I quit drinking four days ago.
When I was a teenager, my father told me that I could do whatever I wanted in the evening as long as I still got up and did what needed to be done the next day. And I've always gone by that logic - as long as your responsibilities are covered, you're free to do what you like. And this weekend that failed. After getting abominably drunk on Friday night, I was too hungover to go to a friend's birthday on Saturday. That was the first time I've had to shirk my responsibilities because of booze. And it will be the last.
I've had some good support from the friends I've told. A couple had worries about my drinking, but didn't know how to address it. Only one has said "nah, you're not an alcoholic, you just need to cut down a little." And she's an alkie too, but hasn't accepted it.
Monday night OLK and I went to the theatre. Unfortunately it's right across from the Mill Street Brewery. It was a humid summery evening as we sat across the street from the brewery patio, OLK eating her gelato and me eyeing the full pitchers of ice-cold deliciousness… I admit, that was tougher than I had thought.
The sailing club last night was expected to be a tough experience. How do you compete with $2 beers and friendly companions? They were really accommodating, with only one person winking and saying "I can't even buy you ONE glass of wine? Even wine?" And I think she was joking. I drank 4 or 5 bottles of water instead of beer. And peed more than any other evening I can remember. But I didn't drink. The next couple of weeks will be tough, as there are sailing adventures with liquor-related completions, but I'm sure I'll get through.
This is NOTHING compared to quitting cigarettes, and that was over 4 years ago.
It's really hard to break patterns but good for you, you're off to a good start. I was a binge drinker but managed to break that by cutting down. if you are completely stopping, then that's great. You know what will work for you. Sailing and then water is a good start. Snowboarding broke me of the drinking habit.
ReplyDeleteTM and I would love to have you and OLK over anytime. Don't worry - the door is always open. I can make you tea (believe it or not, I don't keep coffee at home. That is the only way I can cope with that addiction)
My BF Murphy's kids had to carry their dad to detox yesterday. He's been drinking since the end of May, been in detox twice since then, the last time ending in being airlifted to the city because he seized so hard he broke bones in his face. He's wasted away to a 100 pounds and is about to lose his job and is nearer to death than you could imagine.
ReplyDeleteAlcoholism is alcoholism. Granted, his case is extreme, but thankfully, your wake up call didn't involve you almost losing everything. It can always be worse, but it will definitely be better. Kudos to you, man. I'm proud of you.