quote:

On a related note, is it normal for my eyes to twitch like crazy all the time???

^^^^^^^
No.

Good video, but limited to acute withdrawal. If Otto hasn’t drank more than the two beers in the last three weeks, it’s perhaps less applicable. This video, however, explains post-acute withdrawal symptoms, which he is very likely dealing with, and is less commonly understood.

https://youtu.be/KS0FUQPCXOM?si=Ja0K5DzoyGbEoYc9

Gentlemen,

There’s a thread about a man who lost his son…

I don’t mean to make my troubles seem significant by posting here.

I’m doing good, I appreciate all y’all’s posts, the prayers, the emails.

I do think P220s willpower statement is sticking with me…I’m not too strong or too good to go get help, doing it on my own is probably a pretty ignorant go of it.

I’m confident now, even more so after slipping last weekend. I’m not so much keeping track of days now like I was…this is gonna be a lifetime change so counting was starting to make me feel like I was working towards and ending.

I do have way more eye twitching than I’ve ever noticed, annoyingly so, but the headaches are gone and so is my impatience it seems. I do feel less irritable, though I have always been somewhat short tempered just as a personality trait.

I’m gonna keep going and keep updating this thread as I see fit but I want to assure everyone, this is not a case where you guys have to hope, or wonder. I am gonna win this fight, there is no two ways about it.

Thank all y’all, sorry for letting y’all down before, but we’re heading in the right direction and nothing is stopping us now.

Checking on you, friend.

Not AA, but had my own junk to sort out - maybe everyone does.

I got a lot better, as a human being, by reading books, and prayer, etc - My friends helped - some of them got me out of some rather awful stuff.

It could be that I'm finally ready, but what has really helped, is going to a tiny church every Sunday.

I needed the eucharist, and the fellowship, and the time completely cut off from distraction/the outside.

I didn't understand that part, before. I always read about its importance, but never thought it applied to me - even though I respected the heck out of people who did write/speak of the vital aspect of Communion and Fellowship.

I THINK that's kinda how AA works.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Sort of. AA does have a religous element, but it is in the form of a higher power. Many alcoholics use the excuse of religion to not attend. There is another group that has religious elments and AA. It is called celebrate recovery. Hope this clarifies things.

I passed all my physical tests this morning.

11:10 1.5 miles, nothing compared to 30 year old me but my best by a full minute in recent history.

My wife and I are doing better overall. I’ve stopped feeling bad about my one hiccup and am considering my overall progress when determining my own initiative towards this effort.

Going camping with the family this weekend and while I’m sure I’ll wish I had a beer or drink around the fire on more than one night I’m also looking forward to falling asleep reading rather than drinking.

I’ve also become much more comfortable telling people I don’t want to drink. Before it was almost embarrassing, not sure how to describe the feeling but I’m more proud to say it now.

I still receive emails from a lot of you and I thank y’all very much.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

I’ve also become much more comfortable telling people I don’t want to drink. Before it was almost embarrassing, not sure how to describe the feeling but I’m more proud to say it now.

Being proud of this will become common place and seem like nothing. You’ll also find that many folks hold a different kind of respect for you for not drinking.
You also may be surprised at how many other folks don’t drink.

I started a poll here on Sigforum a few years back with the simple question of do you drink?
I was very very surprised at the number of folks who don’t drink. Far more folks than I ever would have expected and I believe Sigforum to be one of if not the most honest place on the internet. So I would say it was quite accurate.

We have never met but take to heart that I am proud of you and am praying for you.

quote:

Originally posted by Aglifter
I THINK that's kinda how AA works.

Nope.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
AA does have a religous element, but it is in the form of a higher power.

This is going to sound like a distinction without a difference, but I promise you there is a huge difference here and it’s important: not religious, spiritual. There are many agnostics and atheists in AA. You are right that drunks see “God” and use it as an excuse to not do the work.

How're you doing, sir?

Otto good to be continuing on. Every one has struggles with something at one point or another. Sometimes those can be life long.

I have not read every post and this is more obvious than most things.

But who you spend time with and where you spend that time is paramount to your success' or failure's.

Do not put yourself in situations that will lead to failure.
That can be tough because you may want to be there in support of others. But people will understand and life goes on.

Continued success for you.

Go to AA. Go every day and listen to and talk to all the people you can. You cannot kick this with willpower alone.
It will open your eyes and give you a wealth of education.
I'm speaking from experience my friend.

Otto, I have not been checking in for a while and just came across this. As an alcoholic myself, I did slip a few times a few years ago, I am sending you prayers for strength, guidance,healing, peace, and clarity. The hardest thing for me was the first 6 months. Blessings Friend!

This thread is helpful for me too Ottosig. Please keep at it.

I’m doing well, just the one slip up 3 weeks ago.

So that makes one evening of drinking in 7 weeks total.

I’ve been given the “green light” twice by my wife who doesn’t seem as invested as I am but I simply declined.

I’m good, thanks Dan, ORC, Mr. Grice. I appreciate all the support. Dan, I’ll respond to your email this weekend I promise.

I’m glad y’all are getting something out of it because I sure as heck am. The whole thread keeps me accountable, makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something more than not just drinking in a way.

I slipped once but haven’t come close since. I didn’t drink the whole time we were camping, not at the local wing sports bar on two occasions or the local brewery twice. I just drink my water or occasionally a 0% IPA.

Your wife giving you the green light has to be a tough one.

I’m pulling for you though.

I don't understand the "green light" refrance.

You are in my thoughts and prayers on a regular basis.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
I’m doing well, just the one slip up 3 weeks ago.

So that makes one evening of drinking in 7 weeks total.

I’ve been given the “green light” twice by my wife who doesn’t seem as invested as I am but I simply declined.

I slipped once but haven’t come close since.

Apparently, your wife trusts you more than you trust yourself.
It doesn't appear that the singular drinking event in 7 weeks was that detrimental however, I imagine your fear is that it could lead to worse.
Continued support for developing your own self-control.
Good Luck.

Your spouse is a good example of why AlAnon is needed.

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
Your spouse is a good example of why AlAnon is needed.

Very much agreed.
Otto, again I would very strongly recommended aa for you and certainly alanon for the missus. The education and resources therein will really help you.