The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living
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I've found out we are having Christmas day on a bbq boat so there'll be no escape for me. They must be ready my posts.. lol do u reckon?..
I'll do it.. .. I'm determined...lol this is where I find my strength.
Of course, I cant let my team down, ay..
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Thanks to all for keeping this board busy! Here's my two cents. Best time of day while keeping dry is the morning when I don't feel like garbage. Worst time of day is when my internal clock says "ITS FIVE O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE". I've found that reading reduces my anxiety vs. watching TV. For my next trick: How to perform nonalcoholic tailgating.5
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Hey everyone ! I was recently somewhere and the bartender made delicious virgin mojotos. It tasted almost as good as she real
Thing! I may try it at home for special occasions. It was full of mint and refreshing !6 -
I recently attended a b day party. I saw an old acquaintance I hadn't seen in about 10 years or so.........wow , totally shocked how " old" she looked. She really looked tired and weathered. Also, she didn't stop drinking the whole 5 hours I was there. Im aware now, she has a " problem" with alcohol.
Surprisingly, she drove home. She kinda slipped out and drove herself home. I talked to her a while and was totally aware she was drunk. But again, was told that she had been through a rough divorce and wasn't coping well, so she had increased her drinking.
I guess what Im trying to say is that alcohol can do damage to the ( health) internal organs and age people prematurely. She was 55 but looked in her late 60s easily. Also, I remember she always used to keep herself up in the past, but again, she had that look. I have seen people, esp movie stars that age rapidly because of alcohol or drug use.........Another plus in my not drinking is never having to worry about alcohol check points or getting pulled over. I think a DUI will cost the person pulled over about 9000.00 dollars , and they can lose their insure and spend a night in jail. Another plus to think about, especially this time of year. I mentioned in a previous post, that my liver functions were a bit high ( elevated ) , just a bit, but that also brought attention to me to stop..........There are many pluses to me not drinking, but I did want to say that it really ,really justifies the action not to drink. I am one of those that have anxiety, and there were times when I drank, I would wake up in a cold sweat, heart racing and having tons of anxiety about drinking...........the days of that feeling with the hangover just doesn't justify me drinking..............just wanted to post this , esp about drinking this time of year and the potential for getting a DUI..........Best wishes, Im with you all.........7 -
I wonder if drinking was part of why the relationship ended. My OH and I came pretty close when we were both at our worst.
No, while I was in my marriage we both drank very little (him, VERY little, me, a beer almost daily and then a doozy maybe a couple times a year)....
It was after I began living alone and had too much time on my hands (and admittedly was a bit giddy about potentially new adult relationships) that I went downhill. Three big events in 6 months: my dad died, I ended my marriage, and bought a house... and it was after all that that my drinking took a turn for the worse, almost like I had some kind of PTSD. I was only in a rough state for about a year before I looked up and decided to change. (Well, first I said "I can't keep doing this" for about 6 months...Lol.) My ex has been super supportive of these changes, as he had to face the music and make a few of his own. I'm grateful for our new-found relationship, post-marriage.
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I'm sure it's been posted before but it's a good thing to be reminded of i think
Yes, it was posted before and I responded much like I will again...
This is true for a lot of people. I have type 2 bipolar disorder. Medication helps, but not 100% of the time. There are times when it takes tremendous self control to not drink. When clinically depressed, trying to be cheery or changing your life will not make you better. If you want to make a depressed person angry, start telling them about all the good things in their life and tell them they should not be depressed. Mental illness is very real and a big driver in addiction. Some addicts do have to draw on inner strength to abstain and sometimes have to depend on others to help them. The misconception that my attitude is what makes me unhappy at times is one of my biggest pet peeves.5 -
CarvedTones wrote: »I'm sure it's been posted before but it's a good thing to be reminded of i think
Yes, it was posted before and I responded much like I will again...
This is true for a lot of people. I have type 2 bipolar disorder. Medication helps, but not 100% of the time. There are times when it takes tremendous self control to not drink. When clinically depressed, trying to be cheery or changing your life will not make you better. If you want to make a depressed person angry, start telling them about all the good things in their life and tell them they should not be depressed. Mental illness is very real and a big driver in addiction. Some addicts do have to draw on inner strength to abstain and sometimes have to depend on others to help them. The misconception that my attitude is what makes me unhappy at times is one of my biggest pet peeves.
i'm sorry but i don't read it that way at all. it's just saying doing the same old things will get you the samel old things5 -
I recently attended a b day party. I saw an old acquaintance I hadn't seen in about 10 years or so.........wow , totally shocked how " old" she looked. She really looked tired and weathered. Also, she didn't stop drinking the whole 5 hours I was there. Im aware now, she has a " problem" with alcohol.
Surprisingly, she drove home. She kinda slipped out and drove herself home. I talked to her a while and was totally aware she was drunk. But again, was told that she had been through a rough divorce and wasn't coping well, so she had increased her drinking.
I guess what Im trying to say is that alcohol can do damage to the ( health) internal organs and age people prematurely. She was 55 but looked in her late 60s easily. Also, I remember she always used to keep herself up in the past, but again, she had that look. I have seen people, esp movie stars that age rapidly because of alcohol or drug use.........Another plus in my not drinking is never having to worry about alcohol check points or getting pulled over. I think a DUI will cost the person pulled over about 9000.00 dollars , and they can lose their insure and spend a night in jail. Another plus to think about, especially this time of year. I mentioned in a previous post, that my liver functions were a bit high ( elevated ) , just a bit, but that also brought attention to me to stop..........There are many pluses to me not drinking, but I did want to say that it really ,really justifies the action not to drink. I am one of those that have anxiety, and there were times when I drank, I would wake up in a cold sweat, heart racing and having tons of anxiety about drinking...........the days of that feeling with the hangover just doesn't justify me drinking..............just wanted to post this , esp about drinking this time of year and the potential for getting a DUI..........Best wishes, Im with you all.........
Too true! About a year ago my mom was in town visiting and I drank a lot the whole time,we were taking pictures and I looked as old as her with my puffy eyes,greasy/dry skin,watery blood shot eyes,ehh! She was 66 i was only 43 but I swear we looked the same age,stupid booze! Vanity should be a huge motivation to stay off the grog6 -
CarvedTones wrote: »I'm sure it's been posted before but it's a good thing to be reminded of i think
Yes, it was posted before and I responded much like I will again...
This is true for a lot of people. I have type 2 bipolar disorder. Medication helps, but not 100% of the time. There are times when it takes tremendous self control to not drink. When clinically depressed, trying to be cheery or changing your life will not make you better. If you want to make a depressed person angry, start telling them about all the good things in their life and tell them they should not be depressed. Mental illness is very real and a big driver in addiction. Some addicts do have to draw on inner strength to abstain and sometimes have to depend on others to help them. The misconception that my attitude is what makes me unhappy at times is one of my biggest pet peeves.
i'm sorry but i don't read it that way at all. it's just saying doing the same old things will get you the samel old things
I also took it to mean that a person has to change their "behavior." I also suffer from depression/PTSD not bipolar so I'm not saying that I know how you feel or understand your experience, but I do understand self medicating. Have done it my entire life with various substances. Drinking or using any other substance is only a symptom of the problem...it's what is driving a person's drinking that needs to be addressed. If it is a person's mental illness that is the driving force behind an addiction then that needs to be treated either through medication, therapy or both...but it is a lifestyle change not just a cessation of drinking that is key. And yes it does take a tremendous amount of self control to not drink....I am sorry that you are struggling with your mental health. I hope you have some good support that encourages you...I'm glad that you have found this thread so that we can be a positive in your life and I hope that you find what you need here to stay AF.... 2 -
. I think a DUI will cost the person pulled over about 9000.00 dollars , and they can lose their insure and spend a night in jail.
More like $20,000.00 in Canada...if you hire a lawyer. Huge insurance hike...in fact it automatically puts you in the high-risk category. It is a serious crime here. A former drinking buddy got her 2nd DUI in August & after 2 remands, ended up losing her licence for 3 years & received a hefty fine....she was fortunate that the lawyer on duty counsel took on her case...Her 1st DUI cost her $20k. She would have gone to jail this round, but got off because she's battling cancer. The laws in our country were just changed to increase the automatic jail sentence to 3 months for a 2nd DUI..plus increases in fines!! Nightmare!! She had JUST gotten her licence back in June & was pulled over with her 2 grandkids in the car. I am SO thankful I stopped drinking before I got caught...and like you said THAT is a huge benefit, not stressing about ride checks.
I remember the anxiety, the regrets, the waking in the wee hours beating myself up, & on & on & on...for so many things related to my drinking.
SO thankful for my AF life. Count my blessings for sure....
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@RubyRed427 L VE Mojitos!!! If you get the recipe pass it on please...lime & mint...who wouldn't love THAT???
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Day 19 did!!!
and btw i am planning on dry January after dry December. it will be the first attempt at 2 months back to back...12 -
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Normlnv, good for you!
Well, my meds are done and this is the first day that I "can" drink. So I did: iced tea with a shot of tart cherry juice. So maybe this is my true day 1, although I haven't had alcohol since December 3rd. Let's see how it goes. Reading everyone's posts is really inspiring. Thanks, all!6 -
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Confession
I've let the team down
I've stuffed up my streak. . I was cooking today and I got picking at the crumbs.. **coughcough** there were a few crumbs around.
I made like rum balls but based on cadbury's chocolate Christmas cake recipe. Umm.. yea it has brandy in the recipe.
I logged a 2 servings to cover my calories.
Tomorrow a new day, day 1 again.. I cant say I've gone through this month AF..
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Confession I've let the team down
I've stuffed up my streak. . I was cooking today and I got picking at the crumbs.. **coughcough** there were a few crumbs around.
I made like rum balls but based on cadbury's chocolate Christmas cake recipe. Umm.. yea it has brandy in the recipe.
I logged a 2 servings to cover my calories.
Tomorrow a new day, day 1 again.. I cant say I've gone through this month AF..
It’s doubly hard to get through this month unscathed. Remember my near death hangover on Sunday? See , we are human and yet we rise again. Wake up tomorrow and forgive yourself. It’s a new day full of possibilities !4 -
So, I skipped two holiday parties with two different groups of teachers this week. Both events were at a wine bar and a winery. That would make me sick to even see wine at this point. Anyways, the problems I have is that I feel lonely and that I’m missing out. But I know I have to change my mindset. I was at an AA meeting this week; one man said alcoholism is a gift. A gift!!! He says it makes us more compassionate and we can actually save a life by helping others to stay sober.
I have to go back to watching my fav Craig Beck videos and get re-inspired. Remember the first page on the Less Alcohol December thread has awesome resources that many of us have used successfully. Xo Wishing you a happy, sober, day!7 -
Last night at the company dinner there was a four course meal - soup, salad, entree/sides and dessert. There were 4 wine glasses in front of every setting as there was a different featured wine for each course. The first one was already poured when we were seated. I asked the server to take the wine away and he pretty clearly understood what I was asking and took the other three glasses also. The guy sitting next to me did not understand and gave me the play by play of what he thought of each wine. It didn't really bother me. It is almost scary how I am becoming conditioned to not drinking, like I am getting lulled into letting my guard down. I am determined not to let that happen.
Today is day 543 - I love interesting numbers like that...11 -
Thanks for your post. You hit my nail right on the head. I skipped my teacher colleagues holiday drinks night last night and have been feeling very “on my own” in spite of having family visitors. This is my DAY 4, so I appreciate reading your comments!7
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colindailey wrote: »Thanks for your post. You hit my nail right on the head. I skipped my teacher colleagues holiday drinks night last night and have been feeling very “on my own” in spite of having family visitors. This is my DAY 4, so I appreciate reading your comments!
Great job on Day 4!! Xo
P.s. Teachers love to drink! That was one of my undoing ... all those happy hours.1 -
CarvedTones wrote: »Last night at the company dinner there was a four course meal - soup, salad, entree/sides and dessert. There were 4 wine glasses in front of every setting as there was a different featured wine for each course. The first one was already poured when we were seated. I asked the server to take the wine away and he pretty clearly understood what I was asking and took the other three glasses also. The guy sitting next to me did not understand and gave me the play by play of what he thought of each wine. It didn't really bother me. It is almost scary how I am becoming conditioned to not drinking, like I am getting lulled into letting my guard down. I am determined not to let that happen.
Today is day 543 - I love interesting numbers like that...
Good story! Inspiring !3 -
I won't see you for a while as we are going to London for Christmas to visit our daughter and I will not bring my computer. I feel that even though my husband will probably drink there, I will be able to be strong and stay sober as our daughter does not drink at all. That is my goal anyway. I'm wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and hoping you enjoy your time with friends and loved ones. And for those that are struggling with difficulties and find this time of year challenging, I wish you peace and love. Jen8
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@CarvedTones I think your being "conditioned" to not drink is awesome. I admire your determination and I'll be needing some over the next couple of weeks. I was given a very nice bottle of Baco Noir today from a client and am going to serve it at a dinner I am hosting in 2 weeks.
I had debated about buying a bottle for this dinner & now the debate is over...I was thinking today how relatively easy it was for me to pour several bottles of liquor, a few not even cracked, down my drain way back when I first stopped. I CANNOT bring myself to do the same with this wine...WHAT is with THAT???? It's because wine was my thing. I just thought it was kinda interesting. I have poured my share of wine down my drain in the past, but only after too much the night before & swearing off drinking only to cave within days promising myself that I would moderate....NOT!! Anyway, IF the wine that is now in my cabinet begins to call my name, I will give it to someone for safekeeping until my dinner. I left it wrapped in the cellophane & will not unwrap it until my guests are here...just cause!!! LOL
I will pour myself a mocktail in a fancy glass ...
BYE Jen...safe travels!! Looking forward to hearing how you were successfully sober Great that you will have your daughter for encouragement.
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@JenT304 Have a wonderful trip! Make lots of memories. Enjoy every second!!1
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I never wake up thinking “I wish I drank a few glass of wine last night.”
But I do wake up thinking “I am soooooo glad I didn’t drink last night.”
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Happy Friday all! Jen,safe travels and enjoy your vist Lorraine,toss it or regift having it around might just be inviting trouble,I'm having bad anxiety right now cuz christmas is right around the corner,today is my day off and that sometimes gets me in trouble when I can't get out of my head! Grrrrr,send me good vibes peeps,wishes for a fabulous AF Friday! 3
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Happy Friday all! Jen,safe travels and enjoy your vist Lorraine,toss it or regift having it around might just be inviting trouble,I'm having bad anxiety right now cuz christmas is right around the corner,today is my day off and that sometimes gets me in trouble when I can't get out of my head! Grrrrr,send me good vibes peeps,wishes for a fabulous AF Friday!
sending you good vibes! Keep busy- go to a movie, go shopping, read in a coffee shop... we are here for you. Xo3
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