Posted by Lee05 on January 27, 2005, at 14:33:43
In reply to Good job. » Lee05, posted by AuntieMel on January 26, 2005, at 16:07:34
> 20 days is great. Just a few days away from a 30 day chip, right? There's something magical about the first one - such a feeling of accomplishment.
>
> And it is accomplishment. The first 30 days are the toughest. Not to say that it's easy coasting after that, but it does get better.
>
> Just keep you guard up. There's always a little voice inside your head that will try to convince you that a) you're not going to make it, or b) you're cured and can go back to social drinking. Don't believe it - it's the addiction tiger.
>
> Once a pickle, always a pickle.Thanks so much Auntie Mel,
I'm feeling pretty good about those (23 now) days. This is the first time asking for help in my efforts to get and stay sober, and I'm absolutely overwhelmed at the support I've received. I stopped trying to hide my alcoholism and got really honest with my family, close friends, significant other and doctor about it all--not an easy thing to do, but such a relief once I had done it. Not only have they personally been there for me, but they've directed me to other avenues of support as well. I've found an AA group that I really like, and I'm also going to be starting a program to learn some new coping skills for depression and alcoholism.
I feel much more optimistic this time about staying sober than I ever have before. But I have to say, every now and then that addiction tiger you mentioned shows its face and a horrible thought creeps in...I'm doing everything I know how to do to make this work--what if it doesn't? What the hell do I do then? Doing my best get rid of (or at least ignore) thoughts like that.
Thanks again for all your support Auntie Mel.
Lee
poster:Lee05
thread:437655
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20041128/msgs/448724.html