The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living
Replies
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Hi Max, I can relate to the “on” switch or the converse “no off switch”.MaxInChicago wrote: »It's wonderful to find this forum on MFP--so many insightful comments and resources. I've been AF since late 2012. Once the switch was "on" I always had great difficulty turning it off. I'm grateful to be able to say "no more" and for all the positive changes--physical and emotional--that have come from being AF, and I'm looking forward to being a part of this group. Thanks! Max
@lorrainequiche59 It is a sad anniversary of the death of a beautiful friend
@salleewins Thinking of you
Craig Beck’s videos are gems. They always always take me back to reality after I start staring “dreamy-eyed” at a wine bottle. Nothing good every came from one too many. Just regret, anxiety and depression. I think regret is the worst feeling.
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Salleewins,sending positive vibes your way Lorraine,you too sorry for the loss of your friend also,just posted on my alcohol forum that I was so drunk last Easter weekend I barely remember any of it,sure bits and pieces but not like I should,I hate that wasted time! Wishes for a happy AF day for us all
Ouch! Easter memory is painful. But great news you can make a new positive memory this year! Xo5 -
Reflecting on Good Friday’s meaning as well as true pain like the loss of a child or friend reminds me that “losing” my friend alcohol is such a trivial matter compared to losing the life of a loved one.8
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when you all went completely AF (those that are), did you set a date or just decide when you woke up one day? or was it after a really bad event? I don't need the complete explanation. I am just wondering how. I resolve every morning then I fail. I am not drinking a LOT (most of the time) but I do want to STOP. We are new in this area and the two groups we have joined are both alcohol related - wine club & a craft beer club and I belong to a Wine & Book Club.
: O Thank you in advance.5 -
@RubyRed427 Thanks for posting the Craig Ferguson clip and for the tip on Craig Beck's videos!
@dbhDeb For me it was after a really bad event and it became clear that I didn't have control over my drinking. Prior to that I resolved many times to drink less or stop for a while, but always ended up not sticking to those resolutions.4 -
Sorry for the long post - but I have a lot on my mind today. I promised my wife no alcohol until Easter. Easter is in 6 days and I am 11+ weeks AF at the time of this writing. BUT - Liquor logic is starting to rear it's ugly head again.
As you may recall stopping drinking got me off of BP meds (so happy about this) - HOWEVER - going AF made my cholesterol go the wrong way enough that I need to get back on statin drugs according to my "internet diagnosis." I have an appointment with the doc this afternoon to see what I need to do - like she knows more than the internet haha.
I eat right and work out super-hard 3 or 4 times per week (swim, cycle, and run) and I always train to participate in at least 1 Sprint Triathlon per year. I like to keep my fitness level here at all times. I am also at goal weight...so no weight loss or exercise program is going to change anything.
I do NOT want to get back on meds - but if I had to choose - I would much rather be on BP meds than a statin drug...which would mean
???drinking in moderation again (max of 2 beers or 5 oz. of wine per day)???
^^^^ Liquor Logic^^^^
Either way liquor or statin drugs can mess up your liver.
Bottom line is - whatever the doc tells me I will do. I am not whining one bit. In fact I am truly thankful for my good health and thank the good Lord often for this. Having to take a statin or BP drug is inconsequential compared to some of the battles others face.
I will let you know what's up as soon as I figure it out myself....
My doc said stay the course - stay AF - keep exercising and eating balanced meals - retest in 2 months.
I also know that today was the first time I actually told my doctor the truth about how much bourbon I actually drank every day/week.Sorry for the long post - but I have a lot on my mind today. I promised my wife no alcohol until Easter. Easter is in 6 days and I am 11+ weeks AF at the time of this writing. BUT - Liquor logic is starting to rear it's ugly head again.
As you may recall stopping drinking got me off of BP meds (so happy about this) - HOWEVER - going AF made my cholesterol go the wrong way enough that I need to get back on statin drugs according to my "internet diagnosis." I have an appointment with the doc this afternoon to see what I need to do - like she knows more than the internet haha.
I eat right and work out super-hard 3 or 4 times per week (swim, cycle, and run) and I always train to participate in at least 1 Sprint Triathlon per year. I like to keep my fitness level here at all times. I am also at goal weight...so no weight loss or exercise program is going to change anything.
I do NOT want to get back on meds - but if I had to choose - I would much rather be on BP meds than a statin drug...which would mean
???drinking in moderation again (max of 2 beers or 5 oz. of wine per day)???
^^^^ Liquor Logic^^^^
Either way liquor or statin drugs can mess up your liver.
Bottom line is - whatever the doc tells me I will do. I am not whining one bit. In fact I am truly thankful for my good health and thank the good Lord often for this. Having to take a statin or BP drug is inconsequential compared to some of the battles others face.
I will let you know what's up as soon as I figure it out myself....
My doc said stay the course - stay AF - keep exercising and eating balanced meals - retest in 2 months.
I also know that today was the first time I actually told my doctor the truth about how much bourbon I actually drank every day/week.
glad to hear this! How much were you drinking? 11 weeks is pretty darn awesome!1 -
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@dbhDeb I made the call after I got back from a trip with one of my besties — there hadn’t been any bad experiences on the trip, but there had been a lot of drinking and I’d been experimenting with longer and longer periods of being AF beforehand. I woke up back at home and decided I was just done. I HAD to be. I’d had A TON of awful experiences prior to the trip (15 years of drinking can do that to ya) and I knew too many things (thanks, Annie Grace!) and while I was terrified, I was also pretty hopeful. It’s been both excellent and difficult. July 24 will be one year
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@dbhDeb I made the call after I got back from a trip with one of my besties — there hadn’t been any bad experiences on the trip, but there had been a lot of drinking and I’d been experimenting with longer and longer periods of being AF beforehand. I woke up back at home and decided I was just done. I HAD to be. I’d had A TON of awful experiences prior to the trip (15 years of drinking can do that to ya) and I knew too many things (thanks, Annie Grace!) and while I was terrified, I was also pretty hopeful. It’s been both excellent and difficult. July 24 will be one year
That is awesome -- thank you for sharing! I wanted some inspiring stories. I am working towards it but hard to broach with my SO.6 -
thank you for sharing this. I have never heard of Craig Ferguson @rubyred427
Also, watch his bit on getting sober on Christmas Day. Find it on youtube. Very down to earth, funny and poignant.2 -
@dbhDeb I went AF on Jan 1. I poured out the rest of the wine that was left from New Year's Eve (the only time I have ever poured wine down the drain!) and I haven't bought any more. Before this I did a Sober October, but then went back to drinking for the holidays. I knew I was drinking too much plus having to work out so hard each day to earn enough calories for it was exhausting. For me, any time I've attempted to develop a healthy habit, I start at the first of the month or even the first of a week. If you want to go AF, just pick a date and commit to it. Try it for 30 days and see how you feel. Good luck!7
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It feels fantastic to not let alcohol control me anymore. I am thinking about this upcoming weekend of the moments I don’t remember while cooking, starting to drink wine early. Not this year! I know I have an issue of limiting myself to one glass of wine or two, three, etc.... I know I have made excuses for myself that I can moderate, nope! I have a high degree of self control in other areas, well, not alcohol. I know that now. 👍
I was reading through the posts and thinking of those others who have spouses who drink. My husband has been supportive of me not drinking; however, if it impacts him or changes his routine can be difficult. He has decided on his own that he wants to stop drinking whiskey at night after dinner. He has a yearly physical. I was very supportive of his choice. He did start and didn’t go exactly well. He is back on not drinking whiskey and I pray he finds all the great benefits of not doing so!
All the best to everyone!
💃🤸♀️❤️🤗10 -
Who the hell was that cheerful person who texted about day 20 this morning? It’s still day 20 and I’m not happy about not drinking. I went to happy hour with fellow teachers and enjoyed myself AF. The sweet drinks they were drinking did not appeal to me at all (They’re mainly 20-somethings or non-“sophisticated” drinkers).
However, I got home grumpy because I can’t drink and my inner drama queen wonders why I even bother with anything. It’s 8:15 but I’m going to bed to read and drink San Pellegrino and hope this funk lifts by tomorrow morning. It’s so hard being me. Wahhhh. I so need to get over myself! Thanks for letting me vent.
PS. I think I’m mainly resentful that I can’t take my husband’s well-intentioned suggestion to have one drink and then get back to it tomorrow. I would love to do that. But “tomorrow” wouldn’t come for another six weeks or so. Right now I hate knowing that and wish I could still be delusional enough to think it might work. Being a grownup is hard sometimes. That’s coming from a grandmother. Good night, friends. Wishing everyone a great weekend.14 -
Sorry for the long post - but I have a lot on my mind today. I promised my wife no alcohol until Easter. Easter is in 6 days and I am 11+ weeks AF at the time of this writing. BUT - Liquor logic is starting to rear it's ugly head again.
As you may recall stopping drinking got me off of BP meds (so happy about this) - HOWEVER - going AF made my cholesterol go the wrong way enough that I need to get back on statin drugs according to my "internet diagnosis." I have an appointment with the doc this afternoon to see what I need to do - like she knows more than the internet haha.
I eat right and work out super-hard 3 or 4 times per week (swim, cycle, and run) and I always train to participate in at least 1 Sprint Triathlon per year. I like to keep my fitness level here at all times. I am also at goal weight...so no weight loss or exercise program is going to change anything.
I do NOT want to get back on meds - but if I had to choose - I would much rather be on BP meds than a statin drug...which would mean
???drinking in moderation again (max of 2 beers or 5 oz. of wine per day)???
^^^^ Liquor Logic^^^^
Either way liquor or statin drugs can mess up your liver.
Bottom line is - whatever the doc tells me I will do. I am not whining one bit. In fact I am truly thankful for my good health and thank the good Lord often for this. Having to take a statin or BP drug is inconsequential compared to some of the battles others face.
I will let you know what's up as soon as I figure it out myself....
My doc said stay the course - stay AF - keep exercising and eating balanced meals - retest in 2 months.
I also know that today was the first time I actually told my doctor the truth about how much bourbon I actually drank every day/week.Sorry for the long post - but I have a lot on my mind today. I promised my wife no alcohol until Easter. Easter is in 6 days and I am 11+ weeks AF at the time of this writing. BUT - Liquor logic is starting to rear it's ugly head again.
As you may recall stopping drinking got me off of BP meds (so happy about this) - HOWEVER - going AF made my cholesterol go the wrong way enough that I need to get back on statin drugs according to my "internet diagnosis." I have an appointment with the doc this afternoon to see what I need to do - like she knows more than the internet haha.
I eat right and work out super-hard 3 or 4 times per week (swim, cycle, and run) and I always train to participate in at least 1 Sprint Triathlon per year. I like to keep my fitness level here at all times. I am also at goal weight...so no weight loss or exercise program is going to change anything.
I do NOT want to get back on meds - but if I had to choose - I would much rather be on BP meds than a statin drug...which would mean
???drinking in moderation again (max of 2 beers or 5 oz. of wine per day)???
^^^^ Liquor Logic^^^^
Either way liquor or statin drugs can mess up your liver.
Bottom line is - whatever the doc tells me I will do. I am not whining one bit. In fact I am truly thankful for my good health and thank the good Lord often for this. Having to take a statin or BP drug is inconsequential compared to some of the battles others face.
I will let you know what's up as soon as I figure it out myself....
My doc said stay the course - stay AF - keep exercising and eating balanced meals - retest in 2 months.
I also know that today was the first time I actually told my doctor the truth about how much bourbon I actually drank every day/week.
glad to hear this! How much were you drinking? 11 weeks is pretty darn awesome!
@dbhDeb - At least one 1.75 Liter bottle of Jim Beam ever 5 or 6 days, or so. Plus some top shelf thrown in when I wanted to be a more sophisticated bourbon drinker. Some days were heavy and some were lighter, but I never missed a day. When I had the flu, it would help me get over the flu, same with a cold or with allergies, etc.
Funny thing - since I have been AF - no allergies this season. Is there a correlation?8 -
@ed_zilla Awesome 👏 for you and your progress! I am curious to see with my husband stopping drinking whiskey if his allergies are better.4
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@lorrainequiche59 I am sorry about your friend and the loss of her. We share in your sadness.3
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Aww! Thanks so much for the hugs. I woke up so thankful that I didn’t drink last night. Already have my makeup on (rare for a day off). The lesson is that it does pass if I just ride it out and go to bed if that’s what a takes. Hopefully my weak little resistance muscle got a bit stronger.
I appreciate this community so much. Have a great day. Starbucks here I come! 3 week celebration.
Oh, special hugs to you, @salleewins!9 -
Day 35 AF for me! I want to shout it from the rooftop but no one around here would care. It seems since I have been not drinking at all, my husband wants to drink even more. Even though I said I wasn't going to nag him about drinking, we got in a fight about it the other day. I tried to ignore him but it's near impossible when he's drunk. Finally he said he would cut down (he's said this many times before and as a person who used to drink 4-5 days a week myself I know just saying it does not work). He always goes out with his coworkers for a "few" drinks on Good Friday since he works only a half day. It would be nice if he just came home at noon for once. Even my sister who does not drink much said she misses drinking beers with me every Friday night. I said you can drink beers and I'll just drink iced tea and she said that's not the same. I guess people don't believe me since I've been drinking regularly for almost half my life. I can understand that but it is still annoying. Sorry for the rant!14
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Hello all,@donimfp your post last night was how I was feeling yesterday too! Glad we both got over ourselves and stayed the course although my allergies this morning make me feel like I did in fact drink,no being AF hasn't helped my allergies in fact I feel worse with them but oh well,@salleewins thinking of you sorry it's hard for me to mention everyone I want to,it's hard to scroll back and I forget peeps' usernames exactly how they're spelled,blame it on allergy head haha,boiled a dozen eggs so me and the 6 year old g-son can color them tomorrow,gonna go over,order a big pizza and go to it cuz calories don't count on Fri,Sat or Sun especially holidays! No wonder I've been the same weight for a year haha,waves to all and wishes for a great AF Good Friday! 8
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Day 35 AF for me! I want to shout it from the rooftop but no one around here would care. It seems since I have been not drinking at all, my husband wants to drink even more. Even though I said I wasn't going to nag him about drinking, we got in a fight about it the other day. I tried to ignore him but it's near impossible when he's drunk. Finally he said he would cut down (he's said this many times before and as a person who used to drink 4-5 days a week myself I know just saying it does not work). He always goes out with his coworkers for a "few" drinks on Good Friday since he works only a half day. It would be nice if he just came home at noon for once. Even my sister who does not drink much said she misses drinking beers with me every Friday night. I said you can drink beers and I'll just drink iced tea and she said that's not the same. I guess people don't believe me since I've been drinking regularly for almost half my life. I can understand that but it is still annoying. Sorry for the rant!
Please don't apologize! You are facing many challenges and I think it helps to talk about them. Congratulations on 35 days!! And I wish you all the best in the days, weeks, months to come!6 -
@BuffMom84, 35 days is huge! You deserve to celebrate. There is a whole group here giving you a collective high-five! I guess it's hard for people who are still drinking to really celebrate with you because that means admitting that not drinking is something to celebrate. But you know it is! Maybe treat yourself to something special today to mark this milestone. I'm all about the treats! Maybe I was a trained seal in a past life. Hugs to you!10
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12 weeks AF today ... next week will be 3 months.
Yup. I just said that 😎
I had a little bit of a struggle earlier this week, but that is in the past. Learned from it and moved on.
Also, I have been hearing off and on...usually in an incredulous voice ”You’re STILL not drinking? Not even beer?”
Since when was beer not really alcohol?!?14 -
RubyRed427 wrote: »thank you for sharing this. I have never heard of Craig Ferguson @rubyred427
Also, watch his bit on getting sober on Christmas Day. Find it on youtube. Very down to earth, funny and poignant.
I did. I also watched Elizabeth Vargas' interview with Diane Sawyer. Both eye-opening.2 -
Day 35 AF for me! I want to shout it from the rooftop but no one around here would care. It seems since I have been not drinking at all, my husband wants to drink even more. Even though I said I wasn't going to nag him about drinking, we got in a fight about it the other day. I tried to ignore him but it's near impossible when he's drunk. Finally he said he would cut down (he's said this many times before and as a person who used to drink 4-5 days a week myself I know just saying it does not work). He always goes out with his coworkers for a "few" drinks on Good Friday since he works only a half day. It would be nice if he just came home at noon for once. Even my sister who does not drink much said she misses drinking beers with me every Friday night. I said you can drink beers and I'll just drink iced tea and she said that's not the same. I guess people don't believe me since I've been drinking regularly for almost half my life. I can understand that but it is still annoying. Sorry for the rant!
I'm so proud for you @BuffMom84 . This is my issue -- I think I will get so much push-back but I know like you I need to do this. I am afraid it will mess up important relationships and that is scary to me.5 -
@Ed_Zilla, congratulations! 12 weeks is huge. My husband has quit drinking in solidarity with me. Obviously he had less of an issue than I did since he just shrugged and decided to do it. But he probably outdrank you in the Jim Beam department, so I'm surprised it has been so apparently easy for him. Probably between the two of you, they've seen a drop in their stockmarket value recently. Again, well done!6
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12 weeks AF today ... next week will be 3 months.
Yup. I just said that 😎
I had a little bit of a struggle earlier this week, but that is in the past. Learned from it and moved on.
Also, I have been hearing off and on...usually in an incredulous voice ”You’re STILL not drinking? Not even beer?”
Since when was beer not really alcohol?!?
Congratulations on 12 weeks!3 -
@salleewins and @lorrainequiche59 thinking of you both during this anniversary time. I hope you're both able to find some peace this weekend!
I treated myself today, which I tend to do for the heck of it whenever I want anything that doesn't break the bank, but after reading the above comments, I will pretend it's due to the special occasion of 5 weeks AF, ha! I wish everyone a Happy Holiday weekend, whatever you're celebrating!5 -
12 weeks AF today ... next week will be 3 months.
Yup. I just said that 😎
I had a little bit of a struggle earlier this week, but that is in the past. Learned from it and moved on.
Also, I have been hearing off and on...usually in an incredulous voice ”You’re STILL not drinking? Not even beer?”
Since when was beer not really alcohol?!?
Congratulations! Yep I always laugh when people say"yea I don't drink much,only beer" duh "only beer" is all I ever drank! Just alot of them 14-16 each time,I'm pretty sure they do just as much damage as "the hard stuff" people avoid3 -
@whitpauly I'm with you on the not commenting on everyone's post that I relate to/like. I'd also like to but get dizzy going back & forth...you have a great sense of humor by the way ALWAYS with kindness which is one of my fave qualities. My friend Mare was one of the absolute kindest people I have ever met. That is one of the things I miss the most, because it is rare to find a genuinely kind person.
@BuffMom84 NEVER ever apologize for the rants or the vents in this space!! Rant away!!!!!! It's good to get it out instead of holding it in and poisoning yourself...k !!
@dbhDeb I too found the Elizabeth Vargas interview VERY interesting. I really loved her reporting and never would have suspected that she had an issue, but then I don't remember seeing any of the interviews she did when she was looped. There are many celebrities who are AF & we've seen the results of those who were consumed in one way or another by their disease.
AND Ed woohoo & congrats on 12 weeks AF...not EVEN a beer...that was funny LOL
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OK...so here's MY latest rant. I received the 2nd set of blinds for my bedroom window yesterday...called my helper who "was" going to install them for me...when I get to the courier depot to pick them up, both ends of the box were OPEN...the clerk documented the fact that the ends were not sealed but said I was not allowed to check to see if all the pieces were there & I could just refuse acceptance of them & ship them back. But I was able to peek inside to see the header for the blinds encased in a plastic sleeve & figured the hardware would likely be inside also. Of course, the hardware is missing SO I cannot install my blinds because there are no brackets OR screws to attach them to the window frame....r-r-r-r-r-r-r!!! I have curtains for my window also so no one will be privy to my naked bodacious bod any time soon BUT you get the point....r-r-r-r-r!! I very calmly in spite of myself left a VERY clear message on the answering service at the blind co. last night figuring I won't hear back until Tuesday at the very earliest due to the holiday...so I came home & emailed a nice explicit email expressing my disappointment & expectations for some type of reimbursement for all the FRUSTRATION...to my surprise I got a call this aft from the lady who is handling my other dispute with this company and she was very apologetic & is on the case....
SO THERE!!
Having said all that, there are much worse things to worry about than stupid blinds!!!4
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