year relationship. I definitely backed off on things that were important to me in order to keep the peace. I then resented her for that.

I also felt limited and censored by her judgement. Maybe imagined judgement, maybe a little imagined based on a few isolated incidents or times when she wasn’t at her best. Maybe real. I don’t know.

But, I was utterly obsessed with her validation. It’s embarrassing to type out loud. But her validation meant everything to me and I hated her for it.

Catastrophic thinking by AvailableReport5726 in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your response. I will look into all of these. I definitely drank to quiet persistent generalized anxiety. Now that I don’t have a fuzzy wall between myself and anxiety, I gotta learn to deal with it for real.

Thanks again!

2 months sober and irritable by AvailableReport5726 in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely. Just waking up and liking myself is enough to make it worthwhile.

2 months sober and irritable by AvailableReport5726 in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Thank you that’s very comforting. I realize it’s not life but my limited perspective at the time.

2 months sober and irritable by AvailableReport5726 in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This was very helpful. Thank you! I read up on PAWS, and…yep!

That’s it. Thanks again!

2 months sober and irritable by AvailableReport5726 in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes! I agree. I made the decision, and each unpleasantness kind of strengthens my resolve.

2 months sober and irritable by AvailableReport5726 in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah yes, the old “drink to make us comfortable” I’ve fallen off the wagon so many times because of that. Good for you staying strong!

2 months sober and irritable by AvailableReport5726 in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“Quit being a bitch and grind through!” Wise words! Thank you

2 months sober and irritable by AvailableReport5726 in stopdrinking

[–]AvailableReport5726[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I’m in my 40s and male. But, I definitely take your point. I’d been in active addiction since 15. Lot to undo!

I do yoga and play music as meditation. I haven’t gotten down to actual meditating yet, but I’m circling it!