Thursday – Work Day
First Attempt – Day 1 of My “30-Day No Alcohol Challenge”
5:33 AM
Alright, folks, it’s the official start of my 30-day no-alcohol challenge! (Well, yesterday felt like “day 1,” but I had a morning drink. So, today technically marks the real deal, a full day of staying sober.)
Gotta say, waking up this morning, I felt a mix of hope and pride washing over me. Surviving yesterday without a drop of the good ol’ booze during the day was quite the achievement, and boy, does it already show on my face. I actually look somewhat human, with a newfound radiance and a face that says, “I can conquer the world!”
Now, the thought of getting ready for my 10-hour work shift doesn’t seem so daunting.
2:11 PM
Plot twist, people! The shift at the lobster cannery where I work ended way earlier than usual, leaving me with a surprise block of free time.
In the old days, I’d have sprinted to the liquor store with my boyfriend, ready to dive into an afternoon of boozing. But hey, I made a commitment, and I’m sticking to it. So instead, I decided to head home, crack open my journal, and bask in the serene beauty of the lake while watching those nutty squirrels doing their squirrel thing.
6:24 PM
Okay, so I’m gazing at this picture-perfect lake, and out of nowhere, a wave of melancholy engulfs me. It’s like I can only fully appreciate nature’s beauty when I’ve got a drink in hand. The vibrant colors and tranquil atmosphere suddenly seem a tad lackluster without that familiar buzz. I can’t help but wonder if I’m missing out on something here.
6:44 PM
Oh boy, the cravings hit me like a runaway freight train! Yikes, this is tough. No matter how determined I am, the allure of alcohol keeps getting stronger by the minute.
Thoughts of my lousy job, annoying coworkers, and my boss from hell flood my mind, creating a perfect storm of temptation and despair.
7:19 PM
I swear, these cravings are relentless, chipping away at my willpower.
But guess what?
I stumble upon a saving grace: a video called “How to Stop Alcohol Cravings & Beat Them For Good” by the one and only Simon Chapple, the genius who introduced me to this 30-Day No Alcohol Challenge.
It’s freakin’ amazing how the universe sometimes tosses us a bone when we need it most. Simon’s words and guidance offer me a glimmer of hope in this dark sea of temptation. Thank you, Simon!
Another video I really liked is the one below, called “I Can’t Stand The Alcohol Cravings” by Kevin O’Hara. In his talk, he dives into those pesky alcohol cravings you face in the first month of quitting, and he gives some solid advice on how to handle them. He tells you to tweak your mindset, see cravings as a passing discomfort, and find ways to distract yourself to stay on track toward sobriety. It’s definitely worth the watch!
8:01 PM
You know what? I figure sleep can be my secret weapon in this battle. If I surrender to its embrace early on, I won’t have to face those relentless cravings that haunt me like a persistent ghost. It’s a temporary relief, sure, but sometimes even a moment of respite can work wonders.
As I get ready to let sleep whisk me away, I can’t help but reflect on the ups and downs of this journey. It’s like being on an emotional rollercoaster, going from hopeful and happy to yearning and melancholic. But hey, it’s also a transformative process, a chance for me to unearth the hidden beauty and strength within myself, untethered from the chains of alcohol.
Tomorrow is a whole new day, and I’m damn determined to face it head-on. Who knows what adventures and challenges lie in wait? But one thing’s for sure: I’ll keep navigating this crazy path, stumbling comically and soaring dramatically, all in search of a life that’s authentically mine.
Until tomorrow,
That Anonymous Artist
P.S. Simon Chapple and Kevin O’Hara, if you guys are reading this, I owe you two a big shout-out. Thanks for being my guiding light in these dark times. You’ve armed me with the tools to conquer my cravings and regain control over my life.
Supplementary Info: Alcohol Cravings
Cravings can be a common experience among individuals struggling with drug or alcohol-related disorders. The intense desire or urge to drink, commonly known as cravings for alcohol, can make it challenging to cut back or stop drinking alcohol altogether. When a person has been heavily consuming alcohol for a long time, their brain and body develop a dependence on it, making it difficult to resist the urge to drink.
Managing alcohol cravings is an important part of the recovery process. There are various strategies that can help individuals reduce their urges for alcohol and prevent relapse. One approach is to identify and avoid triggers that may lead to cravings. Understanding why you crave alcohol can be a valuable tool in developing effective coping mechanisms. Seeking support through therapy or joining support groups can also provide guidance and a sense of community during the recovery journey.
In addition to these methods, certain medications and treatments have been used to help individuals with alcohol dependence. Medications like naltrexone have shown promise in reducing alcohol cravings and preventing relapse. Moreover, research suggests that CBD, a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis, might play a role in managing alcohol addiction by reducing the urge to drink and alleviating withdrawal symptoms. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional and do your own research before using any medication or considering alternative treatments.
While medications and therapies can be beneficial, it’s essential to remember that managing alcohol cravings and achieving recovery require a holistic approach. Taking care of your overall health, including maintaining a balanced diet and reducing sugar consumption, can contribute to better outcomes. Learning more about alcoholism and addiction can empower individuals to understand their own experiences and seek the best possible support and treatment options. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you overcome alcohol cravings and achieve lasting recovery.