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02/12/2005 12:26:13 AM · #26 |
Hey Buzz...
I wish you all the best in your quest to beat the demon. It certainly will be a challenge like no other. Hang tough and you will make it. I, and many others here, are behind you :)
John Setzler
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02/12/2005 12:29:52 AM · #27 |
I spent 12 years in the Navy, and most of those years drinking all the time. The phrase 'drunk as a sailor' has a lot of truth in it. I realized one day when I was about 30 that I had spent countless hours and countless $$ drinking, and I had nothing to show for it. I had wasted hundreds if not thousands of hours of my life. I was 30, getting out of the Navy, recently divorced. I could say to myself that I was only going to go out for a little while, just have a couple of drinks, not spend more than $20 or so. Every single time it turned into a 2:00am drunk driving trip home, a couple hundred more dollars gone, and the inability to stop after a couple. Luckily, I never got into any trouble, but that is all it is was pure luck.
I decided I was tired of wasting all of my time and money and just quit drinking. In the last 10 years or so, I've poured my time into photography, my wife and three kids, hiking, doing anything... compared to being drunk, everything I do seems productive and fun. It is great to have my life back!!
Good luck as you go through this. I was lucky in the fact that I just decided not to drink anymore and that was it. No rehab, no trouble, no problems. I hope this goes as smoothly for you. I never did decide if I was actually adicted, or if it was just a life style change that was needed. Either way, things are great now. You will be in my thoughts and prayers...
JD Anderson
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02/12/2005 12:34:25 AM · #28 |
I wish you the best and simplist recovery possible. The important thing is that you want to change. There will be much you'll have to face that has been hidden by your drinking in the past but on the other side you will find a cleaner and more honest existence for yourself and those you love. Be well, healthy and free of alcohol! With caring, Ann
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02/12/2005 12:37:37 AM · #29 |
Originally posted by smellyfish1002:
I was lucky in the fact that I just decided not to drink anymore and that was it. No rehab, no trouble, no problems. I hope this goes as smoothly for you. I never did decide if I was actually adicted, or if it was just a life style change that was needed. Either way, things are great now. You will be in my thoughts and prayers...
JD Anderson |
Me too JD. We are the lucky ones. I do now drink one glass of wine with dinner but that is all. Whenever I feel the urge to drink more I take a break. It's been working for me. Never again do I want to dull my senses with alcohol. Life is too rich to dull it with drink. Ann
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02/12/2005 12:40:54 AM · #30 |
((((hugs)))) Congrats Tim! You've taken that first and the hardest step, admitting the problem, and even harder....posting it here to your dpc friends (kinda like a family only tougher)
To my delight I've found this site is not just about photography, it's a community. We help each other celebrate our victories, cope with adversity, we're there when someone needs cheering, support or just to talk. And, at any time of the day or night you know you have a friend on line who will listen.
If you need to talk when most of your side of the world are asleep, remember that down at the bottom of the world we're here.......just call.
sue
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02/12/2005 12:41:45 AM · #31 |
| The lifestyle change comment is crucial, I think. Rehab seems to be much like prison time, in that it forces people to change their everyday lives, so beating their addiction is more acheivable (I don't want to say 'easier'). Problem is, when people get out, they generally tend to go right back into the environment that put them into prison, or rehab, in the first place. Same neighborhood, same hangouts, same friends, same habits... Little wonder they have such a hard time staying clean. |
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02/12/2005 12:56:26 AM · #32 |
Buzzrock...It is easier than you think when you have hit the level that you have stated and are able to say it out loud to those around you.
I like smellyfish I did 15 years in the Marines. When I went in, if you didn't get drunk, fight (with the navy) and fall down you weren't really a Marine. 15 years of drinking not to socialize but to get drunk just started to take it's toll.
6 years ago on the fourth of July after consuming who knows how much alcohol anxiety set in (in the worst way) and I knew I was hurting myself by drinking...I quit right then and there and never looked back...
It wasn't long after that I figured out there were mornings. I think that is the first best part. Getting up early in the morning and not being in a funk.
Good luck to you...and you have plenty of support here...call out if you ever need it.
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02/12/2005 01:11:03 AM · #33 |
| peace be with you, tim. you're on the right road. Godspeed. this one is dedicated to you. |
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02/12/2005 01:49:41 AM · #34 |
I was asleep, but got up, and I amazed at all your warm responses, thank you all, honestly!!!
One thing that hit me, and no offense to anyone that made a comment, was,
Awpollards remark, about not waking up in a funk, that really hits home, thats what I Want..
Thanks to all.
I wont be a stranger, I promise, (and maybe even enter a challenge soon), ya know I still own a camera or 2, lol.. |
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02/12/2005 01:55:50 AM · #35 |
Tim - good luck. Wish I had some words of wisdom but watching others close to me deal with this demon is not the same as dealing with it myself. What I can say without reservation is that your new life will be richer in every way. Hey, on a lighter note just think of the $$ you spend each day on a case and equate that to new "L" glass!
Wishing you the strength to get through this.
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02/12/2005 02:03:32 AM · #36 |
| You've taken the biggest step all ready. Your road won't be an easy one but know that we are all thinking of you and wishing you the best. I'm praying for a quick and painless recovery for you. Life is so much better with a clear mind and heart. |
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02/12/2005 02:20:11 AM · #37 |
Best of luck to you man. Fight hard and keep at it, it's worth it. Lemme know if you need anything, I'm not too far away.
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02/12/2005 02:25:05 AM · #38 |
Just noticed the thread dude.. good luck. My family has a long history of alcoholism, so I've seen and experienced first hand how tough the battle can be.. but I've also seen some amazing successes. Keep at it.. and you'll make it.
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02/12/2005 03:04:34 AM · #39 |
Tim,
May I offer you my support. I am glad that you have came to the understanding that you have a problem and that you are man enough to admit it. I wish you well and may God Bless you in a speeding recovery physically, mentally, and emotionally from you addiction. I donĂ¢€™t know you personally but you have reached out for support and I am here for you. You are welcome to PM me anytime day or night and I will respond. I know you will have some trial and tribulations to go through as you become sober, just remember we all are here for you. I have no doubt you will beat this problem, how do I know, I see in your post determination at the same time being humble. Keep us posted as best you can and just think of the wonderful photographs you are going to be able to share with us from a sober and emotional point of view. You will win this battle!
Scott W.
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02/12/2005 03:14:46 AM · #40 |
Good luck in your up coming fight. You've already done the hard part -- squaring your shoulders and confronting it -- so when you feel all those little things grating on you don't let them build up until you explode; use the Rant forum for what it is there for.
Again, good luck.
David
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02/12/2005 03:23:26 AM · #41 |
| I have noticed that you have not submitted in any photo challenges lately. I know your present challenge is the biggest of your life, but don't give up on the things that give you pleasure. You have a terrific photographic talent, a great sense of humor, and creative wit. Keep the fire burning! Good luck. |
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02/12/2005 03:54:31 AM · #42 |
I appreciate you so much for just being able to share your innermost conflicts about that bad habbit of yours.
Recognizing a problems is only half way, but it sure seems to me that you really have the will to win on this one.
Not going to be easy, and you know it. But being ready to do what you are going to do, you will get all the support you will ever think of.
My thoughts are with you. Good luck!
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02/12/2005 04:01:31 AM · #43 |
Buzz, I too have a problem with alcohol. I am what my doctor calls a functional drunk. I don't let it affect my work, but I know it affects my personal life. (ask the ol' lady!) I don't drink during the day, but as soon as my kid goes to bed (my nights off) or as soon as I get home from work it's beer that I turn to. I too have been fighting with myself about this. It's almost like you're afraid to not drink. So with much shaking of hands, I am with you. Maybe we can lean on each other when we feel weak. PM me if you need some support after the rehab. I'll give ya my cell number and we can be stronger together. I'm getting tired of being in the rut.
Yours in crisis
TC
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02/12/2005 04:20:35 AM · #44 |
| My dad was like that too, (the whole case of beer a day thing). Unfortunately, he never realized it was a serious problem. Good Luck to you with this, you have my full support. :) |
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02/12/2005 04:53:18 AM · #45 |
Good luck on kicking the habit. I smoked on and off for 12 years. Yeah, I'm only 25 but started young. In the last few years I smoked, I was a pack a day at least and my health was rapidly deteriorating. I quit cold-turkey for my New Year's resolution and have been even more addicted to photography than ever! The key is to replace the addiction with another, hopefully something creative and healthy.
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02/12/2005 08:11:40 AM · #46 |
Hey my brotha. Be strong. You can do it. You'll be able to enjoy the people around you a lot more.
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02/12/2005 08:35:02 AM · #47 |
My father was hospitalized in the early '80s with liver problems and almost died as a result. He was off alcohol for a couple of years but then gradually got back to his old ways of a "forty ouncer" a day. He died in January '96; the official cause of death was alcoholic hepatitis. He was given his second shot at life but he chose not to take it.
Not many people who are addicted to alcohol (or anything for that matter) have your strength and seek help before it's too late. You are one of the lucky ones. Please don't waste this second chance at life. Goodluck and God bless.
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02/12/2005 08:42:14 AM · #48 |
I will be praying for you - you are to be admired for making the difficult choice to confront your addiction.
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02/12/2005 09:50:22 AM · #49 |
| good luck buzzy, you know you have a lot of us here pulling for you. if you need anything, please don't be afraid to ask. i've seen alcohol do some pretty ugly things to people i care about, so i am extra proud of you for stepping up like this. (hug) |
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02/12/2005 10:15:21 AM · #50 |
Good luck Buzz.
As inspiration, think of all the camera equipment you can buy for the price of a case of beer per day! |
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