The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living
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One more thing... I like to bring a Heineken 00 to a party/barbecue. Even though I'm not a big fan of beer, it sure tastes like the real thing. And I like holding a bottle- makes me feel less deprived.
There are also a lot of other AF beer from craft breweries that are popping up. You can find them low on the beer shelf and all the way at the end of the aisle.
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Thanks for starting the group, as well as all of those that shared their experiences. I'm doing a 30 day cleanse, no alcohol and started KETO. I've dropped 9 LBS in 13 days, and have worked out every day. Feel great, think I'll try this not drinking thing a little longer :-).7
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My Quit Drinking App alerted me that I have earned my 3 year badge...WOOHOO!! Stinkin' right I've earned it LOL
STATS as follows: Saved $7,830 ~ 4,698.5 drinks passed ~ 93.89% health gained ~ 1096 days 8 hours sober. That's it folks!! On to 3 years Plus one (1) more day....
On the subject of relapse, it is part of recovery. Plain & simple...absolutely NO shame in that. I had lots of relapses before joining the the Less Alcohol group and then switching to this group. By the time I landed here I had a different determination cause I had reached my tolerance level for my own crap and was tired of feeling like an emotional, physical, & mental wreck and tired of hurting myself. Did quitting help me solve all my problems...nope! But it makes it much easier to cope with any problems when I have a clear head.
Thankful to be on this healing path with y'all.
I'll sign off with a quote I love ~ "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Maria Robinson ~ here's to fresh starts and continued growth!!12 -
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RubyRed427 wrote: »One more thing... I like to bring a Heineken 00 to a party/barbecue. Even though I'm not a big fan of beer, it sure tastes like the real thing. And I like holding a bottle- makes me feel less deprived.
There are also a lot of other AF beer from craft breweries that are popping up. You can find them low on the beer shelf and all the way at the end of the aisle.
Hi Ruby. Big big big fan of the Heineken00. Several places I frequent have now started to carry it because I asked them to. Not a huge fan of the citrus tasting NA IPA's out there, Running Wild is one, but I need to really physic myself up before ordering it.
Wanted to drop by(even though I read here often) to say howdy to the ole gang and wish everyone a nice weekend.5 -
@MissMay good to see you here!3
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I just found out my former next door neighbor who is my age, 57, has lung cancer. We used to smoke and drink together ALL the time. I quit smoking probably 10 years ago but she kept it up until about 2 years ago. If you are still struggling with smoking, I urge you to try and stop for the loved ones in your life. She is full of regret.5
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RubyRed427 wrote: »One more thing... I like to bring a Heineken 00 to a party/barbecue. Even though I'm not a big fan of beer, it sure tastes like the real thing. And I like holding a bottle- makes me feel less deprived.
There are also a lot of other AF beer from craft breweries that are popping up. You can find them low on the beer shelf and all the way at the end of the aisle.
Hi Ruby. Big big big fan of the Heineken00. Several places I frequent have now started to carry it because I asked them to. Not a huge fan of the citrus tasting NA IPA's out there, Running Wild is one, but I need to really physic myself up before ordering it.
Wanted to drop by(even though I read here often) to say howdy to the ole gang and wish everyone a nice weekend.
When i'm out with friends, I try to order NA beer, but sometimes a place has none. One time a bartender said, well you're the third person to ask me that today. Duh- then order some, I thought.
I even tried O'Douls which was not that bad. But Heineken is my fav ! Thanks for stopping by! I read your thread often and love hearing your stories.
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lorrainequiche59 wrote: »My Quit Drinking App alerted me that I have earned my 3 year badge...WOOHOO!! Stinkin' right I've earned it LOL
STATS as follows: Saved $7,830 ~ 4,698.5 drinks passed ~ 93.89% health gained ~ 1096 days 8 hours sober. That's it folks!! On to 3 years Plus one (1) more day....
On the subject of relapse, it is part of recovery. Plain & simple...absolutely NO shame in that. I had lots of relapses before joining the the Less Alcohol group and then switching to this group. By the time I landed here I had a different determination cause I had reached my tolerance level for my own crap and was tired of feeling like an emotional, physical, & mental wreck and tired of hurting myself. Did quitting help me solve all my problems...nope! But it makes it much easier to cope with any problems when I have a clear head.
Thankful to be on this healing path with y'all.
I'll sign off with a quote I love ~ "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Maria Robinson ~ here's to fresh starts and continued growth!!
THREE years - WOW- so happy for you! It can be done and you are doing it! True- it is easier to cope when you don't have brain fog or hanxiety. Keep it up!4 -
Yesterday, I went to a Grad Party. And as I walked to the party, I ran into some friends by a car. The trunk was open and they said "Hey Julie, come and have a Fire ball shot". They had a bucket of those cute little fire ball bottles. I said "I haven't drank in 9 months". They said, "Then take our picture!". LOL
After the party, my other friend waved me to her car and offered me a smoke of something. Nope- I don't do that either.
I wondered WTH is going on.... I guess I am missing out on these festivities. But the moment passed, and I went home happy and sober... And had a great afternoon.
So, for a few minutes of uncomfortable-ness, I found the party quite enjoyable.7 -
[quote="Beka3695;
I am off the wagon. In 3 months, one drink has led to almost back up to speed limit. I have had 3 hangovers during this time.
I am allowing myself the “last dance” of this holiday weekend, then dry again 06/01.
I really thought I could moderate..... how many times have we said/heard this?!?!?! I cannot. I must be 100% sober.
Ok... it’s out there and I feel better![/quote]
Beka, I'm with you here. After 5 months of struggle following 6 months of sobriety, I, too, know that moderation is not possible for me. And I don't even want it any more. There's just way too much downside and not really any upside to speak of. Still . . . it's addiction, and it's powerful. We finished school Friday, so today is a new beginning--of summer--and a good day for a Day 1 in earnest. We can do this! I look so forward to returning to school in August with a few months of sobriety under my belt. The last couple were not my best.
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@JenT304, I'm sorry to hear about your neighbor. I lost my stepfather and stepbrother (20 years apart, both around 60) to lung cancer. It is not something I would wish on anybody. It's so sad, that feeling of wanting an impossible "do-over." I've certainly been there with alcohol, if not with smoking. 7
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Beka, I'm with you here. After 5 months of struggle following 6 months of sobriety, I, too, know that moderation is not possible for me. And I don't even want it any more. There's just way too much downside and not really any upside to speak of. Still . . . it's addiction, and it's powerful. We finished school Friday, so today is a new beginning--of summer--and a good day for a Day 1 in earnest. We can do this! I look so forward to returning to school in August with a few months of sobriety under my belt. The last couple were not my best.
Yes, we can do this!!!!
Today is day 1 and I’m hungover. I had an emotional event yesterday and drank my feelings. It did not help me cope.
Sobriety is no longer a trial phase for me. It is a life change that I MUST MAKE!!!!
If every time I ate peanuts it made me lose memory, make questionable decisions, say things I didn’t mean, and make me feel like *kitten*, would I ever eat peanuts? HECK NO!!!!
Addiction is horrible.8 -
After 3-1/2 years of sobriety, I've come to know this, , , EVERYDAY IS DAY 1. You make the decision everyday not to drink. That every binge starts with one drink. That you're powerless against alcohol, once you have that first drink. God help me recognize this each and every day!
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This thread is so important to me. I came on to see what's new. And you all gave me everything I needed to hear.
My daughter is going with my ex and my son on a vacation where we used to go every year. It will be tough to say goodbye to her and I hope my kids don't miss me too much.
Anyway, I was planning on buying a bottle of wine and drinking this weekend. I was going to just do it this weekend and get back to sobriety.
But you scared me in a positive way. I know nothing has changed and one may lead to 10 drinks. I know that. So, why do I still want to drink?
It's the "reward" or pleasure that I like about having that wine.
I hear all of you speak of the hangovers, etc. That is something I do not want ever again.
I do remember my last drink was a day where I went day drinking alone- drank for 8 hours, and disappeared for awhile. That is what I do- i disappear from my family because I lose track of time. I don't like feeling so out of control.
So thank you all for being so honest and candid. This is exactly what I needed to hear.
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After 3-1/2 years of sobriety, I've come to know this, , , EVERYDAY IS DAY 1. You make the decision everyday not to drink. That every binge starts with one drink. That you're powerless against alcohol, once you have that first drink. God help me recognize this each and every day!
I think I need to get back to basics. And go to meetings again. I haven't been in weeks. Thanks for reminder: I am powerless over alcohol.5 -
Beka, I'm with you here. After 5 months of struggle following 6 months of sobriety, I, too, know that moderation is not possible for me. And I don't even want it any more. There's just way too much downside and not really any upside to speak of. Still . . . it's addiction, and it's powerful. We finished school Friday, so today is a new beginning--of summer--and a good day for a Day 1 in earnest. We can do this! I look so forward to returning to school in August with a few months of sobriety under my belt. The last couple were not my best.
Yes, we can do this!!!!
Today is day 1 and I’m hungover. I had an emotional event yesterday and drank my feelings. It did not help me cope.
Sobriety is no longer a trial phase for me. It is a life change that I MUST MAKE!!!!
If every time I ate peanuts it made me lose memory, make questionable decisions, say things I didn’t mean, and make me feel like *kitten*, would I ever eat peanuts? HECK NO!!!!
Addiction is horrible.
I'm sorry you are struggling. Addiction is terrible. But thankfully, we can control it. I know you can. You've done it before. But keep thinking in small steps - 24 hours. You sound just like me. Questionable decisions, etc. Maybe think back what you did last time that made it work. Great analogy about peanuts!4 -
I just found out my former next door neighbor who is my age, 57, has lung cancer. We used to smoke and drink together ALL the time. I quit smoking probably 10 years ago but she kept it up until about 2 years ago. If you are still struggling with smoking, I urge you to try and stop for the loved ones in your life. She is full of regret.
OH Jen! I just saw this. I am so sorry to hear this. Terrible. I pray she will be ok!4 -
[quote="Beka3695;
I am off the wagon. In 3 months, one drink has led to almost back up to speed limit. I have had 3 hangovers during this time.
I am allowing myself the “last dance” of this holiday weekend, then dry again 06/01.
I really thought I could moderate..... how many times have we said/heard this?!?!?! I cannot. I must be 100% sober.
Ok... it’s out there and I feel better!
[/quote]
Hi friend! we know what you're feeling. The great thing is you have some great tools in your "toolbox". Reflect on what you did last time. And do it again. Also, now that school will be over, why don't you try something brand new this summer. What can you do to fill the time (so you don't drink)? Hmmmm
Also, the school year was so darn awful, you probably drank due to lots of stress!! So, maybe now that summer is here, you may feel less stressed.4 -
I laid awake last night tossing and turning worrying about all kinds of things. I longed for a glass or 3 of wine to quiet my brain and sand the edges of life off. There is none in the house so luckily that was not an option. I resent the fact that even without alcohol, I am still experiencing poor sleep. I get no more than 4, maybe 5 hours a night. I know this is not good for my brain. I listened to a sleep meditation on youtube, I've tried baths and sleepy time tea. Does anyone have any luck with melatonin? I do not want anything addictive.....I don't need to trade one addiction for another. Any ideas will be appreciated.
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A lot of people have good results with melatonin. I am not one of those people. It gives me such bad nightmares, that I always think "no wonder babies wake up screaming throughout the night" because their bodies produce so much if it.
However, everyone reacts differently, so I would absolutely give it a try.4 -
Hi Jen! I used a half of Gravol- Lorraine on this thread told me about it. It's like dramamine but it's from Canada I think.
What about a white noise machine? My sister swears by it . I bought a fan recently that when it's on very low, it has a calming effect plus it cools the room.
I think sleep cycles come and go. I will go for days with excellent sleep and then horrible sleep for a few days; I typically wake at 4;00 a.m. Sometimes, I listen to a meditation then to fall back asleep.
Hormones probably at the root of all this.Grrr.3 -
I do use Melatonin too (5 mg) but it's hit or miss. Some nights I sleep well and some nights I don't. I dont use one thing all the time- I skip around with different sleep techniques. Melatonin is not addictive.
Some evenings, I do yoga before bed to unwind (on youtube); I think that helps too. And turn off the tv
Jim Carrey recently said if there was no news for 30 days 80 percent of our problems would go away. News is toxic.5 -
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93 DAYS!!9
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Good Day to All
I saw something on a mental health re: addiction group that I would like to share with everyone. "You do not simply get over addiction by stopping drugs & alcohol. You recover by creating a new life where it is easier to not use. If you do not create a new life, then all the factors that brought you to using will eventually catch up again. Guaranteed!!"
Here's to creating a new life where alcohol doesn't play a part ~ any part 5 -
I laid awake last night tossing and turning worrying about all kinds of things. I longed for a glass or 3 of wine to quiet my brain and sand the edges of life off. There is none in the house so luckily that was not an option. I resent the fact that even without alcohol, I am still experiencing poor sleep. I get no more than 4, maybe 5 hours a night. I know this is not good for my brain. I listened to a sleep meditation on youtube, I've tried baths and sleepy time tea. Does anyone have any luck with melatonin? I do not want anything addictive.....I don't need to trade one addiction for another. Any ideas will be appreciated.
Jen, Have you considered having a sleep study? They may be able to provide some valuable feedback to help you get the proper rest. It's worth a try.4 -
RubyRed427 wrote: »
SO proud of you Julie Not only for your 9 month Sober-versary, but that you conquered your "cave to the crave" and did not get that bottle of wine. I know that voice in the recesses of your brain, subtly trying to convince you that it's "just" this or that! But we know it is much more than "just" this or that. Congrats on overcoming!
You are such an inspiration through your kindness & support of all of us in this group. Thank you 5 -
Up_n_Running wrote: »
This is what I love most about sobriety. This is what makes it an exciting journey for me.
It is wonderful to see your growth and determination to carve out a new life for yourself against some tough obstacles. This inspires me to stay the course along with all of the strength I see through all of those here who share their struggles with such honesty as do you.
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