I finally “got it” – Christine Morgan

I don’t crave it, I don’t even think about it

I joined OYNB because I had exhausted all other avenues to reduce my alcohol intake. My family, particularly my husband, had really had enough and had tried everything they could think of to help me. You name it, I have probably tried it. I had been attempting to change my drinking for 30 years.

My husband then died of cancer in January 2020, just before the first lockdown. I went a bit loopy for a while as I tried to come to terms with this loss, but I joined OYNB in the hope that I could get some help, as I no longer had my husband to constantly remind me to cut down. I tried hard and enjoyed reading posts and the encouragement from people from all over the world.

Recognising my patterns

OYNB helped me to recognise some patterns in my drinking behaviours. After diving into a bottle of vodka for some time (I am a binge drinker), I could then go for quite long periods of two or three weeks without alcohol.

Over time I realised I had reached a crossroads in my life. I finally “got it”. I don’t know exactly what changed, but I understood that if I wanted to do something meaningful with the rest of my life, I had to conquer this monster.

Letting alcohol go

I stopped. I just don’t want it anymore. I don’t crave it, I don’t even think about it. It is an amazing feeling.

Talking to so many other people, and having their advice and input, really helped. That, together with having so much less stress in my life now, made a huge difference.

Life now

I feel comfortable in my life today. I enjoy walks with my dog, and I appreciate peace and quiet. I am making plans for the future and have so much to look forward to.

Will I drink again? Never. And for that I am eternally grateful.

Recommending OYNB

If I know anybody who needs help as I did, I will not hesitate to recommend OYNB. In fact, I have already sung OYNB’s praises on many occasions.