The Decision

[dmtodd]

I made the decision last week to quit drinking. I got my program in yesterday and did my first CD. It was very relaxing! I felt almost rejuvenated. I've been taking the Kudzu and some high powered vitamins, but I'm afraid I am going to need some help. I do great until around 6PM and then it starts. I've got an appointment with my doctor to get some Antabuse on Monday. Perhaps this "line in the sand" will help my cravings. Even though I have slipped last night and tonight, I have cut way back, which is great for me! I think the important thing is to make the decision and then find the tools necessary to make it happen. I did this when I quit smoking. I absolutely could not quit cold turkey, so I got those Nicoderm patches back when they were prescriptions and very expensiive! In a month I had changed my habits and the cravings were diminished. I'm hoping that this alcohol problem will go that way as well. This is the 3rd major addiction I've battled in my adult life. Cigarettes, Cocaine and now alcohol. I must say that alcohol has been by far the hardest to overcome, but I'm determined to overcome it. If I don't, I'll die young and I have too many things I want to do before that day comes.

Thanks for listening!
dmt

[Wooflet]

Welcome dmt, sounds like you're getting everything lined up for success. A huge congratulations on beating two major addictions before - although alcohol may seem harder, you know that you have the strength and determination to succeed once you really put your mind to it.

I totally agree that the key is to make the decision (the most important part) and then find the tools to help make it happen. I'm on day 8 AF and it's the decision that has made it possible - I will not drink, no matter what. Period. Once you remove the option it somehow becomes somewhat easier.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Wooflet

[Cinders]

dmtodd,

Wow, You broke the cigarette addiction and think alcohol is the 'BIG' one?

I am still addicted to cigarettes. However, antabuse has helped me big time with the alcohol.

I am on day.. um don't know .. 50 plus??

But, do not quit taking the AB until you are truly CERTAIN you can be AF. (Alcohol free) because alcohol is truly sneaky.

You are amazing and awesome. Do NOT let any of the addictions take you down. You are going to beat them all.

You are truly amazing.

Love,
Cindi

[AMELIA]

Good on you DMT. You managed to quit the cigs!! Well done. Hope your doctors appointment goes well. I am waiting for my Antabuse to be delivered. Looking forward to starting it.
Keep us posted.

[time2change]

Welcome dmt-
You will find so many suppoetive people here that are going through the same things that you are. I too am taking antabuse. For me it has completely changed the way I think about AL. I no longer have the option of drinking and therfore I don't even think about it. This is day 10 this time around. I do agree with Cindi that you should not stop taking antabuse until you are completely sure you no longer need it. Last month I went 20 days and thought it was so easy that I no longer needed to take it. That was a mistake and I ended up drinking for 8 days. But I got back on it and I am well on my way to more AF days than I have had in all of last year. Good Luck and stick around. You'll be glad you did.

[Thankful]

Dmtodd ~ I think you really hit the nail on the head when it comes to trying to get sober with this (or any other program). "The Decision". If you don't make a true commitment, than you will struggle and struggle. You have taken away half of the hard work simply by making the decision that you really want to quit.

Starting a program and then being upset because "the magic pill" didn't work is only going to make you spin in a vicious circle. I applaud you for realizing that the decision has to be made first and foremost.

Congratulations on giving up the cigs and cocaine. You definately have drive and determination!

I wish you the best of luck. You sound armed and ready to win the battle. Good for you!

We are here for you always!

Love, Me