- May 10, 2006
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It has been just over a month since my last drink. This is the second-longest stretch I have gone in twelve years; I went for three months back in the spring of 1999. Other than that, my drinking has been rather steady, if varying in degrees of seriousness (generally leaning towards the 'bad' side of things).
The thing is, this too is temporary. I do not plan to abstain from alcohol completely for the rest of my life. I am taking this time to get myself in order to the point where I am able to drink responsibly and appropriately.
My third wedding anniversary is approaching, and I intend to enjoy some wine with our dinner out. My wife, who was the impetus for my recent efforts, fully supports me in this. Between now and Christmas, I will not be drinking anything outside of a moderate amount at special occasions (hence the anniversary glass of wine). After Christmas, it will be my duty to regulate and control myself such that I am able to enjoy a drink in a social setting without worry that it will lead to anything beyond that. However, there will still be a reduction; enjoying alcohol will be the exception rather than the rule that it was before.
I have the support of my wife, my father, and several friends. I have received counselling to help me deal with trigger situations. Most importantly, I have my own resolve and desire to see this through.
However, in discussing the situation elsewhere, I have received little support from fellow alcoholics for the idea of being able to make the transition from problem alcoholic to social, responsible imbiber. Some have outright told me I am destined for failure. Other's have told me I am not serious in my attempts to reduce my alcohol consumption. I have been told I am powerless and that I will succumb to temptation. It's been suggested that an alcoholic cannot, under any circumstances, successfully overcome their "disease" unless they forgo alcohol completely.
I'm wondering if anybody feels differently, or if anyone's had experience (successful or not, positive or negative) in trying to make such a transition.
The thing is, this too is temporary. I do not plan to abstain from alcohol completely for the rest of my life. I am taking this time to get myself in order to the point where I am able to drink responsibly and appropriately.
My third wedding anniversary is approaching, and I intend to enjoy some wine with our dinner out. My wife, who was the impetus for my recent efforts, fully supports me in this. Between now and Christmas, I will not be drinking anything outside of a moderate amount at special occasions (hence the anniversary glass of wine). After Christmas, it will be my duty to regulate and control myself such that I am able to enjoy a drink in a social setting without worry that it will lead to anything beyond that. However, there will still be a reduction; enjoying alcohol will be the exception rather than the rule that it was before.
I have the support of my wife, my father, and several friends. I have received counselling to help me deal with trigger situations. Most importantly, I have my own resolve and desire to see this through.
However, in discussing the situation elsewhere, I have received little support from fellow alcoholics for the idea of being able to make the transition from problem alcoholic to social, responsible imbiber. Some have outright told me I am destined for failure. Other's have told me I am not serious in my attempts to reduce my alcohol consumption. I have been told I am powerless and that I will succumb to temptation. It's been suggested that an alcoholic cannot, under any circumstances, successfully overcome their "disease" unless they forgo alcohol completely.
I'm wondering if anybody feels differently, or if anyone's had experience (successful or not, positive or negative) in trying to make such a transition.
