How I knew it was time

[semperfigirl]

Hello everyone, This is my first time in this website and I am happy I found it. My story is not tragic or earth shattering but just something that has always been in the back of my mind. I grew up with both parents who were functioning drinkers. I can call them alcoholics but I don't want to use that term. They are gone. Growing up having alcohol bottles on the kitchen table and the bar was the "norm". Having family over almost everyday during the work week drinking and smoking cigerettes was the "norm" But my father got up every day and went to work. Don't know how he did it, but he did. He always took care of his family no matter what. I don't have people over drinking at my house but there was a time I only drank on weekends and it was not to excess. In the last couple of years I have notice I drink more and more on weekends and during the week. I also noticed that I drink alone and it seem to want to hide how much I am drinking. My 14 year old son looked at me the other day and said "are you drinking again, Mom" I looked at him and thought of the things I saw when I was a child. I knewI didn't want him to be affected when he grows up as well as being a positive role model for him and my other two children. My husband has been trying to get me for years to slow down or stop. I woke up on June 8th and said enough is enough and I feel good. I will be going through my first weekend and I know it will be a little difficult, but I have to do it for the sake of my health, my husband and children and I also want to live longer. Thank you for hearing my story because it does help in the process:D

[Rich]

Hell yes, I like you decided the future did not look too bright if I kept drinking. I wasted the first part of my life drinking. The next part of my life I am going to deal with it as it comes and not avoid thing and see what really is going on

[T-Bone]

Hello and welcome to the site. Thanks for sharing your story, it takes a lot of courage to do that! I quit too, for all the same reasons, and now almost a year later I feel awesome. I promise you, you are doing the right thing. This is a great web site, and there is a wealth of knowledge and information to help us all on our paths.

[Steve]

Great decision! Great place to help us on our sober life. Quitting right now is good enough.

steve

[John]

Semperfigirl,

Welcome - a lot of us were motivated by the possible effect we were having (or going to have) on our children. Rich didn't say it in his first post, but coined "don't overthink". Don't fret too much about the whole rest of your life...it'll get here soon enough!

Good luck.

[Hoots]

Glad to see that you are not only thinking of yourself but of your son. Sounds like he has got a good head on his shoulder too...calling you out :). You've got some eyes watching you.

Your story is similiar to mine except my mother did not drink that often. My dad however was the provider and the drinker and like your father he always went to work the next morning. Our shelves in the pantry were full of liquor and the fridge full of beer, I was always the fetcher...sip here and there...muahahaa...what a rebel I was.

We always had family parties or gatherings for every type of event, even now they make up reasons to have people over like, "hey I just planted some grass seed" or "I put up new curtains" come on over. Strange...I know...but good reasons to drink eh?

Anyhow, glad you found this site and hope it will guide you to a sober life.

Stay strong,

Hoots