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Licensed by NZ Drug Foundation under Creative Commons 4.0 2024. Built by Bamboo Creative and powered by Flywheel.
This link was shared by one of our lovely members and I got so much out of reading it I thought it should be here. Thanks so much for sharing it @begoodtomyself ! http://www.hipsobriety.com/home/2018/3/24/not-an-alcoholic
my favorite drinking a love story by caroline knapp and diary of an alcoholic wife by Brenda wilhelmson
Also the good house
!
Great book and it’s a MUST read !!!
Two other books I highly recommend are
A Happier Hour by Rebecca Weller
Blackout remembering the things I drank to forget by Sarah hepola
Funny moving and so well written. All three gave me a voice to my feelings . Day 18 !
I have read 3 of those books ; very good; will plan on reading the others–every little bit helps; congratulations on reaching day 24! I hope u have made it to day 25… Best wishes
I liked his smoking book but I didn’t like his drinking book so much. I read his autobiography he wasn’t a big drinker and he didn’t ever stop drinking, he thought he could apply his smoking method to drinking but didn’t feel up to writing the book himself to tried to get an ex alcoholic to do it but didn’t like the result, so he did it himself but reluctantly. For me Alcohol Explained is a much better application of the Allen Carr approach to drinking than Allen Carr did.
Hi, I have just read Allen Carrs’ book for women on alcohol and also listened to his easyway stop smoking. I find his take on the addiction quite refreshing. Has anyone else read his books and if so what are your thoughts I would love to know?
I read his book on drinking and couldn’t get on with it – it just seemed too simplistic and dogmatic. Having said that obviously it does suit some people – Chriss Hynde of the Pretenders being a well-known example, but she seems an all or nothing kind of person. My feeling is give it a crack. There is no one size fits all solution, and it might work for you. Me, I’m currently reading “Alcohol Explained” as recommended by several people here. So far it seems pretty good.
“Alcohol Explained” by William Porter. “This Naked Mind” by Annie Grace
Not sure if this counts but it is a video I ran across recently that just totally uplifted me regarding Day 1 start overs.
It is literally called “Day 1”. (of the rest of my life). Lyrics are included. It is upbeat and motivating! Take a listen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9YXsXIQyJM
I enjoyed that video and discovered more from that same artist. Thanks for the share!
“Waking up he Ghost” is a wonderful blog by Marilyn Spiller. She is brutally honest about her relationship with alcohol. She has been alcohol free for many years now and works as a counselor for those going through rehab. You can learn a lot from her posts. She was interviewed by Mrs D. I highly recommend checking it out.
http://wakinguptheghost.com
https://www.lionsroar.com/facing-yourself/?utm_source=Lion%27s+Roar+Newsletter&utm_campaign=c37e4f2886-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1988ee44b2-c37e4f2886-22733837&mc_cid=c37e4f2886&mc_eid=bc7effe32e – Facing yourself is crucial when facing life sober/AF. This is a refreshing look at the reality of it all. Pema Chodrun.
Day 6: I did it! My cravings hit hard at 3:30. I was so nervous because I had a party to attend at a bar. I went to the party and drank Diet Coke. There is no doubt the first 40 minutes were awful and I had lots of “sober life is a bore” chats going on in my head which I did my best to squish down. But then I found some modest drinkers and sat and joined them. I knew if I hung to much my usual boozy friends I would lapse so I said hello but didn’t linger. I was once asked if my glass was tall because it was a double to which my husband replied “no double we are having baby #4” LOL I think he was actually wondering (I am far to old for more babies LOL) anyway we stayed about 2 hours and I left to drive my son to a event. I am so freaking proud of myself!
Brilliant stay strong not drinking seems, to bring out the worst in some drinkers. They have a problem with there, own drinking, so they attack others.
Alcohol Explained is phenomenal, it explains everything, every chapter is like a light bulb moment. It makes you see alcohol completely differently. You can read the first 5 chapters here:
http://www.alcoholexplained.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1st-5.pdf
The alcohol experiment has really encouraged me to stop drinking and to change the way I think about drinking. I also love the science and evidence she provides to back up her information. I also enjoy the podcast the sober sassy life. She got me at the intro with “are you tired of your wine belly, embarrassed about your booze boobs, looking for something different than your evening rondez vous with the Chardonnay?” Everyone one of her podcasts has made me look at things differently.
One of the books I’ve found most helpful recently is actually a novel – “Nina is not OK” by Shappi Khorsandi. The subject matter is grim, not just on the drinking front, but it’s a really accurate portrayal of the drinking mindset, and I found it really uplifting and oddly cheering.
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace (also doing the 30 day Alcohol Experiment)
Mrs D is Going Without by Lotta Dann
Tired of Thinking About Drinking by Belle Robertson (also doing the 100 day challenge)
The Sober Diaries by Clare Pooley
Blackout by Sarah Hepola
Alcohol Mastery by Kevin O’Hara (outstanding youtube videos)
Kick the Drink Easily by Jason Vale
Whew….my Kindle is smoking these days. 🙂
24 days sober and not looking back.
~NLB~
Day 10 alcohol free at this time. I am finding the resources on this site of tremendous help. Also, “Alcohol Explained” by William Porter. Also I am following the 30 Alcohol Experiment by Annie Grace. Also, Dr. Amy Johnson online is tremendous for me. We are all different and our journeys and paths will certainly vary, these are some of the most poignant areas of help for me at this time on my journey. Many thanks! Pease to All!
There’s an easy to read article here on the same topic.
http://www.alcoholexplained.com/additional-content/alcohol-and-depression/
loved that article !!! thanks for sharing
Alcohol and metal health. It seems not even the experts are clear. This is a journal from North America which tries to explore alcoholism and mental health and how doctors should investigate alcoholism, alcohol induced mental health issues and independent mental health conditions that are inflamed by alcohol. Having been through this process it starts to break out the difference, it’s a long read and the diagram at the bottom summarises all the words clearly. I found this insightful. https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh26-2/90-98.htm
Here’s a quick site on Alcohol Withdrawal: http://hams.cc/odds
The naked mind. (Book) and YouTube videos by Annie grace.
This is worth a look:
http://www.alcoholexplained.com
There are a few interesting articles and you can read the first 5 chapters of the book for free.
I read it and enjoyed it. Some of it is downright funny. The section on “people get weirded out” especially. Good to keep in mind, though, that most drinkers will accept your sobriety. And that whether they do accept it or not is irrelevant.
This was in response to nomore’s link…..http://www.cracked.com/blog/the-6-most-disturbing-realities-that-come-with-getting-sober/
People get weirded out section is so true. Just knowing helps. The first time out with people/telling them was the hardest…..then I took their cues how much to share.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/05/william-leith-alcohol-how-did-i-let-drinking-take-over-my-life. – A useful article to remind us of the reasons why….
https://www.lifewithoutbooze.com is a site I put up a few years ago to help me get sober. I just found living sober.org and love it.
https://youtu.be/499ajGowVqM – Youtube video with Annie Grace and a doctor talking about how alcohol affects the brain and neurotransmitters.
I found this video extremely helpful. Many members of the LS community say that their sleeping patterns and anxiety levels improve when they stop drinking. This has not been the case with me. I am 64 days AF and still have very stressful and anxiety filled dreams. Consequently, I have not yet experienced waking up in the morning feeling rested and refreshed. This video explains why this may be happening to me (and perhaps some of you). Realistically, it will take 6 months to a year for the brain to fully restore itself. Thanks for posting this link!
Seek support or help in your area. Help is out there, do a google search or phone the Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800787797, they will be able to talk to you about what is going on for you.
http://www.cracked.com/blog/the-6-most-disturbing-realities-that-come-with-getting-sober/
http://fit-recovery.com/alcohol-withdrawal-timeline-body-repair-after-quitting-drinking/
Super interesting if you would like to know the timeline of recovery. All the ups and downs are there. I found the kindling effect also interesting.
https://youtu.be/__0dNKJV0zo
A bit of meditation when you do not have more than 12 minutes to gain control.
http://fit-recovery.com/how-to-stop-alcohol-cravings-l-glutamine/
L-Glutamine has helped me punch a hole in a craving (for both alcohol and sugar) if I put a heaping teaspoon in powder form (I use NOW brand) under my tongue and let it dissolve. There’s lots of reading to be found about it, and the above is just one article that helped me to understand the mechanisms behind it.
I have been reading Russell Brand’s book called Recovery. Well to be more honest, I’ve been listening to it on Audible. I love it – I love his honesty and humour and I think he is super smart and I’ve had lots of laugh out loud moments in the car. It’s basically about the 12 steps and his re-iteration of them. he looks at them quite in depth and talks about his journey with lots of stories and examples from his life along the way. He’s a very clever man and I’m really enjoying it. It does make me think about going to AA, which I’ve not been brave enough to give a proper go. I can see that the 12 steps is useful to actually everyone, addict or not.
This is on my list! So happy to see your recommendation! Maybe I will try the audiobook version instead of the book!
It’s a great book.. i’m half way through it.. he’s so funny and has made me understand the steps more… very interesting..
Omg I nearly bought that book today……going back to get it. Thank you
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5062809/Alcohol-causes-SEVEN-cancers-doctors-warn-new-report.html#ixzz4xugXlVvK
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/04/opinion/sunday/drug-addiction-recovery-alcoholism.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-left-region®ion=opinion-c-col-left-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-left-region&_r=0
I am still drinking and really wish I could stop. But, it’s so very hard. Why can’t I just give it up?
You’ve just admitted you’re helpless over drinking. That’s the first step. Well done.
I’ve had so many day ones, but I want to remain sober, long term I want quality sobriety. So I won’t give up or give in hang in there Ridge.
http://stepsbybigbook.net/show_docs.php?Type_ID=2 – Print outs and questions to help work the 12 Steps of AA
https://youtu.be/dBnniua6-oM – Info about the evils of sugar.
https://singleandsober.com/my-top-20-recovery-blogs-and-sites/ – Great list of online sites here – including ours!
http://mummywasasecretdrinker.blogspot.com/2017/10/why-dont-you-just-drink-less.html?m=1 – Mummy Was A Secret Drinker blog post on why moderation does NOT work.
That’s s good read! Exactly me!
Thank you all for your recommendations. I’m day 4 today and doing well, except for sore eyes, headache and minor anxiety. I have just purchased Blackout, The Naked Mind and Mrs D is going without.
http://www.aaonlinemeeting.net/living-sober.html – Practical tips on staying sober
http://www.williamwhitepapers.com/blog/2013/07/recovery-durability-the-5-year-set-point.html – Recovery durability – the 5-year set point
I THINK THE BEST ONES WERE “BLACKOUT” AND “THE HAPPIEST HOUR”, BUT I HAVE READ MANY ON MY NOOK. TONIGHT I AM GOING TO TRY TO MAKE THE GINGER BEER. I HAVE HAD IT AT BARS WITH MY FAMILY , BUT 49 GRAMS OF SUGAR UGG!!…..I AM GOING TO USE STEVIA AND SEE IF IT IS AS GOOD! THANKS TO ALL THAT HAVE WRITTEN TO ME. I WAS GETTING ORGANIZED AFTER COMING BACK FROM FT. MYERS AND BACK TO MY OWN SURROUNDINGS AND HUBBY.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/24/alcohol-was-my-go-to-friend-substance-misuse-in-the-over-50s
https://www.littlethings.com/quit-drinking-benefits/?utm_source=LTdiy&utm_campaign=health&utm_medium=Facebook_Shared – What happens to the bod when you stop drinking
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/03/dining/sean-brock-chef-rehab.html
I’ve just discovered the website of Micheal Hilton (note the unusual spelling). Lots of helpful video teaching about how to stay off alcohol, but also what you are doing instead. There’s plenty of his videos on Youtube too
https://truththeory.com/2017/07/17/20-common-things-people-realize-quit-drinking-alcohol/
Such a true article. Numbers 12, 13, 14 standing out for me at the minute!