Anyone here ever struggled with alcohol abuse

[Guest Irv]

I started drinking heavily after i got out of the military for about 3 years i never hurt anyone but i noticed it started to effect my health. I haven't had a drink since oct of last year but still struggle every night. Anyone have any tips or methods to avoid cravings.

[Anybodyhome]

Without sounding too cliche, get your butt to a meeting.

You must find a healthy alternative activity to replace the drinking.

And go see your doctor, be straight with him/her. Your body's chemistry has been messed with and you may need to get it back in line medically.

You gotta find someone to talk to- friend, confidant, whomever. As long as you're still carrying around the garbage that got you drinking to begin with, you need a person to dump it on occasionally. And in case you hadn't heard- it's very cool to be sober these days.

[Doyle]

Not drinking tonight but wish I was. Its tough for me just to get through the week without drinking knowing I will drink on the weekend. If you have made it since Oct. that is a major feat in my book.

[nickzz]

exercise daily. this will solve pretty much any problem you have.

[the butch]

as a general principle in life, it's always good to talk to someone about your struggles. usually that someone comes from a similar type background. go to meetings, man. i have attended a couple in the past 6 months, and plan on increasing my attendance.

[Floppin]

As someone who's been with an addict, although she's in NA not AA, that goes to meeting multiple times a week and is very active in NA service, I can't speak enough about truly committing to the program - especially for the first few years.

[Carolina Husker]

Go to meetings.

[Ja Rhule]

Drink lots of black coffee.

[PntherPryd]

Like a lot of things in life, drinking is a habit.

Habits can be good or bad, damaging or healthful, cheap or expensive..... you get the picture. There is a great new book about habits, "The Power of Habit" http://charlesduhigg.com/ that can help. I don't think it is as simple as replacing one habit for another, i.e. replace drinking with exercise or hot tea but everyone is different.

Meetings work also, I know from personal experience, but it has to work for you specifically.

[NanuqoftheNorth]

Congrats on your efforts so far. As a veteran there should be programs available to you that assist in keeping you on the right path, you should check with VA services.

[Future of the Funchise]

Not drinking tonight but wish I was. Its tough for me just to get through the week without drinking knowing I will drink on the weekend. If you have made it since Oct. that is a major feat in my book.

I'm the exact same way man.

I might go a couple of weeks without drinking but that's because I'm just sitting around the house bored as hell with nothing to do.

[Ja Rhule]

I usually have 1-2 glass of wine a day or 1-2 beers on weekends. Helps me go to bed.

[jtnc]

[j2sgam]

Find something to do when your mind is wanting them libations... My alcohol consumption is increased during football season, then I cut way back just because I dont have the excuse until next season... I dont drink to have a good time, but why start a fire with sticks & flint when I got a lighter?