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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by AuntieMel on February 24, 2005, at 11:36:40
In reply to let's do some preparation, pc » crushedout, posted by crushedout on February 24, 2005, at 7:40:27
I think this is a wonderful thing you guys are doing.
Substitutes are good (though I highly recommend something that does *not* resemble a drink.) Diversions are good, too, but things you enjoy are better than chores. I had the 5 weeks/4 days a week of IOP that helped me break the habit (and it *was* a habit) of popping a top as soon as I got in the door.
It's normal to not have confidence. If you felt confident you would have done it a long time ago, right?
PC - I'll email you my cell number so you can call if you get in a bind.
Crushed - no offense, but I don't want to send my cell through babblemail. It just seems too one-sided. Does this make sense??
Posted by crushedout on February 24, 2005, at 20:11:46
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation - pc and crushed, posted by AuntieMel on February 24, 2005, at 11:36:40
hey mel,i'm not offended at all. not sure what you mean, but i know we don't know each other that well so everything's cool. i'm glad you're emailing pc your cell number.
crushed
Posted by crushedout on February 24, 2005, at 21:00:06
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation, pc » crushedout, posted by partlycloudy on February 24, 2005, at 8:27:37
I think gardening is a great idea, pc, if that gives you pleasure. Can you think of other pleasurable things you can do to reward yourself just for being alive instead of drinking? No, chores are not an option.I like beverages as a substitute. They work well for me. They can also be very healthy. Stuff like green tea, water, soy milk, etc. It's a slow weaning process. At first, you just want to get the alcohol out of your system. Then, once you're leaning on soy milk, it's really not so hard to wean yourself off of that. At least that works for me.
As for previous failures, please try not to think of them. Of course you failed every time before this. If you hadn't, I wouldn't have a quitting buddy right now! One question, though: did you ever plan your quit in advance before or did you quit kind of on the spur-of-the-moment?
Maybe we should babblemail each other and get to know one another better. That way we can be in touch if we need support in the coming weeks, etc. Whaddaya think?
crushed
Posted by medhed on February 24, 2005, at 22:42:25
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation, pc » partlycloudy, posted by crushedout on February 24, 2005, at 21:00:06
Allow yourself some dark chocolate as a reward each day you don't drink. It helps, I know!
Posted by partlycloudy on February 25, 2005, at 9:55:56
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation, pc » partlycloudy, posted by crushedout on February 24, 2005, at 21:00:06
I have never planned a quit date in advance. I've always just woken up feeling wretched, and avow Never To Do It Again... until the next time. I spent most of my therapy session yesterday talking about this project of ours! My T thinks I should dance with joy instead of worrying about "failing". Of course she gave me a hard time about even using the word!!!
you can email me at partlycloudy at gmail dot com.
I'm thinking about stenciling my kitchen walls..... that should keep me out of trouble for a bit.
Posted by AuntieMel on February 25, 2005, at 10:58:56
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation - pc and crushed » AuntieMel, posted by crushedout on February 24, 2005, at 20:11:46
I'll be happy to email it to you too if you babblemail me a real email address (yahoo or hotmail is accepted)
It's just that babble mail is too good an insulator.
Posted by AuntieMel on February 25, 2005, at 11:05:39
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation, pc » crushedout, posted by partlycloudy on February 25, 2005, at 9:55:56
I've got lots of projects we could work on.
1) I'd like to paint ivy around my bathroom window
2) I've got some furniture I need to refinish
3) I sure want to get back into making stained glass
4) Lots of gardening bits. I want to put a path in my back yard.
5) I've got a monkey topiary I need to get squirrel proofed and replanted by spring. Wait - it's already spring here.And I can even take you to the biker bar aa meeting I like to go to.
Think of it as intensive outpatient therapy.
Posted by partlycloudy on February 25, 2005, at 12:02:18
In reply to Re: come to my house for a while » partlycloudy, posted by AuntieMel on February 25, 2005, at 11:05:39
Gahhhh! I started looking for stencils online and it weirded my head out trying to put a pattern together with just one image of a picture at a time. OMG I will have to brave one of those craft stores in person (shudder).
I used to go to a similar meeting to the biker one when I lived up north. What a great bunch of people they were.
Posted by crushedout on February 26, 2005, at 1:06:20
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation, pc » crushedout, posted by partlycloudy on February 25, 2005, at 9:55:56
Wow, pc. I love your therapist's attitude and I'm glad you're talking about our project. Quitting when you've planned ahead (in my experience) is MUCH better than quitting because you wake up feeling like sh*t. One is thought out and the other is reacting to a bad feeling (which eventually goes away and then you can't even remember exactly why it was so important).If you think next Monday (that's three days away!) is too soon, tell me and let's put it off. We could do it March 15. I'm ok with that. The important thing is that you feel ready to do it. (Actually we could even have separate quit dates if, for example, I'm ready now and you're not.)
One thing that may help also is writing down a list of reasons why you want to quit. Looking at such a list (or having it vaguely in your head) can help combat that "why am I doing this again?" feeling when you really want to drink.
Keep thinking of other fun things you'll be able to do with your time.
Also, have you ever actually been to A.A.? I have, and I couldn't go back (I don't think) but maybe it's something for you to consider as an option (since you said you don't have a lot of support)? Just an idea I throw out there.
hugs,
crushed
Posted by partlycloudy on February 27, 2005, at 19:02:08
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation, pc » partlycloudy, posted by crushedout on February 26, 2005, at 1:06:20
Posted by TamaraJ on February 27, 2005, at 21:15:36
In reply to I'm ready for March 1st (nm) » crushedout, posted by partlycloudy on February 27, 2005, at 19:02:08
Posted by gardenergirl on February 27, 2005, at 22:46:06
In reply to My thoughts are with both you! All the best :-) (nm) » partlycloudy, posted by TamaraJ on February 27, 2005, at 21:15:36
Posted by saw on February 28, 2005, at 8:50:03
In reply to who wants to quit with me?, posted by crushedout on February 17, 2005, at 15:37:35
I am holding thumbs for everyone. I am not drinking at the moment because I am in hospital and I am terrified of when I get out because I know I really *feel* like a drink. But by then I will have had more time to catch up on all the posts here and glean the support and encouragement that I need.
If I could give up cigarettes I can gave up booze. Right? Right?
Sabrina
Posted by TofuEmmy on February 28, 2005, at 9:34:00
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation, pc » partlycloudy, posted by crushedout on February 26, 2005, at 1:06:20
Take my word for it....when alcohol is depleted from your brain, it leaves these wierd shaped holes. The ONLY thing that plugs those holes is chocolate. Stock up.
Take care, emmy
Posted by crushedout on February 28, 2005, at 10:31:25
In reply to Holding fingers and toes tight., posted by saw on February 28, 2005, at 8:50:03
You absolutely can. We will help you.
Posted by TamaraJ on February 28, 2005, at 10:54:09
In reply to Holding fingers and toes tight., posted by saw on February 28, 2005, at 8:50:03
You can do it Sabrina. And, you and crushed and pc will have the babble sobriety support group to give you all the encouragement and support you need.
Be well my friend. You are in my thoughts.
Tamara
Posted by saw on February 28, 2005, at 12:37:25
In reply to Re: Holding fingers and toes tight. » saw, posted by TamaraJ on February 28, 2005, at 10:54:09
Thanks guys
Em - umm - no chocolate. I have about 33 pounds to lose.
Never mind sobriety - being in hospital is making me want to smoke again. And I only have a month left before my year's anniversary of giving up cold turkey.
I can't drink, I can't eat chocolate, I can't smoke, I can't ummm have sex (not that I want to anyway). Now what's left?
I know - I'll chew gum!
((UGH))
Love me - (NOT biting my nails!!!!)
Posted by just so sad on February 28, 2005, at 12:37:28
In reply to I'm ready for March 1st (nm) » crushedout, posted by partlycloudy on February 27, 2005, at 19:02:08
Okay, I'm half in the doorway, but haven't quite decided if I'm strong enough to enter...the last few days have seemed better emotionally (effexor finally kicking in after 6 weeks?) and I didn't have a drink yesterday at all - I thought about it but didn't "need" one so I challenged my ususal pattern of "well, if I don't need one it will be okay to have just one, then I'll stop" which of course I don't. Anyway, my big block right now is I'm going on vacation in a couple of weeks and would really like a pina colada by the beach, you know?? Can I join you all when I get back??
Not so sad...
Posted by crushedout on February 28, 2005, at 12:46:00
In reply to Re: I'm ready for March 1st, posted by just so sad on February 28, 2005, at 12:37:28
I'm really glad you're doing better. Of course you can join us when you get back. Maybe you could set a date now that makes sense -- some time after your vacation. I really recommend setting a date. It helps to get you mentally prepared.We'll be here for you when you're ready.
Posted by crushedout on February 28, 2005, at 13:26:45
In reply to Re: let's do some preparation, pc crushed, posted by TofuEmmy on February 28, 2005, at 9:34:00
I'm getting kind of freaked out these days about weight gain also. I've been skinny as all get out for a number of years and then when I quit drugs and cigarettes, I gained (a much-needed) twenty pounds. I was still pretty skinny but not scary-looking.Now I think I've gained maybe five or ten more pounds, which I know doesn't sound like a lot, but I'm really feeling it. My clothes are tight. And a friend commented on it the other day. I'm starting to freak out because I'm afraid I won't be able to stop it from continuing. (I've been eating a lot more than I used to -- I don't know if it's my new medication or what.)
Anyway, I've never been one who believed in dieting or depriving myself of things that I really want (just cutting back a bit and exercising, that's my motto), so I will do the chocolate thing. It's more important to stop drinking. I can worry about the weight thing later. Exercise is key. And I'll try to be moderate also.
I don't know why I'm blathering on about all this. Sorry if that was boring.
Posted by AuntieMel on February 28, 2005, at 14:26:34
In reply to chocolate » TofuEmmy, posted by crushedout on February 28, 2005, at 13:26:45
But don't forget how many calories there are in a drink.
Chocolate (or orange juice or tea with honey) help to keep you from having sugar/carb withdrawal along with any other withdrawal.
Posted by just so sad on February 28, 2005, at 14:56:48
In reply to Re: I'm ready for March 1st » just so sad, posted by crushedout on February 28, 2005, at 12:46:00
Posted by crushedout on February 28, 2005, at 22:51:06
In reply to Thanks so much (nm) » crushedout, posted by just so sad on February 28, 2005, at 14:56:48
I had very little to drink tonight. I wasn't really even into it. But in 11 minutes it will be March 1st, which is partlycloudy's and my quit day. Yay! I'm very happy to be switching to rice milk.
Posted by partlycloudy on March 1, 2005, at 4:43:54
In reply to I've had my last drink, posted by crushedout on February 28, 2005, at 22:51:06
Good for you! I did a dry run last night....
Posted by TofuEmmy on March 1, 2005, at 10:04:31
In reply to Re: chocolate » crushedout, posted by AuntieMel on February 28, 2005, at 14:26:34
I'm sure chocolate isn't seriously the bestest thing. It's supposedly addictive too...but it did help me handle the wicked bad cravings I was having. Now I'm on week 3, and the cravings aren't so bad...so I'm eating less of the dark evil yummy stuff. It's good to have some in the car to keep me away from liquor stores.
I had a baaaaaad day yesterday - the kind which was just enough of an excuse to drink. But instead, I went to a meeting. By the time the meeting ended, the liquor stores were closed, and I was safe. I guess I need to learn new habits....d'oh emmy!
Good luck to everyone. E
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