Sobriety / Teetotaling

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by Oscarpapa

.....you have to realise that to alot of our American cousins drinking more than a couple of drinks at a time makes you a raving alcoholic, haha.

I think if you read our posts, you'll realize that losing friends, family, jobs, morals, self-respect, health and the will to live led us to the realization that we were alcoholics.

[Pauln]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I guess there is one other thing I wanted to add. Many friends who have given up drinking have found health by maintaining contact with a higher power. Once that has happened the negative impact their drinking had on their friends, family, and selves was greatly reduced and giving up drinking is no longer a curse or burden but a blessing.

Nice posts. It’s amazing the difference between using a program to stop drinking and quitting on your own (for people that are truly alcoholic). Without a program, people end up fighting alcohol for years and years. With a program you stop fighting alcohol. The temptation/obsession just goes away. They literally just don’t think about it. At least that’s what I’ve observed.

Whether or not a person is alcoholic is very personal. Some people are just heavy drinkers. You go to the doctor and they have a brochure with 20+ questions to help you decide. But basically, when you truly want to stop drinking for a period of time, are you able to? When you do drink, are you able to control how much you drink?

I jumped on this thread over the weekend, not realizing how old it was, but it’s an interesting one. Thanks to everyone for sharing.

[BigBlue1]

If you consume a drink everyday more than likely you are an alcoholic.
No one wants to admit it and or a lot of people have trouble admitting it.
You don't have to get plastard to be an alcoholic but drink regularly.
If you're a heavy drinker then you're probably an alcoholic.
You shouldn't plan to drink. It should be sporadic at the moment, not planned.
It's ok to drink, but in moderation, if you can.
I myself don't drink and don't have the urge.
Probably has a lot to do with being a single Dad raising my 2 kids.
Job on the line at all times, being in the public so frequent.
Lots of responsibilities and needing to be sharp.
Maybe down the road, but not now.
I use to drink when I was younger.
Could care less about it.
To all those here and abroad who struggle with any addiction I wish you strength to overcome your struggles.

P.S. Rolexism is an OK addiction.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Oscarpapa

Good post, that could pretty much describe my use of alcohol which I would categorize as social drinking but you have to realise that to alot of our American cousins drinking more than a couple of drinks at a time makes you a raving alcoholic, haha. As in most things moderation is king.

Your comment sounds flippant and uninformed. Alcoholics can’t self moderate. That’s the aspect that non alcoholics cannot understand. It’s a disease, not a choice.

[Oscarpapa]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Your comment sounds flippant and uninformed. Alcoholics can’t self moderate. That’s the aspect that non alcoholics cannot understand. It’s a disease, not a choice.

I'm sorry if I came across as flippant as it wasn't my intention, only trying to bring some balance into the discussion, namely, that you can drink sociably and moderately and not have a problem with alcohol.
I am only too aware that alcoholism is a disease and those affected cannot self moderate but for the majority of people it is possible to enjoy the social aspects of alcohol drinking and not have any problems.
However, on reflection, given that this thread seems to have alot of recovering alcoholics contributing it probably would have been best if I had kept my observations to myself.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Your comment sounds flippant and uninformed. Alcoholics can’t self moderate. That’s the aspect that non alcoholics cannot understand. It’s a disease, not a choice.

My closest childhood friend's mother died from her Alcoholism which is what lead my Mother to program. My friends mother drank a fifth of Canadian Club per day. She went from mid 40s to mid 80s in appearance in a few year. Ruined her liver, lost a leg, and finally died. No-one willing chooses that fate if they can avoid it. Her deterioration is firmly engraved in my mind.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Oscarpapa

I'm sorry if I came across as flippant as it wasn't my intention, only trying to bring some balance into the discussion, namely, that you can drink sociably and moderately and not have a problem with alcohol.
I am only too aware that alcoholism is a disease and those affected cannot self moderate but for the majority of people it is possible to enjoy the social aspects of alcohol drinking and not have any problems.
However, on reflection, given that this thread seems to have alot of recovering alcoholics contributing it probably would have been best if I had kept my observations to myself.

[Star Ferry]

an interesting thing about the alcohol industry is they make most of their money from very heavy drinkers. without alcoholics, the industry would be in trouble

so while advertising tries hard to normalize drinking and equate it with being social, it's not really true, since 70% of americans don't drink or barely drink

[superdog]

Intersting topic for me.

I drink daily. Just a few. And I stop around 7:30 as I wake up at 2:00 if I go to sleep with a buzz. But it certainly takes the edge off after a long work day.

I don’t think I have a problem. I just like to drink. It makes my days better. Still up everyday at 4:30 out with the pups and getting ready for the gym at 5:00.

For health purposes, I do think it’s time I quit for good. But I also entertain a lot for work. It’s tough when you are not drinking when a customer is. Yet I’m sure I can do it.

Besides, maybe it’s time for me to stop entertaining so much. Pass that torch on. I’ve tried that though and it hasn’t worked in the past.

I do think I will be a better version of myself if I stop completely. Anywho, I told my wife yesterday I was ready for another month off. Today is day 1. Not drinking again until Memorial Day weekend. I’ll document this personally and see how it all goes and how I feel.

[bobernet]

Originally Posted by superdog

Intersting topic for me.
I drink daily. Just a few. And I stop around 7:30 as I wake up at 2:00 if I go to sleep with a buzz. But it certainly takes the edge off after a long work day.

I don’t think I have a problem. I just like to drink. It makes my days better. Still up everyday at 4:30 out with the pups and getting ready for the gym at 5:00.

I don’t know you or your drinking, so don’t take this as a personal criticism or judging. Re-read the stuff in bold above. Many people fall into what’s called “functional alcoholism.” The stereotype we all grew up with of the homeless drunk, the guy on a binge who won’t get up for work, the violent drunk with a bruised wife and cowering kids... those aren’t the only people with a problem.

But I also entertain a lot for work. It’s tough when you are not drinking when a customer is.

In my experience, it’s much more of a hassle dealing with friends or family than the scenario you outline above. Lots of clients will assume you’re not drinking because it’s “work” for you. If they think you’re a teetotaler, recovering alcoholic, whatever, they are generally too polite to mention it. Even a simple fib about too many business dinners lately and giving your system a break is enough to move the conversation on to other things.

I do think I will be a better version of myself if I stop completely.

Congrats and good luck with the “trial period.”

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by superdog

Intersting topic for me.

I drink daily. Just a few. And I stop around 7:30 as I wake up at 2:00 if I go to sleep with a buzz. But it certainly takes the edge off after a long work day.

I don’t think I have a problem. I just like to drink. It makes my days better. Still up everyday at 4:30 out with the pups and getting ready for the gym at 5:00.

For health purposes, I do think it’s time I quit for good. But I also entertain a lot for work. It’s tough when you are not drinking when a customer is. Yet I’m sure I can do it.

Besides, maybe it’s time for me to stop entertaining so much. Pass that torch on. I’ve tried that though and it hasn’t worked in the past.

I do think I will be a better version of myself if I stop completely. Anywho, I told my wife yesterday I was ready for another month off. Today is day 1. Not drinking again until Memorial Day weekend. I’ll document this personally and see how it all goes and how I feel.

Good idea Seth. If you need someone to distract you in the biting moments, give me a call.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by bobernet

I don’t know you or your drinking, so don’t take this as a personal criticism or judging. Re-read the stuff in bold above. Many people fall into what’s called “functional alcoholism.” The stereotype we all grew up with of the homeless drunk, the guy on a binge who won’t get up for work, the violent drunk with a bruised wife and cowering kids... those aren’t the only people with a problem.



In my experience, it’s much more of a hassle dealing with friends or family than the scenario you outline above. Lots of clients will assume you’re not drinking because it’s “work” for you. If they think you’re a teetotaler, recovering alcoholic, whatever, they are generally too polite to mention it. Even a simple fib about too many business dinners lately and giving your system a break is enough to move the conversation on to other things.



Congrats and good luck with the “trial period.”

I don’t take it as an attack, at all. Thanks for taking the time to collect and write your thoughts.

No booze today, no problem. I typically take off every January. No problems. Maybe I am a functioning alcoholic. If so, I know many people like myself. Many many people. If they don’t have a problem, is it a problem? Debatable imho.

It will be a challenge with my pals. But not too bad. Truly, I do know I’ll benefit from taking time off. Maybe even quit for good. It’s attractive for a lot of reasons. I know my Gastro doctor will be thrilled about it.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Good idea Seth. If you need someone to distract you in the biting moments, give me a call.

Thanks brother. I’ll definitely do that.

[Pauln]

Originally Posted by superdog

I don’t take it as an attack, at all. Thanks for taking the time to collect and write your thoughts.

No booze today, no problem. I typically take off every January. No problems. Maybe I am a functioning alcoholic. If so, I know many people like myself. Many many people. If they don’t have a problem, is it a problem? Debatable imho.

It will be a challenge with my pals. But not too bad. Truly, I do know I’ll benefit from taking time off. Maybe even quit for good. It’s attractive for a lot of reasons. I know my Gastro doctor will be thrilled about it.

Good luck. PM me any time, if you want. There are tons of heavy drinkers. It doesn’t mean your an alcoholic. Although, pretty much all alcoholics were once heavy drinkers. There comes a time when alcoholics lose the ability to control their drinking. But it sounds cool what you’re doing. Good luck.

I once had a dr tell me my liver numbers were way off, dangerous. He said abstain for three months and well check again. I was able to stop. He retested me and my numbers were good. That day I immediately went out and got drunk. And did so every night until I got sober for good. Looking back, all I did for those three months was look forward to getting retested and getting drunk. That’s alcoholism. Normal people don’t think that way.

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by superdog

No booze today, no problem. I typically take off every January. No problems. Maybe I am a functioning alcoholic. If so, I know many people like myself. Many many people. If they don’t have a problem, is it a problem?

Many people like to drink. Some like to drink a lot. Some abuse alcohol to cover feelings or deal with stress. I have friends in each category, but none of them are alcoholics.

Briefly put, alcoholism is characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, inability to stop despite negative consequences and a negative emotional state when not drinking.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Pauln

Good luck. PM me any time, if you want. There are tons of heavy drinkers. It doesn’t mean your an alcoholic. Although, pretty much all alcoholics were once heavy drinkers. There comes a time when alcoholics lose the ability to control their drinking. But it sounds cool what you’re doing. Good luck.

I once had a dr tell me my liver numbers were way off, dangerous. He said abstain for three months and well check again. I was able to stop. He retested me and my numbers were good. That day I immediately went out and got drunk. And did so every night until I got sober for good. Looking back, all I did for those three months was look forward to getting retested and getting drunk. That’s alcoholism. Normal people don’t think that way.

Appreciate the comment.

My Gastro Doctor has advised no more booze. My general practitioner says she is a little over zealous. He’s not overly concerned with my consumption as I have zero adverse effects.

I just haven’t been ready. I’m rarely ever drunk. Never really. But I do enjoy it. That said, it’s gotten boring lately. Very much so.

So maybe it’s time. As I mention above, I’m quite certain it’ll make me a better be. I’ll likely lose that last 10lbs and I’ll save a bundle of loot. So we shall see.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Many people like to drink. Some like to drink a lot. Some abuse alcohol to cover feelings or deal with stress. I have friends in each category, but none of them are alcoholics.

Briefly put, alcoholism is characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, inability to stop despite negative consequences and a negative emotional state when not drinking.

I tend to agree with your assessment. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by superdog

I tend to agree with your assessment. Thanks for sharing my friend.

Anytime, Seth. A big part of living well in recovery is shaing our experience, strength and hope with anyone who might need it. Not saying you do, but something I say might click with someone or answer a question.

[Pauln]

Originally Posted by superdog

Appreciate the comment.

I’ll likely lose that last 10lbs and I’ll save a bundle of loot. So we shall see.

Cool. More money = more watches!

[superdog]

Okay, so I took off that Monday. It was easy. Tuesday a very close family friend lost his battle with cancer. My wife’s family actually, but this guy became a real pal over the last 6 years. And he was a huge partier.

Needless to say, I drank again and through the weekend. Stopped again Sunday. Again, it’s mostly easy. Once I make the decision, I don’t really feel the pull.

But the intersting piece of this, and I’ve posted similarly in the past. Sunday my heart rate was 65 a minute. Today it’s 59. That’s 8,640 beats less a day. Man... that alone is very compelling. Also definitely sleep better immediately.

I don’t think this’ll be the end of drinking for me. I like it. But damn, maybe it will be. Right now I’m seeing all my high school pals over Memorial Day weekend. I plan to drink them. But we shall see. Maybe I’ll be feeling so good, I won’t.

[Langnam]

Originally Posted by superdog

Okay, so I took off that Monday. It was easy. Tuesday a very close family friend lost his battle with cancer. My wife’s family actually, but this guy became a real pal over the last 6 years. And he was a huge partier.

Needless to say, I drank again and through the weekend. Stopped again Sunday. Again, it’s mostly easy. Once I make the decision, I don’t really feel the pull.

But the intersting piece of this, and I’ve posted similarly in the past. Sunday my heart rate was 65 a minute. Today it’s 59. That’s 8,640 beats less a day. Man... that alone is very compelling. Also definitely sleep better immediately.

I don’t think this’ll be the end of drinking for me. I like it. But damn, maybe it will be. Right now I’m seeing all my high school pals over Memorial Day weekend. I plan to drink them. But we shall see. Maybe I’ll be feeling so good, I won’t.

There’s always a reason not to quit. Once you move past that, you’ll find many benefits.

Coming in on 1000 days sobriety for me.

Once you commit, never question the decision.

Best wishes. It sounds like you want to change.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by superdog

Okay, so I took off that Monday. It was easy. Tuesday a very close family friend lost his battle with cancer. My wife’s family actually, but this guy became a real pal over the last 6 years. And he was a huge partier.

Needless to say, I drank again and through the weekend. Stopped again Sunday. Again, it’s mostly easy. Once I make the decision, I don’t really feel the pull.

But the intersting piece of this, and I’ve posted similarly in the past. Sunday my heart rate was 65 a minute. Today it’s 59. That’s 8,640 beats less a day. Man... that alone is very compelling. Also definitely sleep better immediately.

I don’t think this’ll be the end of drinking for me. I like it. But damn, maybe it will be. Right now I’m seeing all my high school pals over Memorial Day weekend. I plan to drink them. But we shall see. Maybe I’ll be feeling so good, I won’t.

Sorry for your loss bro

[Star Ferry]

Originally Posted by superdog

Okay, so I took off that Monday. It was easy. Tuesday a very close family friend lost his battle with cancer. My wife’s family actually, but this guy became a real pal over the last 6 years. And he was a huge partier.

Needless to say, I drank again and through the weekend. Stopped again Sunday. Again, it’s mostly easy. Once I make the decision, I don’t really feel the pull.

But the intersting piece of this, and I’ve posted similarly in the past. Sunday my heart rate was 65 a minute. Today it’s 59. That’s 8,640 beats less a day. Man... that alone is very compelling. Also definitely sleep better immediately.

I don’t think this’ll be the end of drinking for me. I like it. But damn, maybe it will be. Right now I’m seeing all my high school pals over Memorial Day weekend. I plan to drink them. But we shall see. Maybe I’ll be feeling so good, I won’t.

One thing I notice about drugs, including alcohol, is the brain will do backflips to justify doing the drug and will work to create opportunities to do it

Which isn't to say you have a drinking problem, I don't know enough and any speculation would be out of line

But it's a good thing to keep track of. Thinking about drinking when not drinking, planning future times to drink, coming up with reasons why drinking was/is justified. All things worth being aware of

[Phrank]

Originally Posted by Langnam

There’s always a reason not to quit. Once you move past that, you’ll find many benefits.

Coming in on 1000 days sobriety for me.

Once you commit, never question the decision.

Best wishes. It sounds like you want to change.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hahaha, agreed, was a bad day, so had a drink, was a great day, let's celebrate, have some drinks, was a really boring day, so meh, had a drink, decided to only drink on days ending in, "Y", it can be a vicious circle, like watching a dog chase its tail...it eventually gets tired and stops, or smashes into a wall.

[timedate]

i love a few beers, it does you good,

To be an alcoholic takes constant getting hammered every day, most people are not alcoholics,

drinking every day does not mean you are alcoholic, its how much, and whether you could stop or not.

But being sober around boozers is horrible, quite revolting.

[landroverking]

I’m a diabetic and had to start insulin last November.
Since then not a drop and no problems. A1C around 7 and dropped a lot of weight. 65 lbs.
weight loss due to diet, insulin and no alcohol.

[andromeda160]

I’m 25, been to rehab twice since May, 2017. Alcohol is a tough demon to kick. I needed a minimum of a pint and a 6 pack every night, shot of vodka in my red bull every morning. I don’t ever see my back really wanting to drink again. Doesn’t take long before I end up close to death again. My pleasure center has been royally screwed since I quit drinking. Ruined an amazing relationship because of it. Ruined trust with family and close friends. Hell almost got kicked off here a few times in drunken binges. My life is much easier today. Been working on starting my own business and have been self employed since October. Sober since dec13 18 6 months is closing in fast

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by superdog

Okay, so I took off that Monday. It was easy. Tuesday a very close family friend lost his battle with cancer. My wife’s family actually, but this guy became a real pal over the last 6 years. And he was a huge partier.

Needless to say, I drank again and through the weekend. Stopped again Sunday. Again, it’s mostly easy. Once I make the decision, I don’t really feel the pull.

But the intersting piece of this, and I’ve posted similarly in the past. Sunday my heart rate was 65 a minute. Today it’s 59. That’s 8,640 beats less a day. Man... that alone is very compelling. Also definitely sleep better immediately.

I don’t think this’ll be the end of drinking for me. I like it. But damn, maybe it will be. Right now I’m seeing all my high school pals over Memorial Day weekend. I plan to drink them. But we shall see. Maybe I’ll be feeling so good, I won’t.

Good luck with Memorial Day, Seth. I would urge you to do your best to not drink. But mostly for an experiment. If you are able not to, you will clearly see how they begin to act and what it's like to be around them very quickly. It doesn't take long, then you can decide if that's how you want to be perceived. I'm often around people who are having more than just a beer or glass of wine. It's no fun to be around. You'll have to see for yourself if you never have. Maybe 10 years ago or so for about 2 years I was having a few rum and cokes in the evening. Maybe 3 to 4 days a week, once the kids were in for the night and safe. I looked forward to going to the liqueur store to buy a bottle and look around. After a year or two of this just so many things were off. My stomach, gained about 25 lbs, constipated, headachy, trouble getting going, grouchy, and I'm a really early bird kind of guy and a go getter. These rum and cokes would make me want to start eating junk food, ice cream, chips, whatever was in the house. So one day I woke and and never drank again, maybe a sip here and there once or twice a year but I really just don't like the taste or have the desire. I found that there is nothing good about drinking, nothing. It does nothing positive for a person. I have problems in life just like anyone, probably more with living and being back and forth between 2 countries and what is all involved in that. Luckily for me I just can get by without things getting to me, too much.

But I wish every one on this thread that wants to stop be able to stop. Your life will be much better with out it.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by timedate

i love a few beers, it does you good,

To be an alcoholic takes constant getting hammered every day, most people are not alcoholics,

drinking every day does not mean you are alcoholic, its how much, and whether you could stop or not.

But being sober around boozers is horrible, quite revolting.

I think you’re allowed 13 drinks a week and max 3 a day or something anything more is concidered a problem


Main difference between alcoholics and drinkers is the way the brain processes it. T.H.I.Q is created and stored in the frontal lobe setting a baseline for an alcoholics necessary amount of alcohol to receive the same high as before. Where as a non alcoholic will have their alcohol filtered through the liver and they will return to “normal” quicker. Their brain says hey, this is bad slow down, alcoholics minds say hey this feels good let’s do some more. Eminem and I had the same addiction therapist at the same rehab. Hopefully I’ll be celebrating 11 years like him in a decade.

[timedate]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

I think you’re allowed 13 drinks a week and max 3 a day or something anything more is concidered a problem


Main difference between alcoholics and drinkers is the way the brain processes it. T.H.I.Q is created and stored in the frontal lobe setting a baseline for an alcoholics necessary amount of alcohol to receive the same high as before. Where as a non alcoholic will have their alcohol filtered through the liver and they will return to “normal” quicker. Their brain says hey, this is bad slow down, alcoholics minds say hey this feels good let’s do some more. Eminem and I had the same addiction therapist at the same rehab. Hopefully I’ll be celebrating 11 years like him in a decade.

my definition of an alcoholic is someone who is pissing their life away and damaging others around them,

i have known people drink daily and operate at a high level, its when you wake up in the morning and you have a scotch instead of a cup of tea that you need to really sort yourself out,

i actually think gambling is worse, and i am disgusted at the deregulation of it in the uk, and the shameless promotion of it, jesus it annoys me, some people need protecting from themselves, the desolate feeling they go through emptying their lives in slot machines etc, living rough, destroying their familes, i really hate it.