Preparing Mentally to Quit

In my last post (or should I say first post, as it was actually the very first post on this blog!), I mentioned Sober Mummy’s blog “Mummy was a Secret Drinker,” and how reading her story has been very inspiring to me. There is something comforting about coming across someone in the same situation as myself, not just Sober Mummy but the many commenters on her blog as well. She has shown me a path out of my downward spiral, and opened my eyes to the idea of quitting completely, rather than attempting moderation.

Well, it turns out there is a whole sober blogosphere out there! Quite a few are from the heyday of blogging but still relevant today. Many fizzled out after a few years as the blogger naturally becomes less inclined to write about their sober life, but you can still tap into them and benefit from their supportive community. One I am particularly enjoying is “Mrs D is Going Without”, who like Sober Mummy has gone on to write some books which are now high on my reading list.

I have been on a little book buying spree! Here’s what I purchased:

1. Jason Vale – Kick the Drink… Easily! This book came highly recommended by Sober Mummy.
2. Clare Pooley – The Sober Diaries. Sober Mummy’s memoir about giving up.
3. Amanda L Foster – Spirits and Sorrow. About dulling your grief with alcohol.
4. Annie Grace – This Naked Mind, Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness and Change Your Life

I have already devoured the first three, and are part way through the fourth. Time to get some more books soon! I’m finding them helpful these cold winter evenings – I just hop into bed early with my book and a hot chocolate! If you have any good quit-lit recommendations please drop me a line in the comments below!

I have also discovered a helpful website/online support community called Living Sober. There are a lot of articles and tips for living alcohol free, and a valuable members section where you can comment and chat with others anonymously. From what I can see it is very supportive. The site is created by Lotta Dann of Mrs D is Going Without fame, who incidentally has been awarded a MNZM for services to addiction advocacy – what a hero!

Me, not so much…

I drunk a bottle of wine last night. In the introduction of Annie Grace’s book she says to continue your day to day routine – even if that includes drinking – to avoid stress and a sense of deprivation while you read her book. This of course gave me license to drink, something I am regretting today. I am committed to quitting on July 1st, so better get that book finished!

xx E