The material presented
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information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
My husband told me yesterday that he wants to "dry out". He has done this before on his own. From what I have read and learned through my research it is very rare that an alcoholic can quit and never go back to the booze without some form of counseling. However, he will not go at this time. So, for now, I have my beautiful husband. For that I am greatful. I can't help but feel nervous when I am on my way home wondering if he will be drinking when I get here. That is probably normal. But he seems to be adamet about not drinking. He has taken all his drinking friends off of his XBOX account. When I asked him why he did that, he told me he just wants to get rid of the bad influences.
I just can't help but be happy about his decisions. Still staying cautiously optimistic and saying BIG prayers.
That's great that your husband wants to dry out, as he puts it. He would probably have a better chance of success if he was working a program. But maybe he can do it on his own. Either way, keep taking care of you!
I like Pineapple's response because it is short and sweet and to the point...for me, in early recovery (Al-Anon) I was told by my sponsor that I needed to be away from all things alcohol and I did and it made recovery soooo much more easier and the influences all about recovery. It also carried over to my entry into AA 9 years later. I didn't drink for those 9 years and I didn't marry any woman I drank with either. I left my drinking friends and family some like your husband did however I could have never stayed sane and sober without the programs. I had no idea how to do it and needed to be around lots of others who did.
Keep on with your recovery. Keep coming back (((((hugs)))))
I passed through a couple of phases of just quitting on my own and I did stop drinking for 4 months. Either way, I kind of look at those periods as positive because it was all part of what led me to eventually accepting that I was an alcoholic and that I needed AA. I do know a few people that have stopped on their own (through other ways).
Today is not a great day. I know he is wanting to drink and I think the only reason he isn't is because it is Sunday and it is not sold in stores today. He is very agitated and is picking on me to where I am afraid to say anything for fear of him getting more angry. He said he dreamed of his brother last night and it is very depressing to him. His brother committed suicide in May of this year. He said that is why he thinks he drinks so much, because when he gets drunk he doesn't dream. I tried to talk to him about it, but he became very defensive and told me to just shut up. So, now I am in the bedroom and he is in the living room playing video games. I have suggested going for a walk, going to therapy, reading a self help book.... he shoots all my ideas down and says the only thing that will help is time. I am still hoping he makes good choices for us by not drinking, but I am afraid that once tomorrow comes he will go buy some beer. I pray that I am wrong, but past experience dictates that I am right.
As a side note, my father quit drinking over 30 years ago on his own. He did it for his family as well as for himself. I wish my husband could/would do the same thing.
All the best to you. My husband (who has finally acknowledged that he's an alcoholic, although that pisses him off) is on day 17 sober. He's doing it on his own. We don't live anywhere near an AA group (really). He's "checked out" a couple on line meetings, but is not enthusiastic. I don't want to push too hard on that, but I do think he needs an on-line sponsor and hope I can encourage him to find one. He was very edgey, jittery and generally unwell for at least a week when he first started, but he's better now. He is leary of going out of the house (fortunately he doesn't work.) because there are stores and bars out there. So I told him, just to stay home and relax until he feels more comfortable with all this. He's starting to go out a bit now...he has some errands that he can't put off. And he's getting better. He has some of the AA literature. I think that helps. but I am really hoping for him to find that sponsor. It is really hard on your own, I know, as he's tried this before. But without f2f meeting options, he's doing the best he can. I will keep you in my thoughts. Whether he stays sober, or starts drinking again, though, we're here for you. All the best. ((((Hugs))))) Karen
He has done this before on his own. From what I have read and learned through my research it is very rare that an alcoholic can quit and never go back to the booze without some form of counseling. However, he will not go at this time. So, for now, I have my beautiful husband. For that I am greatful. I can't help but feel nervous when I am on my way home wondering if he will be drinking when I get here. That is probably normal. But he seems to be adamet about not drinking. He has taken all his drinking friends off of his XBOX account. When I asked him why he did that, he told me he just wants to get rid of the bad influences. 
