Staying off the Booze

[BowserGriff]

Money! I forgot to mention this in my story about being a heavy drinker, it might be useful for anyone considering putting the plug in the jug.

With the money I saved from not drinking, I've bought myself a Fender Ultra II jazz 5. And, I still have enough to buy a whole new rig (looking at GK and Mesa at the moment) but I think my wife might notice the new big black box in the 'office'.

I use an app that just automatically calculates how much money I'm saving. I check in every now and again and am surprised at how much I'm not spending.

As a former heavy drinker I've been able to save enough to afford some big buys, but even if a moderate drinker you'd be surprised at what gear you can get if you stop drinking. If anyone wanted to use getting more gear as a motivator, I recommend getting an app and peak at it every now and again.

 

[TheArchitect]

Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. No one else can tell us when we need help.

For one thing, we're about as stubborn and defiant against the truth as anyone you're likely to meet.

I said it sounds like he needs help and it does. I made no comment beyond that.

 

[jerry]

Money! I forgot to mention this in my story about being a heavy drinker, it might be useful for anyone considering putting the plug in the jug.

With the money I saved from not drinking, I've bought myself a Fender Ultra II jazz 5. And, I still have enough to buy a whole new rig (looking at GK and Mesa at the moment) but I think my wife might notice the new big black box in the 'office'.

I use an app that just automatically calculates how much money I'm saving. I check in every now and again and am surprised at how much I'm not spending.

As a former heavy drinker I've been able to save enough to afford some big buys, but even if a moderate drinker you'd be surprised at what gear you can get if you stop drinking. If anyone wanted to use getting more gear as a motivator, I recommend getting an app and peak at it every now and again.

Yup, my gear got better when I got sober!

 

[Low End Scum]

Trying to avoid generalization based on specific experience; I.E. "just because X doesn't mean X in all cases", so I'll just throw this out there with a caveat.

In my experience working in the program with others like myself, an extremely common thread leading up to presentation of full blown alcoholism and drug addiction has been fear and discomfort regarding social situations.

This isn't to say everyone who experiences this will become an active alcoholic; It is a warning sign though, especially for those who feel compelled to drink in order to be socially comfortable.

The good news is many alcoholics, through working a daily program, have learned to be comfortable in these situations without need or desire for a drink.

Absolutely and I think noticing trouble and heading it off before it gets out of hand is something that isn't talked about enough. The crutch aspect of doing so to be sociable is certainly a common starting point for things unraveling. When my old drummer got a DUI we all took a step back. I personally had to learn more about why and what I was doing.

It definitely depends. A high school chum of mine had a serious alcohol problem, but he's been sober for over a decade and enjoys the occasional NA beer. Not everyone can, though. If in doubt, don't touch it.

Absolutely. It's such a varied experience, dependency, that there is no one size fits all thing. You have to find what works for you generally. And you're totally right. Personally, I switched to NA beer just cause for a while. It was really nice to be able to have a bready carbonated beverage with no negative effects other than calories. Good for your buddy, that's great that that works for them.