BS: Quitting drinking

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 06:39 AM

Bloody hell mate! the idea of having the drink was to cheer yourself up!

So the day one stategy didn't work for you. Obviously its a bit of a fucker starting again, using a satnav that didn't get you where you wanted last night.

What I always loved about being an entertainer was the fact that however dysfunctional and resentful my relationship with an audience was - the next day you were somewhere else - with a new lot of people who hated you, or loved you.

What I mean is - the days of your life are like one night stands. Theres no need to get involved with the ones that fuck you up. Change the sheets, have a shower, new set of guitar strings and away you go.

Try and look at it a different way. As a fraction. Forty five forty sixths of the last few days have been perfect. Perhaps you can aim for forty six forty sevenths!

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: gnu
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 11:47 PM

Those last posts made me cry. I wish I had words of wisdom to add.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 10:54 PM

A Mudcatter friend and I decided that the phrase should properly be: One step each time.

And you know what? I don't think any one of us here is disappointed with you and your experience. After all, it is addiction; if it were easy to quit, it wouldn't be an addiction.

Life goes on, and so do you. Hugs to you, man.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 09:57 PM

Good post, Jeri. Unnamed guest, the drink happened, you regret it, now get up and move forward. You've done quite a good job on your own, all things considered. You can continue in that direction.

I haven't had any beer or wine (or other alcohol) for quite a few weeks now. I decided to leave it out of my diet because I finally figured out it was contributing to edema in my ankles and pain in my feet. They've been fine since I stopped. I don't know if this is seasonal, I'm not going to add it back again any time soon.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 09:43 PM

My first post and last underlined thingie about "don't give up".

The worst thing you can do now is be pissed off at yourself and quit trying. You fell. Get back up.

Also, nobody has to be happy all the time. It's ok to vent. Giving up drinking is, I think, a little like saying goodbye to an old friend. It's a friend that beats you up and steals your money routinely, but a friend.

This is a disease. You can be mad at the disease, but you, you did good for quite a while, and you've learned about yourself. Let that help you, and forget "guilt". Especially if guilt makes you think "I suck. Might as well just give up..."

What would you tell a friend who was going through this?

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: maeve
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 09:13 PM

So you're not perfect. You're disappointed in yourself. You are worth every effort you can put into this transformation. You can do it...

one...step...at...a...time. Every day is a new day. Each minute is an opportunity.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,GUEST, I don't care to sign my name to this
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 08:59 PM

Well, I am pissed and pissed off. Yup. Fell off. Near a week now. I shant explain what got me back on the booze... who needs to hear an excuse... a stupid "excuse". Not heavy drinking but any drinking is "bad".

But, I have this hope. All of those good feelings and experiences about not drinkng for about 1.5 months are still in my mind. I did it once for that long and I can do it again. Not only that, but I mostly realize it's not "that long" that matters... what matters is today. Essentially, only today matters. When "they" say "one day at a time" it really means something.

And, yes, it does suck to be back at DAY 1 (-1 at this very moment as I am pissed). But, I know what started me back on the liquor and I shall be more vigilant in dealing with that situation when it comes to kick me in the ass again and it will because people die every day.

Something else... this very afternoon I had the occasion to reunite with two of my blood uncles who were/are alkies at a family get-together. I could see myself in them. We joked aside from the others about "being sick" as it is referred to among the family - they wouldn't dare say "alkie" because it's not "nice". They have the trauma of war service as an excuse to drink in their old age. I have none.

Sorry if that's a downer. Twas a happy thread as was said. I'll be back when I have happy news to report. I will keep reading this thread every day. Means a lot to me no matter if I fucked up.

Sorry. I feel like I let youse down. I feel like shit.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 06:31 AM

Day 30? I guess I was a tad too excited yesterday. It was day 37.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Aug 12 - 02:16 AM

keep at it mate! Theres a poem by William Empson - a bit obscure = its about how passions - like the sex urge take over us and we sometimes feel like a helpless rat being shaken to death in the teeth of a terrier.


Empson was a boozer himself -the best man at my wedding was one of his students at Sheffield University. Empson used to take him and other students into the bar and challenge the last one to complete a 14 line sonnet to buy the first round of drinks.

Its a puzzling poem - some lines are hard to make sense of . However somehow we have located the 'colder lunacies' within ourselves which give us the faith to believe we can control, the teasers, the dreams, the temptations that 'flash and die'. Lets hope we can hold onto our illusions of self control.

The Teasers



Not but they die, the teasers and the dreams,
Not but they die,
and tell the careful flood
To give them what they clamour for and why.

You could not fancy where they rip to blood
You could not fancy
nor that mud
I have heard speak that will not cake or dry.

Our claims to act appear so small to these
Our claims to act
colder lunacies
That cheat the love, the moment, the small fact.

Make no escape because they flash and die,
Make no escape
build up your love,
Leave what you die for and be safe to die.


William Empson

Yorkshire Yankee - send me your email. Mine is [e-mail]

I'll send you the mp3 Its no great thing - just something i cobbled together on the spur of the moment.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 07:37 PM

Love it.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,GUEST, I don't care to sign my name to this
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 05:00 PM

Day 30.

Still finding this thread (a buddy told me these are threads, not topics) helpful and informative daily. I understand what is meant by it being a happy thread as it warms me when I hear of the successes of others.

This weekly installment of my story (confession?) is a day late for good reason. Saw the gastro doc today and got the results of the liver function tests. Perfect. No different from a teatotaller except for one test that isn't too bad and "isn't important" unless certain other tests are abnormal in unison. With any luck, the bruising and bleeding problems will be okay in a few months. The doc will recommend in his report to my GP that I see two other "ologists" to investigate the joint pain and itchies and such which he now feels are not liver related.

The doc was very pleased and taken aback regarding my abstinence. He said that he did not think I could do it or would do it, especially just stopping - cold turkey. I didn't tell him about this thread.

So, bottom line is, even though I was in dire straights with the physical problems, my liver bounced back and the prognoses are in my favour. Anybody out there who is in that situation and thinks, as I did for some time, "Why bother? I'm screwed now anyway and may as well self-medicate the pain away." DON'T!!! Give it a shot (pun intended).

One last thing(s). The garage is neat and tidy. The lawn, trees, shrubs, plants and flowers are pruned and not wilted. The spiders messing up the house siding are at peace. The chalking of the house siding cannot be seen from the roadway. The vehicle is clean inside and out. The larder is full of healthy foods. The books are getting read. The basement is next. If I survive the basement, unfinished songs and writings may see progress even if they bring back memories that I used to drink away. And, there's a blues harp somewhere in this house that hasn't seen spit in years. It could be anywhere that I left it. Maybe it's in the basement.

Thanks again for reading, for writing. Means a lot to me and, apparently, thankfully, to others. Glad I started this thread with one simple request... thanks buddy.

Enough prattling on.

You all take care of you, yours and us. You owe it to you and yours.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 02:37 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqgPyqyh4X4


The Gnu Song

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 01:16 PM

I'm all right, Al, thanks for asking.

As for the "Folk Club", IIRC, it wasn't really a proper folk club; it turned out to be an odd evening -- with a number of Catters gathering to meet up with Jacqui & Kendall (but then he was too ill to attend), and not many regulars... not a typical night.

Guest, Won't say... thanks for the link you posted; looks like a very useful site so I've bookmarked it. (I have a hubbie who stopped drinking 2-3 months ago on doctor's orders (he was rarely (if ever) out of control, but the amount of weight he put on was alarming), so I'm hoping I won't ever need it, but it's good to know it's there.

I hope the lives of you and your husband continue to improve and that you can find/re-discover some happiness together.

P.S.
Gnu, what's this Flanders & Swann song Al mentioned? I'm definitely intrigued...

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 07:29 AM

send me an e-mail and i'll post it to you as an mp3.

I've been a fan of yours ever since the Flanders and Swann song.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: gnu
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 05:22 AM

Al... ya gotta log in to hear the jingle so no go for me.

won't say... the plight of families affected by drink is a whole other tragic dimension. I hope things work out well for you(se).

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Aug 12 - 02:17 AM

Doesn't seem like it would be but this is a happy thread. You lift my heart.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Elmore
Date: 08 Aug 12 - 04:05 PM

I would probably drink too much, but can't deal with the hangovers or disappointing my wife. Just saw on CNN that Randy Travis got bagged for dui, and more. Pitiful.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,Guest, won't say
Date: 08 Aug 12 - 03:49 PM

I have been reading this thread with interest and since I find I'm not logged in I'll add another perspective.

My husband has been a drunk for a long time, and over the last couple of years became a full-blown alcoholic - secret drinking, passing out, usual stuff. The only thing that kept me with him was the thought that I would have to be the one to sort everything out if I left, and it was too big a job for me to tackle.

Last February he was dismissed from his job for drinking at work and is now retired. That brought him up short and he realised that he was killing himself. He stopped drinking.

As he says, he was in the shit but he's climbing out. It's steep and it's slippery and it stinks and a couple of times he's slid back in, but each time he gets further from it.

He looks and sounds better than he has for years, and admits he's happier. I feel that I actually like him again, and from not practically speaking (after all, he was either slurred, or comatose, or so self-absorbed nothing registered) we communicate normally again.

Well done those of you who are joining his climb. I wish he could see what you write - actually, I might print your updates out for him.

He has been prescribed acamprosate to help overcome craving. I found this website invaluable, and would recommend it to anyone else in the position of living with a problem drinker.

Good luck to you all, and much happiness.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Aug 12 - 04:24 AM

idea for jinglee for Talisker

http://soundcloud.com/dashboard

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Aug 12 - 04:10 AM

Eight weeks. Just read your post YY. many thanks for the nice things you said.Playing for th old folks was the best job I ever had - much better than the hit record, or playing in Bands. Million times better than teaching. Having said that - I'm enjoying doing pubs again - I have an electric guitar that sounds like an acoustic - so I don't need to mess about with backing trax or anything. Its just like playing to myself at home.

Yesterday was weird. I had this great (I thought) idea for a jingle for Talisker whisky. Only took ten minutes so I recorded it and put it on sound cloud...... wouldn't it be a bugger if booze made me some money. After all all these years I figure it owes me a quid or two!

Its funny what ideas God puts in the mind of weird people. I'm always grateful he doesn't get me to climb a tower and shoot everybody, or something bad like that.

Hope you doing okay YY, I went to that folk club with you once in Sheffield - nicely refurbished old looking place. I didn't feel I fitted in very well. Perhaps just got it on a bad night - I did a spot at The Yetties club last night and died at on my arse. Music's like that - sometimes the magic works - sometimes not.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 04 Aug 12 - 05:23 PM

Hi Al! Very kind of you to say so (you big kidder, you!)

Glad to hear the knives are serving you well, but not that some jerk ran off with one. Which one was it, BTW? (Not guaranteeing we can find you another one; the place we used to get 'em at went bust, sadly -- but we could keep an eye out for you...)

I didn't take up singing in old people's homes, but I have never forgotten watching you do your thing -- and the fine job you did (nor your generosity in inviting me along). I was most impressed, especially with the way you went around the room and made physical contact with every single person there; handshakes, kisses (especially the ladies!), hugs. It was something I'm not sure I'd have thought to do if I had just tried doing it myself, but seeing how much those folks appreciated contact with you made a deep impression on me.

I hope you're happy where you are, and well done to you for keeping to your resolve!

IDC2SMNTT, I hope you are continuing to improve and become stronger -- and maybe even like/love yourself a bit more every day.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Aug 12 - 03:42 AM

'Big Al,
My new mantra (thanks to you) is "it would be hell to be back at day one".
That has carried me through day 46 so far.'

let's hope it keeps working for both of us. Thanks again for the good wishes of mudcatters - you guys are great.

Plus a hug from Yorkshire Yankee - now theres something to fantasise about. Could it blossom into romance - who knows....? I still have the knives you guys gave me. Although a drunken paraoid builder (who was living in my house doing some work for me - not me!) ran off with one of the knives. I replaced it with a rubber handled one from Tesco. That way the block looks funny - bit I have the full coplement of knives.

I hope you are both well, and did you ever sing in old peoples homes? I had to quit that - it was too physial jumping round all over the place. Nowadays I sit on a stool in pubs with my guitar and sing songs - a bit (but not too much!) like a folksinger!

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,GUEST, I don't care to sign my name to this
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 07:26 AM

Forgot to mention something very pleasant. I can wash my hair in the shower without "holding onto" the wall. I couldn't keep my balance with my eyes shut until about a week ago.

The effects of drinking should be taught in schools.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 03:18 AM

Speaking of happiness, some years ago I coined a phrase that works for me: Every day that I'm happy adds to the happiness in the world. Every day I am miserable I add to the misery of the world.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,Anonymous regular
Date: 02 Aug 12 - 12:14 AM

Big Al,
My new mantra (thanks to you) is "it would be hell to be back at day one".
That has carried me through day 46 so far.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: gnu
Date: 01 Aug 12 - 09:25 PM

I got a couple of PMs and emails with offers of help and requests to contact or forward something to the OP. Just can't do it. You'll have to ask/say whatever in this thread.

I am "enjoying" reading this thread, mostly due to the sharing, support and encouragement. The Mudcat community is heartwarming indeed.

For lack of something better to say, good luck to everyone struggling with addiction or mental/physical pain.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Aug 12 - 08:11 PM

Guest, I can understand about the docs and the government. I know of only one doc in all of Western Colorado who will prescribe. Then there is a long process for the official gov. card which i have to have to buy and use it, Bah!

The itchy skin could also be sign of dehydration, as well as the headaches, though all of the other things like Jeri pointed out could be the main culprit.

Congrats to you and, you, Al, for each day you are sober.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Aug 12 - 07:47 PM

You'd probably be better off with someone who's been through it, but I'm here now.

It happens when one quits smoking, too. Damned neurotoxins. Alcohol is one, and messes with your nerves, from the big stuff inside your skull down to the itty-bitty ones in your skin.

The itching may be driving you nuts, but it's a sign of your body recovering, healing, and it's temporary.

...at least that's what I can find on the internet. Here's one forum page (ehealthforum), and here's another (http://www.soberrecovery.com).

The "adding to the happiness" thing: everybody feels good when someone else succeeds. You don't do it for anyone else, but it still gets around.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,GUEST, I don't care to sign my name to this
Date: 01 Aug 12 - 06:30 PM

Day 29.

Blood pressure remains a welcome surprise. I gave blood today (tests for progress) and had NO bruising where I was poked or taped with a pressure bandage whereas a month ago the bruising was alarming. My finger nails are growing again, although slowly, and one of the seven nails which are split back to the flesh seems to be starting to heal. The joint pain is still excruciating in the morning but lessens through the day if I don't "overdo" things. The shakes are minimal and I can sign my name, count change, not drop stuff and so on quite well.

I've had the odd bad day but Saturday started out bad and went beyond worse with small stuff and big stuff, lots of both, one after the other to the point where I wanted to crawl into a hole and die but I did not think of the bottle. I NEVER thought of the bottle - a month ago, I couldn't make it past mid afternoon on a good day without a drink because I did not believe I could. Now, I find THAT UNbelievable. In the past, the first day being sober was my goal and I never achieved it. This time, my goal was the last day being drunk and when I woke up the next day I had already achieved it. Sounds strange but it worked for me, so far.

Something new are the headaches (I never had any while drinking) but these are mostly when I get stressed. Like when the brand new VCR/DVD recorder worked fine for two days and then decided I didn't need a picture to go along with the sound. I should have packed it back in the box right away rather than spending two hours troubleshooting it. It's back at the store and the money is back in my wallet and my headache is gone.

I have been getting SO much done and I have been doing some short term planning rather than saying, "To hell with it, whatever happens happens." and getting drunk. Nothing major. Mostly just setting some goals regarding health, finances, work, and relationships and setting to paper ways to work toward these goals slowly. I am hoping this will give me the same boost as simply cleaning the house did a few weeks ago. I even just arsed around on Sunday to change things up a bit and simply relax (recall Sad Saturday above). It helped.

Anyone ever hear of getting VERY itchy during this? For about two weeks, I have been itchy. Back and sides of my head, my eyebrows, my back (nasty bad!), chest, thighs, the twins (not fun in the shops!). Itchy all over!...

Okay, that's enough prattling on.

"One more thing" time. Actually, a number of them:

It also helps to read the positive comments and stories of others. Thanks once again. Also, again, I hope that those relating their own progress are successful.

Jeri and others. As for adding to the happiness, I didn't know I was but if I did I am glad for doing so. Thanks for the concern and the encouragement. Like I said, I read the whole topic often and every new comment every day.

katlaughing. As for the medicinal marijuana, my GP says "Mmmmm." while he shakes his head with a "that's doubtful" look on his face. The government makes it very difficult to obtain.

Big Al. I started over a woman. That's all I am going to say.

punkfolkrocker. I understand. I used to do that quite often, every few months. Usually on a fishing trip or some such. Dangerous as heck but "fun".

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 01 Aug 12 - 01:04 AM

I don't drink anymore... no really...

Not for the last 2 or 3 years.

Various reasons: medications for middle aged health conditions, financial realities,
and just plain boredom with socialising in over expensive pubs & clubs..



Though I do reserve the option to indulge in enjoying a big idiotic binge bender
of affordable supermarket booze fueled home drinking
one weekend every 2 or 3 months or so.

No justifications needed, it just seems to happen when the time feels right
to lose control and become stupid & unruly in the relatively safe confines of my own home.

It's not a fixed pattern set in stone,
maybe coincides with birthdays and bank holidays to some extent ??

.. and if it becomes too predictable and I start to feel like I'm going through the motions for the sake of it,
who knows I might stop drinking altogether eventually.

One thing I'm positively aware of is the less frequently I get drunk
the more disinclined I am to go through the discomforts
of waking up feeling like shit
and having to sheepishly trace my trail of shameful embarrassment
on various internet forums...

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 10:09 PM

Guest IDC2SMNTT and Al, have been checking in to this thread frequently to see how you are doing. Well done to both of you! I'm proud of you -- and I hope you are proud of yourselves (you certainly should be!).

Like many others, I am rooting for you and am so pleased to see you both succeeding so well.

Hugs to you both,

Vikki/YY

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 08:22 PM

Good on ya, Al!

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 31 Jul 12 - 12:52 PM

week seven

missed it when rewriting a song late at night. after a row with my wife.

otherwise - not tempted.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Jul 12 - 03:53 AM

went to see some dear friends gigging a bar that I'm going to do in in a coupleof weeks. The place seened empty but there were a few hardened revellers: one guy looked as though he'd been drinking since 1932. The mood was jolly, the music sounded cool; the women beautiful.

Then this care in the community type wandered in off the street, with a dog on a length of rope. A brown and white spaniel.

The landlord greeted me - Hi Al! its been too log...! I've just drank a bottle of calvados - part of my five a day....

Then the dog (the brown and white spaniel) wandered to the space in front of the stage and pissed on the floor and grinned mischievously....they wiped it up with what looked suspiciously like a tea towel.

I thought to myself - thank God the middle classes don't know about real folk music and come and bugger it up with their preposterous aggrandising drivel.

I drank bottled spring water over ice, then alcohol free lager. The doors of the bar were open, and I felt more comfortable in the cool summer night air than I had for several weeks.

The sixth week.

The night before coming home from a gig - we passed a farm. Outsde was a handwritten sign. farmhouse cider - all types here. Cold cider straight from the fridge on a hot summers day....

Won't be going there, I thought, and felt a little sad.

Been there too often, I thought - still a little sad though. It would be nice to be someone who could drink in moderation. But I can't.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jul 12 - 12:01 AM

Guest with the terrible pain, etc., you might be interested to read my posting about medicinal marijuana HERE.

Kudos to all who are taking such important steps for health.

Jeri, that was an excellent posting.

Stringsinger/Frank is spot-on, imo. The documentary "Forks Over Knives" backs up whole food plant-based eating with much scientific data from around the world. Netflix did have it. Well worth watching for anyone interested in good nutrition and the links between poor nutrition and various maladies including cancer and heart disease.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 10:59 PM

This puts our decluttering threads on notice - mostly we've been dealing with small stuff. The health issues are there, of course, and I won't equate those, but discovering all of those extra hours in the day for being creative or productive or to do those chores - that must feel marvelous!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 10:42 PM

"...thanks for adding to the happiness around here." Jeri

I love that. And you know, Jeri is right. Humans are so fragile that every story of strength and positivity gained is a cause for happiness. Thanks for increasing my happiness.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 07:31 PM

It's not like quitting smoking when you can go around telling everyone you meet. Good to share something this great with people!! Congratulations! Keep it up, and thanks for adding to the happiness around here.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: GUEST,GUEST,I don't care to sign my name to this
Date: 25 Jul 12 - 05:44 PM

Day 22.

Day 15 was the last day I took a blood pressure pill because the readings dropped dramatically on Day 11. I have been on them for over two years. Saw my GP today to review the change in pressures as I was taken aback by the substantial decrease and a little worried they might be too low with a few such as 96/58. He was very pleased about the pressures and much more so about my abstinence which he did not know about (long story).

The bruises from slight bumps are fading MUCH faster and I don't get them so easily. Although I only had one small cut, it stopped bleeding MUCH faster. The joint pain in my legs, arms and hips is still bad and VERY bad most mornings for the first few hours (knees are the opposite as they get worse as the day goes on). My GP said the bruising and bleeding should be "normal" in several months and that the joint pain shouldn't increase but the damage done and associated pain would mostly remain. Can't take anything like aspirin or acetaminophen or ibuprofin so I have to search out "natural" stuff. Maybe I should take up the ganja?

I am sleeping fairly well for up to 6 hours some nights with NO sweats. The shaking in my left hand is less than a tenth of what it was and it's less than that in the right hand. I can type without needing a few drinks.

The house continues to get cleaner. Some chores that are months overdue are getting done. I am getting a lot more fresh air and exercise. The "mental mason jar" containing my "booze money" is looking more impressive every day - I figure my trips to the bank for cash are cut in half. THAT REALLY makes me rue the boozing I did but I tell myself I can't change it now so forget about it and look forward but it's not easy to not be upset about it.

I am still absentminded as all getout at times but there has been more improvement albeit slight. Crosswords are far easier, even in the early morning.

Here's something else that upsets me when I let it. I have been getting a lot of stuff done. One can do so when one has an extra EIGHT to TEN HOURS PER DAY not affected by alcohol. The last three years have been such a waste that the only way I can deal with it is like I said, like others have written above - don't beat myself up about it and don't repeat it.

I have thought fondly of having a few several times but I just say to myself, "You don't drink. It's not an option. Period."

Here the latest installment of "One more thing." I am finding more time to connect with relatives and maybe even some old friends in future rather than spending as little time as possible in anyone's company other than talking with Alfred and with other surfers.

I still read the posts every few days. Even though I skip some because I know them by rote, I am reminded of their content. I read every new post daily. It helps a lot.

Okay. That's enough prattling on.

I sincerely wish the others that have posted in similar fashion have success with their efforts. It's worth it. I see that much more clearly every day.

Thanks again.

Subject: RE: BS: Quitting drinking
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 24 Jul 12 - 10:44 PM

De woodchuck warn't a de cider?

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

Huh? (100)

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.