Dear Wife, so sorry I checked out and drank too much last week, and thanks (page 2)

AlmostAtheist

Now that you mention it, my drinking also took a serious nose-dive once I left the borg. Funny how that works, isn't it? ;-)

Dave

Oomp, I want to add that Changeling has a good point, your wife is doing what she thinks is best, god bless her. Keep in mind that her mind is clouded by the cult mindset . . she obviously cares for you. That is a blessing in and of itself dude.

Sunspot

I would like to add one more vote to the idea of drinking heavily AS a JW, and not only "tapering off" after leaving---but actually having NO DESIRE for alcohol any longer! The last time I had a few sips of wine----I began to feel very sleepy and wished I had not had it so I could stay alert to play Scrabble with my son and grandson after dinner.

I oftened wondered if I was becoming an alcoholic because I would be watching the clock to WAIT until the kids were in tucked away and in bed before I hit the Blue Nun (I always thought this was so funny....giggle) or the Apricot brandy. But I realize NOW that I was self-medicating, and that I COULD stop cold turkey when I really wanted to. BUT, when I was a JW----I never WANTED to. Once I put the WTS behind me.....the intense craving went away a bit at a time. Within a few months, it became a non-issue and I could take it or leave it. As of now, I have left it except at specal occasions like last Christmas Eve at my son's house---and in August when my sister and I reconciled, seeing each other for the first time since the late 1960's or so. SHE brought a bottle of wine!

I can't tell you how many JWs that I personally knew of, that drank often and drank A LOT. None of us thought very much about it, and tattling on others just wasn't the thing to do.

It CAN be overcome.....take it from me....BELIEVE ME...I am as surprised at this as anyone else.....but I know it works! Keep plugging away at it Oompa!

hugs,

Annie

stillajwexelder

Sorry if I do not sound sympathetic but how can elders help drinkers -they are amongst the worst culprits -I dont blame them - stress gets to them

shell69

'Still', I agree. If I am ever going to bump into any of my ex-associates its always down the booze isle at the local Tesco!

In response though to oompas thread and all the comments here; I admit I had a serious drink problem while I was exiting the borg. I do now drink, but it is a lot more controlled, as I'm sure my wonderful husband would testify.

However interstingly, the comments about getting off meds; I had been on prozac for nearly three years, I haven't had one for a few months now, and only even noticd a couple of weeks ago!. I have just finnished my councilling, coz it all just dropped into place, and yes, I do believe that I have a drink problem, I always will, however its manageable because I am at peace, not going crazy in my head with everything going around and around.

Ooompa, I think that what your going through now is probably as bad as its going to get. You obviously desire to exit, but the threat of loosing family and friends is hanging right over your head.

That threat will not go away, and this will only induce you to drink more to obliterate it all. However there is the issue; In the end its not even obliterating the problems, and even while under the influence you will obsess and stress about all of it.

I really don't know what the answer is, and its not my place to advise you, but I wish you a peace of mind in certainty that when you get the peace you are looking for, you will be able to deal with the other issues.

((((((((((((((((hug)))))))))))))) Shell (sober.....ish)

truthsearcher

As a non-drinking Christian, I have to say that it really shocks me to hear about the extent of alcohol consumptions amongst the Witnesses. It is very foreign to me! Have you ever heard this little saying "I don't drink and I don't chew, and I don't go with girls that do?" That is the culture that I was raised in.

Perhaps the following Biblical translations explain the Witnesses need for alcohol (as has been noted by those who have left and realized they were numbing themselves with booze).

<< Proverbs 31:6 >>

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Give liquor to a person who is dying and wine to one who feels resentful.

King James Bible
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

American Standard Version
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:

Bible in Basic English
Give strong drink to him who is near to destruction, and wine to him whose soul is bitter:

Douay-Rheims Bible
Give strong drink to them that are sad: and wine to them that are grieved in mind:

Darby Bible Translation
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto the bitter of soul:

Sunspot

As a non-drinking Christian...(snip)

Is your status as a "non-drinking Christian" a personal choice to NOT ever imbibe, or do you feel that it rests on a biblical command to not do so?

Locutus of Borg

It is very foreign to me!

now there is an operative phrase . .

truthsearcher, I respect where you are coming from but you are coming across to me as very judgemental. I have walked in Oompa's shoes, have you?

Have you ever heard this little saying "I don't drink and I don't chew, and I don't go with girls that do?" That is the culture that I was raised in.

You kinda disqualified yourself from having any worthwhile input to this thread with that comment . . dontcha think. your comment comes across as condescending.

The LAST thing Oompa needs is a bunch of bible verses up in his face. He needs understanding, empathy and support.

Peace Out

** Edited to take emotion out of my responce

LoB

eclipse

*raises hand*

I have a question for truthsearcher - what is it exactly that you don't chew? - food? meat? body parts?

Satanus

Truthsearcher

Your quotes show that there is a time to drink. So, how can you be judgemental if a person in much pain follows what your quotes say? It's a form of medication, which you amply show that the bible advocates. Are you suggesting that someone in the position of oompa should not feel pain?

S

Dear Wife, so sorry I checked out and drank too much last week, and thanks

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