Drinking wine for 35 years!

Posted by thecatlady644 @thecatlady644, Jun 8 8:52am

I am getting a plan together to quit. I've been reading all the posts on here to inspire me, and it's working, so thank you!! Any words of encouragement and how you did will be very much appreciated.

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jun 8 10:15am

@thecatlady644

Welcome to Mayo Connect. Good for you to recognize the need for change. I have also found the experiences and advice people have shared in this group have been extremely helpful. Stopping drinking is only the first step; from my personal experience, the ability to stay sober for an extended period of time is the toughest part. There are virtual and in-person support groups, and personal counseling is very beneficial.

I think trying to identify why you drink and what your triggers are important part of staying sober.

There are various tools online, but you might want to check out the Smart Recovery website, which has some helpful worksheets that may help you in your recovery journey:
https://smartrecovery.org/toolbox
You mentioned you have started a plan. Do you care to share what your plan is looking like?

az53 | @az53 | Jun 9 8:02am

Welcome. I’d say going to a couple of in-person AA meetings would be a good first step. Meet the people, share experiences and ideas. If for some reason you don’t think AA would work for you, then try something else. I have found that human connection, warmth and sharing is invaluable, and, frankly, quite enjoyable. Go for it.

diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | Jun 9 8:20am

Depending on how much you drink daily, you may want to talk to a doctor about medication to help you physically detox. Alcohol withdrawal can cause some serious issues. I would also suggest Alcoholics Anonymous. There are zoom meetings, and you don't have to say anything at all, either in person or an online meeting. Also, stay in the day. All I have to do is stay sober, today. You have taken the first step by reaching out on this site. It can be done, I promise.

dhbskier | @dhbskier | 5 days ago

I am sober only 7 1/2 weeks. Yes, even the half is super exciting. I have not been this present and healthy for several years. I do have an addiction counselor and I attend at least one meeting of something per week. I have also ventured to Buddhist recovery meetings, Dharma recovery meetings and Refuge Recovery meetings - an entirely different approach but very beneficial. You might look into those, especially if AA does not keep your devotion. I echo the thought above about Smart Recovery also. Every person is different so each of us will find success with different things. Connection with others is most important I find.

I do have thoughts of drinking and I just mentally push those thoughts to the side of the road. Successful so far! Everything in life we do starts with a thought.

You are worth it so I hope you keep on focusing on recovery.

diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | 5 days ago

In reply to @dhbskier "I am sober only 7 1/2 weeks. Yes, even the half is super exciting. I have..." + (show)

@dhbskier One day is a miracle for people like me. Congratulations on 7 1/2 weeks. That is incredible. I have thought about Dharma recovery. I am familiar with AA and it has worked for me, today. Honestly, it boils down to giving up control. Finding a power greater than me. The Universe is a power greater than me. Everyone has something greater than themselves. This time, I did NOT have thoughts of drinking. Maybe a fleeting flash, but I play the tape forward and remember what it was like. It is hard to get sober, easy to relapse. I do not ever want to be on that hell merry go round again. Good on you! Just for today!

thecatlady644 | @thecatlady644 | 5 days ago

In reply to @dhbskier "I am sober only 7 1/2 weeks. Yes, even the half is super exciting. I have..." + (show)

@dhbskier Thank you for your kind and inspiring words. Congratulations on your 7 1/2 weeks of sobriety. I admire your strength. It is exciting. I will look into Dharma recovery meetings and Refuge.

joeyjensen1959 | @joeyjensen1959 | 4 days ago

In reply to @dhbskier "I am sober only 7 1/2 weeks. Yes, even the half is super exciting. I have..." + (show)

@dhbskier every day counts...sometimes i have to do 1 min. At atime.
Its worth the work...think of how good your life can be when your clean.
Joseph

joeyjensen1959 | @joeyjensen1959 | 4 days ago

In reply to @diverdown1 "@dhbskier One day is a miracle for people like me. Congratulations on 7 1/2 weeks. That..." + (show)

@diverdown1 i attend NA once a week i have a home group...it helps.
I get my strenth from holding onto the iron rod that leads to the tree of life.
I ask for help when i cant do it alone.
Joseph

gj7 | @gj7 | 2 days ago

In reply to @dhbskier "I am sober only 7 1/2 weeks. Yes, even the half is super exciting. I have..." + (show)

@dhbskier Absolutely terrific!
That’s 7&1/2 weeks of daily miracles! Good for you!
Don’t drink… no matter what.
If I can help you in any way I would be glad to do so.. I’ve been sober for a long while.
Glad

diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | 1 day ago

In reply to @joeyjensen1959 "@diverdown1 i attend NA once a week i have a home group...it helps. I get my..." + (show)

@joeyjensen1959 I am familiar with you! I do not believe any of us can do it alone. I read a Daily Ponderable email every morning. If you are interested in receiving that, let me know. It has daily reflections from AA, NA, Native American, Buddhism, philosophers...etc. I can message you the email privately or if anyone else is interested, I can post it. I have read it every morning (it comes at 4:30 a.m. CST) for almost 6 years now.

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