Posted by verne on October 25, 2004, at 8:56:35
Some musings for those struggling to Quit:
I know that the first few days and weeks can be rough. If you can just get through the immediate withdrawal, your perception will change. You will think and see things differently. The glass that was always half empty, will, at least sometimes, appear half full.
Some of the approaches that helped me get over that first hurdle are: meditation, AA, nutrition, and anything spiritual. For me the Ego had to relinquish control, I had to surrender.
Even now after over a month of being sober, I still acknowledge in a kind of prayer, that in my own strength, I would be drinking today. Left to my own devices, my intellect, my "logic", I'll find a way to drink.
When I started to make some real progress with drinking, I had "reached the end of myself". (a great line out of the movie "Groundhog Day")
It's as much zen as christian. I don't have an image of or mental idea about God that I surrender to. I gave up even any preconceived notions about God, and just surrendered. I don't even like to use "higher power" because that, too, requires too much thought and becomes a distraction. (those talking about religion aren't practicing religion)
AA helped me get my foot in the door but if I can be "talked" out of drinking, I can later talk myself back into it. Nevertheless, AA can be a great place to start. I met alot of people there who had truly surrendered and had humble spirits. The one who had been sober for decades, and had the most to boast about, wore a cap that said, "Dare to Be Average". The ego never wants an "average" day for itself. The self wants to feel above average and make an above-average difference in the world.
As for the physical aspects of recovery, the book "Seven Weeks to Sobriety" is still the best. We shouldn't be ashamed that we drink out of control. Some people's bodies process alcohol differently - sugar, types of food, too - making it hard to stop. If we get the body chemistry under control, not drinking becomes easier and easier.
verne
poster:verne
thread:406954
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20041013/msgs/406954.html