Need Some Help

[Julian Grimm]

I normally don't post personal stuff here but I need to get something out there. As some of you know I am recovering from a series of issues and among them is being an alcoholic. I have been sober for almost 13 years now and have even moved up to being a youth teacher in my recovery group. Truth is had been a great ride. I have grown in many ways and I am most proud of the amount of faith I have gained.

However, in the recent weeks the old cravings have come back with a vengeance. I don't know if it is stress related, as I have been having some serious things going on for awhile, or if it is related to other issues. The cravings have been so bad that I have spent entire nights awake gripping one of my coins so hard it has left imprints on my hands.

At this point I need to reach out to as many as possible for support. Please remember me in your prayers, thoughts, meditations or whatever your faith guides you in. I appreciate the help.

[Arduin]

Sure thing, I'm praying for you. Try to not be alone. It is harder when you are by yourself.

[capmarvel]

I too am praying for you.

I've found for myself that if I strive to change for others that I have a better chance than if I'm "just doing it for myself".

[jdizzy001]

Sure thing, I'm praying for you. Try to not be alone. It is harder when you are by yourself.

Seconded. Find someone close to you, ask them for help.

Also, find a replacement behavior. Do push ups, play some video games, go for a walk/run, drink some water basically anything. I would also recommend choosing an activity that you did not do in tandem with drinking. For example, if you would drink while you surfed the net, don't surf the net as your replacement behavior. The link between drinking and net usage would be too strong and only increase the chance of succumbing to the behavior you are trying to avoid.

Good luck and God speed

[Julian Grimm]

Appreciate it guys. I do have a support network in place thanks to my recovery group. I have been in contact with them since this started. I also have been trying to stay busy with various projects as well. I'm not alone either and I am making sure I am not alone for extended periods.

Right now I am just expanding said network so I have people in my life and on the net behind me.

[Relaxo]

My thoughts are with you, Julian. I believe you will make it.
As you know, it works if you work it.
Mile by mile, it's a trial.
Inch by inch, it's a cinch.
A day at a time.
An hour at a time.
A minute at a time, if need be.
But all things pass, and you will make it.

[jdizzy001]

Have you ever tried miniature painting? It goes well with the hobby of gaming and it is actually quite gratifying.

[TheMetal1]

Julian

Thank you sharing and to reaching out for support.
Praying for you.

[Rigon]

Keep strong brother and prayers your way.

R-

[PeelSeel2]

Praying.

[Lurker]

JG

First off, I'm praying for you on this!

Second, you are not alone ... I'm active in my church, and the church is doing some great things. With that, there are individual church members and families that are under massive attacks (including myself on that) So you are fighting side by side with other believers. Reach out to ask for help in the fight (as you have done) and then help those others that are fighting too.

Third, I know you've mentioned where you are before, but I can't remember where exactly. I'm in NE OK, so it isn't too far from here. Would you like to meet some Saturday afternoon for coffee? If so, I can't this weekend (girls soccer in the morning & then rewiring the heating & thermostat in the afternoon).

[Julian Grimm]

Lurker,

Thanks very much. I am in SW Missouri, outside of a little town called Grovespring. I would be up to meeting but our current financial situation prevents any major travel. I have been looking for a job (which may be part of the stress) but no luck yet. However, I would be willing to exchange phone #'s, just shoot me a PM.

Today, I have been keeping busy with some projects that need to be finished before winter and that has helped keep my mind off things. I also found out that the anti-anxiety meds that the doc gave me have helped calm the cravings. I did double check to make sure they were not habit forming and I am safe taking them.

My plan now is to see how things go and if there is no real change I will be contacting my doctor next week. I am also looking into counseling to deal with some other issues that may be feeding this.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. ---My favorite part of the full Serenity prayer.

[DeadReborn]

Hope you can get through it and I will keep you in my prayers.

Have you ever tried miniature painting? It goes well with the hobby of gaming and it is actually quite gratifying.

This is a big help for me personally. This is how I now unwind after work, instead of my old habit of stuffing my face full of pills and washing them down with booze.

[Julian Grimm]

Today went well. I got to some things that needed done and worked until after dark on them. I'm sore and tired but the cravings have become more of an annoyance today. Building some things and having the music going kept my mind very busy.

I have tried miniature painting but it got too expensive. I may take it back up when I get my funds back in order.

[narpet]

I don't post often... but I lurk a lot...

I am praying for your strength and conviction. Don't give up... keep moving forward. You can do it!

If you're not doing this... maybe try getting outside... not the city... out where there's trees and beauty. If you've got the time and a little money, take up model rocketry. It's a great mind relaxer and taking your creation out to the country and watching it fly (and then hopefully recovering it) is a great release. Just some thoughts.

[Relaxo]

Hey Jules,
How ya hangin' in today?

[seskis281]

My best thoughts are with you

[Dracyian]

Best of luck to you sir, I have not a doubt that you are in the thoughts and prayers of everyone here, including my own

[Julian Grimm]

Sorry about the lack of activity, I have been keeping myself busy with some things that needed done around the place. I have been working under my house on some projects that need to be done before winter and have made some good headway. I also had my oldest daughter here for her 16th birthday and have been spending time with family.

All in all things are well. The cravings have been non-existent for the past couple days and I am sleeping better. I also found out that someone may be holding a job for me so I am getting ready to check that out. It's not much but it is something.

Again I thank you all for your prayers and support.

[capmarvel]

Was just wondering how you were doing? (Well I hope!)

[Julian Grimm]

Things have gotten better. I got a job about a month ago and it is working well and it helps keep my mind off things. There are still rough days but, the cravings have stopped and I am moving forward.