My story doesn’t compare to most of yours, but here it goes … I was never a big drinker until a few years ago. I retired from the military, after 21 yrs serving, 3 years ago. I was able to go months and months at a time with out a drink (depending on my job and location). I was stationed in a place, 5 years ago, that was “party central” and been drinking ever since. I’m now a stay at home puppy mom and house wife. My husband and I always enjoyed relaxing drinks after he came home from work. We would each easily go through 6-8 mixed drinks each or/and 2 bottles any given night (even work nights). I (being home all day by myself) would usually start about 1:00 in the afternoon before he got home at 4:00. The only times we wouldn’t drink would be if we were hungover, but as soon as the hungover was over it was business as usually. I decided to stop drinking are for the following reasons 1) my oldest brother just went through a liver transplant; due to excessive drinking 2) I’m tired of throwing up (on occasion when I drank way too much). 3) I’m tired of the hangovers and being completely useless when I am. 4) I’m tired of the weight gain from it and how I look bc of the drinking. I can easily quit for 2-3 days and then I start craving one and yes, I can just do one glass of wine or a mixed drink a day … but if I do any more of than that then it’ll be hard to stop. My hubby knows I’m trying and I have his much support but he’s still drinking as usual. We have liquor and wine all over the house and we are part of a “wine of the month club.” I crave it the most when I’m sitting around the house and I need a little pick me up. Am I an alcoholic if I can stop (not all the time, but possible) at just one? I need this group because I’m not a “social” person and I don’t have many friends near me. I’m not going to tell my family or the friends I do have because, I hate failure and the more people who know the more people I have failed. Plus, my family and so close friends don’t know how much I / we drink … I am currently on 3 … Thank you all for your support and I wish you all the best of luck!
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m elated to see you here and to hear that you’re making an effort to better yourself! Alcoholism is (like many other addictions) a social disorder. It will eventually cut you off from the ones you love and negate any productivity you may aspire to. The key, from what I’ve experienced and read, is connection. It is extremely therapeutic to connect with people and fall into a social routine. Not only to help yourself but to influence the people you encounter. The feeling of good that you get from treating other people the right way is excellent fuel for sobriety! I’ve been to a really rough side of the world involving violence, and danger all too often so I grew a very thick skin and have been terribly rude and indecent to everyone I meet so in an effort to reconnect I ordered some rubber bracelets that just say “Be Nice, Asshole”. It may seem small but it reminds me what I’m here for and what my goal is. It’s such a struggle to know when it’s acceptable to hurt feelings and when I’m just being my old self but a short moment of consideration can clear it up quickly. Soo my point is, when you want to drink, connect with someone you know. Just start a conversation. Ask about their kids, pets, or whatever there is, just occupy yourself caring for that person sincerely and you’ll find that it’s possible to turn down a drink!
We’re all proud of your efforts! Keep on trying darlin!
Im agree, you are brave. That is for sure. Thank you for your sharing, i can relate to many things . I hated myself for a long time to cover up my addictions from my family. In the end i had to . That day it was the badest day i ever had. But now i dont regret it at all . For me it was i had to let go of my secret . I belive you can do it , its not a failure maybe u can feel that way at that point. IT will change, litle by litle . Be kind to your self
Firstly, best not to minimise your story I think. There will always be someone whose drinking is worse than yours, and for me that was a reason not to stop! If it’s having an impact on you and it bothers you, it’s a problem.
It seems like you are doing amazingly, especially if your husband drinks around you. I would find that difficult. Keep up the good work and get all the support and information you can to keep strong.
@Miguel thanks for your words. I’ll be 4 days in 2 hrs … congrats on your day 3, soon you will be on day 4 as well! I’ve read that the first 72 hrs are the hardest … we did it! 
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@Luke_Jacob_Carroll thank you so much for your insight. My problem is that I’m pretty much a introvert when I’m sober, but when I’m drunk I’m the biggest extrovert! Lol I personally dislike my mother and the only way I can talk to her on the phone is under the influence… ugh!! I love your idea of the bracelet, where can I get one? ️
@Cobaltchris I don’t drink half the amount as my husband or family does. Actually when I see them drunk and I watch them stumble and slurring their words, it makes me not want to drink. I feel like I need to be sober and take care of them. It’s when I’m by myself usually is when I crave it the most. Liquor gives me the drive to do stuff around the house and gets me off my butt from the couch! Lol Thank you for your kind word. I wish you every new day filled with strength yourself ️
@alexmel you’re awesome for understanding, I did the same thing. My husband called us functioning alcoholics. We were able to get up the next day (even though barely functioning) and go through our day or do projects around the house while buzzed. I used to watch “intervention” to feel better about myself (of course with a drink in my hand). I finding myself escaping in to another room when my husband has had a few; I don’t want to be a “mom” and I want to remain strong … stay strong are the words I find most often in my head. I have signed up for a knitting class and I have started reading books again so my mind stays off the wine in the wine cooler … stay strong! ️
@Oliverjava thank you so much for the link to the video; it was very inspiring to watch. Your words hit the mark. I had a bad relationship with alcohol; we just didn’t get along anymore so I needed to break up with it. Even though I miss how it used to make me smile and laugh at the stupidest stuff; it would soon leave me filled with guilt and sad that I can’t act like that sober … I’m slowly learning to and it’s feeling great and I feel so much better … stay strong! ️
I custom ordered about 50 of them! Lol I’d mail you one but exchanging addresses over the Internet is dangerous. I had them made by “Wristbandbros.com”
@Luke_Jacob_Carroll Very true!!! Thanks! ️