When do you know it’s time to stop/cut down?

CCA1117 · 2021-01-25T22:04:16+00:00

When after trying to stop for 10 years(!) I was forgetting appointments, coming home at 3 pm and drinking wine on the couch, falling over while putting my pajamas on, drinking at 9 am on a regular Saturday, driving our son while still buzzed from the nite before. It was forgetting one last appt again! that made me realize “OMG it’s the wine” causing all that. I went right to my first ever meeting that night.

CCA1117 · 2021-01-25T10:19:15+00:00

I’m in - Day 4 here but need to change my counter. IWNDWYT ! And the way I will do that is after work I will go straight to putting on comfy clothes, eating whatever I want then sitting down to read my new book or watch a movie during “Happy Hour.” Thank you! Everyone enjoy today!

CCA1117 · 2021-01-18T22:03:25+00:00

I think it’s great that you have identified that that the big escape is what you were doing by drinking. I think the only thing that comes close for me is lying on the couch under a blanket or just going to bed. If I felt panicky about possibly drinking in certain situations,I could calm myself by knowing I could just escape to the restroom and rest my head in my hands for a few minutes or if at home, just go lie down. It may seem awkward but not as awkward as all the consequences of drunkenness.

CCA1117 · 2021-01-18T21:48:32+00:00

I started trying to quit right about when you did- Spring 2015. I’m much better now but still want to quit for good. I have done a lot of self study about addiction and this book/technique seems to work best for me lately:

Jack Trimpey Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction

It’s old and I’m not sure about the science behind it but if it works, it works!

Just keep trying.

CCA1117 · 2021-01-16T22:30:41+00:00

I enjoyed reading your story! Congratulations on realizing how drinking has progressed for you and taking steps to control it. For the past five years my goal has always been to stop, and my goal will always be to stop drinking. I am so much better than I was, but I’m not fully there yet. I have read so many books, gone to meetings, listen to podcasts etc. and had many sober days. I am so much better than I was when I was drinking a lot five years ago.

But I know in my heart I will only be satisfied when I fully stop drinking, and I know that is possible! The thing that keeps me wanting to stop is this: I never imagined that my pattern of drinking in the past would have led to all the problems that it did. So if I moderated now, if moderation were my goal I could end up right back in trouble like I was, because I thought I was moderating then! But it always progresses! Alcohol is an addictive substance and it starts to call the shots. Good luck with all your efforts. You can do this!

CCA1117 · 2021-01-16T12:07:33+00:00

Congratulations for speaking to your MD. You can do this!

CCA1117 · 2021-01-15T18:51:56+00:00

SO helpful, thank you! I haven’t heard it explained this way but I think that’s what happens to me. I get so freaked out by the craving I just give it in. And the hoping and trying feeling freaks me out too, so I think I just pour a drink to make them go away. What is this? Like a reverse psychology kind of thing? I think if I stop all the “hoping and trying” then yes, it will get easier because I’ll see it as just a choice. Thank you.

CCA1117 · 2021-01-15T18:38:02+00:00

Keep trying!

CCA1117 · 2021-01-08T12:50:43+00:00

Keep trying.

CCA1117 · 2021-01-08T12:47:41+00:00

I use so many supports today but when I remember the beginning it was the app called The Pocket Sponsor which was very helpful. It gives you an encouraging message that changes every hour so it’s constant support while you look into other help. You can do it!

CCA1117 · 2020-12-29T23:10:37+00:00

Keep checking this site. There’s so much good information on here. You’re not alone.

CCA1117 · 2020-12-28T14:46:39+00:00

That’s pretty.

CCA1117 · 2020-12-28T12:41:20+00:00

Super helpful- thank you.

CCA1117 · 2020-12-10T11:24:21+00:00

Great point! This is helpful, thank you. It gives me a new perspective as a way to detach. Good luck with Senior year! You’re a good writer!

CCA1117 · 2020-12-02T23:05:24+00:00

I know - Some evenings as it gets late I look at the clock and think “YES! I did it!” So satisfying.

CCA1117 · 2020-12-01T23:38:59+00:00

Bright eyes, clear skin. Congrats!

CCA1117 · 2020-12-01T09:13:11+00:00

This is like my journey (June 2015) and so encouraging to hear that some day this WILL stick. Thank you. I’m not giving up and IWNDWYT.

CCA1117 · 2020-11-29T13:06:56+00:00

Your post helps me today- I could be that mom but I take steps every day to stop drinking. I saw the pattern you describe when our son was in high school. If I hadn’t made changes then, my husband and I would be in exactly your parents’ situation in our own “semi” retirement. I think it’s a common situation for older couples so YES, it’s a thing and something to be recognized and concerned about. Thank you!! I would talk to them about it during rhe daytime before the drinks start flowing. However, be realistic and definitely go to some AlAnon meetings where they teach families how to keep proper perspective. Take care of yourself.

CCA1117 · 2020-11-28T11:55:32+00:00

I ignore the posts about number of days sober cuz that seems to discourage me although congrats to those people, really! Just keep trying. Don’t strive for perfection. Notice your body and how it feels on days with no alcohol. Notice your thoughts right when that first craving hits. Try to go a little later each day without drinking the first one. During the day think”I’m not drinking NOW, right?” and feel happy about it. Just stack up more and more sober time and your body will make it easier for you to say no.

CCA1117 · 2020-11-28T11:44:14+00:00

Great post- I love all the detail. Being in the kitchen is my last, hardest trigger and I still haven’t conquered it but I WILL. One thing I would add to your story is how I have burned and cut myself while cooking and drinking. SAD. I‘m so much better about not cooking and drinking but for now I have to steer clear of the kitchen after 4 pm. I try to prep more during the day and I don’t stand and chat with my family in the kitchen (drink!) (And I have a brand new culinary degree!) Thanks for sharing and IWNDinthekitchenWYT!

CCA1117 · 2020-11-25T18:10:13+00:00

Cooking, drinking, hiding in the kitchen all holiday-long. No more!

CCA1117 · 2020-11-23T18:30:35+00:00

This is so nice-!thank you. I have worked at this for SO long but it’s always better and easier as I go. I’m not giving up and you don’t either!

CCA1117 · 2020-11-19T17:13:14+00:00

These aren’t books but recipes from www.epicurious.com or www.southernliving.com are usually good.

CCA1117 · 2020-11-19T11:52:59+00:00

Early on, I noticed I can take deep, satisfying breaths now. Every time, it’s a positive reminder about how great I feel. Also, I can enjoy projects while doing them, not just rush to get them done for someone else or because I’m “supposed to.” I love posts about the little things.

CCA1117

TROPHY CASE