365 days without booze... join me?
Discussion
soad said:
Will Power, or lack of it. Do I really need that drink?
Made myself ill today by binge drinking. That feeling when bile rises in the throat, simply awful.
Note to myself - stop boozing, fool. And know your limits, it's not a race.
Thats even worse if you have a school night. I never learn either...Made myself ill today by binge drinking. That feeling when bile rises in the throat, simply awful.
Note to myself - stop boozing, fool. And know your limits, it's not a race.
soad said:
Will Power, or lack of it. Do I really need that drink?
Made myself ill today by binge drinking. That feeling when bile rises in the throat, simply awful.
Note to myself - stop boozing, fool. And know your limits, it's not a race.
You will forget this feeling next week and do it all again.Made myself ill today by binge drinking. That feeling when bile rises in the throat, simply awful.
Note to myself - stop boozing, fool. And know your limits, it's not a race.
jonamv8 said:
jonah35 said:
You will forget this feeling next week and do it all again.
this is my major problem, im certain im giving it up and then come Thursday I've forgotten and get on it againBit of a thread revival, but I'm writing this just as much for myself as anyone else. Am now a week out from a four week stay at The Priory, goodness me that was brutal! Really full on, but I can only think that's a good thing. I met some wonderful people, and bad as it sounds I (should) feel very lucky- You might think you're badly off, or that the world is out to get you, but goodness - It's never as bad as it seems!
Anyway, I'm rambling- if anyone has any questions about The Priory ask away. I wrote diaries also during that time, and apparently talking is a great cure so if anyone is interested let me know!
Anyway, I'm rambling- if anyone has any questions about The Priory ask away. I wrote diaries also during that time, and apparently talking is a great cure so if anyone is interested let me know!
mug81 said:
Bit of a thread revival, but I'm writing this just as much for myself as anyone else. Am now a week out from a four week stay at The Priory, goodness me that was brutal! Really full on, but I can only think that's a good thing. I met some wonderful people, and bad as it sounds I (should) feel very lucky- You might think you're badly off, or that the world is out to get you, but goodness - It's never as bad as it seems!
Anyway, I'm rambling- if anyone has any questions about The Priory ask away. I wrote diaries also during that time, and apparently talking is a great cure so if anyone is interested let me know!
Blimey mug - I always figure The Priory is only if you are A) rich and B) have hit rock bottom. Would you say that either of those applied to you?Anyway, I'm rambling- if anyone has any questions about The Priory ask away. I wrote diaries also during that time, and apparently talking is a great cure so if anyone is interested let me know!
Having returned to this thread after a month of not drinking (I have realised I can never have just one drink and after an intervention from family members - I now see that I am destroying those relationships that I value so much) it's interesting to see people's journey's.
First 2 weeks were tough for me but last 2 have been good and that includes going out with friends / clients.
Sebo said:
Blimey mug - I always figure The Priory is only if you are A) rich and B) have hit rock bottom. Would you say that either of those applied to you?
Having returned to this thread after a month of not drinking (I have realised I can never have just one drink and after an intervention from family members - I now see that I am destroying those relationships that I value so much) it's interesting to see people's journey's.
First 2 weeks were tough for me but last 2 have been good and that includes going out with friends / clients.
Have a look at the cars he has owned. It would be fair to say he wasn't strapped for cash..Having returned to this thread after a month of not drinking (I have realised I can never have just one drink and after an intervention from family members - I now see that I am destroying those relationships that I value so much) it's interesting to see people's journey's.
First 2 weeks were tough for me but last 2 have been good and that includes going out with friends / clients.
Anyway, I would be interested to hear more re: priory if you don't mind.
jakewright said:
Sebo said:
Blimey mug - I always figure The Priory is only if you are A) rich and B) have hit rock bottom. Would you say that either of those applied to you?
Having returned to this thread after a month of not drinking (I have realised I can never have just one drink and after an intervention from family members - I now see that I am destroying those relationships that I value so much) it's interesting to see people's journey's.
First 2 weeks were tough for me but last 2 have been good and that includes going out with friends / clients.
Have a look at the cars he has owned. It would be fair to say he wasn't strapped for cash..Having returned to this thread after a month of not drinking (I have realised I can never have just one drink and after an intervention from family members - I now see that I am destroying those relationships that I value so much) it's interesting to see people's journey's.
First 2 weeks were tough for me but last 2 have been good and that includes going out with friends / clients.
Anyway, I would be interested to hear more re: priory if you don't mind.
Thanks to this thread and the Alan Carr book I'm coming up to 2 years off the booze and I've just received the results from a 'healthy man' check at the local hospital. BP, cholesterol, BMI, glucose all fine (I'm 47). And in hindsight I can see what an incredible amount of time, money and energy boozing soaked up.
I used to enjoy drinking but I'm glad I've stopped.
It has been mentioned on this thread a few times but Carr's book the "easy way to control alcohol" is well worth a read. For me the desire to drink simply evaporated on finishing it and hasn't returned, much to my surprise.
I used to enjoy drinking but I'm glad I've stopped.
It has been mentioned on this thread a few times but Carr's book the "easy way to control alcohol" is well worth a read. For me the desire to drink simply evaporated on finishing it and hasn't returned, much to my surprise.
Sebo said:
On reflection, my post was a little insensitive (apologies Mug). Interested to hear your experience in The Priory. I work with a couple of guys that have been through there (cocaine) but it's not something that's discussed.
Hi Chaps, apologies for the slow reply- I've been busy trying to adapt to the outside world! No offence taken to any posts at all. How did I get to The Priory? Well rest assured I am not mega rich, far from it. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to say I have been very successful indeed at times- I work in a pretty specialised field in finance, and forgive me anything that sounds like arrogance but I'd like to think I'm very good at it. However, my penchant for booze (and occasionally other things) has stripped me of all of the above, massively, and then some. So, Bupa funded this journey. A £18k journey, I might add! Such facilities are a license to print money
Hi Mug, thanks for sharing the bits about your stay there.
I would love to learn a bit more if possible, as my brother has just had confirmation that he can go into rehab funded by the NHS to help him get off the drink. He is doing very well but also struggling, and is terrified about the thoughts of going into rehab away from everyone.
But it will be worth it when its done, he is getting married in Cuba in January and would be amazing if he was sober for it.
I would love to learn a bit more if possible, as my brother has just had confirmation that he can go into rehab funded by the NHS to help him get off the drink. He is doing very well but also struggling, and is terrified about the thoughts of going into rehab away from everyone.
But it will be worth it when its done, he is getting married in Cuba in January and would be amazing if he was sober for it.
So when I arrived I was fresh from a bungled suicide attempt- suffice to say I was out of it. I'd taken 72 paracetamol and escaped from the nearest hospital twice, so they were still in my belly and I wasn't feeling good. Arriving at the facility was a relief- I needed some peace from my family. It reminded me of a middle of the road motorway hotel- a bit crap, but fine. All I wanted was some peace and a bed. I settled in not sure (or bothered) what was to come.
The next day a therapist came to see me, and usually in these circumstances I'd mess about and fib- but I was too exhausted to do so this time. Maybe this was the rock bottoms that has been talked about? Anyway, basically it was an interview to find out if I was the kind of person that wanted to get better or in fact a psychopath- they won't take you on there unless you at least want to get better, as you're too damaging to others if so.
So the therapy each day is essentially from 9am-4:30pm, with breaks and lunch mixed in. Soft I thought initially, having worked 6:30am-6pm give or take for the last 15 years in finance. How wrong I was, again! So straight off the bat it's meditation for 5 or so mins, followed by a daily reading and discussion. Following that it would be diary time- read out in front of the whole group, followed by feedback and discussion. This would take us to 10:30- half an hour coffee or fag break and then back to therapy at 11, this time an open forum to discuss whatever is on your mind. This would go through until 12:30 which would then mean a large but ultimately 'orrible meal in the restaurant (canteen) and a break until 2pm. Then a lecture for 90 mins, a 30 min break then 30 more mins of therapy... Everyone would be thoroughly pooped by this point. Dinner served at 5:30
The next day a therapist came to see me, and usually in these circumstances I'd mess about and fib- but I was too exhausted to do so this time. Maybe this was the rock bottoms that has been talked about? Anyway, basically it was an interview to find out if I was the kind of person that wanted to get better or in fact a psychopath- they won't take you on there unless you at least want to get better, as you're too damaging to others if so.
So the therapy each day is essentially from 9am-4:30pm, with breaks and lunch mixed in. Soft I thought initially, having worked 6:30am-6pm give or take for the last 15 years in finance. How wrong I was, again! So straight off the bat it's meditation for 5 or so mins, followed by a daily reading and discussion. Following that it would be diary time- read out in front of the whole group, followed by feedback and discussion. This would take us to 10:30- half an hour coffee or fag break and then back to therapy at 11, this time an open forum to discuss whatever is on your mind. This would go through until 12:30 which would then mean a large but ultimately 'orrible meal in the restaurant (canteen) and a break until 2pm. Then a lecture for 90 mins, a 30 min break then 30 more mins of therapy... Everyone would be thoroughly pooped by this point. Dinner served at 5:30
Edited by mug81 on Sunday 19th October 21:32
Adz The Rat said:
Hi Mug, thanks for sharing the bits about your stay there.
I would love to learn a bit more if possible, as my brother has just had confirmation that he can go into rehab funded by the NHS to help him get off the drink. He is doing very well but also struggling, and is terrified about the thoughts of going into rehab away from everyone.
But it will be worth it when its done, he is getting married in Cuba in January and would be amazing if he was sober for it.
Hi Adz, I am updating my post above with a full report of how I found that particular place- however, it's very difficult to explain over a digital medium about how it works and all the relevant bits and bobs, so if you want then by all means message me- I'll happily give you (and/or your Brother) a call and explain what's what. A woman who is now a good friend was there under the NHS, so I can give you an honest insight as to what he can expect. I would love to learn a bit more if possible, as my brother has just had confirmation that he can go into rehab funded by the NHS to help him get off the drink. He is doing very well but also struggling, and is terrified about the thoughts of going into rehab away from everyone.
But it will be worth it when its done, he is getting married in Cuba in January and would be amazing if he was sober for it.
Cheers
ETA- If your Brother really wants it, then with the treatment available and support from those closest to him (you- and it will mean therapy etc for you too, if you're willing)- there is absolutely no doubt he will make it
Edited by mug81 on Sunday 19th October 21:44
Mug, thanks very much for that post. I shall certainly pass the offer onto my brother. He isn't the most sociable of people (like me) so I don't know if he will take you up on the offer, but it's a very kind offer.
I'm on my phone at the moment so will write a better reply later.
Not far off 2 years without booze for me now by the way, never going back.
I'm on my phone at the moment so will write a better reply later.
Not far off 2 years without booze for me now by the way, never going back.
mug81 said:
Sebo said:
On reflection, my post was a little insensitive (apologies Mug). Interested to hear your experience in The Priory. I work with a couple of guys that have been through there (cocaine) but it's not something that's discussed.
Hi Chaps, apologies for the slow reply- I've been busy trying to adapt to the outside world! No offence taken to any posts at all. 39 days dry so far.. the cravings for booze have now gone thankfully. First 3 weeks were the worst.
Sebo said:
Thank you for writing up some of your experiences, really pleased you are coming out the other side of it.
39 days dry so far.. the cravings for booze have now gone thankfully. First 3 weeks were the worst.
No need to say thanks, honestly- I have witnessed some horrendous examples of what booze can do to fellow man, so if my inane witter helps just one person then happy days! 39 days dry so far.. the cravings for booze have now gone thankfully. First 3 weeks were the worst.
To give you an idea, when I joined the rehabilitation plan there was six of us. One of the counsellors told me that basically of the six, two would die directly as a result of not being able to stop etc. and fairly soon. Two would stay dry, as it were, and the remaining two would have to fight relentlessly against it. Naturally, I shrugged it off- they're just trying to induce fear I thought- until I spoke to former patients (the aftercare plan is very good) and the numbers sadly ring true. I'm only two weeks or so out and one chap who was there has left the building. Harrowing.
mug81 said:
No need to say thanks, honestly- I have witnessed some horrendous examples of what booze can do to fellow man, so if my inane witter helps just one person then happy days!
To give you an idea, when I joined the rehabilitation plan there was six of us. One of the counsellors told me that basically of the six, two would die directly as a result of not being able to stop etc. and fairly soon. Two would stay dry, as it were, and the remaining two would have to fight relentlessly against it. Naturally, I shrugged it off- they're just trying to induce fear I thought- until I spoke to former patients (the aftercare plan is very good) and the numbers sadly ring true. I'm only two weeks or so out and one chap who was there has left the building. Harrowing.
Reflecting on this and it seems a little bleak..! Sorry. Every Thursday is a get together of former Priory patients back at the hospital for light hearted chat, support, and general talking rubbish. So many people there all doing fantastically, everyone looks out for each other with a great sense of community. It is very much doable!To give you an idea, when I joined the rehabilitation plan there was six of us. One of the counsellors told me that basically of the six, two would die directly as a result of not being able to stop etc. and fairly soon. Two would stay dry, as it were, and the remaining two would have to fight relentlessly against it. Naturally, I shrugged it off- they're just trying to induce fear I thought- until I spoke to former patients (the aftercare plan is very good) and the numbers sadly ring true. I'm only two weeks or so out and one chap who was there has left the building. Harrowing.
Adz- Hope all is well with your Brother etc. I have a decent amount of literature which can be a great help- happy to send some over if you wish.
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