Pumpkinss @ Nov 2, 2020 2:50:08 PM

[...] I do not like the spiritual aspect but i appreciate your suggestion

[...]

For me the spiritual aspect was simply put, being honest and sincerely making an effort to change. If we go back to the origin of AA, many members had difficulty with the god concept and that was the reason they phrases like "God of our understanding" or higher power. Some just use the inner voice, the one who warns us that what we are doing is wrong but we do it anyways. Some call it conscience.

Thank you foxman. You are very right about being moody when not drinking and then reaching for a drink when to get a mood boost. I do that all the time. I just did it most of the weekend :(

Thank you also for the AA recommendation. I have looked into it in the past and it just doesn't resonate with me. I do not like the spiritual aspect but i appreciate your suggestion

Hi Not-my-mom!

No worries on not being sure how to post. It looks like you are getting it. It takes awhile to get used to. Have you already quit drinking? I want to quit but I am still working on that...

I have no idea how to post. Just joined tonight. Do this is a test. Give me your patience.

Hello,

I struggled a lot and then my shrink led me to AA back in 2006. I can relate to what you said in your post.

The book Alcoholics Anonymous touches upon 3 aspects of the disease. The alcoholic is spiritually, mentally and physically diseased.

When not drinking, alcoholics are restless irritable and disconteded. Usually this state of mind leads them to look for solace in Alcohol. They then take a drink and then the craving kicks in.

There are some short stories in the chapter "More about alcoholism" in the book alcoholics anonymous to highlight these 3 aspect of the "disease". See if you can relate to it.

So this weekend was supposed to be low key. I am trying to do more hobbies and with that be more social. My husband and I decided to get a baby sitter and spend time with friends. Of course alcohol was involved. I was only going to have one drink but I ended up having a lot more and being hungover the next day. I rationalized that I needed alcohol to be social and I am trying to change my thinking but it is hard. I feel like I am so quiet and socially anxious when I am not drinking. Alcohol actually does work as a social lubricant. I am a happy social butterfly when drinking. When I am not drinking I feel like I just don't have the social energy and I over think everything I say. I can't imagine being at a social event without alcohol. Does anyone have some advice on how to change this thinking? I would love to hear from anyone but especially from people who used alcohol as a social crutch.