I quit alcohol...day 7

[AnnRob]

Hi everyone, I have been drinking heavily for years to the point where my health was suffering, my relationships were on the verge of being destroyed, almost losing my job. I am female btw.

Last Thursday, I just decided to quit. I saw my GP yesterday after having blood tests done. He said that I've gone a week...the worst of it has come and gone. I have no cravings, am coping without it.

My question is: Is this bubble going to burst or am I indeed on the road to recovery? I am not on any medication - I'm just enjoying my family, my cats, my job... is this enough?

[sbella02]

AnnRob,

Thank you so much for sharing something so personal with us, and I warmly welcome you to the forums. It takes courage to recognise and acknowledge an area of your life that needs more attention, that's a big achievement. 

Self-development is not always a linear journey. Everybody responds differently to different treatments, therapies, or coping techniques, and people may reach the same milestones at different points to one another. Just as long as you're taking it at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and communicating with your GP about what feels right to you.

Enjoying the little things in life sounds like a good start for a journey to recovery. Do you have any hobbies or passions that you love engaging in? These can also be great techniques to help you on your journey too.

Please feel free to reach out if you need more support, we're here for you.

SB

[Petal22]

Hi AnnRob,

Congratulations on deciding to quit alcohol and also becoming conscious of all the things in your life that where suffering due to the alcohol consumption.

I think it’s great that you are enjoying the simple things in life.

You could go back to your gp if you want to and discuss any treatment options available to you even a support group.

Keep up the good work.

[AnnRob]

My GP is my biggest support. I've known him for about 18 years now and between him and my husband and my children - all of them have been re affirming me and telling me just "how proud they are of me". I just don't want to be on a false high

[Petal22]

Thats great that you have a supportive group of people around you.

Please believe in yourself.

You could ask your gp if there is a support group in your area for yourself who support people in coming off alcohol.

[ecomama]

Hey Annrob! A very warm welcome to the forums, we are so glad you're here.

Wow congratulations on 7 days of sobriety. That's fantastic! 

It's lovely to know you have a Cheer Squad behind you. Your GP sounds awesome too. 

It's great too, that you've found the last 7 days quite easy. We can be grateful for that lol. 

Knowing "the stories" of others' journeys of sobriety doesn't mean yours will be the same. 

Sounds pretty normal to me that you worry the bubble may burst. It might. You now have the strategies to quit again. 
Having strategies to maintain your sobriety could be another whole ball game? 
Joining a Group could help, having your own 1:1 Counsellor who is expert in supporting specific issues may help. 

Finding replacement behaviours may help too. Holiday seasons and celebrations could be the thing to prepare for. You could practice having special non-alcoholic drinks just for you at these times? 

Wishing you well and WELL DONE! 
EM

[Banksy92]

Hello AnnRob and welcome to the forums 🙂

It takes a lot of courage and self determination to address things like this in our life, so I really applaud you for what you've achieved so far - it's no small feat. Great to hear you have support from your GP and family around you, as this is an important part of the journey too.

I think everyone's experience will be different here, but certainly focusing on those around you that you love, as well as your work can be really helpful tactics while you adjust to a new way of life. On top of this, I would also suggest looking into other ways to add to your life - new hobbies, interests or adding simple acts of self care in your routine that will make you feel good and fill the space new you have created.

For me, years ago when I decided to go sober, a big part of my coping strategy was getting fit. The endorphins from working out each day helped boost my confidence and mood, which meant I didn't want to use substances as often. I started small, and built it up slowly. 

Maybe this is something you could consider too? What is something you are interested in trying or doing for yourself to feel good? 

[Mark Z.]

Hi AnnRob,

It must be super hard but you're doing really good. You should be super proud of yourself.

Looks like you're on the road to recovery, but keep in mind that usually the recovery road is not linear, if new challenge appears, it's quite normal. If it's too hard for you, remember to seek professional help, including your GP and professional alcohol services (each state and territory has its service, you can easily find info on government websites).

Mark

[mmMekitty]

Hello AnnRob,

Well done, you. I hope you are proud of you.

Personally, I think it's a good idea to remember the important reasons which were what helped you decide to stop drinking alcohol. When I quit that & smoking cigarettes, I kept my reasons foremost in my mind every day for quite a while. I'm not sure how long, now, because the need to recall & re-enforce my decision became less necessary over time, & now I feel the 'need' is gone, the wanting, as well, & I know I am not going to give in to any pressure from anyone in any location or event to 'just have one' 

From what I hear, my own journey was relatively smooth. I felt some concerns, like yours, & worried over how I would be able to be in situations where it seems 'everyone' is drinking, (& back then many were smokers, too.) & it seemed 'normal', so I was the odd one out, & have no confidence & not good at asserting my choices for me, but because I felt so strongly about why I quit those substances, I accepted the discomfort, & held to my conviction.

You've got family & friends beside you; let them help you when you need.

I can't predict your journey. I'm pretty sure there will be some bumps. How well you prepare for what you fear will help a lot.

If you need help doing that, your great GP is a good place to start. You might even want to have a chat about seeing a counsellor to help with the worries you have & how to manage any stress, anxiety or difficult moods, which may have had you reaching for the bottle. 

I wish you all the very best, & leave with a reminder, yu are very welcome to chat here or to use BB's own Counselling Services offered at the bottom of these pages, jus scroll down.

mmMekitty