New to the group

[ricecake]

Hi everyone.
Well, i woke up this morning feeling fuzzy and depressed at my lack of control. I am a secretive drinker. Always drink in moderation around others, but when i'm alone i can't stop. I do this on average twice a week. The other days i abstain completely. I hate myself for doing this but just dont seem to be able to stop. Can moderation really work?
It's like i have this love affair with it. It is my escape. While i'm drinking i feel better. The next day i feel terrible! Anyone else out there feel this way?
Any help or advise would be much appreciated.

[vlad]

Hi ricecake, glad you found us - everyone's story is different and only you will know whether moderation can work for you. I'd read through some posts and find out about what other people are doing, some are abstaining completely with help of supps. I personally am moderating and I've set myself a moderation plan that has worked for me for the last 6 months. I too in the past would drink excessively one day, next day abstain and then the day after drink excessively again. I've made myself strict rules so that I don't slip, one of them being - don't buy vodka to drink in the house! Stick with us and I'm sure you'll find the encouragement and support you need.

[ricecake]

Thank you Vlad!

[Waves 2]

Hi Ricecake,
If you can abstain several nights per week you have already made a good start. 2 nights binge is like your release. Is there some sort of exercise that could give you that same feeling of release?

Welcome to the site.

[Lotus]

Hi Ricecake

Welcome to MWO. Only you can decide if moderation can work for you. I abstain and then try to mod but can never stop at 1. You need to realise what makes you drink more when you are by yourself? Is there any particular days that you drink ? If so then can you change your routine on those days. Find something to occupy your mind.

Keep reading & posting.

[Michaela]

Hi Rice,

Me too. If I have one I'll have 5. What really has helped me is NOT HAVING IT IN THE HOUSE. My poison is red wine. Then I occupy myself when I usually like to drink. After the hour or 2 passes, I'm over it. Also, I find that when I am HUNGRY I usually binge on an empty stomach. So, what I do now is EAT if I get the urge for a drink. Even downing water to get my stomach that full feeling curtails it. Like everyone said, you have to find what works for you. Good luck and welcome!

Michaela

[Seacailin]

Just wanted to welcome u to the site. If I drink one beer, I'll drink close to 20, so moderation is not in the cards for me. It is a personal decision. Whatever u choose, the people here are loving and supportive. Best wishes on your journey.

[TimeToChange]

Michaela,

I noticed the same thing about eating. When I was dieting I had a certain amount of alcohol I allowed myself and my food already planned for the day. I would find that sometimes when I wanted a drink I would eat instead and the feeling passed.

Then I got to my target weight, stopped planning so much and have been more inclined to go for the drink when actually food would probably do just as well.

Thanks for making me realize that.

[boozehag]

Alcohol is an appetite suppressant - thats why if you drink on an empty stomach its like rocket fuel to the brain. well it was in my case. If I was drinking or planning to drink I would never eat. Eating is cheating after all. Now that I am moderating I make sure that if I have a drink I have something to eat with it before the buzz gets a chance to kick in cos then its all over rover. I accidentally missed out on eating recently and boy I was down that slippery slope so quick.... lucky I had my teenage daughter to beat me up and keep me on the straight and narrow. Also seeing as I have been AF more or less for over 3 months it hit me so quick. I used to have huge tolerance now I obviously have none so I have to be very vigilant with the moderating. I only ever have a drink if I go out. I never buy any or keep any at home - I am totally used to that now and it doesnt bother me at all. I just have to be careful when I am out that I make sure I eat so I dont go mental.....
BH

[TimeToChange]

boozehag - do you really feel your tolerance has gone down? I always heard that does not happen. I would love to be drunk and sleepy after a couple of glasses of wine