Battling the booze

[Kazzl]

When the black dog bites, many of us reach for a drink. It can ease the pain, help us relax, block out what's going on in our minds. If it's just the odd drink now and then, even one or two a night, there's no harm and maybe even welcome relief. But for some of us, many in fact, literally drowning our sorrows becomes a problem in itself. We drink more and more until the booze takes over, and drinking becomes all we want to do. 

That was me for a long time until I finally realised the combination of booze and depression would kill me. If I wanted to live, if I wanted to be able to manage my depression, I had to get sober. I did, nearly five years ago, and it's the hardest thing I've ever done.

If booze is controlling you and you're not controlling it, this thread is for you. If you want to regain control - get sober or moderate your drinking (which for many is harder than quitting) or if you're worried you are drinking too much, join us here.

On this thread I'll talk about my battle with the booze and offer advice and support to anyone who is struggling. I welcome anyone who's been there or is worried they are going there, to join in. And I hope others now living sober will come here to help our friends who are struggling.

One thing this thread is not is a place to discuss how much a drink or two helps you. It's not an anti-alcohol thread, but it's not a general discussion about alcohol either. It's for people who are genuinely worried about it or who want to control it, and it's a place of celebration (without judgment about drinkers) for those of us who are now living sober.

I hope anyone who's battling the booze will join us.

Cheers 😀

Kaz 

[Rhes]

Hi Moon, lovely to meet you and thanks for your advice and support. That book sounds good, anything in cartoon form is just better! The online info ive found is very clinical, talking about the patient in the 3rd person. I'll keep researching. And yes, certainly plan to buy something symbolic of the milestones if I make them, it's a great idea 🙂

[Rhes]

Thanks Kaz, muchly appreciated!! Have a great day

[Rhes]

Hi Jodes, I'm new here too and trying to kick the booze also, so letting you know, you're not alone 🙂

[geoff]

dear Rhes, (Jode's I will reply to you after this post).
There are always many great suggestions we try and pass on to those needing so just try each one and the one that helps you the best.
Imagine the hours where you don't drink, so let's say you start at 3pm after work or picking the kids up, but just imagine how you feel up until that time, grog maybe in the back of your mind, but you're not drinking, so it's a time that you are able to control, so this time is very important, because when the time is nearing 3pm, you grab those thoughts that you had much earlier when not drinking, and then bring them all into your mind as say to yourself 'I didn't need to drink earlier in the day, so why can't I have the same thoughts now, I can do it', you need to tell yourself that I didn't the grog earlier, so why can't I feel the same now. Geoff. x

[geoff]

hi Moonstruck, my doctor/psychologist/family kept on telling me 'imagine how much money you will save if you don't drink', but for me with a family I couldn't see the saving in my hand but could see it in what the kids could have instead.

Jodie, I can relate with you in not wanting to do any physical activities or going anywhere such as the AFL when my ex and kids asked me, I just wanted to stay at home and drink.
It's these palpitations you have when in withdrawal,and like before a quick stiff drink would stop them, but not now it's a stage that you have to overcome and time is the only way and can be done with medication which the doctor can give you, but it's addicative so your doctor will monitor when he/she feels it's time to stop.
Look forward to hearing back from you all, but you know that you are mending your body it may not seem to be important, because when you drunk you don't give a damn, but in reality it is so important so that other repercussions won't happen.
It is hard to stop any addication but it certainly can be done with the help and assistance of people who have achieved this themselves, so please we are here to help you. Geoff. x

[Rhes]

Hi Geoff, that's a good point you make and I've never thought of it like that. Yes for me it is the after work and, as Kaz mentioned, Friday's are particularly bad. I'll come up with distractions/rewards to counteract this. Thanks again, will no doubt check in here tomorrow night 🙂

[Kazzl]

Hiya Rhes - I'll keep an eye out for you if you want some company tomorrow night. Keep going gal! 😄 👍

[geoff]

dear Rhes and Jodie, another day and night have passed, it could have been extremely difficult or it could have been something that you coped with, and remember don't worry if fall back and have had a drink, this is what usually happens, but each day is a different layer that you build on and eventually this will create your strength. L Geoff. x

[Rhes]

Hi everyone, just checking in and hope you're having a good evening. It's been one of those huge days where I feel like I 'deserve' a drink. I'm just relaxing, having a coke and a smoke (ciggies) and playing a bit of guitar. This is what I'd do normally except there'd be alcohol. And this time I won't be up till 2am saying ridiculous things on Facebook! Am feeling pretty good all round and want to thank you so much for your support this week, it's really made the difference from all the other times I've tried. It's my first Friday off it so I won't put too much pressure on myself. Am just glad I'm not feeling desperate for a drink!

[Moonstruck]

Oh Rhes.....I am so proud of you!! Don't under estimate what you have already achieved......however things go from here on, you have already done really well and given yourself something to congratulate yourself about. No one can take this away from you, whatever happens. .good luck and have a peaceful evening......