The same reason you came away from jdubs. You no longer wanted anyone or anything controlling your destiny. You got out now just stop drinking and bring it under your control. I dont take drugs or smoke or drink excessively because I want to control me.
in your opinion what is the best way to stop drinking?
by stuckinamovement 25 Replies latest jw friends
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Bella15
I really feel for the ones trying to quit drinking alcohol because I am addicted to coffee and I have been wanting to quit. I tried cold turkey and got rid of all coffee and coffee maker but it was too hard, next I tried decaf - didn't work, then I tried coffe lite 50/50 and this time it is working plus I trying to drink 2 cups of coffe before 11am no more afternoon or evening coffee, if I get a withdrawal headache I take half of Tylenol or Advil.
So in your case, gosh, I don't know perhaps try to quit gradually, don't go cold turkey, also replace beer with something else, juice, coffee (not recommended - lol!) - exercise, a hobby, if you associate watching sports on tv and drinking beer, stop watching sports for a while, and stuff like that ...You mentioned that the culprit may be finding out that the "truth" is a lie ... well you are entitled to a period of "mourning," give yourself a break, permission to feel that way for a season (joy comes in the morning), just be careful with the alcohol intake as it may in fact shut your mind down to the point of numbness.... you don't want this, you want your mind to purge everything out, your subconsious needs an outlet but you need to be the filter through internal dialogue, process all that talk, be intentional about your thoughts and just say to your subconsious, thank you for bringing that up to the front of my head ... process it, face it, then discard. (this is somewhat a technique to deal with intrusive thoughts which is what you are experiencing too I think). Do some internet research about. Intrusive thoughts are associated with post traumatic stress disorder and other emotional trauma disorders. Does it ring a bell???? ex-JW or cult members suffer from PTSD.
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Rocky_Girl
I drank a lot after leaving the JWs and my abusive husband. I found that every time I thought about the things he did, or how long I stayed, or how stupid or weak I was, I would have a beer and it would relax my mind and take away the anxiety.
So, I found another way to relax my mind (for me it was running) and didn't focus on the alcohol. I can drink responsibly because I am not an alcoholic. You don't sound like one either, but only you can know that. Figure out what the beer is giving you and find a healthier way to get it. Don't give up alcohol if that isn't your true issue.
But, if you find you need the alcohol, and your JW exit is merely an excuse, then seek professional help.
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ballistic
I have always on and off drank to much sometimes for weeks at a time, and other times not. My liver probably doesn't know if it's coming or going. When posting on here, I have observed outright prejudice, it is not something the uninitiated understand. While I don't have a serious problem, I seriously have a lot of empathy for any sufferers out there.
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Scully
If you think your drinking is problematic for you, then you need to do something about it.
I know a couple of people who I would never consider to be "alcoholic" who went to AA. They felt the confidential support from others going through a similar struggle was important, because they weren't "falling down drunks" and didn't want to 'burden' their friends and family with their struggle. It also gave them an opportunity to "give back" as a sponsor when someone new joined their AA meetings.
If you want your family and friends to support you through this, you need to have an honest conversation with them. If you are someone who needs to have the temptation minimized in your home, you have to explain to your family that you won't be keeping alcohol in the house. In social situations, have some cola, ginger ale or soda water in a glass with a wedge of lemon or lime in your hands at all times to keep people from offering you "another drink". Offer to be the designated driver whenever you go out with friends to give you a good excuse to not drink - stay sober for the safety of the people in your group!
AA subscribes to the notion of calling on a higher power to help to keep sober. If you are a believer in such things, that can help. If you are an atheist like me, your "higher power" could be that you are no longer willing to surrender yourself to the effects of alcohol or any other substance that causes you to lose control of yourself.
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00DAD
“Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.” - Benjamin Franklin
If you don't have a problem drinking, then why stop?
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EntirelyPossible
Give all your booze to me.
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shamus100
EP,
Your breath reeks of blended whisky and monkey breath. You should cut down on both.
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EntirelyPossible
Your breath reeks of blended whisky and monkey breath. You should cut down on both.
Blended? I will not be insulted, sir!
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Band on the Run
I have not had a personal problem. Close friends have. I don't think there is any one way. It depends upon your temperament and circumstances. What works well for someone else may not work for you. AA is cult like but it can help. The success rate is low. I think it works b/c of support and belief that it works. Most people don't know the actual percentage - which is very low. It doesn't matter if it works for anyone else - it may work for you.
I agree to check on dehydration, blood sugar levels, etc.before getting into a heavy psych. scenario.
Tapering might help. For a while, I realized I needed a drink to attend mixers, talk with partners at lunch. It scared me no end. A drink now and then is not bad. Using it as a crutch is dangerous.
I have a small food problem My md explained the chemistry of addiction. I was raised that addiction is immoral. The modern knoweldge is creepy b/c it so multiply determined by your brain. It demands serious attention. Will power will likely not work.
Find out what you makes you comfortable and yet yields results. The first few weeks may be very difficult as your body adjust. You have to be your own guru.