Work stress

[xHolly11x]

Morning all,

Having loads of work stress at the moment really trying my best to ignore the urge to turn to drink.

Anyone else got any tips to stop these cravings??

[SoberDrunk1]

Unfortunately if we have an alcoholic mind, it will figure our another way to create stress or find another reason to drink. That is the nature of the alcoholic mind. You can look at the past drinking career and determine if you see a pattern. How may times did you try to stop? Were you successful? What was the thought process around the subsequent spree? You can see a vicious cycle of alcoholism. I am glad that you are looking at this as a problem. I didn't. Eventually I woke up when I was 42. For some it taks longer.

[xHolly11x in reply to SoberDrunk1]

Thank you, this is the first time of me reaching out and asking for help.Its literally killing me already x

[xHolly11x in reply to SoberDrunk1]

Just think one won't hurt then I no myself it will turn to 5/6/7.Well done for giving up I admire you x

[SoberDrunk1]

We all relate to losing control after taking that first drink. But the real issue is, the mind tricks us into taking that first drink! Thats what one should realize. So the book Alcoholics Anonymous suggest we look at the causes and condition. There will always be stress if we dont address the situation.

[Jampacked]

You could record alcohol free days, if you lapse record that too. I have to keep tabs on myself. I keep busy delay, delay, delay that first drink have a bowl of ice cream or cup of decaf or herbal tea, have a bath, go shopping, swim, gym, call someone even I feel tired and its the last thing I want to do. We will start winning the cravings war the more we hold out. Alcohol doesn't really help stress just makes you more depressed and anxious. I am constantly reminding myself of this fact.

[YNWA68]

Hi Holly, I have what I call the witching hour the lull when I get home to 7pm. I plan distractions, have a shower pjs so I can’t go to local shop and definitely no alcohol in house. If your like me? reaching for a drink at the end of the day is so habitual, a go to for all occasions and all emotions. I also try to focus on how damn great I sleep and how blooming chuffed I am in the morning without alcohol. Alcohol steels tomorrows happiness. Stay strong 💪🙂 This group is a great support and they have very wise words and a whole lot of life experiences.

[xHolly11x in reply to YNWA68]

Yeah it's the witching hour is when I'm home alone doing stuff around the house I feel the need for a drink I need to not go to the shop on the wa home from work! X

[Hewligan]

For work stress you should talk to your GP. I did that recently and I've been referred for some cognitive behavioural therapy to try to learn some coping strategies. I'm dubious tbh but I've seen CBT help people before so I'm going to try it. Just having a plan is in itself a positive -- feels less hopeless.

Also, do you have someone you can talk to about work generally, mentor-style? Ideally someone older or more senior, with relevant experience, and not in your workplace just for safety's sake. Changing jobs isn't an option I suppose, but if it's long term you have to think is work worth your health.

As for the urge to drink (which I think goes something like: "f*ck it"). It has never made things better for me, unless you consider getting myself fired from a shit job as a silver lining

[xHolly11x]

Thanks for the advice everyone x

[Jimbo92]

Take up a sport, the gym or an activity after work or on your days off

. I normally find most of my drinking is out of boredom and the daily slog which is has now unfortunately become a normal part of the life we live nowadays. We work, we get home, we’re stressed and knackered and all we want to do is sit on the couch and drink or eat away. Instead, come home and go to the gym or take up a sport. There’s running clubs, boxing gyms. Martial arts, classes at leisure centres. Get into something new and obsess over something that actually benefits you as opposed to drink. Helped me a hell of a lot!!

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador]

Unless I deal with what it is in me causing my stress, I’ll have a hard time staying away from the first drink. The 12 Steps of AA are the gateway for me to freedom from alcohol.

[Elemis]

Check out Andrew Hubermans podcast….buy lots of nice herbal drinks and soda water and lime is nice…walks in the park are also nice