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John96
Advanced Member
22 Posts |
 Posted - December 08 2002 : 7:58:29 PM
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Hi everyone and welcome back!!!
I had a BIG problem a couple of weeks ago and thought I'd put it in the newcomer area so maybe they could learn by reading instead of by doing.
I am not a newcomer here or to AA and it's been a long time since I've had a "craving"- sometimes thoughts of drinking etc. but easily deflected by remembering what it was like or in other words running the whole film from start (1st drink) to the end.
We all know we should not return to our old haunts- the bars, parties, etc.- although we can go to weddings etc- we go only where we have a reason to be there other than alcohol/drugs. But there are other slippery areas such as tastes, smells, etc that may trigger our desires.
My recent experience was that I was given a sample glass of eggnog from a restaurant. Now I used to dilute my rum/whiskey with a bit of eggnog- because "it's the season." There was NOTHING in it!!! But my alcoholic brain kicked into overdrive immediately- I had no idea I could be triggered by a taste of an old mixer I had used- but it was an EXTREMELY uncomfortable afternoon. I even dug out my phone list because my sobriety was being threatened.
To me this means that I need to stay away from all "virgin" drinks- believe me it was not worth it. The mind is very powerful and
with a bit of imagination thrown in- how does it go- cunning, baffling.
Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL holiday season............John96
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journeytoserenity
Forum Admin
USA
566 Posts |
Posted - December 08 2002 : 8:23:12 PM
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Hi, John!! I can really relate to that. When I was in my 2nd year sober, I went with some friends to an old hangout.....but NO alcohol, of course. Well, needless to say after an hour or so, I started feeling reall "strange". Then went to the restroom and in the stall next to me were a couple of girls doing you know what!! Snorting something!! I started sweating - my heart started pounding - I was scared to death! I gort out of there ASAP and have NOT gone to those types of places since. It was a bar....with the loud music, dancing, drinking, drugging, all going on and I was not participating and was really okay until all hell broke loose!!
Some music used to kick in the craving, for me. It was a few years before I could really enjoy some of the music I loved so much for so many years during my drinking and drugging days....
I chose, today, to stay away from uncomfortable places that remind me of my drinking days. Hell, billboards, on the road, use to set me off!! Yep - I am an alcoholic, for sure.
But it does get better.....today these things do not bother me like they use to. Thank for sharing!!
**************************************
"We see things NOT as THEY are - but as WE are."
"If you keep thinking things are going to be bad, you stand a good chance at becoming a Prophet." |
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sobercop
Advanced Member
5 Posts |
 Posted - December 08 2002 : 10:51:39 PM
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Hi Thanks for the post. I was told long time ago, if not a lion tamer, stay out of the lions cage. Now the clear cages are bars, drug locations yadda yaddy. It is those unobvious cages that hole the triggers for a drink. I recall in my first year of sobriety having a drunk dream. Having heard about them but never having one it was quite upsetting. Seems the trigger was something as simple as I had my hair cut and the stylist put some kind of mousse in my hair, it smelled fine going on. Went home and fell asleep, woke up thinking I had drank. Realized after a few moments I hadnt, but the alcohol smell from the mousse was to me unbelievable.
Now I never thought of a hair item being a trigger and it was "just a smell"
So since my first day of sobriety on 4/15/1986 I have just kept it simple.
Drink a lot of coffee LOL
Stay close to the rooms
Keep out of the obvious lion cages
And keep aware to the cages that may not be so obvious.
So this oldtimer (Lord I hate that expression LOL) just keeps working it like a newcomer
One day at a time
Peace Serenity and a Smile
Sobercop (Ronnie)
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CarolD
Advanced Member
USA
36 Posts |
 Posted - December 09 2002 : 11:26:50 AM
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Hi Everyone...
 Orange Jiuce!! I loved Screwdrivers....Orange Julius...Havery Wallbangers...Grand Marnier...
Plain ole OJ made me want to drink!!
Often those "slippery places" were mental for me in early sobriety.
 Carol
Together We Win Over Addiction! |
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n/a
deleted
514 Posts |
Posted - December 09 2002 : 4:14:46 PM
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My drug of choice was crack cocaine. And every once in awhile, in different places, I can smell that chemical odor. And I even find myself breathing through my nose real deep. I don't have any clue to where the odor is coming from or why. But it drives me bananas.
Harry
What I am is God's gift to me.
What I make of myself is my gift to Him. |
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Stay out of slippery places
