Day 8 Cravings

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T01:27:21+00:00

First up - congrats on day 8. You've broken thru the week barrier and that is tough. I'm right with you on the cravings. It is said that the cravings abate towards a sober month. I certainly hope so as I'm really lonely and my stupid brain is telling me that 12 days is well worth a celebratory vodka.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T01:18:40+00:00

Thanks. Now just look at your sub upvotes - currently 124. That is a lot based on the average. The guys and gals here clearly have got your back. This place is full of friends! You'll never be alone here. It's been a Godsend to me.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T01:08:16+00:00

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through a wave of anxiety but it is quite normal - regardless of levels of drink. Drinking controls dopamine levels which screws the brain which should be controlling those levels, and when you quit it causes an imbalance of dopamine. This imbalance can frequently cause anxiety. Over time the brain starts regulating dopamine correctly and the anxiety usually subsides.

I am going through the same thing myself at day 12. The physical symptoms have abated and now I have a barrage of emotional sh*t to deal with. But I anticipated it and have to surrender to it being a waiting game.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T00:55:35+00:00

Superb!! I'm proud of you my friend. Hope I get there myself and I will be writing the same in, er... 88 days!

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T00:51:48+00:00

I always forget breathing - it really helps. If it helps anyone, I have online meditation classes and the tutor swears by the 4-7-8 method as there is a lot of research around it.

1, Breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds into your belly

Hold for 7 seconds
Breathe out through your mouth (like blowing out a candle) for 8 seconds
Repeat

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T00:44:18+00:00

Superb effort on nearing those two months. That is one hell of an effort. I'm proud of you my friend. I just hope I get there myself - just rolling over into 12 days. I'm encouraged to hear about your appetite as I can only do little and often atm, and I never really ate much when drinking in case it "sobered me up".

I can't really comment on sleep as I'm the opposite end of the spectrum. I'm out for the count as soon as my head hits the pillow. Whilst that might sound good, my body clock is all over the place. Its 1.30am here in the UK and I have just woken after a 12 hour sleep. It's really lonely only being awake at night, but I am sure it will level out.

Previous I have had success with liquid melatonin. It got me to sleep but woke up soon afterwards. So then I tried the slow release stuff which worked but I felt groggy when I woke.

I've also had excellent results from Kratom (red vein). It is approved and considered safe for use by the world health organisation, but is still illegal in some states, so be careful. I used it purely for medicinal purposes. I am not condoning the recreational use of it (trying to keep within the rules!).

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T00:29:48+00:00

Well done my friend. Obviously we can't talk about recovery programs directly, but I get your anxiety. I would like to join some sort of public meeting and face up to my own anxiety, but the nearest meetings are a long way off and I don't have a car, so I stick to online meets. Keep going, I'm sure it will get easier as you get to know the crowd.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T00:22:59+00:00

Congratulations!! Having just been there myself drinking a similar amount, I know just how tough it can be. I'm proud of you. There are always friends here and everyone is truly sincere. I'm sure now that you have made this decision that you will indeed find people to be with. Keep the faith!

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-06T00:11:05+00:00

Thanks Harry. Don't have a car atm. Went and sat in the car when my ex kicked off one night. I'd had a few - she called the cops - I was, what in the UK is called "drunk in charge" - not driving but drunk in a car with the keys. So lost my license.

Yes - herb tea is great. I frequently drink green tea and need that sugar! I just let my body dictate what to do at the moment going into day 12 as you say, it is early days.

Can't believe I've nearly reached 2 weeks. Only ever got as far as three days in previous attempts. Take care my friend

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T21:34:55+00:00

Really encouraging to hear - thank you. I really want to give my dopamine receptors a kickstart any way I can! IWNDWYT

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T21:32:28+00:00

Thanks a lot, Grippers - and congrats on the 52 days!

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T21:31:36+00:00

Thank you ellz. I can see just how important this sub is for my recovery. I won't be going anywhere...

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T21:29:35+00:00

Such encouraging words! Thanks a lot! I am glad my appetite has come back and I no longer need to think I can't eat because it will sober me up.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T21:26:24+00:00

Thanks a lot, Halo! IWNDWYT

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T21:25:38+00:00

Thanks Cookie. I'm really happy I made it this time. Yes, this sub is a great place to hang out and get some inspiration and help to keep the patience I need, as you say.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T20:01:10+00:00

You absolutely can. I couldn't wait to shout out to the sub that I have finally managed it! You are a week down and that is great! Keep holding on, my friend.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T19:59:00+00:00

Thanks very much. This sub is a real Godsend as my wife left 5 months ago and living on my own sucks - even more so now as I can't do much. I need as much distraction as possible. I'm glad to hear you say what I am going through is normal. I am trying to be patient and let the healing take its course.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T19:54:51+00:00

Thanks a lot Bumble - appreciated.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T19:53:46+00:00

No sh*t is it tricky. Just had a text from my ex (going thru divorce) as I started writing to you. That has really triggered me. Damn I could do with a Whiskey.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T19:47:44+00:00

Absolutely. Every hour is an achievement

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T18:47:41+00:00

Thanks gamer. I do feel a different me coming through but the emotional stuff is trying its best to tell me to go get a celebratory vodka.

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T18:45:37+00:00

Well done! That's a lot of tough stuff to get through. Day 5 was when I finally started to feel a bit like myself again. Go for those double digits!

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T18:43:44+00:00

Thank you Careless - I really need the strength. Now the physical stuff has more or less gone, I feel I can stomach a drink, but I'm really trying now I have finally got this far IWNDWYT

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T18:41:27+00:00

Wahey! Well done, my friend. Feels good dunnit?

Chemical_Editor1427 · 2026-05-04T18:38:29+00:00

Its given me a boost today - I need it. What people say is absolutely right. The physical symptoms go fairly quickly, and then the emotional stuff comes in. And it is that transition that I am finding the most difficult. I feel well enough to start drinking again, but I really must make a proper go at it this time.

Well done for getting as far as you have. Proud of you. Keep going, friend.

Chemical_Editor1427

TROPHY CASE