I started Antabuse today, an alcohol abuse deterrent that causes severe illness when mixed with alcohol. I'm nervous that I'll have a hard time dealing with any cravings that might come up, but I'll be seeing my counselor twice a week for a while just in case. I'm hoping that after a while of sobriety my anxiety level will decrease and I'll be able to deal with life better. It's a huge milestone for me, especially since I'd like to be as healthy as possible when I start HRT, but also because I haven't been sober in over 6 years. I hope it works this time...

This is a major step! I hope things work out for you. Once you are sober for a bit you are going to feel invigorated!

May I suggest you doing some sports? I used to be a very heavy drinker just a few years ago, though not an alcoholic (I think). Running helped me a lot in getting rid of those cravings. In fact, I now crave running instead of vodka Since then I had to switch over to bicycles but running can give more of the "cleansing" feeling: when you're finished with a session, you feel like all the poisions you've taken had just evaporated from your body.

I admit that going out and starting running is mentally a lot harder than taking out a bottle from the bar but it's much more rewarding and its effects last longer without causing serious damage to yourself. And it's definitely cheaper

g

4th day without alcohol, my mind is starting to clear but I'm finding it hard to find stuff to do. I have been exercising and it feels good to be moving again. I've also been eating better and started keeping track of my weight and sleeping patterns. I know four days doesn't sound like much but I haven't gone this long for years. I'm excited about all the positive things that will come from this. : )

Hey

Firstly a massive well done for getting this far. 4 days is huge and any of us who have been there can testify to the whole one day at a time thing, that's all there is really but it does get easier. It's been nearly 8 years with the booze for me but I have just given up smoking (19 days and counting) so am suffering alongside you.

I don't really know how good antibuse is cause my doc didn't trust me not to drink on it so he threw my ass into rehab instead, but I hope that it helps. One tip is to have people that you can call or go and see when the cravings hit, just changing the focus of your mind is important, particulaly early on.

Take care and good luck!    Millie xxx

My ex used that to stop drinking.  Once you have completed the therapy, just don't go back to it.  My ex went back to it after the therapy was over, she refused to give it up.

Quote from: Hurtfulsplash on September 11, 2010, 09:29:19 AM
I started Antabuse today, an alcohol abuse deterrent that causes severe illness when mixed with alcohol. I'm nervous that I'll have a hard time dealing with any cravings that might come up, but I'll be seeing my counselor twice a week for a while just in case. I'm hoping that after a while of sobriety my anxiety level will decrease and I'll be able to deal with life better. It's a huge milestone for me, especially since I'd like to be as healthy as possible when I start HRT, but also because I haven't been sober in over 6 years. I hope it works this time...

Go to meetings and get a sponsor.  Make it your number one priority.

I appreciate the suggestion but I don't like AA, tried it in the past and am totally against it. I'm doing fine though, tomorrow will be 2 weeks. I've gotten back into some old interests and lost 9 pounds so far. : D

AA can be great, but it isn't for everyone, I have found that the trick is to not put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak and try to find a number of things that help, friends, family, hobbies, support groups, exersise  etc...That way, if you have a problem with one, there are still plenty of other things to help you get through.

It's great that you have managed 2 weeks and I'll bet that you are feeling a whole lot healthier I put on weight when I stopped, but then again, I had stopped eating towards the end of my drinking. I'm 4 weeks with the ciggies now and I'm so glad that I have stopped, I'll bet that you feel the same way about the booze.

Take care  Millie xxx

Happy one month anniversary : )

I started feeling better almost instantly after I quit, and yah I feel a whole lot healthier. I put my "eggs" into exercise, hobbies and socializing online. I've also stuck to a routine that's helped me in other areas too, like saving money, keeping a good sleep schedule and getting along with people better.

You are doing a hard but worthwhile thing. I'll be thinking of you just to maybe send some telepathic encouragement.

Well done.

I never gave up smoking, I just haven't had another cigarette since 1980. Cold turkey worked well for me. Drink is another problem. I've given up, taken up, so many times. Keep trying to moderate, sometimes it works, some times it doesn't. I don't drink during the week but I like to on the weekends.
More encouragement of the telepathic kind- zap. pow zap.

Cindy

I like the cold turkey method too. Thank you both for the telepathic encouragement. : )