BS: Quitting drinking

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 06 Jul 12 - 03:24 AM

Willpower plus the incentive that the range of my singing voice was 'shrinking', top down, bottom up (I was singing professionally at the time) eventually broke my smoking habit. But it took two years to achieve. I went 'cold turkey' with the drinking...one day I was, the next day I wasn't. As I said above, I attended AA & although I never uttered a word at the meetings, just being there was helpful. Additionally, I needed psychiatric support. There weren't Counsellors around in those days. What interests me is that the desire to smoke has left me completely, but the desire to drink alcohol has never completely gone away...I just don't give in to it. True to say, it does become easier with the passing years. So I'm with Ebbie on this one; willpower is a vital component in the process of staying sober, or quitting smoking, but willpower alone is probably expecting too much from the individual. There is so much help available these days that relying on willpower alone is risky & not necessary. Bring your willpower 'to the table', but willingly accept the help that is offered...grasp it firmly with both hands. And please remember, there is no shame attached to asking for help.
                                                       Nigel (30+ years sober & smoke-free!)

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 06 Jul 12 - 05:15 AM

I gave up the booze three years ago.
Like an earlier contributor, I felt I had no choice due to health problems - not related to alcoholism.
In short, I had a heart operation following a massive blood infection (which also gave me a mini-stroke) and eight weeks in hospital effectively dried me out.
Once out, I found that only a pint and a half of my favour beer would cause me to stumble or fall over, so I reasoned that if I couldn't enjoy it, I might as well give up. So I did. Call it will power, I call it boneheaded determination.

A few people have looked at me as some kind of pariah for letting the side down, but really, that's their problem.

A young performer with a drinking issue reasoned to me that you don't go into a pub because you're thirsty!

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Nigel Paterson
Date: 06 Jul 12 - 01:42 PM

Re-quoting from my Good Friend '9''s post above:"The disease of alcoholism may be compared to that of diabetes--while the individual is not responsible for developing the disease, he or she is responsible for carefully following a treatment program once they know they have it. As with other chronic diseases, the symptoms of alcoholism may "go away" with treatment, but the disease is still present in a controlled form. In other words, the disease is in remission as long as the alcoholic doesn't use alcohol. Although incurable and potentially fatal, it is important to remember that alcoholism is also among the most treatable of all chronic diseases."
          Speaking as an Alcoholic & a Diabetic, I know & understand the wisdom of those words. They encapsulate the core of the problem.
          Final words from '9': "One's too many and a hundred's not enough." Eight words worth memorising,
                   Nigel.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Wesley S
Date: 06 Jul 12 - 02:35 PM

One's Too Many by The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Well, I love my baby
But lovin' ain't enough
I try to keep her happy
But she wanna run around

[chorus]
Well her kiss is the best
Her touch is a must
One's Too Many and a hundred ain't enough

Well, I'm tryin' to decide
If I should let the girl go
She keeps knockin' me Down
And I keep comin' back for more

[chorus]

[Bridge]
Well tryin' to be nice
Is hard to do
When the girl your loving turns her back on you

One's Too Many and a hundred ain't not enough
One's Too Many and a hundred ain't not enough
One's Too Many and a hundred ain't not enough
One's Too Many and a hundred ain't not enough

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Stringsinger
Date: 06 Jul 12 - 05:56 PM

First, to recognize that alcohol is a drug and a poison to the body is a step.
Tobacco is another.

The next is to rely on the thirteenth step, away from the addiction of religion.
There are alternatives to AA.

Detox the body in whatever way you can. Stop drinking and eating stuff that is toxic period. It's a long journey but a worthwhile one.

It's not just a matter of will power but a commitment to find ways to eliminate
all toxicity in your life as much as you can. They accumulate.

Physical exercise, hanging out with the right people, changing your environment,
and above all, learning to be easy on yourself when changing habits. Diet fads don't work. Why? Because there's the element of guilt involved. Eliminate that also.

Prohibition didn't work because severe moral judgements were placed on the consumption of alcohol that had nothing to do with the recognition that it is toxic.
It is not a religious moral issue but a practical decision to respect body chemistry and stop abusing your body with poisonous substances.

As to the "addiction gene" I think that this can be overcome as we overcome other propensities we have for illnesses that may have a genetic basis. The "addiction gene" should never be used as a rationalization for drinking and eating toxic substances.

Alcoholism is a serious and deadly problem and I don't treat it lightly. It affects not only the user but everyone else around him/her.

Stop toxicity as much as you can and this will help.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,GUEST,I don't care to sign my name to this
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 06:45 PM

Day 15.

The withdrwal has been bothersome so far but not as bad as I had feared. Not near the shakes. I am thinking a bit more clearly. Numbness/pins & needles in one foot has decreased greatly. The slight night sweats are rare. After a week, I started sleeping more soundly though only for 5 to 6 hours in total at most. I still wake up in the morning (night) as if I am hung over but that clears for the most part in an hour or so. I am still bruising and bleeding very easily and blood flow is difficult to stem. Severe pains at times in the area of the kidneys but less frequent. The doc says it may take some time to get better, if it does (more tests to come). I am also smoking less.

I read the comments again entirely at least every few days. It has helped a great deal. Thanks to everyone who wrote comments. I did not seek help from AA or anywhere else. I figure it's simple in that I just can never drink again. I know that might seem stupid but I am going that way as long as I can because it's really up to me in the end of it all.

One more thing. I am amazed at how clean things are beginning to look. I can walk from the door all the way to the TV without stepping over or around anything. The dishes are done and put away. The stove and refridgerator and such are spotless. The floors are shiney. And so on. I am half way through a large book just by reading at bed time rather than surfing and watching TV and swilling liquor and that liquor is turning into 'extra cash'. The really amazing thing is that thess small things give me a boost, make me feel good, make me want to do more small things and to succeed over time.

Okay. That's enough prattling on.

Thanks to all of you for helping me. You really did help and are still helping every time I read this topic.

Special thanks to you. You know who you are.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Wesley S
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 07:17 PM

As the toxic chemicals leave your body there is a good chance you'll experience what some call a "pink cloud". Enjoy it for what it is.

There are still land mines in the road. Emotional and otherwise. Just remember - "Wherever you go - there you are". It might be a good idea to look into the reasons why you wanted to drink to excess in the first place. Best of luck in the future. PM me anytime you like.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 07:32 PM

Guest/IDCTSMN, please do "prattle on". I love the paragraph just above that statement. And who knows- that might be the very sentiment that pushes someone else in the direction s/he needs to go.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 11:02 PM

I've never had either drinking or drug issues, but they run in my family, and I've had other compulsive behavior issues. The hardest thing is recognizing the problems for what they are.
It is easy to miss the elephant in the room, and this can go on for decades. It's also easy it to believe you are dealing with the problem when you are not.

In addition to being addicted to the behaviors, we become addicted to lying, We lie to our families and friends, and they lie to us. Then they lie for us, and we lie for them. And all along, we lie to ourselves. After a while, the lies start to make us feel better than the habit itself. It's not enough to stop the behavior, the lying must stop, as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 12:54 AM

GUEST,GUEST,I don't care to sign my name to this

You seem to be doing OK. I am very glad to read that.

Best of luck and God Bless,

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 01:24 AM

I'm still on the wagon. Four and a bit weeks now. Last week, I felt strong enough to buy a nice bottle of single malt and put it in the cupboard, where it stays unmolested.

That felt important to me that I was able to do that. You have actually to choose to exclude the stuff from your life - costhe stuff is everywhere. At least heroin addicts have to go secret places and meet criminals to get their drug of choice.

Anyway, wish me luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 01:35 AM

Good Luck Al.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Megan L
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 02:25 AM

Well done Guest and Al different people have different needs and experiences keep going and may success be yours.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 02:39 AM

All the luck in the world to you, Big Al. And enjoy!

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,Frank
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 02:51 AM

Keep your strength up.

On a lighter note, it reminds me of the time I gave up Women for the bottle.

Took me two days to get my dick out of the bottle neck.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 04:53 AM

Yeah! And it was a 2 quart dill pickle jar!

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Beer
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 06:47 AM

Support comes in many different ways. Some of which you will find here. The very best of luck to you Big Al.
Adrien

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 07:08 AM

Yo buddy... just read your post. Glad to hear things are going okay.

Wesley's suggestion is a good one. Even if you "know" the reasons, writing them all down and reading them from time to time, as you have done with this thread, may help too, if you haven't done it already. A relative of mine once told me that he did that and also wrote after each one whether or not booze helped the actual problem or situation in the short and long terms. There were very few "yesses" and those were only short in the short term.

Big Al... my relative also told me that he said to himself many times "today is the day but I'll pick up some beer to have on hand just in case I can't do it". He never, not even ONE of those days, did it. I hope your mileage varies (not that I am saying that's why you picked up a bottle). His saviour was AA... helped by the fact that he had a wife and four small boys and didn't want to lose them.

I know you are keeping to yourself lately but you know you can email me any time. Good luck with the doc and their tests. And, if you are in town and feel the need to clean something.....

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Elmore
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 08:26 AM

Best of luck to Big Al.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: gnu
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 10:55 AM

Guest @ 19 Jul 12 - 07:08 AM was me. Had to reboot using the on/off and forgot to reset my cookies. The new energy saving options don't always work as advertised.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 12:00 PM

I also reread the thread and am sorry to have inserted non-germane stuff, so have asked a mudelf to remove my posts that weren't on topic. If you're re-reading this you don't need those reminders.

I'm not drinking wine now because of allergies, but I'm not drinking much of anything else now because it precipitates some of the ankle swelling that tends to happen to me in hot weather if I haven't been drinking enough water. Swollen feet and ankles are uncomfortable, and are my body's way of telling me to drink more water.

Good luck, un-named Guest.

SRS

---Requested posts removed by mudelf

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,JACKDAD
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 04:54 PM

My last cigarette was smoked about 1950 (I'm 89 years old) and my lasting memory was being aware of a strange taste in my mouth when I woke in the morning. The strange taste was the absence of tobacco tar. Last July I had a short stay in a hospital because of a blood situation and my doctor suggested that I give up drinking because of alcohol being an irritant to the digestive system. I followed his suggestion and it was the first time since I was 17 years old that I abstained (that is other than a 27 day voyage aboard a US Navy ship).
I am keeping the bottlers of cranberry and grapefruit juices in a profitable condition. Good luck to all of you trying to toss a habit.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: MikeL2
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 05:18 AM

Hi Big Al

You have my best wished and mental support in your quest.

It sounds as if you are well on the way to beating it. Keep it up.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,Anonymous regular
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 09:38 AM

Hey fellow no-name...
Day 15?
Well done.
I am just ahead of you at day 31.
I don't give a damn whether it is genetic or I am "weak" or just an asshole.
Sometimes it really sucks (usually in the evening).
But every morning I wake up and say "thank the universe" I made it through yesterday sober.
In the evenings when it gets tough, I think about that happy moment in the morning, and how rotten I will feel if I blow it.
No AA for me...not a group-joining person at all.
Have wanted to do this for YEARS!
Tried before - failed.
I finally read everything I could on the awful effects on health.
Now I am mentally conditioning myself...I repeat hundreds of times a day under my breath that alcohol is a poison that is (was!?!) ruining my life.
My brain seems to be getting the message.
Please post again whether you are making it or not.
I want to know.
I'm rooting for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 12:39 PM

Living in the heart of downtown as I do, I am reminded constantly of one of the effects of addiction: Death. This year alone, three of the habitues of the street scene whom I knew in the sense of 'howdying', have died. Separately. And alone. The police report always says "No foul play suspected. Alcohol related."

I am aware that 'respectable' alcoholics in their comfortable homes are quite different from the drunks sleeping in the doorways of the street but often the main difference is time.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 01:56 PM

That is so sad, Ebbie, but you are right. Anyone could end up like that,

I would like to say my son seems to be doing a good job of staying sober AND has just been hired for a full-time job in his field. The journey to get to the point where his head was on straight and he felt worthy of caring for himself, has been long and tough, I give thanks this is the beginning of his new chapter in life sans booze.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 02:20 PM

I went on a calorie counting diet a couple of years ago. I found that at 100 calories minimum per 1.4 ounce drink, drinking can be a major source of calories.

Now when I do drink, it effects me more. I get drunker quicker. the taste and smell bother me more. I am certainly tapering off. Maybe I will quit completely at some point. I don't enjoy small amounts of drink (1 to 2 ounces of liquor) nearly as much as moderate amounts, (4-8 ounces over an evening) and the calorie hit is getting harder and harder to justify. Of course any decent beer or wine is much worse at 150- 250 calories for the same amount of alcohol.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 10:58 AM

Me and a mate often discuss the fact that neither of us are good at moderation. We have no issues with abstinence. We don't suffer any ill effects from lack of alcohol yet the presence of it does not seem to significantly affect our lives outside the pub or bottle!

We have both ranged from 10+ units per day over extended periods - Weeks maybe rather than months and have both been on the wagon for up to a year. I am currently, for health and financial reasons, limiting myself to a a couple of bottles of wine over the weekend and a pint and a half at the folk club on Monday. I am sure if I went above this I would be on 10+ a day again but what we have both come to the conclusion is that there is a very fine 'trigger' between doing it and over-doing it! None of us are the same and that trigger varies wildly from person to person.

Good luck to anyone who can find what their trigger is and can stay below it.

Funnily enough I have found the same with smoking - I smoked for years and stopped for years and then went on stopping and starting until I found that if I can limit my smoking to one pack of 10 Mehari Sweet Orient cigars a year - Yes, a year, usually in February, and have, oddly enough, a couple of Sobranie cocktail cigarettes at Christmas (Pink and Turquoise are my colours of choice. No I am not a poofter...) then I will go no further. That has been the cycle for 3 years now but I do know if the cycle is changed I will be back on the weed. Hopefully I will, eventually, find the same level with the pop as well.

Good luck all who are making their and other peoples lives better.

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 11:32 AM

"...Sobranie cocktail cigarettes..." DtG

What are those? Or is that a euphemism?

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: David C. Carter
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 12:23 PM

Ebbie,it is not a euphemism.They are usually all sorts of colors,with a gold tip.
They also make Black Russian,black,with a gold tip.They can be quite expensive.


David

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: kendall
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 12:40 PM

Alcohol addiction is a strange thing. Every one of my 4 brothers had or has a drinking problem. My Father was a drunk, yet none of my sisters drank, and I can take it or leave it.

I can only speak from personal experience about nicotine addiction; and I firmly believe that will power will not do it. A Starfish and an Oyster come to mind. The Oyster is stronger than the Starfish, but the Starfish can apply steady pressure which eventually will tire the Oyster and it will open to be eaten. Will power is strong but habit and desire are stronger, and if all you have is will power you will likely fail.

You must want to quit. That is the only thing that will work. I stopped smoking 15 years ago, and on rare occasions I want a cigarette, but not enough to smoke one. The reason, I don't want to be a smoker, and all I have to do is put my mind on something else.

Good luck to the person who started this thread. Remember, you must WANT to quit.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 02:35 PM

I had a long post mostly written yesterday and decided not to send it. Primarily because I only understand alcoholism from the outside looking in. Tobacco addiction, I understand, but I lack whatever receptors some people have that makes the effects of alcohol so pleasant. I like having a drink sometimes, but it's like eating cheesecake: a little is fine, more is too much, and I don't really care if I don't have any for a while.

There are folks who will give you advice based on their own beliefs and prejudices. Avoid them and find what will help you. For one thing, I'm an atheist and I could still find a way to use AA's 12 steps. Make things work for YOU.

Some ideas I believe are right and helpful no matter what the details of your addiction:

Don't sabotage yourself. If having booze around makes you want to drink, don't have it around. If being in situations makes you want to drink, don't go there. Same with friends you can't hang around with without drinking. I never though people could be that selfish and stupid, but I've seen it: the folks who ask if you want a drink and, when you say "no thanks" try to convince you to have one anyway. Just say "no" and lose the friends if you have to.

Later on when not drinking and saying "no" become more of a habit, you may feel more confident in such situations. For now, if you find yourself saying "I know I'm strong enough to resist," consider it's not much different from saying "HEY Y'ALL--WATCH THIS!!!" Just be careful in the beginning.

Do anything and everything that can help you stop. Support groups can help. AA, I firmly believe, can help whether you're religious or not. Don't look for excuses not to use available help. Ask your doctor. Tell friends and family and be honest with them. Lying is something addicts do as a matter of habit. Find something else to do instead of drink: no, not another drug. Take walks, go to the gym, play with the dog, write, draw, make things, anything healthy that you enjoy.

Think sober. When I quit smoking, I had this thing I repeated whenever I got an urge: "No, I don't do that anymore." From what I understand (which means "what I've been told") many addicts find "never again" too frightening, so it's "one day at a time." Shut it down for that day. Think "I'm not going to have a drink today". Then repeat as necessary.

As long as you don't give up trying to succeed, you can't fail. Many addicts (most?) don't succeed the first time we try. Most of us have to fuck up enough so we really understand what happens to make us fuck up. You may never have another drink. If you do, it's not a reason to stop trying. Being sober is a process, not an outcome. There were 20 years between the first time I quit smoking and the time I finally quit. I think it took me so long because I wasn't very motivated. I hope you're successful much quicker than I was. Just don't give up.

Finally, use whatever tactics work best for you.   I wish you the best. I won't say "good luck" because luck has nothing to do with it. I wish you strength, and wisdom, and good people in your life to be there when you need them.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 03:16 PM

perhaps works for some people, but not for me.

On Tuesday - it will be five weeks. The reason that it seems to be working is that it seems to be working.

I had an awful lot of day ones, before I managed day two - or night two in my case.

I could be swimming in a lake of single malt - without wanting a mouthful. I just can't face the idea of being on that day one again, and waiting for whatever it took to sweep me onto day two.

Thanks for the messages of support. I appreciate them - I really do.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: kendall
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 03:28 PM

What Jeri said is true, and I will add, people who try to talk you into "One drink" are not friends. Lose them.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: gnu
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 03:49 PM

Jeri... "Being sober is a process, not an outcome."

I like the whole post but I like that quote best!

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 04:29 PM

Oh yea - One thing I forgot that really can make things easier. Sounds daft but if you can manage to convince yourself that you are a non-drinker, non-smoker or non-whatever that has just been down the wrong path for a while it does to something to your head! Probably just the power of auto-suggestion but it did seem to work for me on occasions.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Joe_F
Date: 21 Jul 12 - 08:47 PM

For one dear friend of mine, it sufficed to refrain from keeping the stuff in his house. If he wanted, say, one beer with dinner, he went out, bought one bottle, and brought it home. When he visited me, he could have two or three, knowing that when he went home the rest would stay here. That was only one of the ways I was useful to him. %^)

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,anon reg
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 12:00 AM

Big Al-
You nailed it.
Now that I am several weeks in, it would be hell to be at day one again.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 12:39 AM

"The Oyster is stronger than the Starfish, but the Starfish can apply steady pressure which eventually will tire the Oyster and it will open to be eaten."

But what about the Seagull. When I have a problem, I try to get as high as I can so that I can drop it on a rock.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: gnu
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 05:28 AM

But, if you are too high, you can't tell if those are real seagulls or seagulls painted on the road*.

This is done where seagulls are dropping shellfish on roadways... Canso Causeway, for example.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Stringsinger
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 11:42 AM

The problem is not just alcoholism but the propensity for addiction.

That has to do with a state of mind. Therapists can help with this provided they do not put you on drugs (no SSRI's).

Stop eating sugar, soy products, processed foods, breads, any flesh, limit if not keep off of dairy products and learn to love fresh fruits and vegetables.

I'd go a step further and recommend a raw food program.
There are books available on how to do this.

You'll be surprised at how you really can condition yourself to enjoy fruits and vegetables, and want to exercise healthfully.

This may seem extreme to you but it can be entirely comfortable and make you happy. It's a matter of reconditioning your mind and body.

Forget the diet programs. Stay off all drugs.

Don't beat yourself up. A reconditioning program takes time and treating yourself well. You don't have to become an ascetic and punish yourself.

Moderate exercise is important. Don't go for the "Insanity" workout. Even athletes develop problems over time.   Be sensible about how much your body can handle.

Being thin doesn't mean you are healthy. Check out Jim Fixx. A flat stomach doesn't necessarily mean a healthy body. Don't buy into the hype that you have to look sexy like a movie star. They are not necessarily and for the most part not healthy people.

We eat and drink primarily because of our cultural habits which involve other people. We can change this.

Ya' gotta' do a complete overhaul but it can be done without pain.

It seems extreme but it really is fulfilling and brings happiness.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 12:40 PM

Stringsinger.

You are talking utter bollocks

We eat and drink primarily because of our cultural habits

I think you'll find that it's mostly because we'd die if we didn't.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: kendall
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 02:05 PM

It's been 15 years without a smoke, and I still have bad dreams in which I smoke a cigarette and wake up horrified that I fell off the wagon.
For years after I quit I told myself "I don't want to be a smoker", and I think that helped.

It's almost time for my shot of Scotch.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: gnu
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 03:12 PM

"Raw." No way! Every week or two I read about more beasties in raw veggies and undercooked whatever. Recalls and people getting VERY ill... two bad bouts of it in my small province in a few months. I used to LOVE salads and coleslaws and blood rare steak and such. Now, EVERYthing gets cooked. Still gotta have medium-rare steak, though... I can only go so far. >;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 04:15 PM

Ed protested

You are talking utter bollocks

We eat and drink primarily because of our cultural habits

I think you'll find that it's mostly because we'd die if we didn't.

You know perfectly well he was talking about our food choices and how we prepare it. And he's right - much of the processed food available today is very unhealthy. Just cooking from scratch is going to remove a lot of the toxic stuff. And if you're busy cooking you don't have as much time to worry about drinking.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 04:36 PM

I wouldn't say that Stringsinger's post is "bollocks." But I don't think it is on topic.

"Stop eating sugar, soy products, processed foods, breads, any flesh, limit if not keep off of dairy products and learn to love fresh fruits and vegetables."

Is not a medically recognized treatment for addiction.   If you are going to "learn to love" something why not just learn to love moderation?

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: kendall
Date: 22 Jul 12 - 05:27 PM

I never order salads in a restaurant. Cooked foods only. I don't know where their hands have been or when they washed last.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,A nameless member today
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 04:05 PM

As of today I'm 19 years clean and sober.So it can be done.Good luck guest.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 07:33 PM

Do you know the real reason the Chicken crossed the road?

To prove to the woodchuck that it really could be done.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 09:40 PM

Huh? (100)