What was your lowest point?
My lowest point was when I went out with my boyfriend and his friend. I drank too much and flirted with his friend, he left me there and I barely remember taking the cab home. I am a successful businesswoman, but my life was so "stressful" I drank a lot to deal. I have a lot of low points. So embarrassing. Another night I "fell asleep" on my arm and got "Saturday night palsy" so my arm did not function for two months. Hard to explain to others. I went out plenty of nights not remembering much. I am in my mid-thirties and did this since I was 21. I make good money and am self supportive, but drinking was my way to unwind.
What Did You Do to Change?
I just stopped drinking. I guess I hit my "bottom," which was strange because so many bad things happened prior that others would consider their "bottom," but I just got tired. I haven't drank in exactly three months. I work out constantly and my body is in excellent shape, better than I was in my 20s! I didn't turn to anyone, I just stopped. I guess I'm not a true alcoholic but I really did have a problem. I read a lot, watch TV (got hooked on True Blood, Law and Order SVU) I guess I really got used to being in my own company. I work, go to the gym, read. I don't hang out with he same friends which really is not good because I feel lonely other than my boyfriend. My boyfriend drinks and keeps beer in the house but it doesn't bother me. I take it one day at a time and try very hard.
Lessons Learned
- I would say do other things than drink. Keep yourself busy. It's hard for me to give advice to those of you who are true alcoholics and need AA because I really didn't need that, I just take one day and keep busy. I think that's the key. Keep busy with things other than drinking. Also you may not be able to keep the same friends. Most of my friends were "drinking buddies" who I went out and got hammered with, I can't do that anymore. So I basically have no friends right now and I am forced to enjoy my own company. Good luck and you can do it!
