Hi Everyone....My name is Deb. I'm going to be the first one here to start this. God...this dreaded subject. I am addicted. I hate the stuff, and I love the stuff. Go figure. That's why I'm so screwed up. You know how much it's bad for you, and yet......you don't know why...but your drawn to it. I've done the challenge once, and did very well. I was the happiest I've been in YEARS. Why did I go backwards? Why did I go back to this? I've made so many promises to myself, family, friends.....and yet, here I am.....still in the grasp of the something I so greatly loth. I tried to start a challenge last week.....remembering how good I felt two years ago when I did it for my 50th birthday. Well...just well....you get the drift. I think I was drawn to this site for a reason. God does EVERYTHING for a reason. I need something....just not sure what. All I know is that I'm the happiest when I help someone. I just wish I could help myself. Maybe then I could be happy. I always end my name in smiley faces....???..... I only wish it was true.

Hey! Not a sob story! Just venting. I'll be fine. I always am. Just thanks for listening (or reading!).....

DEB...your timing is very unique, friend.

First, it's GREAT to have you here. Second, gutsy post, girl. I'm proud of you...

Now...I want you to go to "CoachStoney" 's profile, and then on to his blog. You wil find some reading that will open the door in your heart...if you're willing.

Right place at the right time! See you-

Kevin
Springfield IL

Kevin - Thank you. I read the blog. I replied. Sounds like a very wise individual. I need to get there. Thanks again for your response. I might have never read his blog if not for you. Good deed for the day....

That's a credit to Stoney, not me. Glad to see you!

Deb you are in my prayers

God bless you

Jerome

Deb,

May God bless you and give you all the strength you could ever need to triumph. There are no coincidences in life, just things that need to take place.

You may wish to pick up a book called The Easy Way to stop drinking, by Allen Carr. It really opened my eyes as to why people drink in the first place, and to why in the end it's just a useless poison that fills our bodies with toxins (hence the word "intoxicated").

In the meantime, stay strong as you are blessed!

Deb you are on the right track. We are all here for you. You can beat this! God Bless you.
Holly

Thank you all for your kind words and support. Coach Stoney has been a real blessing, and I'm happy to say today is day 7 for me with no alcohol. Yep. Nothing! There's a smile back on my face, and Coach Stoney will even tell you I'm back to cracking jokes! I'll look for that book, along with another one that was brought to my attention. "To Slake a Thirst: The Matt Talbot Story by Phillip Maynard" is one of them, and also "The Soul of Sponsorship : The Friendship of Fr. Ed Dowling -Bill Wilson by Robert Fitzgerald". I have the first one at home already, and I'm going to search out the second one.

I feel good. I'm starting my transformation with this step first.....the physical transformation will come next.

Thanks everyone!

You go girl!!!! You can do it!!! One day at a time. Keep it up.

DEB!!!!

Tell you what. I am proud of YOU! Don't let our pats on the back be your reward. So many stop at the pats on the back. You've got a multitude to inspire...including yourself.

Look out, friend. The person you are destined to be has been introduced. It's a pleasure to meet you. :-)

Talk to ya-

Deb - you are creating a wonderful work in you. It takes alot to overcome these types of problems, but when you get through it you are really transformed. So keep going and keep moving forward with no oppurtunity to look back. Bless all those that will influence you to move.

Deb,

I agree--it's takes a lot of courage to start a thread like this and admit your problem. Actually, admitting it is, of course, the first step in overcoming it! In addition to the other suggestions, I would suggest that you start reading Mike Harris's blogs. You can either read them here or go to MIKEHARRIS.org ? Home. Mike is a recovering alcoholic, an evangelist, a former politician, 2006 men's Body-for-LIFE champion, and truly one of the most intelligent, articulate people I know. Be warned--he tells it like it is, with no sugar-coating whatsoever, but his wisdom has helped thousands of people, and it can help you too. Best of luck to you!

Deb,
We are what we eat and we are also what we say! You said "that's why I'm so screwed up". I would say it's more damaging for you to tell yourself that than for someone else to say it. You're not screwed up! We all have our challenges and in my experience the people that were dealt the greatest challenges are also those with the greatest opportunities! As of 5/22, you had gone 7 days without drinking. Now take that feeling of personal freedom and power and multiply it by 100...or better yet, 1000. That's how you'll feel in the not too distant future if you continue on your path of success. Keep working hard and reaching out for help. We're all here for support!!!
Matt

Well....here I am. Day 12. It will be two weeks on Thursday. Thank you, thank you, all....for your loving support. I check this everyday and I cannot tell you how much it means to me to have all your thoughts and prayers! See ya! Deb

Deb, I know how you feel. x 10

Deb: You're doing great! You're a strong, determined woman and an inspiration to all of us..

Deb, keep staying strong! you are doing great so far. It is a very tough thing you are doing but will be worth so much in the end! We are all here to help you and support you through your rough times and good!

Best,
Neil

Deb, thinking of you sending you strength through prayers. Hang in there you are not alone

Deb,

All I can say is YOU CAN DO IT!

Although i have never drank, I have a sister who is addicted and I have had friends quit cold turkey. I know its hard I think you have to look deep inside and focus on whats more important that the addiction. Then become so laser focused on it that the thing that is good is outweighing the bad.

Easy for me to say I know, But I have found that people either motivated or compelled to change. Most are compelled by some major life event to change their ways. The better way of course is to motivate change but you really have to dig deep and find your WHY.

I wish you all the best, you CAN do it and your like will be blessed

Dude

Deb how are you doing today? Just a quick note to tell you it is a beautiful day here in Ann Arbor Michigan going for my walk then off to work, oh wanted to tell you my friend went through AA and she said the meetings helped her through the rough times, not sure if this is something you can do right now but it sure helped her through the rough times. Hang in there. Have a good day.