Posted on 10/08/2005 7:33:57 AM PDT by RobFromGa
October 8, 2003 is the date that I quit drinking for good. It has been a great two years!
When I was drinking, I thought that life would be impossibly boring without alcohol. How can you enjoy parties, football games, vacations, weekends, etc without alcohol? I found out that not only is it possible to enjoy these things, that in many ways they are made better without the "buzz".
I haven't had a hangover in two years and that is a blessing.
I have occasionally had brief thoughts that I might be able to drink normally now that I have controlled myself for this length of time. But I understand myself better now. The fact that I would even consider such a question and action even for a millisecond is a sign of my lack of control over alcohol. My only sane solution is to keep it out of my body.
I urge anyone who suspects that they may have a drinking problem to find help and deal with the issue. I wish I had quit when I was 30 instead of 41.
Almost a year ago, I posted a thread on FR, If You Suspect You Might Have A Drinking Problem (An Open Letter). There might be some help there for you if you are trying to quit.
Thanks to all who have helped me to quit and to stay sober.
Congrats, Rob!
Gave it up ten years ago. Leaves me lots of extra money for shoes. And, before you ask, I DON'T have a "problem" with shoes. I can quit buying them any time I want. Seriously! I swear! *sob*
Congrats on the weight loss victory, friend.
Cowering from a problem is far easier than mastering it. The rats do it all the time.
Good for you. Don't start when they leave for college! :-)
I quit 15 years ago.
My life was out of control.
Quitting was good for me all around, but one of the biggest things for me is the money I have saved.
I used to spend $25-$50 every weekend getting sloshed and buying all the booze for my buddies, too.
Since I quit drinking, my buddies quit me.
Whatever works for you. You are still the one making the decision to take the "insurance" every day and reaffirm your decision. Keep up the good work.
I'm so glad that you were able to give it up, it sounds like it made a real difference.
Congratulations. I will make sure to include you in my prayers, that you will continue to beat the temptation. God bless you in your efforts.
Last one left this year. Quite an adjustment, I must say. Not coincidentally, neither one of my kids drink. These days, that is rather unusual, especially on university campuses. I have alcohol in the house for friends and guest but we just don't use it here. I mentioned to one of my daughters that I would probably have a toast at their weddings whenever they get married and she said 'what for'? Good question.
Sold!
Remind me where you're at, again?
I'm in Dunwoody, working in Norcross/Peachtree Corners.
Good for you, I also benefited from your words on diet. I am continuing to improve in that area as well. Thanks for your encouragement, I don't worry about the negative posts, they are few and far between, and can't be controlled in any case. I look at them as extra "bumps"
I am trying to help a specific group of people and the message will either connect or not. The more people that see the post, the better the chances of those that NEED to see the post seeing it.
I live in Peachtree Corners/Norcross.
good job on 13 years, I hope to get there in eleven years.
I've ran itno that a little bit but have decided they weren't my real friends anyway, their loss.
And actually, at this moment, I'm in downtown Sonoma. Accompanied my spouse on a business trip / corporate meeting. Coming back tomorrow AM.
I think I'm going to turn off gas log fireplace and go for a ride with the top down, in a moment. She's at the spa.
It's a tough life, but someone's got to do it. ;-)
No Bud, Busch, Miller, Corona, Coors etc. And NO lite beer.
Wheats, abby ales, blonds, porters and only one lager, Grolsch Blond
Interesting. I too will only drink top-shelf stuff. That way, I can't afford to overindulge even if I wanted to!
I know I will annoy some here by saying this, but I associate the drinking of cheap beverages like Bud, Bud Lite, Miller, etc., with getting smashed. After all, it is hard for me to believe that folks will drink this swill for the taste!
When I watch Sunday football with the guys, some of them will go through an entire 12-pack of Coors Lite while I will nurse a couple of good Belgian ales. Yeah, I get ribbed for drinking "yuppie brew" but at least I never need anybody to give me a ride home!
I don't worry any more about what I can't do anything about. I try to only concern myself with what I can change, and that is usually only myself. Everyone has their own crosses to bear in this life, it is up to us to discover them and hopefully resolve them.
Thanks for your encouragement, and I hope you find a solution to your own problem. Freepmail me if you want to talk about it more.
congrats on ten years of extra shoes! "keep going back" (to the shoe store), it works!
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