Now or never

[ricker]

I've been convinced in my mind I should quit drinking entirely. I know the Holy Spirit is the one that impressed this on me.

I'm sure I drank to much, but never had any obvious problems come of it affecting myself. Most nights 2 or three strong drinks before bed and going out for a few every once in a while. My oldest son (19) as had lots of drug and drinking problems and arrests. My non-Christian wife drinks plenty. My other son seems to be doing fine.

Anyway, I've seen too much heartache and such and need to set a good example and clear my mind for good. As God has impressed this on me, I claim His promise to help me. I haven't had a drink in 3 days. If I can't do this "on my own" with God's help, I will join AA. I have attended a few al-annon meetings in the past.

Thanks for listening! Ricker

 

[BobW188]

Best wishes. Remember, we're here and we're good listeners.

 

[Bellicus]

I'm proud of you ricker. I believe you can do it with the help from God. Just turn to Him whenever you feel things are difficult, and I'm sure He will help

 

[TheMainException]

That's great man. This is really good. Keep us informed, let us know how things are going. I think the best way to impress something upon your family is to DO it, not SAY it. My dad says plenty of stuff. It means nothing to me. To me, he's just a hypocrit. He says stuff, but never acts on it...and I think, if you act on it, you're twenty steps ahead of ever having to say a word about it. People notice.

 

[ricker]

That's great man. This is really good. Keep us informed, let us know how things are going. I think the best way to impress something upon your family is to DO it, not SAY it. My dad says plenty of stuff. It means nothing to me. To me, he's just a hypocrit. He says stuff, but never acts on it...and I think, if you act on it, you're twenty steps ahead of ever having to say a word about it. People notice.

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I really don't know if I am/was just a heavy drinker or an alcoholic, but if I can't quit with God's help now I will admit alcoholism and go to AA.

I don't think having a drink is a sin in any way, but God wants the best for us and I know that drinking is not beneficial for me or my family right now, maybe ever.

 

[BlessEwe]

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. I really don't know if I am/was just a heavy drinker or an alcoholic, but if I can't quit with God's help now I will admit alcoholism and go to AA.

I don't think having a drink is a sin in any way, but God wants the best for us and I know that drinking is not beneficial for me or my family right now, maybe ever.

My 2 boys witnessed what a progressive disease can do to someone they love. They have also witnessed what can be done in recovery, and how God can change a person with alot of work of coarse.
God Bless you on your journey!

 

[ricker]

Best wishes. Remember, we're here and we're good listeners.

The only problem I really have so far is an inability to fall asleep as quickly as before. I actually don't feel as tired during the day, though. Should I just ride it out, or buy a sleep aid of some sort?

Do you think I should pour out my Four Roses single barrel ($35),and Maker's Mark ($25), and Old Heaven Hill Bourbons or save them for guests or give the bottles to friends? With my wife around I will always have access to rum and wine in the house if I want it.

 

[TheMainException]

If you have some birthday's coming up, go ahead and give them away as presents, but don't just pour them down the drain unless they pose a problem to you...because there is alcohol in the house no matter what, it doesn't really seem to matter.

As far as sleeping goes, don't fall into the sleep aid trap....totally ride it out. I have a lot of trouble with sleep, but what helps the absolute most is to create a schedule for yourself and keep the lights dim and then off completely for sleep. Do something like brush your teeth, floss, change into bed clothes, turn off the computer, read the bible, and then go to bed. Do it the same every night, in the same order, at the same time in the same places. For example, if you read in a certain chair, try to stick to that chair. Turn down the heat a few degrees (unless you keep the house really cool or find yourself cold at night, then don't do it), turn off all the lights in your bedroom and keep it dark. Before beginning the routine, start turning lights off. Get it dimmer and dimmer as you go. Turn off all the lights you really don't need on and then as your reading, try and keep most lights off (don't kill your eyes, but keep it as dim in the rest of the house as you can). Having this schedule lets your body know that the time for sleep is near and your brain will begin to drop from beta waves into alpha and while you are reading it will drop from high beta to low so that by the time you get to the bedroom, your brain will be ready to fall into theta immediately. Also, alcohol actually inhibits REM sleep (the most important part of sleep). This stage restores your body and gives you more energy for the next day. You probably aren't feeling all that tired during the day because although it takes longer to get to sleep you are getting better sleep. Enjoy this time before sleep, just let yourself drift into sleep instead of slamming into sleep. It's a good thing.

 

[madison1101]

Hi there,
I am Trish, and I used to be a sporatic binger, but became a daily drunk during my last relapse. Alcoholism is a progressive, and fatal disease. If you are able to stop without the help of AA meetings, go for it. I was unable to. Every time I stopped attending my meetings, I drank more than before.

If you are interested in learning about the disease of alcoholism, you can read the book Alcoholics Anonymous. It is available online, and you can find out more about alcoholism and the 12 steps. www.aa.org


I am a firm believer that if a person does not have a problem with alcohol, then they should have the liberty to drink a glass in a social situation. Unfortunately, I am not one of those who has that liberty.

God bless.

Trish

 

[Your Friend Adam]

The only problem I really have so far is an inability to fall asleep as quickly as before. I actually don't feel as tired during the day, though. Should I just ride it out, or buy a sleep aid of some sort?

Do you think I should pour out my Four Roses single barrel ($35),and Maker's Mark ($25), and Old Heaven Hill Bourbons or save them for guests or give the bottles to friends? With my wife around I will always have access to rum and wine in the house if I want it.

Hey ricker,

Recovered alcoholic here, six years this May. Don't know what to tell you about the sleep issue; however, may I suggest that you attend 60 AA meetings in 60 days. My best guess is that God will meet you there. You may find that you're only a heavy drinker, the determination will be up to you.

My prayer for you is that you will find the truth and let it set you free.

God bless.