Yes definitely - habit, boredom and routine are part of my drinking pattern. I always do my best when I interrupt this process. Things like - taking a different way home from work so my car doesn't make that sharp right turn into the liquor store parking lot, going to the shooting range after work, going for a hike or bike ride. My bad time is the couple hours just after work. Get through those and I'm good.....

Rich

In the same boat - boredom is dangerous for me as well. I'm starting to realize that I can actually control my hands and mouth with my mind - what??? who knew??? So, something I did that helped me through 1.5 hours of very temptating time was I put spa-type music on my Ipod, laid on a bed in a dark room of the house, closed my eyes and just focused on the tunes - I think I may have fallen asleep at one point just b/c I don't sit still or meditate more than a few min's - it's a hard thing for a drunk with a million stupid things clouding your mind. Anyway, by the time I came out of it I just felt an over-all calmness and I think it was helpful through the evening.

Another.... the library - I actually went to our local library and sat in little chairs looking at self-help books - kinda silly but innocent fun. I suppose a book store would be the same but the library is closer for me.

I took the dogs to our local dog park and it was packed, I guess non-alcoholics do that normally and they all seemed to have some type of coffee in hand - it's a new world.

So, those are a few new things I took the time to fill in my bored times and didn't drink during those - hope that helps a little.

Marianne

Hey there. It has been a while since I have posted. Things have been crazy with the kids back in school. Not much to report. My numbers seem to be stuck in the 20's. This week they may even be higher. I feel like I am going backwards and not forwards. I will keep on going. This is my last hope. I just never thought that at 45 I would be fighting this battle. I really don't think anyone in my family really knows how much I drink. It's not that they don't want to know. It's almost as if they don't notice as long as everything gets done around the house and everyone is taken care of and has what they need.

Sorry I had to vent. However, after reading what I just wrote it made me realize that I am really kind of mad. Being mad is a big trigger for me. My husband is always on my case about something. No matter what I do it isn't the right thing. I really need to learn how to let that go and move on. The answer is not in the bottom of a bottle of wine!!!!!


I am so frustrated! Sorry I had to vent.

GA

Hi, Georgiamom. I'm new, so we haven't met yet. I haven't read all 14 pages of your thread yet (although I will), but from flipping through I can see that you've had quite a struggle.

I'm sorry about that. I wish I could help.

I have anger problems as well. Mine are more focused on the past; I can't seem to get over being angry with people who did me wrong 30 years ago. I don't have an answer, but I'm still looking. Maybe we could look together?

Hello all. I went back and read some of my posts. I must apologize for being such a downer. Even though I am still not where I want and need to be I have seen progress. I am seriously thinking of upping my dose. I am really ready to get off this train.

So...in the spirit of the holidays I am going to post a few positive thing that have happens on this journey!

This year my husband took me to New York so see my favorite singer. Adam Ant! I was sober for the concert and it was great!

I no longer look at the clock and pray for it to be 5 o'clock.

I am able to drive my kids wherever they need to go because if I know I have to do the mom thing at night then I don't drink.

My husband told me the other day he has seen improvement.

I love waking up and not being hung over!

I may not be cured but I am better. I didn't get this way over night. It will take time but I won't give up.

Merry Christmas!

GA

I'm glad you're feeling happier.

Hey, that can only lead to more improvement, which will make you even happier. What a great cycle that is, isn't it? Much better than the anger-drinking-anger cycle.

Progress towards your cure is a great Christmas present.

GM,

Glad to hear you are still taking the Nal, counting the units, and improving. I'm 2 weeks away from 12 months and expect I will be taking the Nal, counting the units and improving over the next 12 months.

Keep up the good work, and keep us posted.

Thanks,
Chris.