Four days without alcohol

[laura888]

This is my fourth day without any alcohol. I've been drinking at least 2 glasses of wine a day for a while now - maybe about 6 years or so. Somedays I drink a bottle.

I've never been to AA.

At what point does the craving go away? My main issue right now is that I can't seem to calm down.

thanks for any info.

[KitchenWitch]

1. You are likely past the physical part of the craving

The mental and emotional craving will likely be very strong for another week or so. (Pardon my lack of memory, it has been over 20 years for me). The emotional and mental stuff will get weaker the longer you stay sober.

Are you getting any "real life" support for your sobriety? This is where groups like AA or certain church groups and other recovery groups are valuable.

[laura888]

2. no - have not explored anything in "real life"

this is my first attempt to reach out and try to understand the situation.

[NMDemDist2]

3. from what I remember the "tipping point" was at about 28 days for

the worst of the physical cravings

for me it was imperative to find another activity to fill the time of day that was my "drinking hours"

I chose AA and it's worked so far :D

best luck, it takes real courage to get sober. call AA and see what they can offer you in your area

:hug:

[laura888]

5. thanks...

...for sharing your story. Yes - I find the evenings the most difficult - as this is when I did the drinking. I find it hard to fall asleep.

[NMDemDist2]

7. yup that's why there are lots of meetings from 6Pm to 9PM

keeps ya busy

hang in there :hug:

[ismnotwasm]

4. Sometimes it's not about craving

The actual craving may leave soon, or it may hang on because different people experience different things. Some folks become angry, anxious or depressed. Some people find a substitute for alcohol, like work or sports although they can find destructive substitutes also.

In my experience, if what you're dealing with is alcoholism, without some sort of treatment (I make no recommendations) you will find a way to drink again. Since it's a generally progressive condition, you might find yourself drinking more than you were used to before you quit, or quickly fall into the same pattern that seems to have bothered you in the first place. You might try a local drug and alcohol hotline for some educational materials on alcoholism and it's effects.
You might consider going to your PCP and getting a check up as well, it can be very dangerous withdrawing from alcohol on your own.

[laura888]

6. thanks for your advice

will try to find out what kinds of avenues are available here around the neighborhood.

[sadinred]

8. Look for AA "marathon meetings" on the Holidays.

My mom is 17 years sober in AA. Many, many holidays I joined her at open AA marathon meetings. There is usually a meeting going on in almost every city (town) for at least twenty four hours on Thanksgiving.

I always found the people at these marathons to be so open and honest and warm. I really appreciate them being there.

I am not an alcoholic but having been in the rooms with my mom since I was pretty young I have come to love AAs and the program. There is lots of wisdom in the rooms and they have been where you are and know what to do!!

AA works. One meeting will get you a lot of help!

[NMDemDist2]

9. awwwww

:hug:

just had to give you a big HUG!

[texpatriot2004]

10. How many days do you have now? nm

[mourningdove92]

11. I just sent her a pm to see how it is going.

Now I feel really bad for not checking in here more often.

[texpatriot2004]

12. I don't check it often either. In fact, I haven't ever mentioned my

connection with Bill W. here at DU until today.

[NMDemDist2]

13. did you hear back? n/t

[yardwork]

14. laura888, how are you?

I just found this thread. I'm a little over five years sober and I remember the early days very well. My drinking pattern was similar to yours. I drank mostly wine at night. It took me a long time to recognize it was a problem. One day I walked into a noon AA meeting and never took another drink.

It was very hard at first. I think that the "habit" of drinking is as difficult as the physical and emotional cravings. The more time I put between me and my last drink, the easier it got. I rarely think about drinking now. I hope you are doing well. If you had a slip and started drinking again, don't worry - just quit again! Do it one day at a time.

Hugs to you.