by Livlifeagain » Mon Aug 08, 2011 12:18 am
John, Good for you in taking this very important step! I KNOW how hard this, I just started 3 weeks ago- saying NO to alcohol. The first two weeks were difficult in that without being drunk, I was clear-minded, and able to think about all the damage my drinking had done to those I love. It was hard to accept responsibility. I had plenty of good reasons to drink, and drinking kept in denial that regardless of those good reasons, including loneliness, drinking to excess was not acceptable. Like you, I'm also very lonely. I dread going to be alone, usually I'd be too drunk, passing out into a deep slumber. I know the consequences of being with someone for the sole purpose of being lonely. I have nothing left to do but just take one day, and night, at a time. ONe thing that really helped me is that I made a list of all the things I like to do- hiking, kayaking, reading, exercising, gardening, painting...the list goes on. I stopped doing all these things because I was too drunk to enjoy them, I was also sleeping a lot, who had time for all that? Now I do it all, and truly enjoy it~ I just bought anew paint-by-numbers kit, I know it sounds silly, but really, I can't wait to start it. Also, go to the meetings. You will make new friends, and there will be plenty of people at the meeting who will become your new friends, and will be available to talk to you during those times you feel alone. Hang in there, I promise you there is a better way of living, once you find it, you'll never look back! Christine
John, Good for you in taking this very important step! I KNOW how hard this, I just started 3 weeks ago- saying NO to alcohol. The first two weeks were difficult in that without being drunk, I was clear-minded, and able to think about all the damage my drinking had done to those I love. It was hard to accept responsibility. I had plenty of good reasons to drink, and drinking kept in denial that regardless of those good reasons, including loneliness, drinking to excess was not acceptable. Like you, I'm also very lonely. I dread going to be alone, usually I'd be too drunk, passing out into a deep slumber. I know the consequences of being with someone for the sole purpose of being lonely. I have nothing left to do but just take one day, and night, at a time. ONe thing that really helped me is that I made a list of all the things I like to do- hiking, kayaking, reading, exercising, gardening, painting...the list goes on. I stopped doing all these things because I was too drunk to enjoy them, I was also sleeping a lot, who had time for all that? Now I do it all, and truly enjoy it~ I just bought anew paint-by-numbers kit, I know it sounds silly, but really, I can't wait to start it. Also, go to the meetings. You will make new friends, and there will be plenty of people at the meeting who will become your new friends, and will be available to talk to you during those times you feel alone. Hang in there, I promise you there is a better way of living, once you find it, you'll never look back! Christine