Yesterday was 2 months.

I'm feeling good, I will admit I was fairly "numb" the first few weeks, maybe even until just recently.

Dealing with the absence of the happy to sad to happy roller coaster of drinking everyday to mask emotions was tough. It was hard to deal without the induced happiness daily. Almost as though THAT was the addiction.

I've learned a little about what to do to make me happy, reading a book in the evenings, completing a little project. It's still a work in progress as sometimes I just find myself looking for that quick happiness high almost.

But I'm good overall. Liking my physical feeling better everyday and y sleep in improving with the assistance of the CPAP. I'm doing WAY better at work, still probably not up to my full potential but certainly better than what the after effects of a night of drinking most certainly had on my performance.

I've responded to a lot of the emails but most likely not all of them. Thanks Gentlemen. Love you guys.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: OttoSig,

It'll only stick if you want it to. And health certainly stretches beyond alcohol consumption. I don't know your situation, or how much you were drinking, but "cold turkey" is rough for a lot of people. Seek help wherever you are comfortable, you've done that here.

Don't be to hard, or to easy on yourself. Listen to people, be reasonable, and realize that permanent changes take time.

Quit drinking almost 3 years ago. Not in a “hi my name is Chris……” way but still not easy.

For me, and I know this is going to sound stupid, especially considering I am FAR from a religious man and I imagine I am one of the Lord’s bigger disappointments as far as his stupid monkeys go but I made a promise to God, and that promise or God or the universe…..helped.

Just take it one day at a time and just get to that point where going back throws away too much effort.

Hang in there.

Chris

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
My son told me he’s scared for how I take care of myself. So tonight I poured out all the bottles and told him I wouldn’t drink again.

40 years old, bad back and 225 lbs

I’ll update this thread with progress.

Maybe y’all can hold me accountable.

If you fall off the wagon, it's OK. Climb back on it. Nobody's perfect. Start to enjoy not being burnt out after a heavy night of drinking. Start to really enjoy the improvement in mental acuity you will get back after a couple of weeks. It will continue to improve FYI. Best of luck to you.

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
If you fall off the wagon, it's OK.

Is it? Is this what the man needs to hear right now?

I ask in earnest. It seems to me that such a statement implies that at some point, it's expected for him to go on a bender and therefore serves to practically guarantee such an occurrence.

I am the least disciplined person you know.
If I can lose 100 lbs. In a year,
You can cut it the booze.

Congratulations on making a good decision that will make your quality of life much better.

If your son asked you to do it, it's bothering him more than you know. Stick this one out, man...your kid deserves to have you healthy and in his life for years to come. It may be a daily fight, but it's worth the effort.

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
If you fall off the wagon, it's OK.

Is it? Is this what the man needs to hear right now?

I ask in earnest. It seems to me that such a statement implies that at some point, it's OK for him to go on a bender and therefore serves to practically guarantee such an occurrence.

Good question Para. I don't know anyone that quit drinking and stayed "quit" without a relapse or two. A relapse is not always a bender. Having a cocktail or two and waking up the next day, even with no hangover, without realizing what just happened is a pretty big problem. Accepting that you're not perfect and getting right back on the wagon is essential to getting booze free. Feeling guilty is counter productive. Liking not feeling like crap and liking improved mental acuity is also essential to getting booze free. That attitude worked for me and continues to work for me. I'm not totally alcohol free but enough that I never buy booze and turn down a beer or cocktail after golfing or work.

Wouldn't it be better to say that you're likely going to fall off the wagon, but just because statistics show that it's likely does not mean it's OK? Otherwise, it's like having "sick days" in reserve, just waiting to be used.

I understand the rationale: don't make someone feel bad when they fail to achieve a goal, because then, they may just give up. Well, if feeling bad about stumbling is enough to make someone give up, they would fail anyway. If their grasp of what they wish to achieve is that tenuous, something will cause them to give up anyway.

You told your son you won’t drink again. That would be great motivation for me. You don’t need alcohol and you are going to feel great without it. You can do this.

Go 30 days; if that doesn’t work seek assistance.

If you’re drinking a lot right now, say daily you can’t stop cold turkey without risk. (I just spent two weeks with somebody who was late stage alcoholic. If they quit that day, they would’ve died.)


Otherwise, it could just be a choice you make in your life. Best of luck.

James, I wish you the best in this endeavor. You’re super intelligent and capable. Quitting drinking and getting back in shape should be an easy task for you.
Kick ass, take names, and keep us updated!

You have my number, hit me up anytime.

Don't forget to replace the "thing you do" during the "time you did it". Meaning if you did it two hours every night, find something else to do, that eats up that time. Or you'll be sitting around thinking how nice it would be to have a beer or whatever.

In other words, it may well not be a chemical addiction (I hope it is not), but it is almost certainly a habit, for many/most of us. Changing habits is best done consistently and with new alternatives to replace them.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: r0gue,

Addiction is a terrible thing…

Please get help. It can only increase your chances of long term success since you have previously tried.

I will say a prayer for you sir…

Gimme a call, man.

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
I don't know anyone that quit drinking and stayed "quit" without a relapse or two.

*Raises hand*

Now you know one. Relapse isn't required.

My brother in law quit a 4-5 pack a day cigarette habit 25-30 years ago, and drinking 20ish years ago after his brother died from an alcohol related illness. Both cold turkey. To the best of my knowledge, he never touched either again. I remember him on vacation drinking Coors light all day, every day. 30 pack day. Never seemed drunk.
With him, it was 100% mental. Make a decision, and don’t look back.

Best of luck to you, and stay strong!

Best wishes and good luck to you!

Working on your health will improve all facets of your life...you will not regret it. Good luck!

I applaud you decisions & actions! I stopped in January and don't regret it one bit.

I Haven’t had a drank in 17 years now.
You can do it my friend. I don’t miss it in the slightest.
You and I are the same age and my back isn’t the happiest either. So I feel you.
I am pulling for you my friend. You can do it. As a father myself I know there is not a thing I would not do for my boys if possible.
That will likely be your greatest motivator.