I'm hoping this forum will help...because I could really use some.

[Rhiannon12866]

17. Thanks so much for letting us know how you are!

Admitting that something's wrong is a definite first step. And so many of us have tried "controlled drinking," but if you're an alcoholic, that just doesn't work. Normal people can have just one drink during the holidays, or whatever, but we alcoholics can't seem to have just one. If one is good, six is better. *sigh*

I certainly tried it. So many nights I'd be determined to stop at one or two or three, but eventually I'd give up and vow to do better tomorrow. But tomorrow never did come, since I'd tell myself the same thing then and the day after that. But once I finally absorbed "one day at a time," I finally had some hope.

Instead of putting it off until tomorrow, I finally focused on just that day. There's a liquor store that I often pass on my way home which seems to always be open. I remember the first time I thought of stopping, but just kept going, telling myself that I could always stop there tomorrow. And that's when I finally started putting some days together, telling myself that I just wouldn't drink today.

Kudos to you, since I remember thinking that I couldn't make it through more than I few days, let alone a whole week. It will be three years in April and I'm still tempted, especially when things are going badly, but I know, no matter what happens, I can make it through just today.

Any little bit helps, and you never know what you'll hear that will resonate with you. That's the reason that I continue to go to meetings, since I'm still learning and I'm still hearing things (tools) that are helpful to me. And hearing others' stories is always a reminder of what can happen and how much I don't want to go there again. I've learned enough slogans that I often think of just the right one at just the right time. LOL. "Keep It Simple."

Sounds like you're heading down the right path, and please continue to let us know how you are. One suggestion that I've heard over and over, if you're attending an event where there's alcohol. Leave yourself an escape route, so if you feel you need to leave, you can. Either drive yourself and/or take a sober buddy who understands and will support you. Good luck and hang in there!