Step12.com

Madmax · Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Brisbane

DAY 7. Anyone got some tips on how I can win against my compulsion to drink, some times I force myself to drink even though I dont want to, Im always able to come up with some reason or justification to get drunk, fully knowing that the next day the deppression will be so strong I will once again hate myself,
I go to meetings when I can and most I totaly enjoy them, I have phone numbers but am afraid to ask for help (fear of rejection) I have the tools but the compulsion to drink wins 9 out of 10 battles. is that typical for a struggling alcoholic.
some days Im scared Im going to drink but I still drink. Im broke at the moment so it makes it easier not to drink but when I get paid long before I get to the bar Ill have picked up a drink in my mind.
You get the picture.
regards T

DiggerinVA · Joined: 27 Jan 2009 Posts: 116 Location: Williamsburg, VA

Change is one of the biggest things we are afraid of. In the 4 th Step you look at your Assets and your Liabilities. Then in the 7th Step you give them to your Higher Power who takes the bad and returns the good. Oh and those nasty fears sort of evaporate along the way.

Someone once said "There is nothing to fear but fear itself" and we alkie's were real good at that.

Madmax · Joined: 10 Oct 2009 Posts: 13 Location: Brisbane

That comfort zone Im so used to isnt a comfortable place and inside that comfort zone is me. Its about time I had a long hard look at myself and stop procastinating, "God grant me the serenity" etc. hey?

gunner48 · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 80 Location: sedalia mo

The only THING that is constant in life is Change.

GeoffS · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 275 Location: Australia

The best way I've heard of to be rid of the compulsion to drink, is to work the 12 Steps of Alcoholics anonymous. Good thing is there is a book around too that tells you how to do it. Arm yourself with one of those and find a sponsor who's done it, and you have a chance.

sober789 · Joined: 30 Sep 2009 Posts: 6 Location: Australia

T
Going to AA meetings should lift the compulsion to drink.
Go to as many meetings as you can . Schedule them in your day and don't miss them, no matter what , work , wife or whatever . If you keep drinking you won't have work or wife much longer anyway so get your priorities right.
Regarding phone numbers - before the meeting ask the meeting chairperson to announce your situtation in the "Are there any AA related announcements" section at the end of the meeting . The announcement should request that some people take your number instead and call you (instead of you calling them). The ones with solid sobriety and a good program will have no problem calling and helping a newcomer out.

GeoffS · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 275 Location: Australia

Are meetings and fellowship (calling people) enough?

The Big Book suggests further work is needed.

Tim · Joined: 05 Aug 2005 Posts: 236

Step 1 "We admitted we were powerless over alcohol-that our lives had become unmanageable."

Step 2 "Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity."

Step 3 "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understood Him."

Taking these essential first steps provides a good foundation to remove the compulsion to drink. Once we've turned our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understand Him, taking the remaining 9 steps is easier and the rewards are immense.

Take care and hang in there.

Dallas · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:58 am Post subject:

The only thing that worked for me was taking the 12 Steps.

Dr. Bob, wrote that he had the urge for at least 5 years.

I couldn't have made it that long without having been relieved of the compulsion through the Steps.

I hope that helps.

Dallas

Ranman99 · Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 145 Location: Singapore

And all I can add is it left me the second time I did the 12 steps and I don't know how cuz I'm the type of Alkie that never once in his life did not give in to the urge.

So that being the case if I were to ever be able to be of any use to anyone the urge had to be lifted.

Can't predict the future but if the urge does strike me know I will immedialty phone one of the 40 or 50 numbers I have in my phone especially a sponsee and see how they are doing. That I know will help get me out of my own way for a few moments.

Now if I could just stop smoking Smile

Darn

One thing at a time I suppose. Rolling Eyes

john boy · Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 25 Location: New York

Max,

Along with everything that's been suggested here...going to meetings, working the steps, etc....also try a good meal BEFORE you drink...on the way to that meeting...

Ranman99 · Joined: 03 Aug 2009 Posts: 145 Location: Singapore

Hey and I'll just add to that Hungry Angry Lonely Tired thread. Food now there is a better way. My thing is spicy food. ONE of the greatest joys I have today is eating very spicy Thai, Indian, or Vietnamese food. Really gets them old endorphins flowing and it is a better way. Then a meeting your right!! Cool

ROBERT · Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 268 Location: ILLINOIS

Madmax, It has been said that the ONLY requirement for A.A. membership is a DESIRE to stop drinking-you don't have to stop, hell you may NOT be a real alcoholic, so keep drinking and reading if you have a book, you'll find your answere. No one can do that for you!Good Luck.

Dallas · Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 1:21 pm Post subject:

I thought he indicated that it was day 7, sober... on Oct. 11th.

If he's still sober I wouldn't suggest to keep drinking... Hopefully, he is still sober. His question was about overcoming the compulsion to drink.... that he still had at day seven. At least, that's how I understand it when I read his message.

Dallas

DiggerinVA · Joined: 27 Jan 2009 Posts: 116 Location: Williamsburg, VA