A few months ago I started checking out this board and the al anon board desperately seeking answers because of my bf's drinking problem. Not my own mind you, I didn't have a problem! Well, I started to see myself in some of the posts I read and it hit me. Appartently normal drinkers don't drink 6 beers (or more) by themselves for no reason other than that they can't stop. Or, hoard their drinks by drinking out of someone else's glass when they leave the room. That one makes me laugh now but it's pretty clear that it isn't normal.
I quit 5 weeks ago. I decided that I didn't want to live like that anymore and I know that if I didn't quit it would only get worse. BF is having a really hard time quitting and is going down fast. He's avoiding everyone and is close to losing his job. He's really my ex since he broke up with me. The point is that I now see how bad things can get and I don't want to go down that road.
It wasn't all that easy. I started cutting back 5 months ago when bf announced he had a problem and went into detox. As a show of solidarity I was going to quit then and there. Not quite. After a while I started controlling it by only buying a 6 pack for the weekend and rationing it to myself. Controlling - another good clue. Then finally I got it.
Now, at the end of each night I focus on every little thing I'm grateful for. Seems to help fill the void. Everything seems so much better now. I have a really great life - 2 wonderful kids, nice house, good career, everything we need and I don't want to mess it up.
So, just wanted to say thanks to the board. You are all a bunch of really great, positive people.
Welcome to this wonderful Forum. It is a good place to be and it helps to keep me sober.
I could really identify with what you said about drinking out of somebody else's glass when they had left the room. I lost count of the times that I had done that. What crazy behaviour!
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Welcome and congrats on 5 weeks! I also thought it was my husband who had the problem a long time ago. After all, he was the one that got a DUI not me right? As I read more and learn more I realize how truly irrational and insane my thinking and actions have been in regards to alcohol. Crazy stuff....Thanks for sharing your experience.
