Motivation not to drink

[cowboy1974]

My story
For years i would drink everyday maybe 3 to 4 cases of beer a week which put a big toll on my family and my body, my wife and i seperated because of it for a few months and it woke me up to what i had and was doing, so i put the beer down(maybe a couple on the weekend every so often) and built a gym in my garage started eating healthy again and working out i went from almost 200 lbs to 165 in a month and half and it felt great, I started a clean bulk and putting on some size now, my wife and i are working on rebuilding our family which is going good, but as of recently i lost my job and now get the desire to pick up the beer again.

Has anybody been down this road?
What motivates you not to do this?

[chodan9]

hey man

I have been there (clean and sober just over 20 years).
While I haven't had an urge to drink or use drugs in a long time I know what your going through.
Some us in the 035 misc section have an ALCOHOLICS: RECOVERY & FITNESS thread your welcome to participate in if you like.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=112883921

[blockmonkey]

Stay strong bro it's easy to start drinking again when there is no work to get in the way I know. When you get a trigger to drink, lift go for a walk whatever it takes.

Have you tried aa? some peope here say it's a load of crap but if it was not for them I'd probably be drunk or dead now.

[johnderriLLL]

i used to like to drink liquer on the weekends, usally the weekend started thursday.

i woke up one day from it starting to get fit and 3 years later i look 25 years younger and lost one hundred pounds.

take a look at my profile for more pictures.

[Elk888]

Been there brother!
In the motivation section I posted a thread called A recovered Alcoholic/Addict and his secret.
It touches on some of the stuff you can use to great effect to never pick up again. Like the earlier poster said..."haven't had the urge to drink for years" (paraphrasing I think) but that is the main issue. What you need to concentrate your mind towards is how you will live without getting the URGE to drink. NOT how you will live without a drink.
Not picking up a drink is NOT the only solution to this life-sickness. It's an effect of what happens when you start to recover properly. Poof! The desire to drink is removed and THAT is what keeps you happy, sober, free etc.
Seek help dude! Best advise I can give you. Go to an AA meeting. Swallow your pride... it's done you no favors so far ! Go to a meeting and learn about the steps. About inventory. About gratitude lists. Read the big book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Get a sponsor. Jump on board because the greatest days of your existence lay ahead of you.
If you have the disease like I do, then it is only going to get worse as the years progress unless you nip it in the bud.
Go well bro.
Elk

[JessDelight]

This post really hits home for me!
I love to drink and party. Its not a good thing esp. when it affects your/other lives. I workout 5-7days a week but get no results.?.?
Recently I decided to cut it (Barcardi Rum) out of my life and boy I can so tell the difference. I WANT to get up and run, instead of being all hungover Its hard but I take it day by day. I am thinking of attending an AA meeting myself. I know I will never accomplish my goals with my body if I don't STOP drinking.

[cowboy1974]

Thanks guys for the reps back.
I have attended AA meetings before and got alot out of them i also told myself i would fix this before it was to late, i do feel better lifting the weights instead of the cans.
I will just keep looking the mirror and say "ONLY YOU CAN F**K THIS UP" seems to work for me.
Thanks again feeling pretty good time to hang with family

[Nainoa]

My story
For years i would drink everyday maybe 3 to 4 cases of beer a week which put a big toll on my family and my body, my wife and i seperated because of it for a few months and it woke me up to what i had and was doing, so i put the beer down(maybe a couple on the weekend every so often) and built a gym in my garage started eating healthy again and working out i went from almost 200 lbs to 165 in a month and half and it felt great, I started a clean bulk and putting on some size now, my wife and i are working on rebuilding our family which is going good, but as of recently i lost my job and now get the desire to pick up the beer again.

Has anybody been down this road?
What motivates you not to do this?

I could give you a long story about what I went through in my 20's dealing with Drug addiction and it's aftermath... But it wouldn't advance the ball on this one. Suffice to say I've been down a long road.

One of the things you have to be mindful of is your reason why...

I've learned that if you Quit for ANYONE other than yourself... The temptation will seed it's way in... It will work at the cracks...

I know it might seem ignoble to say "Quitting for your family isn't just enough of a reason."

In the end, if you want to truly quit... If you want to truly beat the demon... You have to go deep...

He lives in the bowels of your psyche and simply putting out the fires he started on the surface of your mind and in your life, will only sedate him for a time... The Demon will lay in wait for a moment of weakness.

Hence in my Personal Initatives and the sayings I live my life by:

Nainoa-ism #1: "Personal Accountability is the high water mark of a man."

In defeating the Demon of Addiction... Step #1 is "Quit" Step #2 is "Get Stronger" Step #3 is "Learn to fight him."

At the heart of this there is a reason WHY you started this path of self destructive behavior and self medication... You will have to fight your way backwards to that in order to break your chains and set yourself free.

This is a difficult journey...

I often make the anaolgy that Addiction is like a compound fracture of your leg... The bone is splintered and mutilated sticking out of your leg.

Most people are satisfied to simply Set the leg as best they can, and choose to "Limp" through the rest of their lives...

It takes a unique courage to want to become completely whole again.

Just knowing the lingo of this path, it sounds to me like you're coming to that fork in the road, where you have to choose...

Relapse, Limp, Or Fight your way back on the long journey to living at Full Stride.

Which one do you want your life to be?

[blockmonkey]

Great post Nainoa

[Nainoa]

Great post Nainoa

I've found like many things in our current "Culture of the controlled fall." That people tend to focus on the "What" of their life and their addiction instead of the "Why."

Ultimately we all carry within us the forces of Creation vs Destruction... Personal Growth vs Self inflicted stupidity etc...

People tend to think "I'm addicted to Alcohol... So I'll treat the problem with Alcohol."

Where really if you dig down to the heart of addiction... It will always be something... Drugs, sex, gambling, workaholism, self righteous behavior, whatever...

Most people who have embraced self-destruction simply "Cross Over" to something else... A Drug Addict quits drugs and starts drinking like a fish... An Alcoholic quits drinking and goes on a self rightous spree preaching to his friends, while slamming energy drinks, chain smoking and jerking off to porn. A Gambling Freak stops going to the casino and so he starts working longer hours telling himself he needs to make up for the money he's lost over the years.

Ultimately if you want to conquer your addictions you have to first confront the reasons that got you started on the path of "Self Medicating."

Simply "Stopping doing WHAT" was bad... Just leaves the Demon to rage on, and you simply accept that you'll always have a "Low Level of Suffering forever."

******

I don't think it has to be that way...

I believe that addiction and the fall from grace is actually an invitation to the path of personal power... Because it is in learning how to heal that you start on the path of true personal growth that allows you to earn the right to command the path of your own destiny. And that one day when you have come full circle in your understanding of the ways of healing and growth that one day you can help someone else learn how to heal and grow themselves.

Once that circle is complete... Your chains are broken.

[DE.TAPER]

I've found like many things in our current "Culture of the controlled fall." That people tend to focus on the "What" of their life and their addiction instead of the "Why."

Ultimately we all carry within us the forces of Creation vs Destruction... Personal Growth vs Self inflicted stupidity etc...

People tend to think "I'm addicted to Alcohol... So I'll treat the problem with Alcohol."

Where really if you dig down to the heart of addiction... It will always be something... Drugs, sex, gambling, workaholism, self righteous behavior, whatever...

Most people who have embraced self-destruction simply "Cross Over" to something else... A Drug Addict quits drugs and starts drinking like a fish... An Alcoholic quits drinking and goes on a self rightous spree preaching to his friends, while slamming energy drinks, chain smoking and jerking off to porn. A Gambling Freak stops going to the casino and so he starts working longer hours telling himself he needs to make up for the money he's lost over the years.

Ultimately if you want to conquer your addictions you have to first confront the reasons that got you started on the path of "Self Medicating."

Simply "Stopping doing WHAT" was bad... Just leaves the Demon to rage on, and you simply accept that you'll always have a "Low Level of Suffering forever."

******

I don't think it has to be that way...

I believe that addiction and the fall from grace is actually an invitation to the path of personal power... Because it is in learning how to heal that you start on the path of true personal growth that allows you to earn the right to command the path of your own destiny. And that one day when you have come full circle in your understanding of the ways of healing and growth that one day you can help someone else learn how to heal and grow themselves.

Once that circle is complete... Your chains are broken.

About time you started posting in this section!!!

[Nainoa]

About time you started posting in this section!!!

Well I forgot my camera today so I couldn't get you the pics I promised you today... So I figured I'd honor your other request as compensation.

[bartenda]

The beer will not help the situation, it will make it worse man. Don't let it control you

[DE.TAPER]

Well I forgot my camera today so I couldn't get you the pics I promised you today... So I figured I'd honor your other request as compensation.

Haha ace, just make sure you dont forget tomorrow or there will be trouble , also its nice to you see you here, I am sure you will make a big impact on people here.

[Nainoa]

The beer will not help the situation, it will make it worse man. Don't let it control you

As I've said before... "Alcohol" and "Healthy Relationship" are two words that go together about as well as "Grandfather" and "Erotic Back Massage." No matter how you try to put them together the result will always be bad.

[bartenda]

As I've said before... "Alcohol" and "Healthy Relationship" are two words that go together about as well as "Grandfather" and "Erotic Back Massage." No matter how you try to put them together the result will always be bad.

Wow I cant believe Ive never seen a post from you before on here. Just this thread has been inspirational to me! You should write an fn book man.

Thanks

[Nainoa]

Wow I cant believe Ive never seen a post from you before on here. Just this thread has been inspirational to me! You should write an fn book man.

Thanks

Just finished the 9th chapter of my book "Living Forward" last week... Now I'm going back and re-working the beginning...

So we'll see if someday I can get it published.

[proteintime]

My story
For years i would drink everyday maybe 3 to 4 cases of beer a week which put a big toll on my family and my body, my wife and i seperated because of it for a few months and it woke me up to what i had and was doing, so i put the beer down(maybe a couple on the weekend every so often) and built a gym in my garage started eating healthy again and working out i went from almost 200 lbs to 165 in a month and half and it felt great, I started a clean bulk and putting on some size now, my wife and i are working on rebuilding our family which is going good, but as of recently i lost my job and now get the desire to pick up the beer again.

Has anybody been down this road?
What motivates you not to do this?

ive been there to, i have 2 years clean and sober.i am an ex felon with 1 strike on my record here in ca.the last 15 years ive been in and out of jails / drug rehabes / homless and came close to death a few times from overdoses.my rock bottem wake up call was 2 years ago when a i got conviced of 2 felonys for vandelisim and terroist threats, the judge gave me 1 strike under the ca. 3 strikes law.i was givein a suspended prison sentence and released with 3 years high risk felony probation, if i mess up i have to serve the whole 3 years in state prison.i have 1 year left, and i never never think about going back to drugs or alcohol, being clean and sober is a way better way to live, keep your head up and stay strong and keep working out.good luck

[bartenda]

Just finished the 9th chapter of my book "Living Forward" last week... Now I'm going back and re-working the beginning...

So we'll see if someday I can get it published.

really? I would purchase that in a heart beat!

[chmbs1]

I have struggled mightily with alcoholism. I should have died many times over. Not many people in this thread can say they came out of a blackout to find themselves hanging upside down in a mangled carwreck, only to walk away from it with no more than a broken hand and some small scratches on the legs. There are many more instances I won't list, but clearly someone was watching over me and wanted me to live.

There are people in this world who can drink a few and have a good time, then there are people like me who go off the deep end. I only have two modes- zero and extreme. This is a blessing in the gym, but a curse when it comes to bad habits. I have to accept that. This is what I am.

It is very difficult to give up alcohol, especially being a young adult in America and having social friends. Sometimes I've had to become a loner and isolate myself on the weekends just to keep from drinking. I guess this is one of those issues where you have to search deep inside yourself and ask yourself how bad you want it. There is no success without sacrifice. To become the person you want to be, you have to be willing to pay the price, whatever the cost.

[cowboy1974]

Thanks again guys for the reps good reading,

Had a good night with the family(no beer-felt good) listen to radio and watched tv just a good time. I heard this song that dropped me to my knees that put things into prespective just like that, so i looked it up on youtube cant figure out how to post it but its way worth watching(if you dont mind country music)check it out.
KENNY CHESNEY-THATS WHY I'M HERE
Still looking for work not bad few leads,hit the weights hard today felt great no hangover which helps bigtime, told my buddy to come by and take whats left of my beer(to cheep to waste money sorry)that i dont need it anymore.

Its amazing were your motivation can come from!!
I like reading everybodys reps keep them coming if you dont mind and check-out that song on youtube.
Thanks again,
E.K.

[209vaughn]

I have over 100 days sober for the first time in 8 years.

Don't just abstaine from alcohol by feeding into excersing, but replace the alcohol with a recovery centered life.

12 steps. Start reading the big book and discover what alcoholism is.
AA meetings. Make new friends and get involved.
Service. Serve others and carry on the tradition of AA.

Don't get me wrong, working out, rebuilding your life is awesome step towards soberity. But for long term spritual health, I would recommend recovery, not just abstinence.

[seubertw]

I learned the hard way on staying away from alcohol. I haven't drank for three months and there was on event that made me realize I don't need to drink. Hitting a pickup at 90 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. I never would have thought about doing something like that sober. I spent the next few weeks depressed as I thanked god that no one was injured and realized I damn neared killed myself that night.
What keeps me away from it now? I know that I am an intelligent person. I put the bottle down and started focuses on classes again and working towards my degree. After I realized I needed a hobby as well, I started back in the gym. I luckily didn't gain too much weight while drinking. I have noticed the muscle and strength gains have been tremendous and always thought alcohols effects on muscle were a big myth.
Now I'm able to say no when I'm offered a drink and this is all because I have set goals for myself. And when I meet the right girl I don't want to worry about alcohol getting in the way starting a family and keeping it tight knit.

[Blake Austin]

What if you have a few drinks, say four times a week, but every single week?? Is that Alcoholism, a disease, a sickness? I'm really wondering. Pretty much everyone in my family has a few drinks on the weekend.

I did have a maternal grandfather that was an alcoholic. Or so I'm told. I never knew him as he committed suicide when I was just a baby.

Thanks for any responses.

[Metalbender00]

What if you have a few drinks, say four times a week, but every single week?? Is that Alcoholism, a disease, a sickness? I'm really wondering. Pretty much everyone in my family has a few drinks on the weekend.

I did have a maternal grandfather that was an alcoholic. Or so I'm told. I never knew him as he committed suicide when I was just a baby.

Thanks for any responses.

alcoholism isn't how much you drink, its the need to drink.. if you crave the drink.. about 3-4 pm i start thinking about it, by 6-7 the feeling is terrible.. if i don't have something to take it off of my mind i usually cave in.

if you drink on the weekends, and can control yourself.. (know when to stop), and don't do it because you feel the need to.. just for "fun" that's not alcoholism.

[blockmonkey]

What if you have a few drinks, say four times a week, but every single week?? Is that Alcoholism, a disease, a sickness? I'm really wondering. Pretty much everyone in my family has a few drinks on the weekend.

I did have a maternal grandfather that was an alcoholic. Or so I'm told. I never knew him as he committed suicide when I was just a baby.

Thanks for any responses.

Could you go a week with absolutely no alcohol and not be fussed?

[Blake Austin]

Could you go a week with absolutely no alcohol and not be fussed?

Yes, fairly easily also.

[blockmonkey]

Then I'd say that although you are probably consuming too much alcohol you are not addicted YET!, I'd leave alcohol for the weekends only.

[Rutgers911]

www.soberrecovery.com

Read the following things....they are amongst some of the most amazing things I have ever read.....


Hello, I am your disease

I Hate meetings...I Hate higher powers...I Hate anyone who has a program. To all who come in contact with me, I wish you death and I wish you suffering. Allow me to introduce myself, I am the disease of addiction. I Am cunning, baffling, and powerful. That's Me. I have killed millions and I am pleased.
I love to catch you with the element of suprise. I love pretending I am your friend and lover. I have given you comfort, haven't I? Wasn't I there when you were lonely? When you wanted to die, didn't you call on me? I was there, I love to make you hurt. I love to make you cry. Better yet, I Love to make you so numb you can neither hurt nor cry. When you can't feel anything at all. This is true gratification. And all that I ask from you is long term suffering. I've been there for you always.

When things were going right in your life, you invited me. You said you didn't deserve these good things, and I was the only one who would agree with you. Together we were able to destroy all the good things in your life. People don't take me seriously. They take strokes seriously, heart attacks, even diabetes, they take seriously. Fools. Without my help these things would not be possible. I am such a hated disease, and yet I do not come uninvited. You choose to have me. So many have chosen me over reality and peace.

More than you hate me, I hate all of you who have a 12 step program. Your program, Your meeting, Your higher power. All of these things weaken me, and I can't function in the manner I am accustomed to. Now I must lie here quietly. You don't see me but I am growing bigger than ever. When you only exist, I may live. When you live I may only exist. But I am here...

And until we meet again, If we meet again, I wish you death and suffering.

This I found on the net......

I am your friend

I am your friend, the only true companion you have.
I am with you when you are lonely;
I am with you when you are sad.
I am with you when you feel withdrawn and when the world is cruel.
I hide the heckler's words and block the missiles thrown in ignorance and anger.
I shelter you from the storms and I shield you from your fears.
I am your friend. I walk with you daily and live in your thoughts.
I feed off your failures, I revel in your guilt.
I thrive on your shame and dance with your deceit.
I keep you in darkness and take pleasure in your pain.
I delight in your loneliness and wallow in your sins.
I laugh when you flounder and strike when you stumble.
I am your friend.
I relish in your anger and worship in your pride.
I feed off your compulsion and dwell in your isolation.
I am familiar with your weaknesses and abuse your denial.
I treasure your resentment and take comfort in your depression.
I am your friend
My name is "Your Disease."



I am your friend. I hold out my hand and bring you faith.
I award you serenity and self-esteem.
I bestow upon you peace and acceptance.
I wrap you in love and tender the shield of knowledge.
I volunteer humility and shower you with confidence.
I bequeath spiritual growth, emotional advancement and physical revival.
I am your friend; I will lead you out of the darkness into the light.
I will carry you when you are weak and escort you through honesty.
I will provide tools for the battles and binding for your wounds.
I am your friend. I will teach you abstinence and release you from burden.
I will initiate forgiveness and I will foster willingness.
I will nurture ambition and claim back your life.
I am your friend.
My name is "Recovery."

[Jarhead274]

Great post Rutgers911. I have struggled with alchohol for years. That post really puts in prospective.