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]

Thank you Moon, have a great evening yourself 🙂

[Kazzl]

Hiya Rhes - I second what Moon said. 😄 Hey, I play guitar too! Not tonight though, I'm having pizza and watching the footy.

I'm glad you're feeling good hun, because you're doing great! Hope you have something fun planned for tomorrow.

Kaz

[Rhes]

Hi Kaz, hope you had a lovely night with pizza and footy 👍 Great to hear you play guitar too! Its definitely a good distraction. Got a busy day today but will relax later and probably check in here tonight. Have a great day 😊

[geoff]

dear Rhes, great effort, give that calendar a big black cross, colour it in if you want, for someone to stop drinking for a day or two/three is such an enormous effort, take all the credit you need, and this is exactly what you will be able to tell and help others with in the long run.
No one needs to congratulate themselves with alcohol or as you say 'deserve' a drink, because the word 'deserve' goes far beyond what it actually means, you can celebrate in so many other ways, have another tim-tam, because I found that by eating chocolate always discouraged me from drinking, the two for me never could combine, but think about what you deserve in other ways, to listen to what you are playing on the guitar, the clarity, the rhythm, any keys that maybe out of sync which now you can recognise, but when you're drunk you have no idea of how to detect this.
Another cross tonight don't let the devil back in tonight, and that's what it is something that destroys your life.
I too like the others are very proud of you, as they say 'go girl'.
Hear from you tomorrow. L Geoff. x

[Rhes]

Thanks Geoff 👍 Yep I'm a chocolate addict and it is a good substitute! Im feeling happy tonite with all the stuff I got done today because I can't remember the last time I wasn't hungover on a Saturday! This feeling alone is worth it 😊 Talk soon and have a good night

[Kazzl]

Hi Rhes - how was your weekend hun? Hope you're feeling good!

Kaz

[Rhes]

Hi everyone, hope you're having a good Monday!

I wanted to run something by you, I got this thought last week while sitting in traffic. It just sprung up, "if I'm going to do this successfully, I'm going to have to experience the rest of my life without a rest for my brain, ever". It was panic attack stuff, like if I'd been told that my body could never experience sleep again. I've had panic attacks many years ago and managed to talk myself out of them at the time. This one passed quickly though it was quite powerful and negative. It hasn't happened again and I don't dwell on the thought. Just interested if anyone experiences these types of thoughts.

Also wanted to say that I like how 'apprentice' comes up under my name, makes me feel proud and like I'm in training for something, which I guess I am 😊

[Kazzl]

Hi Rhes - it's quite common to be panicked or scared by the idea of never drinking again when it's been the way we shut out the world. That's largely the reason for the 'one day at a time' approach. Don't say never again, say not today. It's easier to comprehend and easier to deal with.

It is hard to imagine never being able to give your brain a rest, but over time you will find other ways to switch off. A lot of people use exercise, or meditation, or music. Some take up a new hobby that's engrossing. You'll find a way hun.

You're doing great!

Kaz

[geoff]

dear Rhes, apprentice means how many posts you have replied or posted, it's an endearing way of how we want to protect you and guard you through this but it is certainly a great privilege.
The way you talked yourself out when you had a panic attack by not getting any more sleep, is exactly the same philosophy of recognising that you want to stop drinking, that's how powerful you can make it.
Our brain is always thinking whether it's negative or in a positive way, and now you are thinking for all the right reasons, good on you. L Geoff. x

[Rhes]

Thanks to you both, as always. Yes I've been thinking of signing up for yoga again for the meditation aspect. Talk soon and have a great day 😊