Posted by Ron Hill on August 16, 2003, at 22:45:03
In reply to Re: hello! anyone out there? » Ron Hill, posted by katia on August 15, 2003, at 23:07:39
Hi Katia,
> This is the last big chunk for me in this healing transforming time - eliminate the drinking. and that's the hardest part.
> How did you go tee-totaling?When I started charting my moods I noticed a positive correlation between drinking a few beers and depressive symptoms the following day (or two, or three, or four). The mood chart data showed that even one beer or one glass of wine negatively impacted my mood the following day. Once I convinced myself that the data demonstrated the correlation, I decided that the nice four-beer-buzz was not worth the subsequent penalty. Fortunately, I had never established a great love affair with alcohol, so abstinence is not a big sacrifice in my case.
For a while it was awkward at family functions and other social gatherings. For example, my wife's extended family members enjoy having a glass of wine before dinner and I used to partake because I enjoyed it as well. So there were questions when I quit and similar questions arise in other social settings. With people I know well, I occasionally share the details of why I abstain. When a casual acquaintance asks me why I'm not drinking, I simply tell them that I'm under doctor's instructions to abstain from alcohol because it adversely affects a particular medication that I'm currently taking.
I agree with BCat; a good alcohol related support group might be of great help for you. Best wishes.
-- Ron
poster:Ron Hill
thread:250950
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/251459.html