I wasn’t going to drink. I brought non alcoholic beer to thanksgiving. Someone offered me a glass of wine and I said sure. That was all it takes. I’m so embarrassed about how I act and how I can’t stop. Any tips on how to stay sober long term.. I haven’t made it past two months
4 Likes
Sorry Hannah, this is a really challenging disease. When I first tried to stop, I had a drink on my 31st day and it started all over again. Now, I have a plan which includes a counselor, working out, and sugar free root beer. I don't drink non alcoholic or anything not even to sample. You got to do it on your terms, but when you do it fully commit and get the support you need to manage this change. After awhile it gets better, the cravings or triggers still might come up but you will feel more confident... Just my thoughts
2 Likes
The biggest shift for me was coming to terms with the idea that I will never be a person who can only have one drink, one glass of wine, one beer, etc.
Tell your people about what you’re trying to accomplish, hopefully they’ll support you. If not, you might have to find new people.
4 Likes
Hannah, have you tried AA yet?
Don’t quit drinking long term.
Just quit for today.
Then try that again tomorrow, maybe.
1 Like
Support and be clear why you’re doing it. Just what worked for me for example “I’m not going to drink (similar to I wasn’t going to drink)” meant there was a chance I could or I would. So everything felt so heavy and difficult. “I don’t drink” was a mind shift that finally worked for me. Its hard and temptation is always there. But how many times am I going to have a car accident? How many times am I going to pass out in public? Idk, one day at time you know. Good luck!
It’s likely buying n/a beer, our brains send off the same signal it’s time to drink anytime we have anything that resembles alcohol. We are powerless. Also N/A beverage has some alcohol in it,yes enough to activate our brains and disease to make us near helpless.
Holidays are hard. Alcohol everywhere. Not sure who you were around, but if they know your struggle that’s not support. As hard as it is, you may have to not be in those situations for awhile , stay strong
1 Like
Hello Hannah. Don’t dwell too much on what has already been done. All that matters now is that you’re back. I would suggest having a serious conversation with your family about your goals to become sober . When I first decided to become sober I had to have a serious conversation with my father about no longer offering me drinks at family events. Because personally I know that if he offers me something I feel guilty when I say no. Ultimately he understood , it’s just all about being open and communicating.
1 Like
Just say no.. and don’t go around people places or things that you feel there’s going to be alcohol or people who drink..
Better strategy b4 hand... it sounds to me like a classic case of falling back on your laurels cuz you had a couple days of sobriety and then thinking you can handle this and that you were all better you'll never be better you will always have alcoholism it's a terminal disease that will in the end kill you