Hi Im ringneck I amiting that I drink to much. I am drinking nearly everyday. I am trying to cut really back but it is hard. I got intouch with AA they have been really helpful. Anyone in same position and how you manage
Help in cutting back on alcohol : Hi Im ringneck... - Drink Free
Help in cutting back on alcohol
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Ringneck1978
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I, like you, after decades of trying to cut back and trying to control my drinking, the only thing that worked to keep me sober was AA. I wish I could have benefited from them much sooner, but the battle with alcohol was too hard for me until I was sick and tired enough of being sick and tired. But that’s the battle with alcohol. That’s was my battle, I hope yours doesn’t become like mine. 🍀
It’s difficult because once you start drinking it’s hard to stop. Try drinking a bottle of water between each drink. If you’re a beer drinker, you can try NA beer or kombucha.
Hi Ringneck1978
I really feel for you as up until 5 weeks ago I felt I drank far too much and was always waking up feeling tired and lethargic . Then last year I started suffering from depression and anxiety which I believe was fuelled by alcohol . With the help of a hypnotherapist abs changing my diet I managed to quit drinking wine . I do occasionally have a couple of G&Ts but I’m trying to cut that out in the house . I feel a million times better , have lost 6lbs and have so much more energy . I know it’s not easy but keep thinking how much better you will feel . If. Can do it you can . Always here for support x
Thankyou so much in trying to stop it at home I need to I have started back aqua fit and aqua zumba now so hopefully that should help. I struggle at night I now I not sleep but im going to try and sort that out. Be good to chat again soon
Yes I am back Pilates and swingfit which keep me fit . I also struggle on an evening but after a few weeks that has got better as. Look forward to doing something else on an evening instead of drinking . Keep up the good work x
Hi Ringneck how are you doing . Are you feeling any better ? Have you managed to cut down / cut out alcohol ?Thinking of you x
Hi I managed to cut down a bit but not much it's really hard I have no alcohol left now in house. Im going to take it day by day. I have downloaded an app now so I can mark days when I haven't had a drink. How are you doing and managing when you have a craving and thankyou for checking up on me. I need someone to do that thankyou
I know it’s really hard and believe me m not perfect and give in . I’m really pleased I’ve managed to give up wine though as it was baking me ill, physically and mentally . I have G&T or Vodka but like you get or none in the house anymore . Mustn’t be tempted to pop into the shop though . Good luck and get in touch anytime x
Thankyou
In on my 3rd day and struggling I always struggled on day 3 and given in luckily I got rid of all the alcohol. How do you pass struggle day I went to aqua zumba today and enjoyed every bit of it no head ach. But my trouble now is not sleeping
I know day 3 is always difficult and I struggle myself . Just try to think how good you are going to feel tomorrow doing things that you love . I struggle with sleep too but I’d rather be tired than hungover . I’m going out tonight with friends and my friend is driving . It’ll be a big test , because I can do one G&T while I’m out but always want more when I get home 😩
Any suggestions Isinatra ?
Thankyou have a good night and enjoy yourselves. Let me now tomorrow how you get on
Morning how are you doing ? Have you managed to stay alcohol free this week ? I was good when I went out Thursday but found myself having a few drinks when I got home . I don’t know why I do that . Why can’t I have a cup of tea . Same thing happened last night 😩
So frustrating but I’m going to have a better week , I promise myself
Hi did you enjoy you self. My daughter took me out for day yesterday and instead of Haveing a coke I went and had 4 pints of San Miguel but that's all I had luckily I didn't have any in the house becouse if I did I would have drunk that. It took me all my willpower not to go to shop and get a bottle of vodka as shop is o ly 7 doors down from me
Yes we had a good night which was for Book Club which I’m involved in . It’s so bloody hard isn’t it ?
Well done for the will power when you got home though .
Next week will be better . I came on here as I wanted to lose half a stone and I’m so close , but definitely need to just cut it out for a couple of weeks .
😀
I want to lose weight I went from 18st 7lbs to 7st 7lbs then peri menapouse then lock down then losing my mam so back up to 11st 4 now I want to get back to 9 st I need to cut back we will do it
Hi how are you doing everything ok
Hi thanks for getting in touch . I’m not feeling too good this week . Hopefully it’s just a cold as tests negative for Covid but I’m just staying home . How are you doing ?
Can't remember if I told you I have epilepsy its been playing up this couple of days so on clobazam now for a few days until they calm down. They stop me from drinking alcohol anyway. Anytime you want to chat anytime im here.
No I didn’t know , and I know what you mean about keeping you off the alcohol . I read your profile story , and honestly at your age I was drinking far too much. Now I’m not too bad , but probably more than I should .
Il keep in touch . X
It's good It's great I can talk to someone I don't now in person if you now what I mean :))))
Sorry, Melbourne. Since your question to me wasn’t a reply to me, I missed it. The only suggestion I can make is to not have that first drink because it causes you to want to continue drinking. It’s the old but true euphemism…..one drink is too many and 100 isn’t enough.
So true Isinatra . I guess to plan too about how to fill evenings without turning to alcohol . X
Filling the time you would spend drinking at home with something else you enjoy is definitely a good plan. It’s part of the whole program. And not keeping alcohol in the house would help, too. Who needs to subject themselves to temptation? I don’t keep junk food in the house cause if it’s there I will eat it. Like the old ads on tv used to say….I can’t eat just one. LolGuarantee! My blood pressure shoots up, my cholesterol increases, I gain weight, become lethargic, depressed and my quality of sleep decreases. Ugh, right? Lol
When I was ready to seriously stop drinking,I joined AA. I got a sponsor. A sponsor who had experience with long term sobriety. She knew how to help me stay sober. She told me what to do when I started to crave alcohol. She told me to fill my idle time at the beginning of my sobriety by going to meetings. When I couldn’t go to a meeting, I would call her or another recovering alcoholic. It only takes two to have a meeting. People who didn’t drink would call and check up on me. They would ask if I needed anything, did I need someone to visit me. When I needed to talk, I had a list of people to call. A list of phone numbers so eagerly given to me by other people just like me. AA or any twelve step program is to give others support. Daily, hourly or minute by minute. For me, it took a village to get and keep me sober.
That village still stands today and always has room for one more.
Thankyou
Thanks for that . It would be nice to have friends to support me but I guess that would take me to come out and admit I drink too much . Can you do AA online ad I could never see myself sitting in a room telling my story . X
Yes, there are many on line groups for AA. I googled it recently for updates.
I have severe social anxiety and the thought of sitting in a room full of strangers, even though we had a big common denominator, scared the bejeezus out of me. But I went anyway. There was no such thing as online meetings at that time. To admit you’re an alcoholic in a meeting or telling your story isn’t required unless you feel comfortable saying it. For a long time I would just say….I pass, I’m glad to be here. I don’t know if online meetings would have been enough to get and keep me sober, because staying sober involves much more than meetings. Get your toes wet by trying the online thing..it might work for you. It’s a start…think about it. Some people have a hard time with using a program that can actually work. It’s the ultimate commitment to stop drinking. To keep the fear of never drinking again at bay, that’s where the One Day at a Time comes in. It’s easier on the soul to say…just for today I won’t drink. Or even just for the next hour. At first I couldn’t imagine never drinking again. It was a process to get there and you have to trust the process, but so far, as of today, I’m still sober. Try it, you might like it. 😊
Thanks for the information Isinatra , but I don’t know I want to give up completely , but I do need to be able to just drink socially and not too much . I know I’ve improved a lot . X
Anytime a person can reduce their intake of alcohol is to be celebrated. I just try to take the mystery and the fears out of it. To me, when you said you contacted AA, it meant you wanted to stop drinking. That’s what AA is for. I’m sorry I misread your intentions. 🍀
No worries Isinatra I know sometimes I do think I want to give up completely too . X
Hi I can't see me going to an AA meating. When I looked you could do it online but with the restrictions easing now I ain't got a clue. What I am going to try just have a drink when im out and not Haveing any at home wich will be really hard. I asked myself would I be able to give up alcohol completely I don't now. So ask yourself could you give it up completely.
I’m agreeing with you Ringneck . I don’t know that I want to give up completely , but it would be good to chat , or maybe have a sponsor to help with cutting down drinking in the house . X
Anytime you want to chat im always here
Hi Ringneck1978 I hope you are well . Have you had a better week ? I went out Thursday to my friends and I did have a couple of glasses of Prosecco , and a glass of red wine but that was good for me , so I’m not beating myself up . X
Hi Im good I did have a goodish week. I will have a few cans today as my brother comeing up with a couple probably 2 cans I wìll have as its mother's day today and we always have 1 as we lost our mam in Oct 2020. I now I can't give it up completely but I have cut it back
I’m the same and quite honestly I do t want to completely but I’ve cut back a lot and I’m happy with myself for that . Have a happy Mother’s Day . My family are all away so I’m a little sad , but I’ll find happy things to do rather than drink x
Sorry your family are all away. I will try and have a good day. Don't forget anytime you want to chat im here im always checking my phone
Thank you
Hi just checking how you are. I had a few bad days but im starting again cutting back.
Hi Ringneck thanks for checking on me . It’s been pretty hard the last week as stuck home with Covid although not really Ill . Tuesday I gave in too . We just have to keep trying xx
I hate it but we will keep on trying
Sounds like you don’t really want to do it , but maybe at the stage you need to . Can you cut back to a couple of nights a week ? X
I have had a good think and need to do it for myself. Im going to treat myself once a month not with alcahol but with something else not yet sure what
Hi that’s a good idea . Maybe save the money you would have spent on alcohol . I love travelling , theatre so I’m going away a lot this year after the last 2 years. I have to try really hard not to let alcohol take over my life again .
Im of to the theatre in May to watch the multi courlerd coat Alexandra Burke is in it can't wait
Ah lovely . I’ve booked to see Moulin Rouge in London in August . Just think we’ve got so much to look forward to abs how well we will feel not swilling alcohol and being lighter in weight . Keep up the the good work . X
You too
Humans have a great capacity for overcoming what they think is impossible. Great things are accomplished out of desperation and need. The question shouldn’t be if you can, but what do I need to do to get there? And how much do I want it?
You’re right Isinatra and I feel over the last couple of years I have come a long way . Covid lockdowns have given me chance to get to know myself and like myself . I really do want to enjoy life and be able to get out and about , and with too much alcohol I couldn’t do that . I just pushed myself through a few s days in the week when I’d had a bottle of wine the night before . I’m happy to say that for 8 weeks I have touched wine and I’m feeling so much better , but as you say it’s a constant journey . It’s so good to get my feeling writtten down to people who understand and care x
That should say I haven’t had wine 😁
🙏 Guess what? We just had a meeting. 😁
You mean on here just chatting ?
Yup. That’s what it’s all about, my friend . Our stories and journeys.
Hi Isinatra just to let you know that I’m doing well over the last few days and although I’ve been down with a rotten cold I’m feeling fine . X
That’s what I and everybody else likes to hear, that a person is feeling fine. Sorry about the cold, though. Pamper yourself through it. You deserve it. 😊
Thank you .x
Morning Ringneck how are you doing ?Well yesterday after being home for nearly 2 weeks , I went to lunch with friends and yes I had wine , then g&t’s .
I was a bit tidley when I got home . My joints are inflamed this morning so I know what is causing it . I’m not beating myself up but so want to go all week without a drink this week . Wish me luck . X
Hi Im good I had 2 rum and cokes with the hubby I normally have half a bottle that is good for me. I will have a few presseco on Tuesday as its my daughter's graduation after 3 years of waiting for it. I normally have swollen ankles after a few drinks and a dry mouth. Im going to give myself a limit of 3 glasses they are small and then drink orange juice. I wish you luck will check in with you soon
Hi how’s your week going ? Did you enjoy the graduation . My week not going too good as I’ve had a couple of drinks must nights . Some days I just tell myself that’s ok but then I know it’s not good . Feel like I’m slipping backwards 😩
Yea I really enjoyed the graduation. Yea I think im going backwards had a few drinks for 3 days. But I looked at my pictures from graduation and can't believe how much weight I put on. I think that has given me a kick up the bum I need.
Thanks for replying . I have felt really lethargic today and pushed myself through . This is what alcohol does , so I’m going to step back again from it , and yes it does add to the weight gain . Keep on trying xx
Hi just checking how you are. You ok how you doing with the alcohol I have cut back alot I only had a few pints when I went for a meal with my daughter that is good for me.
Hi Melbourne 68 just checking how you are haven't heard from you in a while hope you are ok
Hi yes I’ve been thinking of you too . I’m doing ok , and was proud of myself last week while away as I only had a couple of drinks each night snd certainly didn’t go overboard . This week I’m getting back into my routine of just drinking on a couple of nights .
I certainly feel a lot better , how about you ? X
Well done I have cut down alot I have had a few when out for a meal and 2 drinks at home and that's it. That is good for me. The only thing now is I can't get to sleep
I think we can come to depend on alcohol to get us to sleep But then I usually wake up early .Keep up the good work though and hopefully the sleeplessness will ease . X
Thankyou will message you soon to see how you going keep up the good work
Thank you it’s good to know someone cares . X
Hi Ringneck how’s the sleeping going ? Any better ?I have found this week that I have had 2 G&Ts most nights . My trouble is that I still beat myself up about it , yet I really do enjoy them on an evening while watching tea . When I think how much wine I used to drink I’m thinking why do I beat myself up when I’ve cut back so much . Feeling frustrated with myself grrrr.
I found I had a few cans this week I also beet myself up. Monday Im going on the dreaded weighing scales and shock myself with the weight I put on. In also going to start counting calories again and put my best dress on my wardrobe door that I want to get into. I have come off the shorts now don't have none in the home
Hi just checking up on you how are you doing. I have cut down alot on the drink. My alcohol have come down alot how are you coping
I haven’t had a drink today and for that I’m extremely grateful. There was a time that I had to drink whether I wanted to or not. It’s wonderful living a sober life.
Thank you for caring and checking up . If I’m honest I could do better but have got a bit off track lately . Not drinking every night though but trying tk get back to twice a week . I’m glad you’re doing well x
If you ever need to chat im always here check up on you soon
Thank you . Keep up the good work . X
Would be nice to chat . I recently went back onto wine and although not a lot my migraines have returned . It really helped when I cut it out and a few other things . I’m definitely going back to doing without . Migraines are so debilitating . Are you on Facebook,do you have a proper name I could look at or would you prefer not to share x
Im definitely going to do my best I will check in on you soon.
Thank you I will find you and do a friend request then maybe we can talk . ❤️
Are you the owner of the Great Dane ?
Did you find me
Think I found you now so. Sent a request
No it me my kids and my mam
I’ll have another look later I’m Sandra Tomlinson and my profile picture is myself hubby son and wife x
Hi,
Was just reading over your journeys. I am in a similar position to your original messages. Can ho a day or so without a drink but always fail and use it to de-stress . However, it makes me more stressed coz I'm tired, or embarrassed. Could do with a little support xx
how are you getting on now since this post?
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