Three weeks clean

[PnorkelPW]

@Cakie181 you've managed to overcome so much........it's amazing

Have you found a new psych yet?

You've achieved so much by yourself..........I'm wondering how much more you could achieve if you were working with a psychologist, a GP, and a drug and alcohol counsellor all working together to help you achieve your goals as well?

Thoughts???

[Schu70]

Three weeks for me, not perfect but can’t remember how long it’s been since I had this level of self control. I have an anxiety disorder and heard a podcast about anxiety disorder combined with alcohol overuse. I got my medication dose adjusted (been on the same dose for 10 years) and this time around it has made a big difference in my ability to say no to having a drink. If I was trying not to drink, I would often get unsettled after dinner and if something was needed from the shops I would be out the door and off to the bottle shop . This week my son wanted pizza instead of what the rest of the family was having. As I got in the car, I was conscious that this was my typical weak point. The urge was there but not as strong. I bought the pizza and came straight home. Sounds so simple but it felt like a real victory. I wanted to talk about it with my family, but to be honest they have seen me cycle through on and off alcohol over the years so they are past the point of wanting to celebrate the wins. Good to have this forum as a place to share a win.

[Lhiver]

@Schu70 Congrats! 3 weeks is great progress! You deserve to feel proud of that milestone! It sounds like you've really put in a lot of work around recognising triggers and managing those urges. It's great that you felt confident and comfortable in managing that trip to the pizza shop!

We're all here celebrating with you!

@Sunflowerseed @ScorpionPW @PnorkelPW

[Sunflowerseed]

Well done on three weeks! @Schu70~
Being aware of the urges is an important part to allow you to put plans and strategies in place to help you through those moments.
Thank you for sharing this with us. And we are here anytime to be part of and support your recovery!
Congratulation again! Keep updating us~

[PnorkelPW]

This is brilliant @Schu70..............congratulations!!

I wonder whether your family are quietly noticing the changes with you but aren't saying anything so as not to add any pressure. Or maybe as you say they've seen t all before and they're waiting to see if this sticks. Either way i'm sure they'll notice over time if you can maintain it.

Thanks for sharing your win with us, there's a really important lesson in it that I hope some others might benefit from too. Making change to your substance use involves so much more than just not using. Hearing what an impact your medication change has had for you makes me think about how many other people could benefit from the same. The effect of medications changes over time and I there may also be slight adjustments necessary to take people that next step. It might be working..............but is it working 100%, or 90%, or 80%? Sometimes seeing another doctor for a second opinion can be very beneficial. It's also worth pestering your doctor if you think you need an adjustment. If they're not listening then find another doctor.

It also sounds like you've put a lot of thought into you triggers and patterns. I remember my ex-wife getting really annoyed with how often I needed to just "duck down the street for a minute" and it was all about getting my next drink. I can appreciate what a win that is for you on a personal level to get down the street and back without drinking. Have you thought of other things you could do after dinner if that's when things usually get unsettled for you? Maybe going for a walk with some of the family? Boardgames with the family? What else could you do?.............maybe listen to some more podcasts because you got a bit out of the last one.

It'd be great if you could keep us updated on any more victories you have. There's no such thing as a small victory when it comes to this stuff. Keep up the great work and if we can support in any way, or you have any questions we're here to help. There's really not much I won't share about my addiction and recovery journey.

Little victories lead to big things!

[ScorpionPW]

Three weeks is amazing @Schu70, it's so great to hear that you've found the right information and right balance in medication to help you stop drinking. I remember when even getting a day up seemed impossible, I remember meeting people who had been clean for a week and I found it amazing and hard to believe. Everyday without picking up is a miracle in my opinion.

That's a huge win and it's those small little changes in our day to day habits which is what builds up a new way of life, simple little things like not going to the bottle shop when getting pizza for your son. I remember threading the days together, getting the right support and making little choices, redirecting, doing whatever it took to not pick up just for that day, one day at a time.

I love reading this and hearing that you've managed to get this far and begin changing things for yourself.

It would be great to hear how you're travelling now

[Sunflowerseed]

Hi @Azura,
It's been a while since we last heard from you, not sure if you are still checking the forums from time to time. I just want to see how are you travelling?