Boards.ie

realies · 24-06-2012, 16:33

Remembering H.A.L.T. really helped me in the beginning (i.e. never allow yourself to get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired.)

Definitely try eating something. Sometimes when we have cravings, it's actually a craving for food or water, not for alcohol. It's so important in the early days to keep our sugar levels stable so try to eat a little something (preferably healthy) every 3-4 hours.

If you're angry, try going for a walk or some kind of exercise, journal about it, or start a gratitude list. It's amazing how quickly writing about what we're grateful for can change our frame of mind.

If you're lonely, reach out to a friend or relative, volunteer, post here, watch TV or read something. What you do isn't as important as doing something, anything to get out of your own head to break the focus on being lonely.

If you're tired, take a nap or lay down. Sometimes putting myself to bed was the only thing that would help me beat the cravings in the beginning, and I never regretted doing so in the morning.

As we all know, drinking in the pub isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Remember also to fast forward to the end of the drinking night that sounds so appealing at the moment. How many of them left you feeling good about yourself afterwards ?

Cravings are just cravings. They don't last forever and the longer you ride them through without giving in, the less frequent and intense they will become. Phew, what a relief that is to know. I've been sober over 3 years and honestly can't remember the last time I craved an alcoholic drink, yet there was a time I was convinced I could never live without Alcohol in my life. How wrong I was.

Keep your eye on the prize--and you'll reach your BIG GOAL before you know it.

You can all do it !

amcgu10 · 29-06-2012, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by amcgu10

After a lot of deliberation and thought i've decided to give alcohol a kick for good.

I'm 19 years old unemployed and usually head out on a Monday and Thursday night 2 a drink. I'd usually invite the lads around to my house for a few cans usually around 5-7 cans each then head out to the nightclub and drink a few pints and a few shots. Lately i've noticed i'm just not enjoying the whole drinking culture. I hate waking up with the "fear" of what did I do last night or who did I do

dying with hangovers and having no money and having no recollection of large periods from the night before. Its just not worth it.

I've said in the past that i'm going to give it up for good but it always failed. I'm writing this now i've no money til next Monday which is fine because I know i'll not be heading out til then I have no problem with that but when I collect my dole on Monday the urge to head out will start to kick and i'll say "ah **** it i'll head out for a few"

Hopefully I can snap out of that and not head out and stay in instead. Its going to be tough but i'll do it

Since I wrote that post I haven't gone out to pubs/niteclubs

*TeddyTedson* · 02-07-2012, 23:18

I haven't drank in over 2 weeks now. I know that doesn't sound like a lot. But that's now equal the longest I've gone all year.
I think I'm feeling better because of it, although I am a little sick right now, if that makes any sense

I don't drink too often, as in never during the week, but one I start I sort of lose control and can't stop.
I'd like to still have a few drinks from time to time but I'll see how it goes. Mostly for social reasons.
I keep getting invited out for drinks which is kind of annoying.
I have to keep turning them down as I don't think I'd have the willpower to go to the pub for a few hours and not drink. Especially when people start putting pressure on.

I also tend to drink waaaay to quick which is another problem, although I never get legless drunk. I do get a lot of black outs though.
Earlier today I was thinking about the last few years and it really is a little hazy which is kind of scary!

realies · 03-07-2012, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddy Tedson

I haven't drank in over 2 weeks now. I know that doesn't sound like a lot. But that's now equal the longest I've gone all year.
I think I'm feeling better because of it, although I am a little sick right now, if that makes any sense

I don't drink too often, as in never during the week, but one I start I sort of lose control and can't stop.
I'd like to still have a few drinks from time to time but I'll see how it goes. Mostly for social reasons.
I keep getting invited out for drinks which is kind of annoying.
I have to keep turning them down as I don't think I'd have the willpower to go to the pub for a few hours and not drink. Especially when people start putting pressure on.

I also tend to drink waaaay to quick which is another problem, although I never get legless drunk. I do get a lot of black outs though.
Earlier today I was thinking about the last few years and it really is a little hazy which is kind of scary!

Hi Teddy make a list of all the worst things that have happened when drinking - I mean, really scary things - These all happened to me at one time or another--almost getting caught drinking at work, making a fool out of myself drunk at a work socials, getting arrested, getting too drunk to deal with a family emergency, letting my dog out and not realizing it until the next morning, losing a good friend because she was mortified at my drunk behavior, etc.....

In the early days I think it's really important to keep these things at the front of your mind. The drinkbrain

will try to convince you that drinking wasn't all that bad and try to make you concentrate on the good times. But the bad times is why you are here, and also why you need to try and get some control,Good luck

gillapino · 03-07-2012, 23:10

Had one or two malibu and cokes and a cocktail two weeks ago on holidays, but besides from the odd one or two drinks very rarely , havent had any more then that in nearly 3 years

Sappa · 07-07-2012, 14:16

6 weeks roll on 6 months now.

*TeddyTedson* · 08-07-2012, 23:51

So disappointed with myself for drinking yesterday. I drank so much that I haven't been able to get up all day because I feel physically sick and want to puke. I did a few stupid things also, but no where near my worst. There's too much social elements in my life that involve drinking.
I was feeling great. Now I feel **** again. That's the problem. I feel so good that I feel a few drinks won't hurt.
I really wish there was a pill I could take every day that would make me sick if I took a drink. In the morning I always am determined but then on a Saturday evening there's such a buzz I want to be in town and out and about.

Anyway I rambling, but now I hope this time next week I'll be able to say I haven't drank in a week. I'm such a stupid ****ing idiot for drinking.

Actually I don't think I would have drank last night if I hadn't go a distressing phone call. It's things like that that can push you off the wagon.

Sappa · 09-07-2012, 00:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeddyTedson

So disappointed with myself for drinking yesterday. I drank so much that I haven't been able to get up all day because I feel physically sick and want to puke. I did a few stupid things also, but no where near my worst. There's too much social elements in my life that involve drinking.
I was feeling great. Now I feel **** again. That's the problem. I feel so good that I feel a few drinks won't hurt.
I really wish there was a pill I could take every day that would make me sick if I took a drink. In the morning I always am determined but then on a Saturday evening there's such a buzz I want to be in town and out and about.

Anyway I rambling, but now I hope this time next week I'll be able to say I haven't drank in a week. I'm such a stupid ****ing idiot for drinking.

Actually I don't think I would have drank last night if I hadn't go a distressing phone call. It's things like that that can push you off the wagon.

Actually Teddy you can get anti booze pills prescribed by the doc but they will only go that road if they feel it's the last resort.
Don't beat yourself up about the drinking,I know the way suddenly your feeling good the sun is shining and you think ahh a few bottles,been there a bunch of times and it's the same scenario the next day.
Regret and poor health followed by a feeling like your back to square one.
I've known I needed to give up yrs ago and tried and failed many many times but it's a battle you just have to keep chipping away at it and try to avoid these situations if at all possible.

sockmo · 09-07-2012, 20:31

I'm only on day 2...but dead serious about quitting for good this time as i've pretty much messed my entire life up with drink.Had a bit of an epiphany after a drunken argument with my ex over the weekend.

The problem is I've never lasted more than a week so I'm in fear that ill crack by the weekend.I've tried giving up many times before and I always crack by day 5..

The fact is I know Im an alco and I need to stop drinking for the sake of my baby son,Im 26 years old.I've lost jobs,friends,Vanity-wise Ive also become quite fat when i used to be skinny an handsome, and ive lost a lot of my sanity.

I look in the mirror and say "what the hell happened to you man?"

the answer is alcohol.

I know what I have to do

kerryted · 09-07-2012, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by sockmo

I'm only on day 2...but dead serious about quitting for good this time as i've pretty much messed my entire life up with drink.Had a bit of an epiphany after a drunken argument with my ex over the weekend.

The problem is I've never lasted more than a week so I'm in fear that ill crack by the weekend.I've tried giving up many times before and I always crack by day 5..

The fact is I know Im an alco and I need to stop drinking for the sake of my baby son,Im 26 years old.I've lost jobs,friends,Vanity-wise Ive also become quite fat when i used to be skinny an handsome, and ive lost a lot of my sanity.

I look in the mirror and say "what the hell happened to you man?"

the answer is alcohol.

I know what I have to do

well sockmo you have a great excuse to pack up the drink ,your young son, you are still very young and you can get back in to shape and get your life back on track . some people cant do moderation i was one of those and had to pack it up for good ,take it day by day and you wont find the weeks passing, there is life after alcohol, its there for you if you want it

hubba · 10-07-2012, 12:42

Hi Sockmo,

I'm impressed by your mail and there's something in the tone of it which really sounds determined which is half the battle. I wish you the very best in the days, weeks and months ahead. It's about quality of life at the end of the day and living your life as the real you, not some fake member of the herd, following along cos it's 'what everyone does'.

We only get one life and the way I see it is that I've tried the drinking scene for many years, gave it my best (!) but it just made me miserable, broke and tired. And that's not life, not for me anyway.

Again, best wishes, Sockmo and you can count on support here.

seanrose · 12-07-2012, 07:24

hi guys

long time since i posted on this thread but have still been looking in at it

The last time i posted was back in april,and decided to post again after having a horrible weekend where it has put me back to square one again
not that i lost anytime at work as such but just so so disappointed with myself for letting myself down by overdoing it and the usual blackout i used to have

its hurting me so bad that i continue not to learn from my mistakes about over indulging,that is what hurts me the most even though i try to drill it into what binging is doing to my body and mind.

I have been watching the show "blackout" on bbc and it brings home how one night of madness of alcohol can wreck your life,it may be a tv show but i am so aware these things can happen just as easily to me

i try to keep telling myself that this weekend was a blip but its very hard to get the negative feelings out of my head

thanks for listening

*TeddyTedson* · 13-07-2012, 17:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by sockmo

I'm only on day 2...but dead serious about quitting for good this time as i've pretty much messed my entire life up with drink.Had a bit of an epiphany after a drunken argument with my ex over the weekend.

The problem is I've never lasted more than a week so I'm in fear that ill crack by the weekend.I've tried giving up many times before and I always crack by day 5..

The fact is I know Im an alco and I need to stop drinking for the sake of my baby son,Im 26 years old.I've lost jobs,friends,Vanity-wise Ive also become quite fat when i used to be skinny an handsome, and ive lost a lot of my sanity.

I look in the mirror and say "what the hell happened to you man?"

the answer is alcohol.

I know what I have to do

I always find the first weekend is the hardest.
I feel great now and want to have a few drinks tonight and hit the town. I need to organise something for myself early tomorrow morning now so I stay off the drink.

realies · 14-07-2012, 16:55

Failing to plan is planing to fail ;-)

Varied · 14-07-2012, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by realies

Failing to plan is planing to fail ;-)

What did you do in your first few months? Did you go on trips? Take up hobbies? Genuinely interested as to how you filled your time.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

24-06-2012, 16:33	#301
realies Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: In my own little world. I like it here. Posts: 6,417 Adverts \| Friends	Remembering H.A.L.T. really helped me in the beginning (i.e. never allow yourself to get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired.) Definitely try eating something. Sometimes when we have cravings, it's actually a craving for food or water, not for alcohol. It's so important in the early days to keep our sugar levels stable so try to eat a little something (preferably healthy) every 3-4 hours. If you're angry, try going for a walk or some kind of exercise, journal about it, or start a gratitude list. It's amazing how quickly writing about what we're grateful for can change our frame of mind. If you're lonely, reach out to a friend or relative, volunteer, post here, watch TV or read something. What you do isn't as important as doing something, anything to get out of your own head to break the focus on being lonely. If you're tired, take a nap or lay down. Sometimes putting myself to bed was the only thing that would help me beat the cravings in the beginning, and I never regretted doing so in the morning. As we all know, drinking in the pub isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Remember also to fast forward to the end of the drinking night that sounds so appealing at the moment. How many of them left you feeling good about yourself afterwards ? Cravings are just cravings. They don't last forever and the longer you ride them through without giving in, the less frequent and intense they will become. Phew, what a relief that is to know. I've been sober over 3 years and honestly can't remember the last time I craved an alcoholic drink, yet there was a time I was convinced I could never live without Alcohol in my life. How wrong I was. Keep your eye on the prize--and you'll reach your BIG GOAL before you know it. You can all do it !

02-07-2012, 23:18	#303
TeddyTedson The Papa Doc Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 7,929 Adverts \| Friends	I haven't drank in over 2 weeks now. I know that doesn't sound like a lot. But that's now equal the longest I've gone all year. I think I'm feeling better because of it, although I am a little sick right now, if that makes any sense I don't drink too often, as in never during the week, but one I start I sort of lose control and can't stop. I'd like to still have a few drinks from time to time but I'll see how it goes. Mostly for social reasons. I keep getting invited out for drinks which is kind of annoying. I have to keep turning them down as I don't think I'd have the willpower to go to the pub for a few hours and not drink. Especially when people start putting pressure on. I also tend to drink waaaay to quick which is another problem, although I never get legless drunk. I do get a lot of black outs though. Earlier today I was thinking about the last few years and it really is a little hazy which is kind of scary!

03-07-2012, 23:10	#305
gillapino Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Dublin Posts: 219 Adverts \| Friends	Had one or two malibu and cokes and a cocktail two weeks ago on holidays, but besides from the odd one or two drinks very rarely , havent had any more then that in nearly 3 years

07-07-2012, 14:16	#306
Sappa Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 871 Adverts \| Friends	6 weeks roll on 6 months now.

08-07-2012, 23:51	#307
TeddyTedson The Papa Doc Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 7,929 Adverts \| Friends	So disappointed with myself for drinking yesterday. I drank so much that I haven't been able to get up all day because I feel physically sick and want to puke. I did a few stupid things also, but no where near my worst. There's too much social elements in my life that involve drinking. I was feeling great. Now I feel ** again. That's the problem. I feel so good that I feel a few drinks won't hurt. I really wish there was a pill I could take every day that would make me sick if I took a drink. In the morning I always am determined but then on a Saturday evening there's such a buzz I want to be in town and out and about. Anyway I rambling, but now I hope this time next week I'll be able to say I haven't drank in a week. I'm such a stupid **ing idiot for drinking. Actually I don't think I would have drank last night if I hadn't go a distressing phone call. It's things like that that can push you off the wagon.

09-07-2012, 20:31	#309
sockmo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 228 Adverts \| Friends	I'm only on day 2...but dead serious about quitting for good this time as i've pretty much messed my entire life up with drink.Had a bit of an epiphany after a drunken argument with my ex over the weekend. The problem is I've never lasted more than a week so I'm in fear that ill crack by the weekend.I've tried giving up many times before and I always crack by day 5.. The fact is I know Im an alco and I need to stop drinking for the sake of my baby son,Im 26 years old.I've lost jobs,friends,Vanity-wise Ive also become quite fat when i used to be skinny an handsome, and ive lost a lot of my sanity. I look in the mirror and say "what the hell happened to you man?" the answer is alcohol. I know what I have to do

10-07-2012, 12:42	#311
hubba Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 195 Adverts \| Friends	Hi Sockmo, I'm impressed by your mail and there's something in the tone of it which really sounds determined which is half the battle. I wish you the very best in the days, weeks and months ahead. It's about quality of life at the end of the day and living your life as the real you, not some fake member of the herd, following along cos it's 'what everyone does'. We only get one life and the way I see it is that I've tried the drinking scene for many years, gave it my best (!) but it just made me miserable, broke and tired. And that's not life, not for me anyway. Again, best wishes, Sockmo and you can count on support here.

12-07-2012, 07:24	#312
seanrose Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 59 Adverts \| Friends	hi guys long time since i posted on this thread but have still been looking in at it The last time i posted was back in april,and decided to post again after having a horrible weekend where it has put me back to square one again not that i lost anytime at work as such but just so so disappointed with myself for letting myself down by overdoing it and the usual blackout i used to have its hurting me so bad that i continue not to learn from my mistakes about over indulging,that is what hurts me the most even though i try to drill it into what binging is doing to my body and mind. I have been watching the show "blackout" on bbc and it brings home how one night of madness of alcohol can wreck your life,it may be a tv show but i am so aware these things can happen just as easily to me i try to keep telling myself that this weekend was a blip but its very hard to get the negative feelings out of my head thanks for listening

14-07-2012, 16:55	#314
realies Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: In my own little world. I like it here. Posts: 6,417 Adverts \| Friends	Failing to plan is planing to fail ;-)