[free902]

I knew I had a problem with alcohol a long time ago, and I stopped on my own. Recently I had a relapse, and I decided to check into detox, and I'm now in a day program. When I stopped on my own, it was almost easy, I just stopped and that was it.
Now that I relapsed, it's so much harder. I've been getting help, I go to a day detox program 5 days a week and it is helping. But I just want that drink so much more now than ever. I was so close to just buying a drink today, I just just can't understand it all.

[Skully]

The important thing is to not be "down" on yourself for the relapse. It is ok and you need to tell yourself that. It happens to all of us at one time or another with something in our lives. I am glad the day program is helping you and stick to your guns and don't buy a drink. Before you do it ask yourself "is it really worth it?" When you are tempted to buy a drink think about how hard it is when you relapse!

I sure hope the day program continues to help you and you are able to remain sober We are always here for you!

[madisgram]

hi free, they say alcoholism is a progressive disease. even if someone stops drinking, if they start back up the intensity of the drinking will be like they never stopped. that's prob why you have the craving now and not before. your alcoholism/disease has progressed.
i'm sober some years now and your outpatient treatment will help you a lot/i did it. i encourage you to try AA as well.
with the amount of time i have sober i don't want to experiment with that fact cause it wouldn't be pretty if i drank again.
keep us posted on how u're doing. we care.

[Leed]

Just like Madisgram said, Alcoholism is a DISEASE - and it WILL kill you if you don't stop the progression now! I've been in AA for a lot of years, and I have seen too many members buried because of this disease. It doesn't pick and choose who it kills -- it kills EVERYONE it touches unless those people quit!

You are blessed that you are in a detox program -- you have the chance now to stop. Grab onto that chance and do everything they tell you to do. Go to meetings every day -- I went to 90 meetings in 90 days -- that made my recovery MUCH easier. I asked God to remove my cravings and He did!! But you have to believe that He will !!!

Things that will help the cravings are chocolate -- that replaces the sugar that you aren't getting. Alcohol has a lot of sugar, and you're not getting it now so eat chocolate. Also drink liquids that have nutrients in it like Gatorade. That has sugar in it too. Drink LOTS of liquids - except alcohol. LOL Make sure you eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest. These cravings won't last forever -- it's just uncomfortable for a while. It won't kill you.

Thank God that you made it back because I know alot of people who never did after a relapse. They are either still out there or they died. I pray that you will make it. Keep us posted on your progress -- and I'll be saying prayers for you. Hugs, Lee

[2009Dutch]

they say alcoholism is a progressive disease. even if someone stops drinking,

Thank you for this insight. I hear them at meetings, and coming here is a little similar to that. I mean, in the way, to keep us sharp.

[2009Dutch]

Hello Free,
Good for you that you didn't take that drink, being so close to it.
Sometimes there are "good" reasons for taking a drink, that was what I used to think. But no reason is good enough, or there are at least a million contra reasons.
Cravings occur, without knowing why. That is the disease. Recovery, I think, is not giving in, but at moments like this, reaching out, go to a meeting, call your sponsor, or do whatever it takes to stop you from taking that first drink. Actually, that's all you have to do: not taking the first drink.
Best wishes!