LESS Alcohol ~ July 2025 ~ One Day at A Time

@chicbuc Doesn't it feel great when me make such a healthy decision and barely have to think about it!
I have days when I struggle to fight cravings for an hour or more and end up caving in and going to the store. Other days (like that last 3 in a row) I barely think about wine and, when I do, the thoughts are basically "Hmm, I'm not even thinking about buying some wine, I wonder why that is?" I still haven't given myself an answer to that question, but I'm glad I'm having more and more days with it.

@globalhiker Yikes, a spinal fusion does not sound fun. I hope the procedure gets done quickly and as painlessly as possible, and will keep you and your husband in my thoughts. I know that you already know this, but a prosecco of any temperature or size is not going to change the situation, or relieve your bonkers state. Happy to hear you pulled yourself back to reality. 💕 hugs

@Michieb125 Sounds like you're having a great time glamping - unplanned extra nights anywhere are always such a special treat to ourselves and our loved ones.
I'm always amazed at your LA goals and how you're able to follow or adjust as needed (I have more of an all-or-nothing mindset, LOL).
I'm also very grateful that I found this space to share, vent or just report/track.

4 AF

3 LA

2 A

@NonnieDoiron ugh what a day! The pointless meetings that can be handled in 3 minutes and drag on for half an hour. Time to re-read the old Dilbert comics for some commiseration! Hope your discussion with your husband goes well, it’s never cool to be harsh with your kids.

@LittleSurferGirl7 what is the treatment for the retina? Did the hemorrhage get re-absorbed or is it still there messing with your retina? Sorry to hear it wasn’t better news.

@Womona I guess I should have had you go to the appt with me because I have no idea what is going on with my eye. I should have asked the doctor the questions that you asked me. But, he seemed in a hurry. And, to be honest, I just wanted to get out of there.

When I first started seeing him, he would say out loud what he was seeing in the pictures (in technical terms). I thought he was talking to me, but I guess he was talking to the gal in the room on the computer transcribing the notes.

I imagine the blood was re-absorbed because I no longer have floaters. But I don't think there's any treatment. He told me to look in this little scope thing with lines and if the lines got more wavy, to call him. The only thing that I learned was my vision numbers because I asked the technician. They've never told me before. So it was kind of a wasted appt.

Oh well…I'm hoping it improves on it's own. I think if I quit drinking things might improve. But, unfortunately, that won't be happening today. I'm a bit hungover and I'm waiting for the liquor store to open. I will get there soon.

I was wondering if everyone tells their doctors that they drink or not. A lot of the time, I will quit for a week or so before my appt and then when I'm filling out the pre-registration on the computer, when I'm asked about my drinking, I'll check "None" because at the time I am not drinking. I should probably check "Occasionally", but then there may be a discussion that I prefer to avoid. I'm just wondering what others do.

@chicbuc Thank you for the information. It's reassuring to know that my bad eye is not "terrible". When I first saw the optometrist and ophthalmologist (in the same office), they explained everything to me (what they were doing and what they were seeing). This doctor just doesn't seem to explain anything to me. Fortunately, I'm not diabetic.

BTW…you're doing great with your streak. Keep it up! I will be back on board again soon. This time after I get a day or two AF, I'm going to keep going and I'm not looking back. My goal is to go 30, 60, 90 days AF. After that, I'm hoping that I won't want it anymore.

Thanks again! You're always so helpful!

July:

AF=4
A=5

@NonnieDoiron Thanks! I guess I should have given more background information. I have a prescription for Xanax. And, I'm afraid if I tell him I'm drinking more than I should, he may not refill my prescription. I was prescribed a few years ago after a hospital visit (to be taken at bedtime). I do mainly only take it at night for sleep (and only half of the dosage stated on the bottle).

I know that everyone is going to think, "That's addictive!". But, I took it daily from 1996 to 2003 (due to panic attacks). I moved back to Oregon in 2003 and I had a few refills left. At the time, I didn't have medical insurance or a doctor. So, when I ran out, I ran out. I had no problems at all. I feel like if you take medications as prescribed (and not abuse them), most of the meds aren't as bad as they get labeled. Unfortunately, so many people do abuse prescription drugs that the people that take them as prescribed have to jump through hoops to get their prescriptions filled.

Have a relaxing evening…I know you need it!

@LittleSurferGirl7 I can understand the hesitation then.

@nbruns83 I don’t know if it’s unethical to deny a medication because of someone’s drinking because some medications are dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

Now that I think about it, I did have a doctor tell me I had to stop drinking if he put me on a medication once. I don’t remember what it was, maybe an antibiotic. I struggled with it, but I’m pretty sure I managed to not drink while on it.

A-2
AF-8

I did talk to my husband this morning about him yelling at our son yesterday while they were working. He said that he realized he was doing it, and he had already apologized to him. And, he apologize again to him this morning. I’m glad he is catching himself.

The magician goes grocery shopping tomorrow. I don’t know if I should be worried or hopeful.🤔 I do have a 6-day streak going.

@NonnieDoiron 👍 So you do understand!

You're right about some medications being dangerous when mixed with alcohol. Mine being one of them. But, I've never had a problem. I always take the minimal amount of medications to be effective. The only other medication that I take is for blood pressure. And, of course, I take the amount as prescribed.

For quite some time now, I've started researching medications and supplements on the computer. Whether, it's prescription or OTC, you really need to be careful. I always thought that if I can buy it at the drug store, it must be OK. But, that's not always the case. My eye doctor told me not to take steroids or corticosteroids. That family includes Flonase, Cortisone 10, and many, many others. And, many of the supplements that are hyped may be fine for most. But some people that have certain medical conditions may have adverse effects. It could be people with high blood pressure, diabetes, bleeding disorders, heart, liver, kidney conditions…you name it.

Oh! And the thing about antibiotics and alcohol. Mixing them won't kill you. But drinking alcohol makes antibiotics less effective. If you have a serious infection or just had surgery, the antibiotics won't be helping. Not good!

Anyways tomorrow is Friday…will he or won't he? That is the question?

@itladyee Thanks for chiming in. It's funny because every time I go to see my primary care, I'm always nervous and I always walk out relaxed thinking "That was easy!". He never says anything negative or shines a bright light in my eyes. I don't know what I'm afraid of? It's kind of like being called in to the principal's office in school. I actually was called into the principal's office once in high school. I was so nervous. But, I had no reason to be nervous, I had made the "Principal's Honor Roll". What a relief!

You said, when you finally told your doctor how much you were drinking that he didn't even bat an eye. That's probably how most doctors are. Most people have some sort of vice.

I love your comment and agree that although life brings challenges and unexpected changes, we have the power to choose our responses @rnbruns83. This pertains to anything we choose to consume. Each and every day - for me, there is freedoms in that! Especially around my relationship with alcohol.

No longer is there only AA where people “admit they are powerless” over alcohol. My dad loved AA for over 40 years then passed at the age of 79, but not of alcohol. Good for him in finding his own path. I like today’s newer trends around mindful drinking that offer plentiful options to quit or cut back for those who are curious. The freedom of choice has made all the difference for me to walk my LA path. I know not everyone may agree and I respect all opinions around what works for each of us - sobriety or less as we are uniquely created individuals. I’m thankful for this LA community.

Heading back home today. Take care of yourself today!

The magician performed his trick, and honestly I’m not mad at it. I’m trying to work today but so disinterested. I could literally turn off my computer and curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee or take a nap… not sure which. (Save the wine for later.)