Drinking alcohol

[sensei8]

Keep up the good fight, Ken!!

[KarateKen]

Six months. 

[Nidan Melbourne]

37 minutes ago, KarateKen said:

Six months. 

Your doing great Ken! How are you feeling since quitting? 

[KarateKen]

On 11/8/2024 at 10:19 PM, Nidan Melbourne said:

Your doing great Ken! How are you feeling since quitting? 

I've had a few moments when I was tempted but did not give in.  I think those will always be there.  I am going to have to be in full restraint on New Year's Eve as I will be in Texas for a party.  I just have to remind myself to say no, because saying yes will lead to regret.    

[Nidan Melbourne]

1 hour ago, KarateKen said:

I've had a few moments when I was tempted but did not give in.  I think those will always be there.  I am going to have to be in full restraint on New Year's Eve as I will be in Texas for a party.  I just have to remind myself to say no, because saying yes will lead to regret.    

Thats awesome that you had the strength to say no and didn't give in those moments. 

Its going to be hard on NYE, but as long as you stick to your guns which I sense you will. Then you'll do great and will enjoy the party more and not have that regret the following day. 

I'm at the stage of my journey with alcohol that I have strict rules around consumption. but since I've had them for so long, I've had 1 beer in the last 12 months. 

And since I am working around around calls with my daughter these days before she goes to bed, it motivates me more not to drink. Because if I do drink, then it impacts my ability to talk to her and remember doing it. 

[KarateKen]

19 hours ago, Nidan Melbourne said:

Thats awesome that you had the strength to say no and didn't give in those moments. 

Its going to be hard on NYE, but as long as you stick to your guns which I sense you will. Then you'll do great and will enjoy the party more and not have that regret the following day. 

I'm at the stage of my journey with alcohol that I have strict rules around consumption. but since I've had them for so long, I've had 1 beer in the last 12 months. 

And since I am working around calls with my daughter these days before she goes to bed, it motivates me more not to drink. Because if I do drink, then it impacts my ability to talk to her and remember doing it. 

Makes perfect sense and I am glad you can keep to your rules.  Not always easy to do.  Those are all good reasons.  I've decided that any reason a person has not to drink is a good enough reason.  

[JazzKicker]

Holidays are probably the most difficult situational triggers. Hosting Thanksgiving this year, prepping & serving food while guests enjoyed wine, I had a couple of moments where a glass of red looked pretty good. I just remind myself of the foggy mood later, a headache the next day, and move on.

[KarateKen]

On 12/7/2024 at 1:15 PM, JazzKicker said:

Holidays are probably the most difficult situational triggers. Hosting Thanksgiving this year, prepping & serving food while guests enjoyed wine, I had a couple of moments where a glass of red looked pretty good. I just remind myself of the foggy mood later, a headache the next day, and move on.

Agreed, and that is a good approach.  I also find traveling is where I am vulnerable, and since I am traveling for the holidays, I will need to be fully on guard.  

[Nidan Melbourne]

22 hours ago, KarateKen said:

Agreed, and that is a good approach.  I also find traveling is where I am vulnerable, and since I am traveling for the holidays, I will need to be fully on guard.  

Are you attending any AA Meetings at all? Or have a mentor to help you on your way?

It might be worth spending some time each day attending a meeting or two if you are feeling vulnerable. As your able to redirect that energy and to talk out how you feel. 

[KarateKen]

1 hour ago, Nidan Melbourne said:

Are you attending any AA Meetings at all? Or have a mentor to help you on your way?

It might be worth spending some time each day attending a meeting or two if you are feeling vulnerable. As your able to redirect that energy and to talk out how you feel. 

No.  Years ago I went to an AA meeting at the recommendation (or badgering I guess) of a friend who had been sober for a few years.  It was the most depressing experience; all I wanted to do was drink.  An hour of everyone talking about how drinking screwed up their lives along with expressing their displeasure with the NA group next door. I literally was so miserable thar right after I drove to the bar and got drunk.  Never went back.