D-8 and counting.

*Fires up computer, opens yet another beer and settles down to write some stuff*

Hello. Here’s some more ramblings as I count down to detox.

One week from now I will be cracking open and drinking what will hopefully be one of my last beers. I`ll probably spend the evening watching Top Gear and some other old crap on the telly whilst I work my way through my units of alcohol. At about 11.00 or 12.00 o’clock I`ll open the last one then go to bed pissed like I have for years. Lots of years. More years than I care to remember.

First thing Monday morning when I wake up I`ll take a few tablets then at lunchtime I`ll take a few more. Around teatime I`ll chuck down another handful. As evening rolls in I won’t open a can. As the night continues I still won`t open a can. I`ll take a few more tablets last thing then go to bed, dry and sober for the first time in years. Lots of years. More years than I care to remember.

This process will continue through the week, every day I`ll still not open those cans, I`ll still go to bed dry and sober. I`ll take slightly fewer tablets each day till hopefully with support from family and professionals the physical dependence will be gone. Dry, clean and sober. Over to me then.

I must admit that I am more than a little nervous. Things are going to have to change around here and I`m not great with change.

It`s going to take a whole lifestyle shake up. How to fill the time normally devoted to my old mate and enemy? It`s taken a lot of time and dedication for many years to ensure the level of intake to maintain my addiction. I need to fill this time with something useful. Something less destructive but just as “rewarding”.

In my “group” this is known as Maintenance. Maintaining the seemingly impossible concept of a life without alcohol. I am quite looking forward to the free time, but unsure what to fill it with.  I have a meeting on Tuesday with my “group” so I`ll bring this up and see what other members think. Suggestions for suitable hobbies, diversions and pursuits would be much appreciated.

In other news, my sister in law has decided to join me for a week without alcohol. She suggested this last night at a family do. More on this soon.