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Hi EoB,

Just wanted to say that I second your idea of making a list of triggers. When I was tracking my pre-Nal units, I decided to make a list of all the things/situations I thought would be triggers (and I continue to update that list). I also found it helpful to group the triggers into situations that I could control, so I could work on them at will (i.e. planning to drink when I am bored after work), versus those unexpected situations I had no control over (i.e. an unforeseen event at work).

I have been experiencing a good deal of success intentionally working on triggers out of obligation (the first group), so maybe it will work for you too.

I'm new to the forum as well, and I wanted to wish you best of luck!

-H

The list of triggers is a great idea! I think it will help you greatly. It helped me a couple years ago to realize that I was in the most danger of over drinking when I was actually really HAPPY, not when I was stressed or down or anything negative. It's strange but true

Hello EOB, I am not sure if you will get this in time for tonight but I may have a few ideas for you in regards to that party that has worked for me.

I let everyone get at least three drinks ahead of me. If there are many people there you will recognize at least one or two others ( yes, there are many others out there like us ) that start to overdo it. Watching someone else get stupid drunk is a constant reminder at the party NEVER to become the person EVERYONE remembers for their bad behavior. I start with water or a soda. If I have a drink pushed on me I put it of to the side and pretend to sip it. I don't even let the alcohol past my lips. I always make sure to eat a lot before I drink. Especially bread products. I also tell my wife if I start getting stupid to get me out of there! I have my excuse ready before the party even begins. And, of course, take your Nal one hour before you start drinking!

This game plan worked for my wedding last August and I wasn't even on Nal. I had four drinks the whole night and had a blast! There were two people there ( one was my brother who rarely drinks ) that brought on all the focus to them with their bad behavior. My parents are still pissed about that -lol.

Finally, remember to have fun! Just find some other person or couple you feel comfortable with and the time will fly.

Thanks for the raw honesty. I lived with an alcoholic for 24 years, divorced him due to the fact that he would not/could not work and chose alcohol over me....or so i thought. And here I am 10 years later, trying to get this monkey off of my back.
Just like Ketch said, it will be a bumpy ride, strap yourself in and don't give up. I am in my 7th month and although my drinking is diminished, it is not extinguished. My goal is not to ever drink, but drink when i want to, not need to.
Best wishes,

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I had a shot of whiskey ( which I rarely do anymore ) the last time I went to a Cleveland Brown's game a few weeks ago and almost threw up. I don't know if it is the Nal or just getting older but I was shocked that only one shot almost had me gagging.

Like you I love red wine. I always have remind myself with wine is to SIP not GULP since also being a beer drinker it is easy to have that tendency with wine. You never see a French person in a cafe in Paris gulp wine. Wine is kind of weird since for me it has a delayed buzz. I feel fine for a few hours barely even buzzed then WHAM!!! It hits me like a hammer. I try to remind myself of the "diminishing return" on drinking especially wine. Really 4 glasses should be more then enough but somehow my brain keeps telling me -what the hell- have another.

One last tip for the wedding tonight. Try and get out on the dance floor as much as possible. Dancing will burn off the alcohol, is a great workout and is fun!

I am still dumbfounded why on earth in America there isn't more dancing that goes on around this country? Makes we want to live in Argentina ( I love the Tango!) one day but I digress.

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What a great successful time at the wedding! it is wonderful to feel that control, and truly decide whether or not you want to drink. And yes, sometimes seeing other people out of control really highlights the change for us...

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