Back in 2005..something came over me and I was able to stop drinking with little cravings and no effort. I called it "The Gift". for me it was a gift from God.
I had drank all the years prior to that. I had drank from when I was 17 until I reached 41 in 2005.
Then I stopped in 2005 until 2014 (8 years).
Then sh*t hit the fan in my life...I quit a really good career..and I thought I could have a 6 pack...WRONG!
For the past 3 years I have been struggling and I have been in and out of the hospital due to my drinking. I have never had the feeling of the "gift" since 2005.
The last time I left the hospital was Oct 5th...only a month ago...and just last week..I fell and sprained my ankle very badly...and I was housebound and couch bound...and it came to my surprise that as depressed, anxious and sad as I was...I was not thinking of a drink.
ODD...So, then after that..it seemed every channel I put the TV on there was a "message" in whatever show I landed on....I really think that I have "The Gift" once again...and this time I am not letting it go!
Anyone who has stopped drinking for any period of time and have been doing well? Do NOT EVER...think it is ok to pick up a drink or think that things will just go back to normal after a drink...they don't...they may never..If you currently have "The Gift" cherish it!
Good advice Missy. Like you, I was able to stop by myself coming up to ten years ago and yes, the temptation is still there. Maybe just one at Christmas etc? But so far, have said no thanks! Keep up the good work.
i didnt realise you'd been in hospital again. What happened was it alcohol related. I was away first two weeks in October so must have missed it. Anyway, I hope your feeling better now.
I disagree slightly in that I can go two or three months without a drink, then a social event, holiday etc will come up and I will drink then. So I can pick up a drink when I want without it ending in a binge and then go back to not drinking.
however, having said that, and maybe this is what you meant. I went four years without a drink, then was given a wine and soda when I'd asked for lime and soda and enjoyed it. In retrospect, I should have just left it instead of having three more!
Sorry to hear that as you were doing so well. Are you able to pinpoint what triggered it off. Half the time when I used to go off on a binge, I never knew what started it
anyway what's done is done. Important to take each day a step at a time, ew day, new beginnings .
Praise the Good Lord...how many days sober do you have?
I know, the lump on the outside liked to have driven me nuts...I would ice and elevate and get my foot in a shoe...to have the ankle swell and swallow my shoe!