Hi.
I'm new to not drinking (we're talking first days), and, well, I'm a bit
unsure about what to expect, so I'm just nosing around.
Thanks.
Best
mp

On 30/01/08 10:28, mpgs wrote:
> Hi.
> I'm new to not drinking (we're talking first days), and, well, I'm a bit
> unsure about what to expect, so I'm just nosing around.
> Thanks.
> Best
> mp

There may be a fortune teller here who purports to predict your future.

However, if you post a bit about your own experiences in your first
days of not drinking, you may get a useful reply from someone who has
successfully survived similar experiences in their first days sober.

Bob

"Bob" <nospam@invalid.net> wrote in message
news:fnoic2$31r$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> On 30/01/08 10:28, mpgs wrote:
>> Hi.
>> I'm new to not drinking (we're talking first days), and, >>well, I'm a
>> bit unsure about what to expect, so I'm just >>nosing around. Thanks.
>> Best
>> mp
----------
>
> There may be a fortune teller here who purports to predict your future.
>
> However, if you post a bit about your own experiences in your first
> days of not drinking, you may get a useful reply from someone who has
> successfully survived similar experiences in their first days sober.
>
> Bob
--------
Hi Bob.
Your reply was useful. I wasn't asking what _my_ experiences might be, but I
was hoping to hear what others' were. Perhaps it was too vague, and too
early, a post. Thanks.
Best
mp

On 30/01/08 12:42, mpgs wrote:
> "Bob" <nospam@invalid.net> wrote in message
> news:fnoic2$31r$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>> On 30/01/08 10:28, mpgs wrote:
>>> Hi.
>>> I'm new to not drinking (we're talking first days), and, >>well, I'm a
>>> bit unsure about what to expect, so I'm just >>nosing around. Thanks.
>>> Best
>>> mp
> ----------
>> There may be a fortune teller here who purports to predict your future.
>>
>> However, if you post a bit about your own experiences in your first
>> days of not drinking, you may get a useful reply from someone who has
>> successfully survived similar experiences in their first days sober.
>>
>> Bob
> --------
> Hi Bob.
> Your reply was useful. I wasn't asking what _my_ experiences might be, but I
> was hoping to hear what others' were. Perhaps it was too vague, and too
> early, a post. Thanks.
> Best
> mp
>

Hi again, mp

Now a recovered alcoholic, my experiences from when I quit drinking for
good (that was more than a decade ago) have varied a lot.

I'm convinced my eventual success is due in some part to having both a
plan, and making a deliberate effort to focus on solutions rather than
problems, be those problems real or anticipated. (and many in my case,
imagined)

My plan was to go by the book, http://anonpress.org/bb/ unless or until
events proved that book invalid. Naturally I've since found flaws in the
book, but not one of those flaws (or anything else) got me drunk.

Having a life makeover (I've never seen that metaphor before and I'm
proud of it) - changing my life's direction 180 degrees with the help of
those 12 steps, was often a slow and tedious process for me, so another
thing that helped was to pick a simple, tiny thing that I could change
instantly and sustain the change with minimal effort. That way, whenever
I felt downhearted about progress toward recovery, I had definite
progress other than not drinking to feel good about.

HTH

Bob

mpgs wrote:

>
> "Bob" <nospam@invalid.net> wrote in message
> news:fnoic2$31r$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>> On 30/01/08 10:28, mpgs wrote:
>>> Hi.
>>> I'm new to not drinking (we're talking first days), and, >>well, I'm a
>>> bit unsure about what to expect, so I'm just >>nosing around. Thanks.
>>> Best
>>> mp
> ----------
>>
>> There may be a fortune teller here who purports to predict your future.
>>
>> However, if you post a bit about your own experiences in your first
>> days of not drinking, you may get a useful reply from someone who has
>> successfully survived similar experiences in their first days sober.
>>
>> Bob
> --------
> Hi Bob.
> Your reply was useful. I wasn't asking what _my_ experiences might be, but
> I was hoping to hear what others' were. Perhaps it was too vague, and too
> early, a post. Thanks.
> Best
> mp
There are SO many variables between individuals. A lot of it depends at
first on how much you were drinking to begin with. It can actually be
deadly just to stop if you are addicted and have been consuming great
quantities. For the majority including myself there is extreme nervousness
the first few days. I had night sweats and slept little the first few
days. It might be beneficial to see a doctor and be honest. If you are
having problems he or she could give you something temporarily to help. In
the long run there are several different support groups if you desire. AA,
Smart, LSR, MM and others. A lot of people down MM because they are
primarily about moderation, which I am not about. They also have an
abstinence branch which is about what it says-abstinence. Many quit on
there own without help, but if you want it its out there.


Gregg

Saneearth wrote:
> mpgs wrote:
>
>> "Bob" <nospam@invalid.net> wrote in message
>> news:fnoic2$31r$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>>> On 30/01/08 10:28, mpgs wrote:
>>>> Hi.
>>>> I'm new to not drinking (we're talking first days), and, >>well, I'm a
>>>> bit unsure about what to expect, so I'm just >>nosing around. Thanks.
>>>> Best
>>>> mp
>> ----------
>>> There may be a fortune teller here who purports to predict your future.
>>>
>>> However, if you post a bit about your own experiences in your first
>>> days of not drinking, you may get a useful reply from someone who has
>>> successfully survived similar experiences in their first days sober.
>>>
>>> Bob
>> --------
>> Hi Bob.
>> Your reply was useful. I wasn't asking what _my_ experiences might be, but
>> I was hoping to hear what others' were. Perhaps it was too vague, and too
>> early, a post. Thanks.
>> Best
>> mp
> There are SO many variables between individuals. A lot of it depends at
> first on how much you were drinking to begin with. It can actually be
> deadly just to stop if you are addicted and have been consuming great
> quantities. For the majority including myself there is extreme nervousness
> the first few days. I had night sweats and slept little the first few
> days. It might be beneficial to see a doctor and be honest. If you are
> having problems he or she could give you something temporarily to help. In
> the long run there are several different support groups if you desire. AA,
> Smart, LSR, MM and others. A lot of people down MM because they are
> primarily about moderation, which I am not about. They also have an
> abstinence branch which is about what it says-abstinence. Many quit on
> there own without help, but if you want it its out there.
>
>
> Gregg

I've been to three AA meetings so far and found it very helpful. I'm not
sure about some aspects of the program, but there's no question in my
mind that it really helps to meet people who know what you're going
through, who don't judge, and who are completely welcoming. Sure, some
of it is a bit "cult-like," but you can leave that part out in your own
mind. I'd recommend trying it, anyway. There are no obligations, no
fees, you can take it or leave it. It's worth a try.

"Bob" <nospam@invalid.net> wrote in message
news:fnotvm$btv$1@registered.motzarella.org...
> On 30/01/08 12:42, mpgs wrote:
>> "Bob" <nospam@invalid.net> wrote in message
>> news:fnoic2$31r$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>>> On 30/01/08 10:28, mpgs wrote:
>>>> Hi.
>>>> I'm new to not drinking (we're talking first days), and, >>well, I'm a
>>>> bit unsure about what to expect, so I'm just >>nosing around. Thanks.
>>>> Best
>>>> mp
>> ----------
<snip>
--------
>> Hi Bob.
>> Your reply was useful. I wasn't asking what _my_ experiences might be,
>> but I was hoping to hear what others' were. Perhaps it was too vague, and
>> too early, a post. Thanks.
>> Best
>> mp
>
> Hi again, mp
>
> Now a recovered alcoholic, my experiences from when I quit drinking for
> good (that was more than a decade ago) have varied a lot.
>
> I'm convinced my eventual success is due in some part to having both a
> plan, and making a deliberate effort to focus on solutions rather than
> problems, be those problems real or anticipated. (and many in my case,
> imagined)
>
> My plan was to go by the book, http://anonpress.org/bb/ unless or until
> events proved that book invalid. Naturally I've since found flaws in the
> book, but not one of those flaws (or anything else) got me drunk.
>
> Having a life makeover (I've never seen that metaphor before and I'm
> proud of it) - changing my life's direction 180 degrees with the help of
> those 12 steps, was often a slow and tedious process for me, so another
> thing that helped was to pick a simple, tiny thing that I could change
> instantly and sustain the change with minimal effort. That way, whenever
> I felt downhearted about progress toward recovery, I had definite
> progress other than not drinking to feel good about.
>
> HTH
>
> Bob
Hi Bob.
Apologies for my belated reply; thank you for your story. It was very
helpful.

I do think that right now I'm thinking too much outside of "right now," if
that makes sense...I'm anticipating and worrying what's going to happen. I'm
working at eliminating that kind of self-sabotage (for me, that worry leads
to inclination to self-medicate). I appreciate your suggestions and your
time.

I'm working myself up to phoning the local AA.

Best
mp

"Sean" <sean@fake.con> wrote in message news:byaoj.1866$cc3.428@edtnps82...
> Saneearth wrote:
>> mpgs wrote:
>>
>>> "Bob" <nospam@invalid.net> wrote in message
>>> news:fnoic2$31r$1@registered.motzarella.org...
>>>> On 30/01/08 10:28, mpgs wrote:
>>>>> Hi.
>>>>> I'm new to not drinking (we're talking first days), and, >>well, I'm a
>>>>> bit unsure about what to expect, so I'm just >>nosing around. Thanks.
>>>>> Best
>>>>> mp
>>> ----------
>>>> There may be a fortune teller here who purports to predict your future.
>>>>
>>>> However, if you post a bit about your own experiences in your first
>>>> days of not drinking, you may get a useful reply from someone who has
>>>> successfully survived similar experiences in their first days sober.
>>>>
>>>> Bob
>>> --------
>>> Hi Bob.
>>> Your reply was useful. I wasn't asking what _my_ experiences might be,
>>> but
>>> I was hoping to hear what others' were. Perhaps it was too vague, and
>>> too
>>> early, a post. Thanks.
>>> Best
>>> mp
>> There are SO many variables between individuals. A lot of it depends at
>> first on how much you were drinking to begin with. It can actually be
>> deadly just to stop if you are addicted and have been consuming great
>> quantities. For the majority including myself there is extreme
>> nervousness
>> the first few days. I had night sweats and slept little the first few
>> days. It might be beneficial to see a doctor and be honest. If you are
>> having problems he or she could give you something temporarily to help.
>> In
>> the long run there are several different support groups if you desire.
>> AA,
>> Smart, LSR, MM and others. A lot of people down MM because they are
>> primarily about moderation, which I am not about. They also have an
>> abstinence branch which is about what it says-abstinence. Many quit on
>> there own without help, but if you want it its out there. Gregg
>
> I've been to three AA meetings so far and found it very helpful. I'm not
> sure about some aspects of the program, but there's no question in my mind
> that it really helps to meet people who know what you're going through,
> who don't judge, and who are completely welcoming. Sure, some of it is a
> bit "cult-like," but you can leave that part out in your own mind. I'd
> recommend trying it, anyway. There are no obligations, no fees, you can
> take it or leave it. It's worth a try.

Hi Sean.
Thank you for your message. You say that you've attended meetings--do you
also read/study the book? I'll be honest, some aspects of AA make me
nervous--but I'm only going by hearsay, as I've never been to a meeting. I
am planning on phoning the local chapter this afternoon, however, so I guess
I'll be jumping in as well.
Thanks again,
Best,
mp

> "Sean" <sean@fake.con> wrote in message news:byaoj.1866$cc3.428@edtnps82...
>>> mpgs wrote:

>> I've been to three AA meetings so far and found it very helpful. I'm not
>> sure about some aspects of the program, but there's no question in my mind
>> that it really helps to meet people who know what you're going through,
>> who don't judge, and who are completely welcoming. Sure, some of it is a
>> bit "cult-like," but you can leave that part out in your own mind. I'd
>> recommend trying it, anyway. There are no obligations, no fees, you can
>> take it or leave it. It's worth a try.
>
> Hi Sean.
> Thank you for your message. You say that you've attended meetings--do you
> also read/study the book? I'll be honest, some aspects of AA make me
> nervous--but I'm only going by hearsay, as I've never been to a meeting. I
> am planning on phoning the local chapter this afternoon, however, so I guess
> I'll be jumping in as well.
> Thanks again,
> Best,
> mp
>

Someone very kindly gave me a copy of the book at my first meeting. Some
of it is right on, some of it is dated, some of it doesn't work for me
at all. You just take what you need and leave the rest. The main thing
is the people. To go to a place where they shake your hand, welcome you,
and utterly don't judge you is fantastic. They just support you in your
project of getting sober. You don't have to buy into the whole thing.