I just gave my wife a birthday present she'll never forget

[madokie]

The last empty half pint bottle that I will ever have. I have the most wonderful wife and family, I realize that. I don't need the crutch anymore. Happy thanksgiving everyone. Next year we'll be celebrating our one year anniversary from the bottle. My DU friends help to hold me to that.

I know I can do it, I quit cigaretes on aug. 14 '77 cold turkey, never looked back.

[Roland99]

1. BRAVO!!

[WCGreen]

2. Good Luck....

I quit 23 years ago...

Cigs were a lot harder to quit...

[Heidi]

3. You can do anything you truly want to do.

:thumbsup:

Blow a kiss to my home state, wouldja, madokie? :pals:

(Nominated.)

[madokie]

10. Considered it done

Last summer a year ago I quit for a few months and it truly was the most wonderful summer of my life.

[Fovea]

4. You da man!

Good for you!

[ananda]

5. Huge congrats!

Well done.

I also quit cigs cold turkey in March 1983. For a few months I was a bit nervous, and I chewed a lot of Wrigley's gum for years, along with having dreams where I smoked and thought it was real.. but now it's as if I never smoked. That was one of the best things I ever did.

Sue

[wryter2000]

13. OMG

I still dream I've been smoking. I probably quit around 1980 or so.

I wake up feeling "Oh, shit. Did I really do that?"

BTW, when I left the theatre after Good Night, and Good Luck, I was afraid I stank of cigarette smoke.

[Thirtieschild]

68. Me too.

I quit smoking in 1982 and also still dream about it, wake up in a panic. My sub-conscious, at least, is convinced that if I smoke even one cigarette I'll be hooked. Quitting was easier than I had any idea it would be - quit cold turkey with a cigarette in one hand and a lighter in the other. I continued to smoke for a couple of months, just didn't light them. Confession - I still love to inhale second-hand smoke.

[wryter2000]

70. Second hand smoke

Smelling my husband's cigarettes helped me quit.

[madokie]

73. sometimes when someone lights up a marlboro light it smells so good

being around someone else smoking didn't bother me at all.

[Uben]

6. You da man!

I quit smoking 9 months ago, cold turkey. Haven't had a puff since, nor do I desire one. You know as well as I that it is a mental thing. Once you accept it mentally, it is much easier. And remember, all it takes is one drink to suck you back down that hole that has been destryoing all the good things in your life. There will be times of depression, but don't use the crutch. Find a friend who is willing to help you through the hard times. Good luck!

[madokie]

14. That friend is here

:toast:

[Clark2008]

23. Here's a question.

I want to quit only because I know it would be good for me, but I really don't want to quit. I'm afraid of getting heavy because most of the women in my family are.

So... how do you get yourself into that mental state?

I quit when I was pregnant - only had one cig from the time I found out - but wanted a cigarette the MINUTE I returned from the hospital with my new baby boy.

I'm remarrying in January and he doesn't have children, so he wants one and I've always wanted one more. I will quit again, then, of course. How can I make myself not want one when I return from the hospital with the next bundle of joy?

Any help you can provide on this "mental thing" would be very much appreciated.

[frogbison]

25. Here is a good place to start:

http://www.allencarrseasyway.com/

[calimary]

81. I think Keith Olbermann's still doing his "I QUIT" pieces online.

Check his Bloggerman site at MSNBC.

I never smoked. One thing that just absolutely turned me off (well, there were many, but...) was the evening when I was washing the dinner dishes, and Lord knows why - I chanced to sniff the dish sponge. I almost hurled!!!!! Literally. Gave me the heaves. Seems my mom had just used it to wipe out an ashtray. Obviously I got another sponge and re-washed the pots and pans. WORST SMELL EVER!!! WORSE than well-fermented cat pee. If I'd EVER had the slightest temptation to try smoking, THAT cured me, then and there.

Here's something else to consider: VANITY. Plain 'n' simple. Certainly works for me! Imagine what smoking is doing to your face. Time's impact is bad enough, but do you want to increase your collection of laugh lines, crow's feet, and all kinds of other wrinkles - ESPECIALLY those radiating out from your upper lip (from puckering around a cigarette repeatedly)? Smoking ages you like CRAZY. VERY bad for your skin. VERY bad. Shrinks the capillaries that feed your facial skin with oxygenated blood, so the cells in your facial skin become starved. Your face is truly flush with blood vessels because it's near your brain and contains all kinds of very crucial, essential-to-human-survival organs like your eyes, your nose, your mouth, lips, and tongue, and your throat - so there's a LOT of damage to be had there. That's why you see cheek and temple gin blossoms and big red veiny noses on alcoholics. The blood infrastructure serving their faces is huge, and VERY seriously compromised.

Because I've never smoked, I look at least 10 years younger than my best friend, whom I've known and loved since we were both nine (we're both 52 now). And I'm a few months older than she is. She still smokes like a chimney, and she has ALL the wrinkles and coarse skin, enlarged pores, and remarkably crepey neck that go with about three decades of steady cigarette smoking. Not to mention how it discolors your teeth and icks up your breath...

VANITY! Try it! It may be one of the big sins, but it really IS good for something. :D

[madokie]

27. A friend told me how he quit cigarettes

Keep a pack handy and the next time you feel the urg for a cig just tell yourself you'll wait until the next time. In three days I was going several hours without the urg then I knew I could do it and did.
:hug:

[Clark2008]

30. Thanks and congrats to you on heaving the bottle.

I love people from Oklahoma, btw. Salts of the Earth. :hug:

[ohio_liberal]

32. Here's how I quit

I got a nasty cold that turned into bronchitis. Most of the time I would still smoke right through the illness. I decided that it would be a good time to quit, so I did. It wasn't too tough while I was ill. The real cravings came when I got over the illness. Every time I wanted a cigarette I would do something else constructive. Like doing the laundry, that sort of thing. The serious cravings went away in a week or so. Stay busy, do physical things to take your mind off of it.

I've been smoke-free for 11 months. :)

[madokie]

37. congrats, the best thing about quiting cigs was how good food tasted

I'm sure something like this will be a reward for sobriety.

[petgoat]

76. reward for sobriety

When I'm not drinking I feel stronger, more energetic. It's the
opposite of illness; my body feels good for no reason.

[Maraya1969]

69. "The easy way to quit smoking" Good Book

Also I created horrible mental images along with cigarettes. Imagine worms crawling out when you go to take a drag. Or spiders. Whenever I want a cig now I conjure up a picture and/or a smell and the desire goes away.

When you see other people smoke don't imagine they are enjoying it. Remember that they are sucking black tar into their lungs because they have to feed their cravings.

I think the cigarette companies were the ones who started the idea that stopping cigarettes was the hardest addiction to stop. They want to keep people smoking. If you believe stopping smoking is going to be a horrible experience then it will be.

[no_hypocrisy]

7. Congratulations. You gave yourself a gift as well. Heartfelt kudos.

[wryter2000]

8. I bet it's her favorite present of all time

We're here for you, but maybe you'll need more face-to-face encouragement? I wouldn't want to have to fight that battle on my own.

All the best to you. I hope next year we'll celebrate your anniversary without the crutch.

[TahitiNut]

9. I stopped drinking 15 years ago. One of best things I've ever done.

I was the "champion" drinker in my college fraternity -- both sprint (chugging team anchor man) and distance (record-holding "pub crawl"). As of about 15 years ago, I don't think I went more than a few days in the prior 15 years without at least one beer in the evening. Thinking about it then, I wondered how I'd feel if I quit for a couple of weeks. I then wondered whether I could. As soon as that thought crossed my mind, I quit. That was it. It was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I still enjoy the company of friends and family over a couple of drinks - but mine's lemonade. I'm a reliable designated driver.

When we love someone, we treat the people and things they love with respect ... especially if it's ourselves.

[Sal Minella]

11. I could easily be drunk and throwing up on my own shoes by evening

and knowing that every day has kept me sober every day for eighteen years worth of days. You're doing better than I was -- my spouse divorced me before I sobered up. Your way is better.

Getting off the cigs was a lot more difficult for me than getting off the booze. The patch helped a lot. Borrowed the money for the patches from a friend and told her I'd pay her back with what I wasn't spending on cigarettes -- made a great motivation, and it worked.

[0007]

12. You gave the present to yourself.

[Wickerman]

15. Way to go!

You are absolutely correct. 7 years ago I did the same for my daughter's birthday. Best thing I have ever done for her or me. You can do it, feel free to PM me any time.

:thumbsup:

[madokie]

19. I just bookmarked this just in case.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's all a mental thing.

[...of J.Temperance]

26. You

Can do this, you've taken the first step...and people will make sure that you don't look back.

Hell ya better not look back, if you do, I'll be very upset.

:donut:

Coffee and donuts are FAR better, AND you know it :)

[madokie]

31. a hug here and there helps too.

[...of J.Temperance]

33. What...you going fishing?

Huh? You know I love a bit of fishing, oh yes indeedy.

Honey pie :hug:

[madokie]

38. The pontoon is gassed and ready

complete with tackle and a cooker. and a big ass ice chest for soft drinks and food. :hug:

[...of J.Temperance]

43. That big ass ice chest for soft drinks wouldn't...

...be holding any A&W Cream Soda by any chance would it?

Hmmm?

Here have another you deserve it :hug:

[ismnotwasm]

16. Met a guy once who did something very similar

He had been sober 25 years though and with the love of his wife.

Many hard core drinkers definetly need treatment for alcoholism with consistent reinforcent(AA, RA, SOS, church, counseling--whatever)There is no shame in it. (I'm a nurse on a transplant unit, our liver recipients often have a history of drug use and alcoholism, these folks are very motivated to stay sober!)

Not everyone however. I wish you and your wife the very best of luck and all the happiness in the world.

And you sound like a helluva guy to give your wife what will amount to giving her yourself back. Have a very Happy thankgiving!

[HereSince1628]

17. Double happiness to you Madokie.

[Toots]

18. Every time you get the urge tell yourself "It don't mean nothing"

:thumbsup:

[benddem]

20. welcome home brother

and I know you'll make it. Keep in touch. :hug:

[madokie]

35. I've been home since Oct. '70 and it's time I face reality

And reality is I've been killing myself, something they couldn't do.
:woohoo:

[benddem]

40. Do you belong to a group?

Please hook up with other Vietnam Vets.

[madokie]

41. I plan to do just that.

Just don't know where to start.

[benddem]

79. where do you live?

is there a VA clinic anywhere in your vicinity. I'd check first with VVA (Vietnam Vets) half the guys in my chapter are in groups. If they can't help or no chapter near you...then DAV.
Another person to contact now that I think of it is your county veteran's service office. You should be able to find it in your phone book. Not all the County offices are the same some better than other but they should know how to hook you up. We have guys in our county that are still signing up for disability...if you haven't you should look into it.
Good luck. send me mail if you need any other info.
:hug: :hug: :hug:

[whalerider55]

21. hang in dude...

23 years this year for me, so it can be done...

now, if we can only get that drunk in the white house into program.

soemtimes, ya just don't know what ya just don't know...

whalerider

[madokie]

24. My being a 'drunk' enables me to see he is a 'drunk' also

[Sarah Ibarruri]

22. That is simply great!

Congrats!! :thumbsup:

[ohio_liberal]

28. Good luck to you

It takes a strong person to realize that it's a problem and you don't need it anymore. It's not an easy thing to do. I'm wishing you all the best. :hug:

[HeeBGBz]

29. I wish you great success!

Happy Thanksgiving!

[redwitch]

34. good for you!

check in here if you need some positive reinforcement!

[madokie]

39. Trust me I will.

[NMDemDist2]

64. congrats! and check us out in here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=336

PM me if you get crazy :)

[madokie]

67. Thanks I will

but something tells me i'm already crazy, but I get your drift.
peace:thumbsup:

[Laurab]

90. Hey, I never knew that existed - thanks! And congrats to the OP

and best of luck. I'm 20 years sober here, and if I can do it, anyone can! It helped me to have God as a Higher Power, but I've seen people do it all different ways, and I wouldn't trade being sober for ANYTHING.

[NMDemDist2]

117. ...

:hugs:

2-28-02 here :bounce:

[Laurab]

119. ....

:thumbsup:

5/24/85 here - just a couple of months shy of my 30th birthday! What miracles we are.....

[RevolutionStartsNow]

36. Wow, congrats to you

There's lots of support here, and other places, if you need it.

14 years and 2 months for me, and my life has certainly gotten better every single day since then.

[Bunny]

42. Good for you!

:thumbsup:

This is a big decision, and one you absolutely will not regret! :hug:

[MuseRider]

44. That is a wonderful

gift for both of you. Congratulations to you. Come here often when you need a boost. I have seen DU help a number of people with many things but mostly just a good place to share when you feel a bit shaky.

:thumbsup: Fabulous.

[madokie]

47. Thank you, DU is the place for the truth and for compassion

:hug:

[Mikimouse]

45. Congratulations and many hugs going your way...

If ever you have the desire to talk, PM me or e-mail me. Been there and done that (no T-shirt though, dammit!). I got sober 12 years, 3 months and 3 days ago, but lost everything first. Kudos to you for not going that route!:thumbsup: :hi:

[madokie]

52. Only by the grace of one fine lady.

Does the cloud go away, I mean be gone.
:shrug:

[CatBoreal]

46. You rock Madokie!

:woohoo: :applause: :woohoo: :applause: :woohoo: :applause: :woohoo: :applause: :woohoo: :applause: :woohoo: :applause:

[DesertRat]

48. Woo hoo!

:woohoo: Congratulations, You can do it! :applause:

[flyarm]

49. ohhh yes indeed .that is the finest gift you can give..and i wish

you all the success in the world!!

AND NO YOU DON'T NEED IT...we are all here to help!!

god speed!!

fly

[graywarrior]

50. You so fucking ROCK!

Amazing how something like this can take me out of my own miserable depression and create a great day!!!

[madokie]

53. Thanks, amazing the little things that will lift the spirits.

Yes this will be a thanksgiving like no other in years for me.

[Mad_Dem_X]

51. Good for you! You can do it!

:bounce:

[madokie]

55. Please don't hesitate to call me out on this from time to time.

It just may be what I'll be needing.

[Vidar]

54. Kudos for your courage; you've taken a big step.

[Bjornsdotter]

56. Good for you!

That is a wonderful gift for your family. I wish you the best of luck.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

57. I quit drinking March 27th, 1998

You will discover good things from this:

1. You will feel better

2. People will like you a whole lot more

3. You will have lots more money to spend on far more important things. Like toys and videogames and new computers.

4. You will no longer find yourself trying to brush something off of your shoulder and discovering it's the floor.

Good luck, and do not shy away from professional assistance in this fight. There are a lot of people out there ready to reach out with two hands to you, if you reach out with one to them.

[madokie]

61. so that makes you sober for the 5th anniversary of my 39th birthday

Mar. 28 '48

[Evergreen Emerald]

58. Good for you Madokie

You can do it.

[Nimrod2005]

59. Excellent, happy thanksgiving...

[Maestro]

60. Way to go and good luck!

Post anytime if you need encouragement.

[mzmolly]

62. WTG Madokie!

:thumbsup:

[tamtam]

63. Good Luck !

:pals: You can do it.

[Joe Chi Minh]

65. A new life, brilliant in comparison.

That is some reason to celebrate!

[satya]

66. Now that's something to be thankful for!

:hug:

If you can kick the nicotine, you can do this! I had my last drink on Nov. 13, 1989. The smokes were harder for me to kick, backslid several times before I finally made it.

:yourock:

[LincolnMcGrath]

71. I wish you great success!

Happy Turkey Day

[autorank]

72. One day at a time...that's all it takes.

Share with like minded souls. Good for you!

[Boxerfan]

74. Stay strong & get a labor intensive hobby....

If you don't have a more practical way to keep busy. It is vital not to fall back or try & fool yourself you can have "just one". I have been sober over 10 years & it was cold turkey no AA just willpower.
I was homeless & of very poor health. I have a Wife & 2 lovely little girls now. Woulda never happened if I threw away my life into a bottle.
Lot of pain & 55angst nowadays-Booze does not help in times of crisis like these. It only muddles our thinking till we accept the pain instead of FIGHTING BACK as we should....

Good luck & never give up...

[Cha]

75. Good on ya, madokie!

Some people's lives are so much better without the "pints"!

[Cats Against Frist]

77. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You have made a great first step. I live with an alcoholic boyfriend, and no matter how much "harm reduction," that I've tried, there is still a big empty hole, where his soul should be, that he just fills up with booze. There are other narratives, and there are other ways.

Good luck on your journey.

[calimary]

78. She will TREASURE that gift - GUARANTEED!

Congratulations on kicking smoking, too! My husband did that recently, and I know how hard that one is. I am grateful that there are no alcohol challenges in our family - grateful beyond words!

I know you can do it, too. Cigarettes are horribly hard to quit. I watched my mom chainsmoke her way into a lollapalooza of a heart condition and several brushes with death. Watched my husband probably reach the near-brink of that same stuff before he finally quit.

You are STRONGER than you know. You've given your wife more years to share with you, and maybe even a few lower insurance premiums! Here's to beautiful, pink, supple lung tissue and a healthy liver and pancreas!!! AND fewer laugh lines (booze is bad for your skin)!!!

This may be the best birthday present your wife has ever received. Make sure it's a gift that keeps on giving.

CHEERS!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Your holidays will be EXTRA HAPPY this year! And you deserve it!

:thumbsup:

[Gloria]

80. Good luck! It's a smart move and

your liver will love you.....

[madokie]

82. At my last check up and blood work the doc told me my liver was still

doing good so by quiting now maybe I can prevent the liver problems.

[PuraVidaDreamin]

83. Buenos Suerte

Please watch carefully yourself over the
next three days. ETOH withdrawal can be
deadly. You may need medical supervision.

Hallucinations, Tremors, heart arrythmias
can occur.

Wishing you the best of luck, but never
feel like you cannot ask for help.

Peace.

[madokie]

84. The caution is welcome, thanks

[lonestarnot]

112. That's the PV I know and adore! Do well and heed this advise.

[lonestarnot]

113. That's the PV I know and adore! Do well and heed this advise.

[Brundle_Fly]

85. It'll be one year for me Dec. 6 2005!

I have never felt better lost 30 pounds, and look better too!


Kudo's it becomes easier everyday, you don't need it, and it doesn't own you.

[madokie]

87. Great, myself I would like to put on 10 or so.

I want to go back to where I get up rareing to go, ready to fix something or at least tear it up.

[annabanana]

86. Hot Damn!

Good for you.
One Day at a Time
Find good, sober friends and hang with THEM
Be kind to yourself

and join a really good DU group
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=336

[Hyernel]

88. I'll drink to that!

Just jokin' I'm lucky I don't have the addiction gene. It's sometimes hard for me to identify.

[atfqn]

91. You know,

that was the first thing that came to my mind :D

[WinkyDink]

89. You GO, madokie!!

You know what's important!!

[ryan_cats]

92. Congratulations!

Congratulations! I've been through the wringer myself and alcohol was the single hardest drug to quit.

One problem people have when they quit is continuing to hang out with drinking friends and for some reason, they always seem to resent someone quitting. So don't be surprised if your drinking friends don't support you and seem to actually undermine your quitting by suggesting, c'mon, just a little drink. I had to cut loose the friends that were like that because, in reality, they aren't your friends.

If there's anything I can do to help, drop me a line. A shared experience to get through this. Keep in mind, it gets easier after a time. You also need to address whatever it was you were dealing with by getting drunk.

Good luck!

[philly_bob]

93. Peer pressure

When I quit drinking, I was surprised how often people would put unsubtle social pressure on me to drink. I never understood it -- what was in it for them?

Anyway, good going, madokie!

[caligirl]

94. Thats a great commitment to make. One day at a time and lots of positive

support sent your way.

[DistressedAmerican]

95. Fucking Hoorah For You!

Really! That is great.

I really am impressed. What a great post. One of the best I have seen in a while! You go!

Kicking and nominating!

:pals:

[Booster]

96. Wow. You quit cigarettes? I quit drinking in l987 and it really

wasn't as hard as I thought it would be - now, quitting smoking has been the one thing I just can't seem to do, but I wanted to quit drinking and I don't want to stop smoking, so I think that's the difference at least for me. I was a drunk for 20 years, at least 4 times a week, and it just became a really big problem. You can do it. If you quit smoking you can do anything in the world. I really admire you. You go, guy.

[oldgrowth]

97. The best gift to your self and all,17years here

At frist it was a mental thing don't let the back of your mind tell you one will be ok !!!!!

[lonestarnot]

98. Whooo hoooo madokie! You can do it bud! We have faith in you!

Now go smoke a few bowls... oh... just kidding.

[mikelewis]

99. If you fall off the wagon, Republicans will win in landslide victories..

all across the nation. The ACLU will be sold to Dick Cheney and broken up and sold for huge profits. The Bird Flu bullshit will turn out to be the only true thing to come out of Bush's piehole and 98.3 million people will die. Global warming will kick into high gear and doom the earth in less than 15 years. God himself will appear at Bush's side and proclaim him emporer of the earth, Game Over. And all this will happen if you take another drink. That would be a pretty shitty thing to do but hey, be the guy to kill the planet, someone's bound to do it eventually, might as well be you.

In all seriousness, Good Luck. Failings not the end of the world but success makes it a much better place.

[Miss Chybil]

100. It's now your birthday, too.

Happy Birthday!

[madokie]

114. Well Thank you

:hug:

[Gelliebeans]

101. Good for you

I know you can do it also :)

[kid a]

102. Great story! Good luck - my bday - 5/17/87

Wow - has it been that long!

Hey, madokie - don't call a drinkin buddie to help you stay sober.

PEACE

[madokie]

115. Hell, my old drinking buddies and pulling for me too.

That must tell a lot.

[flygal]

103. my husband is doing the same

last year was stressful and he needed several beers every night. Now he jogs home from work and only has water and tea. I'm so proud and he's in much better health - mental and physical. Good for you!!!

[bluedawg12]

104. Go to AA meetings, get a sponser, work the steps.

The fellowship of AA meetings and the honest folks you'll meet will help rid you of this monkey.

Good for you. Work your program.

[BlueIris]

105. I second that. You've got the motivation, but you'll need skills, support

and understanding to make your decision to recover stick.

Best of luck. We're here for you.

[Ex Lion Tamer]

110. ABSOLUTELY!!!

Read the Big Book. You'll be amazed at the timelessness of its message.

The Twelve Steps saved my life back then, and they continue to improve my life today.

[NMDemDist2]

120. welcome to DU Lion!

from one friend of Bill W to another

:hi:

[Ex Lion Tamer]

122. Thanks!

It's nice to be here.

[converted_democrat]

106. Good for you!!! You can do it!! n/t

[michreject]

107. 12 years for me

I'm just lucky i'm not in prison for killing somebody with my truck.

Did I mention that i'm lucky to still be free.

Quit smoking 8 years ago. 2 packs a day for 30 years. No damage done, healthwise. At least nothing shows up. My Father died from smoking 3 years ago. In the hospital for 3 months. NOT PRETTY.

[Mutley]

108. Congratulations!!

You CAN do it! :applause:

[BamaBecky]

109. Awsome!

We are in your corner!
Bama

[Poet Lariat]

111. We are all behind you!!!

[madokie]

116. And that, if I'm allowed to use the word, my friend

is why they'll be no failure this time. I have a loving family who'll stand with me no problem's. Maybe I should say 2 loving families.

thanks:thumbsup:

[senseandsensibility]

118. deleted by OP

[dpbrown]

121. One Day at a Time - Nov. 17, 1983

It works if you work it.