So 11 days. That is amazing. Haven’t been alcohol free this long for years. I mean I have, but it has been kinda forced, where there have been no opportunities to drink, like I’m alone with the kids for couple of weeks(I’ve always refused to drink even 1 when I am solely responsible for them).
I mean I haven’t been sober this long on my own, when I have had every opportunity to drink for these two weeks.
Sooooo. Here’s the dilemma.
I’ve fought every urge and managed to find comfort in other things at the evenings, like video games. But now, my children are going away for the night on the weekend, and I feel my mind slipping. I crave it so much and I find myself desperately looking for every excuse to drink. The cravings were easier to brush off, but last couple of days alcohol has been on my mind 24/7.
The only real answer is not to drink. How you replace it comes from your own viewpoint. “Think it through” works for me. I know drinking doesn’t help the reason I decide to drink. Sometimes I take a walk, watch a movie, scribble pics, read, text someone who knows, fill out threads in this forum, in another forum. Every craving is protected by something. Many times, I have to try many things before it leaves my mind.
Try to focus on the problems that you really don’t want to do that you know you should do and would move the needle in your life:
Is there cat litter that needs to be changed?
A toilet that needs to be scrubbed?
A mouse entry-hole that needs to be repaired?
I’m deliberately picking things no sane person would enjoy doing. That always takes me way way way out of the craving mindset. I don’t know why, but it works. It’s just hard to get after it, but it works for me. I think it’s because it breaks the comfy-cozy-want-to-escape mindset.
I hear you friend. Do anything, or nothing at all, as long as it doesn’t involve a drink. I am in the thick of it right now, and am choosing to 1. not drink, 2 connect with a higher power, 3. accept my situation as the way it is supposed to be, 4. watch a movie, 5. get to a recovery meeting today!
Get yourself to a meeting on the evening the kids are gone, and tell the people there you are struggling. Being sober by avoidance and distraction alone works only for short periods of time, in my experience. Being sober by specifically growing sober thinking, attitudes and actions, now that’s the good stuff!
Blessings on your house as you establish your path.
Your disease patiently waits for that day when you can “get away” with it. Your brain reverts back to when “sneaking” the drink was a fun challenge. Nobody will know… just one last time. Alcoholism is so devious and destructive. That one drink flips the switch and illuminates the phenomenon of craving. So strong and patient. Don’t pick up that sucker drink ! YOU CANT GET DRUNK WITHOUT IT !!!
Why torture yourself by thinking about it over and over and over.
If the question comes up, tell it no, even shout out out loud. Each time you say no, the voice inside gets weaker. You might have to tell it a lot at first but just keep saying no and find something else to do instead of killing yourself with alcohol and depression
Hey there! Its Saturday today and I read that u were feeling uneasy about ur children leaving for the night on the weekend. How are you doing since u posted? Have u prepared an action plan to help get thru any potential cravings? We are here for u. Stay connected as much as possible if need be.
as you establish your path.
