Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery

[kimber45]

Good Morning Everyone. We had another busy weekend (auction on Saturday, worked in the shop yesterday). There are times when I miss our Friday nights out on the town, but for DH's sake, I can live without it.

[roygrip]

Oct 31, 2011 9:10:27 GMT -5 kimber45 said:

Good Morning Everyone. We had another busy weekend (auction on Saturday, worked in the shop yesterday). There are times when I miss our Friday nights out on the town, but for DH's sake, I can live without it.

Awesome! It's really cool when the spouses, are as supporting as you. You can still find things to do Kimber on fri nite, we do.
Fri nite is usually taking the hotrod out to the local diner where all my friends show their cars too. Now we do it sober, get dinner and hang out for a bit. Or we go to clubs where my friends bands play, I may or may not sit in for a song or two. Everyone knows we're sober and it's not an issue. Clubs, I go early, and leacve early. Key is to find other things to do with your time!

[roygrip]

Heeeeelllllloooooo!

[kimber45]

This time of year it is easy to find things to do. We are so busy in the shop that we don't have time to think about much else . We went to a great restaraunt Saturday night on our way home from the auction.

[roygrip]

Nov 1, 2011 8:36:16 GMT -5 kimber45 said:

This time of year it is easy to find things to do. We are so busy in the shop that we don't have time to think about much else . We went to a great restaraunt Saturday night on our way home from the auction.

Good for you, just fill your life up with other things ;D

[kimber45]

Is it just me, or had anyone else noticed the amount of "drinking" songs on the radio lately? I listen to country and rock both and it just seems like every other song they play has something to do with drinking

[roygrip]

Nov 1, 2011 9:50:08 GMT -5 kimber45 said:

Is it just me, or had anyone else noticed the amount of "drinking" songs on the radio lately? I listen to country and rock both and it just seems like every other song they play has something to do with drinking

LOL, I hadn't noticed, but both country and rock n' roll go hand in hand with drinkin' ;D

It may just be your more aware, or maybe they are ;D

[kimber45]

LOL, I hadn't noticed, but both country and rock n' roll go hand in hand with drinkin'

Yep, they both have their share of good ole drinkin' songs

Even though I didn't drink that much (maybe one drink a week at home, and a couple if we went out, cuz I was always the DD), I miss it, and sometimes when one of those songs comes on the radio, I think "God I would love to have good drink"

[roygrip]

Nov 1, 2011 11:04:16 GMT -5 kimber45 said:

LOL, I hadn't noticed, but both country and rock n' roll go hand in hand with drinkin'

Yep, they both have their share of good ole drinkin' songs

Even though I didn't drink that much (maybe one drink a week at home, and a couple if we went out, cuz I was always the DD), I miss it, and sometimes when one of those songs comes on the radio, I think "God I would love to have good drink"

Well you didn't have the problem, and I commend you for your support of him. There's nothing wrong with you having a drink with friends. Around him, no. After a few years it didn't bother me. I play guitar, and sit in with friends bands at clubs, people drink around me, it no longer bothers me, it's my choice to not drink. I come early and leave before people get buzzed, that's just me, I don't like seeing people buzzed

[kimber45]

"There's nothing wrong with you having a drink with friends. Around him, no."

I know there is nothing wrong with it, but I would still feel guilty if I did.

[kent]

Nov 1, 2011 9:50:08 GMT -5 kimber45 said:

Is it just me, or had anyone else noticed the amount of "drinking" songs on the radio lately? I listen to country and rock both and it just seems like every other song they play has something to do with drinking

You mean like this?

He put the bottle to his head and pulled the trigger

[roygrip]

Nov 1, 2011 11:39:44 GMT -5 kimber45 said:

"There's nothing wrong with you having a drink with friends. Around him, no."

I know there is nothing wrong with it, but I would still feel guilty if I did.

Kimber , I know you know, I'm not trying to imply anything, I'm commending you on your stance, it's obvious you care, and I congratulate you on your choice. Peace. I work with several people in your same shoes, I'm just expressing what we do, sharing with you, what we do.

[roygrip]

Nov 1, 2011 16:11:50 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Kent, I cannot even listen to that song when it comes on the radio...

Spoke w/ a biker buddy of mine today about going an afternoon meeting this Friday.

YOU GO! IGGY!!!!! Give it a try ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[hamsterwheel]

Nov 1, 2011 18:12:08 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Heyyyy... Anyone seen hamster lately?

I'm around and still plugging . I just have been really super busy. This time of the year is the worst for me. Right now, it's one thing after another to get things done. I wouldn't mind hibernating until after Christmas at this point. Roy, I'm still getting to those chapters, but have been a bit overwhelmed. I suppose I should do that rather than look at the message boards to see what's going on, but I always think about you guys and want to check in every so often. Off to aerobics!

[roygrip]

Nov 1, 2011 17:58:44 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Nov 1, 2011 17:55:25 GMT -5 roygrip said:

YOU GO! IGGY!!!!! Give it a try ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

RG, to quote one of my favorite White Zombie songs, "I never try anything, I just do it."

Good for you!

[roygrip]

Nov 1, 2011 20:20:33 GMT -5 hamsterwheel said:

Nov 1, 2011 18:12:08 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Heyyyy... Anyone seen hamster lately?

I'm around and still plugging . I just have been really super busy. This time of the year is the worst for me. Right now, it's one thing after another to get things done. I wouldn't mind hibernating until after Christmas at this point. Roy, I'm still getting to those chapters, but have been a bit overwhelmed. I suppose I should do that rather than look at the message boards to see what's going on, but I always think about you guys and want to check in every so often. Off to aerobics!

LOL, set it up so you do a couple pages a day even Hamster. Check in's are good.

[Jake 48]

Hello everyone, keep up the good work

[roygrip]

Nov 1, 2011 21:30:03 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Okay, confession time: I started drinking when DH went out of town to go see his ailing father several weeks ago. That is why I haven't really posted here much. The first night was meh, no big deal, didn't get too hammered. I quickly got right back into it within a week.

Here's what I noticed:

Started feeling like crap again right away.
My sleep quality declined immediately.
I felt guilty when I continued to drink once DH got back home.
Less motivated at the office.

So. Here I am. With you all.

Welcome home IGGY! Yep, that's what happens, when we quit, start again we go right back to the same patterns. Congrats for coming back. It's all a learning process for you. I'm really glad you chose a friend to go with. Good luck dear Iggy!

[kimber45]

Kimber , I know you know, I'm not trying to imply anything,

I know Roy, thank you for your support


You mean like this?

He put the bottle to his head and pulled the trigger

Yes, Kent, among others

Spoke w/ a biker buddy of mine today about going an afternoon meeting this Friday.

Go for it Iggy

[roygrip]

Here Iggy, see if anything stands out, a very simple Relapse prevention tool:


How to Prevent an Alcoholic Relapse
By Terri Rimmer,



There are various ways to prevent alcoholic relapse when you're in recovery for alcoholism. Addiction affects every aspect of a person's life. Alcoholism is a common thing in society and relapse often goes along with it, though it is not a requirement. Stats state that 1 in 40 patients in a rehab will stay sober long-term.
Difficulty: Challenging
Instructions

Support Systems
1


Keep up with your attendance at your recovery meetings, and try not to cut back on them.

2


Try not to isolate. If you catch yourself isolating, call or visit someone. Keep in regular contact with your sponsor or support person, and re-work the steps if you're in a step program.

3


Talk in your support groups about anything that's bothering you. Read your textbooks and workbooks pertaining to your recovery.

4


Talk with your sponsor in recovery about harboring any resentments that you might have. Practice prayer and meditation daily.

5


Return phone calls, and don't avoid people. Work on being social and making connections with people.


Behaviors to watch out for or red flags
1


Watch out for rationalizing insane behavior. Don't avoid responsibilities.

2


Avoid overreacting. Keep yourself in check. If you find yourself going into rages or storming off from a party, you are not in fit spiritual condition, and that means you are in danger of drinking. You should discuss your issues with a trusted party in recovery.

3


Keep a tight watch on your money. Gambling, getting tickets or bouncing checks are various ways some alcoholics use to deal with feelings or problems when they know they can't drink.

4


Be aware that money problems also can show up by way of overspending. A side effect of this is being defensive, craving drinks, going to bars, and slipping back into old behaviors minus the drink. Those are all warning signs that your mental state is in trouble. It is strongly suggested that the person in recovery get a handle on these by confiding in someone who is in recovery that they can trust.


Those Who Are Dually Diagnosed
1


Seek counseling if obsessing is taking over your life. You can write about your obsession, but it's best not to dwell on it.

2


Look at ways you may be sabotaging yourself. Take a personal inventory nightly. Write about what you're feeling.

3


If you are abusing yourself or others, get help immediately. These behaviors can include anything from self-mutilation, spending the rent money, reneging on your word, and sabotaging yourself at work. It may be necessary to seek a group therapy situation to address these problems. These are also signs of depression, and it may be necessary to see a doctor regarding a possible bipolar diagnosis.

4


Learn not to self-medicate with prescription drugs by using them as prescribed and not "borrowing" friends' pills. These destructive behaviors can be equally damaging.

5


Get enough sleep, and eat the right foods. Some alcoholics thrive on staying busy. In no time at all, they are skipping meals and neglecting their sleep routine. Initially they may get a high or buzz from this, but both of these behaviors are dangerous to the alcoholic who must maintain a stable lifestyle.

[kent]

Well, he passed away about 2 hours ago. It was peaceful.

[kimber45]

My sincere sympathy for you and your family, Kent. (((HUGS)))

[roygrip]

Nov 2, 2011 9:38:36 GMT -5 kent said:

Well, he passed away about 2 hours ago. It was peaceful.

Aw Kent My sincere condolences. My continuied prayers going up, to you and the family

[Jake 48]

Kent,
Condolences and prayers for you and your family

[chiver78]

[Jake 48]

Iggy, brush the dirt off and get back on the horse, we are all rooting for you,

[kent]

Thanks everyone.

[kent]

Nov 1, 2011 21:30:03 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Okay, confession time: I started drinking when DH went out of town to go see his ailing father several weeks ago. That is why I haven't really posted here much. The first night was meh, no big deal, didn't get too hammered. I quickly got right back into it within a week.

Here's what I noticed:

Started feeling like crap again right away.
My sleep quality declined immediately.
I felt guilty when I continued to drink once DH got back home.
Less motivated at the office.

So. Here I am. With you all.

It's OK Iggy, relapsing is a common occurence. Notice how your body took notice, picked up the slack, and "reminded" you of your goal?

[roygrip]

Nov 2, 2011 16:39:10 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Thank you, Kent.

Here's another confession: I am glad I wasn't drinking when the police showed up @ our house (long dramatic story-we have undesirable neighbors) Sunday night. Even though we didn't do anything wrong, it was nice to be able to convey that to them without smelling/looking like a redneck liquored up white girl.

Oh how I can relate! About 6 yrs ago, a neighbor who had been beating his wife (we called several times as did others) Made the mistake of chasing her onto our property. Lets just say by the time the law showed up he was down, with me sitting on him and pretty well banged up. ;D Had I been loaded, I would have gone to jail, instead they thanked me, said he must have fallen, ;D and took him away. Thank God his wife (ex now) got help (and a divorce) Yes he was all liqoured up.

[roygrip]

Nov 2, 2011 17:30:11 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Nov 2, 2011 16:48:02 GMT -5 roygrip said:

Oh how I can relate! About 6 yrs ago, a neighbor who had been beating his wife (we called several times as did others) Made the mistake of chasing her onto our property. Lets just say by the time the law showed up he was down, with me sitting on him and pretty well banged up. ;D Had I been loaded, I would have gone to jail, instead they thanked me, said he must have fallen, ;D and took him away. Thank God his wife (ex now) got help (and a divorce) Yes he was all liqoured up.

RG, what a success story! I am soooo glad the wife got OUT of that horrible situation. And, what a nice man and neighbor you are for helping out. LOL, re "he must have fallen". ;D

She was lucky she made a choice. We read about battered women's syndrom, where they are so scared, and go back to him.

Yes it was obvious I had "touched him up" ;D The big burly seargent took one look at him smiled at me and said, "Sir, I can see he must have fallen in the chase" winked, kicked him in the butt and hauled him away ;D It was the 4th or 5th time so he got prison for a couple of years, for spousal abuse. She still lives next door, (she got the house) She's a good friend of ours.