Alcohol Treatment Centers - Reccomendations?

Born to be Wild · 07-12-2003, 04:16 PM

As most of you probably know I have an alcohol problem. It is progressively getting worse.

I realize I have the problem and make many mistakes because of it.

I haven't been able to lick it on my own and realize unfortunately I'm going to have to get some help.

I don't know that I can afford it, but can't afford to do nothing or continue on this path.

I presently live in Depoe Bay but will be looking for something around the Vancouver area.

Anyone out there familliar with any treatment center around the Vancouver area that has helped themselves or others that they know?

This ifish board has helped me see what alcohol does to me when I read back at a later date and I'm not proud of some of my post.

It's not a pretty picture when you get as bad as I have gotten.

Here's a post I did earlier on the main board that I might remove from there.

Quote:

Yea, I�m going to lick this thing. To be honest with you, yesterday was one of those bad days for me. Beer for breakfast which used to be real rare for me to do but all too common anymore. I know better but somehow succumbed to it.

Today is another day and I am clean and better. Going to clean out the refer of all beer and give it to the neighbors.

Called my daughter who is visiting at my mom�s house in Vancouver today and the little girl went ballistic when she answered the phone. I don�t know that I have ever heard someone yell daddy so loud before.

I�m taking a trip up there tomorrow to see the little one that I haven�t seen in approximately a year. Hope the van makes it ok.

Wished I could have beaten this myself but have been unsuccessful. Will start a thread on LIG seeking help from others that have gone through this or known others that have and recommendations on some treatment centers in the Vancouver area.

Thanks.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Again, any reccomendations would be appreciated. I'm getting pretty serious about it this time.

I want to be cured.

Thanks,

Dan

[ 07-12-2003, 06:21 PM: Message edited by: DepoeBayDan ]

Birdnest · 07-12-2003, 04:30 PM

Dan,

I can't offer you any help other than my thoughts and prayers. I hope all will turn out well and you live a long life teaching people how to catch those ugly fish down there.

Joe

Silver Hilton · 07-12-2003, 04:33 PM

Dan, if you are religious, Alcohoics Anonymous is likely a good start, and there is a chapter in your phone book. If you are not, look up Rational Recovery on the web.

The first step is admitting the problem. You're halfway home. Good for you.

Born to be Wild · 07-12-2003, 05:42 PM

I had to edit the original post just to click the email notification tab.

:grin:

Didn't realize anyone had responded when I checked my email but checked the thread anyway and was surprised to find two replies. I remember to click it sometimes.

Thanks guys and hope to hear from some others also.

I might try the Alcohoics Anonymous Silver Hilton but don't know if it might require being admitted somewhere where I don't have access to alcohol.

I'm going to put everything aside and go see my daughter in Vancouver tomorrow at my moms house. Everything else can wait. Or will have to wait.

I will have a lenghtly talk with my mom and her husband which are two Christian people and my mom is not an alcoholic and her husband is a recovering alcoholic for many years.

My mom cares and has tried to talk to me about this for years but now I am willing to listen.

It would be great if I could avoid dissapearing in a hospital for awhile. Unless of course they have a fishing pond on the grounds. :grin:

This has been a tad bit embarrassing for me but is not the first time I have been embarrassed on ifish. But I know that I am not alone in this (struggles with acohol).

Beer is in itself not a bad thing, just when you abuse it.

I envy some that can casually drink, but I can't no matter how hard I try.

One of these days I will go back through and clean up some of my "binge" post. Probably have to make a career out of that!

Fortunately some of the mod's have helped me a little in that chore!

Thanks guys!

Dan

[ 07-12-2003, 06:55 PM: Message edited by: DepoeBayDan ]

Born to be Wild · 07-12-2003, 06:14 PM

By the way fellow ifisher�s, I�ve been meaning to send personal emails out to all that replied to my post one night when I was in dire straights.

The thread was moved to the mod squad for good reason to protect me for good reason. It was explained to me that it was very personal and I realize it was a good move by the mod�s.

If I don�t have a chance in the future because of time, I want to thank many ifisher�s that had the chance to reply to it in its short duration. If I had all the emails handy, I would have done it already. Flood protection makes it a timely ordeal.

The replies made a difference in my life. There was a lot of valuable insight provided there.

My sincere thanks to 4 Reel, UG, Grants Pastor, Silver Hilton, Born to Fish, Steelheadslayer, STG Rule, Stew, Sea Jypzee, Rogue Fisher, Mr. Carp, GSA, Happy Brew, Salmon Stryker, Lost sailor, Free Spool, Snap Shot, and the notorious Fishing Geek.

It did make a difference and I wished I had time to email each and every one of you.

I�m on the mend.

Thanks!

Dan

1pump · 07-12-2003, 06:16 PM

I have a good friend who has about 18 years in AA (after failing his first 3 attempts to dry out) and could point you in the right direction. If you don't have any luck, send me an e-mail and I'll get you in touch with him. He's always been more than willing to help others in this regard. He tried valiantly to drink himself to death for 25 years, so he's no armchair alcoholic. Like SH said, you're past the denial stage and it sounds like you want to quit, which is all important. I wish you well.

RvW · 07-12-2003, 06:20 PM

Dan, I have no recommendations for treatment centers, but I do offer my encouragement. Theres no shame admitting you have a problem. Get the help you think you need. Keep one thing in mind, sobriety is a new life, it will take time to develop an appreciation for it. Pennies in a jar my friend, pennies in a jar! Dont C&R your health and happiness....Whatever I can do let me know, Im right around the corner bro.

Good luck and god bless.

lost_sailor · 07-12-2003, 06:32 PM

Talking to your physician (a physician) might be a good start. I'm guessing maybe you don't have any health insurance that would cover treatment ...

I worked with a guy who had some success at Serenity Lane. I think he strayed back into some illicit drugs, but didn't drink again, and he had it BAD.

Like SH said, you've taken the huge first step. My dad-in-law was a major alcoholic who was never able to admit that fact. He's dead now, and it's really not the way anyone wants to go.

Go for it, I'm sure you have tons of support from here - stay in touch.

Gus Orviston · 07-12-2003, 06:37 PM

Dan you are demonstrating what it takes! Admitting it and understanding the situation is not possible by most... take that momentum the rest of the way to success.

gus

larryb · 07-12-2003, 07:06 PM

dan you have taken the first by omitting that you that you have a problem. i have been dry for 23 years. it is not easy but it can be done there is a lot of help to be found and you took the second step by asking for it . just remember that there are a lot people pulling for you but number one is that little girl of yours. good luck and take it one day at a time .

Born to be Wild · 07-12-2003, 07:11 PM

It�s amazing the thoughtfulness of the ifish family!

No, some of you don�t understand or are not understanding of what I�m going through, but some of you do.

When I thanked a lot of ifisher�s earlier, I over looked some that sent me personal emails.

Quote:

My sincere thanks to 4 Reel, UG, Grants Pastor, Silver Hilton, Born to Fish, Steelheadslayer, STG Rule, Stew, Sea Jypzee, Rogue Fisher, Mr. Carp, GSA, Happy Brew, Salmon Stryker, Lost sailor, Free Spool, Snap Shot, and the notorious Fishing Geek.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">One was Silver Hilton that I mentioned earlier because he posted on the infamous thread but also sent me a personal email and another was crabbait whom I have debated from time to time. Just shows the character of some of these folks.

There are others that sent me private emails and I owe them thanks also. Will look through the inbox archives when I have time.

I have met a lot of good people through this site and am very thankful for that.

Dan

[ 07-12-2003, 08:28 PM: Message edited by: DepoeBayDan ]

07-12-2003, 07:24 PM

It takes a big man to admit he has a problem Dan and an even bigger one to have the courage to do something about it!
Good luck and take comfort in knowing that you have friends here that are pulling for you.

Silver Hilton · 07-12-2003, 07:28 PM

As I understand it, Dan, AA doesn't require anything. You go to a meeting, and whatever you take out of it is yours. Just go to a meeting. It doesn't cost anything, and there is no commitment. Look for a noon meeting, so you can go sober.

And thanks for the nice note. You'll be fine. alcohol is just a drug, and drugs can be beaten, by anyone who decides to beat them.

[ 07-12-2003, 08:41 PM: Message edited by: Silver Hilton ]

Charlie · 07-12-2003, 08:49 PM

Dan
I read the various comments regarding your alcoholic problem, don't feel alone I have been
sober going on 23 years come September God willing
through AA one day at a time. You can do it, but you must do it for yourself not for a spouse or
child.

There are many meetings and you will be surprised
at the reception you will receive when attending a
meeting, the first one is the hardest.

Feel free to call me anytime, and I would be happy
to take you to a meeting and talk to you, sharing
what is was like, what happend and what is like
now.

My name is Charlie, email address cutzc@worldstar.
com, and phone 503-670-0708, pickup the phone and
call.

Later
Charlie

Born to be Wild · 07-12-2003, 09:07 PM

Wow! The response!

I have got a few emails also which includes another that included his phone#!

I'll call you Charlie and I will call the other individual that emailed me.

Its 10 O'clock so I better get off of here and make the calls.

I very much don't feel alone in this anymore.

I am definately not the only ifisher going through this past and present!

And I thought it was just a bed of roses for the ifisher's out there!

Dan

Born to be Wild · 07-12-2003, 10:30 PM

I contacted them both.

It was very good talking with both of them.

I might see Charlie on my travels to Vancouver tomorrow via Depoe Bay. I will be going right through Tigard, or close.

I will definately see Andrew (Silver Hilton) this fall on the SW Wahington Rivers and put him into some fish in some areas/fisheries he doesn't know about yet.

Me and Andrew don't see eye to eye on some politics, but who gives a rat's ass.

I knew before talking with him, that he was real people (by his email)!

I asked him who he was (ifisher) and I 'bout choked! :grin:

Glad I'm not the only person that disregards dissagrements!

Oh, it was great and I will turn some ifisher's that I have met since Feburary on to some great SW Washington fisheries this year!

Guaranteed!

PS> Birdnest, I don't only catch the ugly, good eating fish!

Stratocaster · 07-12-2003, 11:13 PM

Hey DBD, nice to see you step up like that. I have been through an alcohol treatment program myself about three years ago . And at first i was skeptical, but after a few visits i felt at home and the support was adequate for me. Surround yourself with positive people (ifishers) and things will turn out for the better. Feel free to e-mail me anytime.

Born to be Wild · 07-12-2003, 11:16 PM

I'll email you FisherDan.

I'm headed to vancouver today and maybe if you are in the area we can get together. I'll probably stay a couple days since my daughter is going to be there.

Give me a chance to dry out also.

Gouing to stop and meet Charlie on my way through Tigard today.

Thanks.

[ 07-13-2003, 10:46 AM: Message edited by: DepoeBayDan ]

Uncle Roman · 07-12-2003, 11:54 PM

It'll be 6 years on Aug. 8th since I last drank. I am lucky to be alive after many of the stunts I pulled. It is definately a challenge to this day to keep myself from having "a beer" or "a shot" but I had to quit drinking or become a statistic. It is not easy, but it does get easier as time passes. I know I cannot ever have just one, because it will then be easy to justify having more and more....All I can say is I am happier now than I've ever been, and there is a whole new world out there and it is so much more pleasant to live in! Please have faith in yourself and remember you have lots of friends to talk to and help you if you need it. You can do this, Dan. :smile:

wannacatchem · 07-13-2003, 02:49 PM

Hey DBD....in AA there are no dues or fees for "admittance" You can go to as many meetings as you like....or not. You can go to meetings drunk if you want to. There is no requirement for "admission"....no hospital stays, no church membership, no affiliation with any group, party, or whatever.

The only requirment for membership is a desire to stop drinking. If you show up for a meeting drunk, and you have a desire to stop drinking, they will welcome you with open arms. They will welcome you with open arms anyway.

I reccomend you go to a meeting. Go to more than just one, because the first one you go to is going to seem a little wierd. Just go. et some of the literature and read up on it a little. If you find it isn't for you, then don't go. Try Rational Recovery (as previously posted). Just keep working at it until you find what works.

Good travels....and stay in touch

salmonidstalker · 07-13-2003, 03:42 PM

hey dan .
i understand your plight .i am also afflicted with the disease of alcoholism. i spent along time denying it and finding excuses not to deal with it.i went to a treatment center last year and it was the best thing i have ever done for myself.i am now 11 months clean and sober .i didnt know what life was until i got sober..i went to serenity lane and thay worked out a great payment plan with me and i am not a wealthy person by any means..AA can help but for me it never did any good until i went to an intensive inpatient setting where there was a structured 24 hrs a day program in place to help me ..the big thing is if you are going to spend the money make sure that you are truly doing it for you and not others ..fell free to email me if you would like
salmonidstalker@hotmail.com

Straydog · 07-14-2003, 06:27 AM

Dan,

I am running my rear off as you know but wanted to let you know I am proud that you have taken the big step you have.

Good luck and don't look back!

Sea Jypzee · 07-14-2003, 06:54 AM

Dan - Sorry I've not responded to this thread earlier. I was working all weekend and finally brought my head up far enough to take a further look around the site a bit more in the past few days.

I'm glad to see that you're taking these steps. It's not an easy thing to admit to having a problem, especially in a public forum like this. I know you may not want to go into a rehab facility for a time, but it might be what is needed for you to get past the first stages. Just please don't shut out the idea up front, and consider it as an option if needed.

Hang in there, and you know where to find me if ya need anything here in the big city of Depoe Bay.

Kruechief · 07-14-2003, 06:09 PM

DBD,

My good friend has been sober for 10+ years, thanks to AA and God.

Bless you in this endeavor! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

I did A&D counseling at ACES for a while...

I am not impressed with most tx programs and this is one of them (IMHO).

Krue

happybrew · 07-14-2003, 07:31 PM

Catholic Community Services of The Mid-Willamette Valley & Central Coast
P.O. Box 20400, Keizer, OR 97307-0400
Phone (503) 390-2600 FAX (503) 390-8562

They might be able to direct you to a treatment program, if they don't have one. Most of their programs are focused on families and children, so I don't know if they have a program. I've heard a lot of good things about AA, but you really should discuss it with your physician. I don't know the extent of your problem, nor does anybody but you and your doctor need to know. If you need detox, it can be dangerous to do it without medical assistance. Your doctor can give you good advice on this. You may be able to just handle it over the phone.

We're praying for you.

happybrew

rebell · 07-14-2003, 08:14 PM

We are all proud of you Dan. You have taken that important first step, and to do it here, show's the kind of person you really are.

My prayers are with you Dan. Remember that you have everyone's support.

Soon, we will get together and tear up some Silvers. I know I am looking forward to it.

Ragnar · 07-15-2003, 06:54 AM

Dan,
My name is Ragnar and I am a recovering addict and alcoholic. It just so happens that I live in Vancouver, WA. The Salmon Cr. area. Though I don't go to meetings, I know of a place just down the street where they have AA meetings every week. I met one of the guys recently. They all have these like clubhouse names for their groups. The name of this one is " Bozos by the Berries." The landowner has a berry farm.
I have almost 11yrs under my belt, I quit everything when I was 18. I have found my personal treatment center inside a sweatlodge instead of an AA meeting. I don't want to discredit or downplay AA at all. It just wasn't my thing. I kept looking until I found something that did work for me.
As you can see, there is an immense support group out there for you, but only you can do this for you.
You talk about shame and humility? That's what it's all about dude. We're all a bunch of drunks and druggies that have come to the conclusion that we're only human and we all make mistakes. It's O.K. to be humble and pitiful. It sounds to me like you are on the right track to getting REAL with yourself.
Give me a call anytime at wk.(360) 573-0202 ext 121 or at Hm (360) 546-3723 or cell(360)907-2978 or email me <tbrigham@smith-root.com>
I can hook you up with that meeting or sweatlodge if you like?

Peace my Bro-Bro,
Ragnar

P.S.
I think I saw you in Depoe Bay last Saturday at the stop light. I was with Capt. KUJO.

Tilla · 07-15-2003, 10:01 AM

You do know that even though we may have never met you, we all care and hope the best for you.

Lovestafish · 07-15-2003, 12:37 PM

Dan, I just want to support first of all you and second what everybody's saying. Good for you!!! A lot of us have been there - we know it's difficult at times but also doable. The picture of you & your daughter made my eyes water. You have so much love there. What a plus! And, you know where you're at. I'd like to meet you & shake your hand just for having the guts to say "I need help!" I'll buy the coffee. Go for it!
Jim

Born to Fish · 07-15-2003, 04:56 PM

Dan, I'm so proud of you. Acknowledging your problem is a major step when you follow up with positive, productive action. You have started down that road and by the responses you've gotten to date hopefully you understand that you've got nothing to be ashamed of - you have a treatable illness....now accept the blessings, support, and best wishes from this community and your inner circle of close friends and family.

That photo of you, Mason, and your pretty daughter should be some heavy duty incentive to follow through on fighting this dependancy. You've got so much to live for, and it is obvious from the photo, the love that exists.

I have a bit more to share but will do so by email. I'll have to travel down some pretty disturbing memories before I can put my thoughts together and share them with you in a while, but I did want to get this note of encouragement on its way without delay.

Take care and take comfort and encouragement from the many ifishers who have come to know and care for you through your writing, willingness to help others, and good days on the water.

Dean

Norski · 07-15-2003, 06:48 PM

Dan, where do I start?? I also have been down that road, I stell like a beer once in a while but have no need for more than one.
It was in a time when I came back home from Vietnam and like so many wanted to escape from life and all, I was married and life was good to some extents, and after 8 years we icited to end it and move on, well there is a child involved here and old Dad is going down the path of NO GOOD, and it took me after the divorce to come to the times that aome of us need to come to. THE BOTTOM. I just about ended it all on a summer night, tears in my eyes drunk, stoned, thinking about all the thing and hate I have done, and when I cocked the pistol and put it to my head I hade a vission and I put the gun down and I became sober, THE LORD WAS TAlking TO ME. I also have a little daughter, now big Fisherlady76 and I did'nt go to any help place I hided out on a buddies farm, left my job, all the people I drank with and smoked dope with, and I never looked back.... I met my secount wife 2 weeks after I tried to end it all, and becouse of her and family and new friends and ALSO VAL FISHERLADY 76, I NOW HAVE BEEN CLEAN FOR many years, I cant remember the last time I hade a drink, and realy could care less, If others want a drink or a beer it's your doings, and all I know is I gave my life to the lord, and he guides me in 99% of the way the other is my wife, and so far for 24 years, and I now have a loving aughter who spend time with me than my ex wife ever did.
I have seen many who have tried and I want you to know you well be in our prayers now and for ever. When you want let's go fishing. Leif Mr.A

happybrew · 07-15-2003, 08:11 PM

Dan: Three days is a good start. Don't go anywhere they sell alcohol until you have known for a while that won't buy it, then go with someone else who knows you can't buy it. Just to be on the safe side. Pray a lot. Then pray some more. Know that your daughter needs you sober. You are a role model for what a man should be for her. Think of what kind of man you want her to marry someday, then be that kind of man. With the Lord's help, all things are possible. You've made a decision. It will be difficult. When it gets difficult, know that a lot of people are praying for you.

happybrew

Mr. Carp · 07-15-2003, 09:19 PM

Dan, I am sorry I haven't responded to this thread yet. I was in Roseberg since last Wednesday....

It is wonderful to hear that you are doing better and are taking steps to correct your problem. We are all proud of you and here for you if you need anything.

Glad to see you got to see your daughter again. That was a wonderful picture!!!

Thanks for the kind words about those who responded to your thread the other night. Sometimes one wishes they could do more than they can sitting behind a computer, but hopefully kind words can help sometimes. It's always nice to know there is someone there to talk to when you need them. You have my e-mail. Ifish is great!!!!

Good Luck Dan!!!!!

Ryan M.

Jerry Dove · 07-15-2003, 09:33 PM

Hey Dan. Good for you. when I was in the Marine corp. We were climbing a mountain in full gear. I started to lag behind. My first sargent came over to me and said Dove you little **** (I was little them, 45 years ago) put one foot in front of the other, and first thing you know you will be at the top of that mountain. Dan I have climbed many of mountain in life, by putting one foot in front of the other. I know you can do it also. Jerry

Born to be Wild · 07-15-2003, 11:27 PM

Quote:

" Bozos by the Berries."

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">I like that one. Sounds like the right place for me! :grin:

Arrived in Vancouver Sunday night 10:00pm and my mom allowed my daughter to wait up for me since we hadn’t seen each other in such a long time. She was ecstatic. My brother snapped this pic of her in her PJ’s and you can see in her eyes it was past beddie by time. Me and Mason were smiling.

Long drive. Kind of stressful wondering if my van was going to make it. Got it running but it wasn’t running well.

Did some serious thinking and soul searching on the 2 & � hour drive and never heard the radio even though it was on.

Mind started to clear and continues too on this being my 3rd day of sobriety. Physically, I feel beat up and not healthy. Need to get in and see a doc and find out what is wrong with my tongue and throat that has been plaguing me for a few months. No insurance and will give it a little time to see if it straightens itself out being free of alcohol and tobacco.

Have talked with my mom and father in law about it and Chuck has told me about different programs in the area. Chuck also leads an alcoholics victorious program at New Heights church here in Vancouver. He has been free of alcohol for 28 years.

Anyhow it was good to get out of Dopey bay for a few and it was good to see my daughter again (for both of us). It was good to be with family.

Mentally I’m doing ok right now. Not the happy go lucky person I once was but not the sad, depressed suicidal person of recent memory I was either.

I guess a little humbled and can hardly believe what I did to myself or how bad I had got.

I will look and move forward at this point but with the knowledge in hand how destructive alcohol can be in the hands of a late stage alcoholic and how it compounded and created problems in my life; mentally, physically and financially and damaged some relationships.

All those I can fix with the possible exception of physical damage. Time will tell.

Still here in Vancouver and my daughter who got to stay an extra day. Heading home tomorrow (Wednesday) for some business obligations on Thursday.

Hope to see some new ifish friends while I’m still here in Vancouver and meet a few new ones here in Vancouver and on the way home through Portland, Tigard and so on.

Sorry I missed you on the way through Tigard, Charlie, but as I said I didn’t get here till late. Hope to catch you on the way back down to the coast.

Yesterday I got the problem resolved with my van.

Thanks for all the responses everybody and support. I feel it will help others also as I have heard from a few via email that want to rid themselves of this predicament also. Although I doubt any of those have got as bad as I did. Yet!

Dan Dettmann

Depoe Bay, Oregon

larryb · 07-16-2003, 04:43 PM

keep it up i am pulling for you. just one day at a time

HOGGEMIN · 07-16-2003, 05:09 PM

Howdy Dan I wish you sucess I quit dope 12 years ago and have never missed it. You are half way there. you can do it buddy we (ifishers) are behind you. When in the Portland area call me (503 887-6845 I'll buy you dinner or lunch. god bless and good luck.

love2fish · 07-16-2003, 05:25 PM

Keep up the good work Dan, one step at a time and one day at a time. Glad to see that you got to visit your daughter. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Keep in touch.

love2fish

ampersat · 07-17-2003, 05:33 AM

"the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"
Lao Tzu

congratulations dan!! you've started your journey. sometimes taking that first step is half the battle. way to go!!

it's great to see how the ifish community has come out of the woodwork for you. many people you've never met (myself included) have stepped up to be there for you. no matter what the future brings, remember that we're all here for you.

Baskett-o-fish · 07-17-2003, 10:48 AM

Dan, just checking to see how your doing today. Hang in there. You have many people pulling for ya and ones willing to help out in anyway they can. let us know what your up too.

Born to be Wild · 07-17-2003, 10:03 PM

I do appreciate all the support and encouragement! It has helped tremendously and I owe you all a lot of gratitude.

Yesterday was tough! I no sooner got on the road leaving Vancouver and I got the �urge�.

I went to a �Smart Recovery� meeting with a fellow ifisher in the SE Portland area. It was a good meeting and beneficial. As I have said before, I�m not in this alone.

I spent the night with a fishing buddy and good friend at his house on the Clackamas River near Barton. Again I had the urge and knew he had some beer and/or hard liquor around but what I learned at the meeting about the benefits of alcohol being out weighed by the cost factors (in my situation) helped keep me on the right track.

Also, I didn�t want to let the many ifisher�s down or disappoint them after all the time and support they offered on my behalf.

Things are going quite well mentally for me and this is my fifth day without alcohol.

I�m still physically trashed and have to work on getting some insurance so as to get myself in and get checked out.

I�m home in Depoe Bay now and really got the urge big time when I hit Lincoln City but have not succumbed to drinking. I will get rid of the left over alcohol in the house tomorrow as it is driving me nuts.

I want a cold beer. Just one. But I know better!

Thanks again everybody!

Dan

Day 5

Baskett-o-fish · 07-18-2003, 04:50 PM

Good for you Dan. Its not easy but you can do it with the support of family, friends (IFISHERS) hang in there.

Mr. Carp · 07-18-2003, 06:38 PM

Wonderful News Dan!!!!!!!!

Keep up the good work!!!!!!

Charlie · 07-18-2003, 08:13 PM

Dan
Sorry we could not connect, give me a call anytime
I am usualy around if I am not fishing.

Remember one day at a time, soon those days turn
into weeks the months and be for you know it you
have a year and good things will begain to happen.
hell you put your hands in your pockets and low and behold there will some money in your pocket it
won't have been spent on booze/

Try different AA meetings, you will connect with
someone, and as you know it is not easy, but it is
worth it.

Remembe if you don't drink, you will not get drunk.

Best regards
Charlie

Born to be Wild · 07-18-2003, 09:05 PM

Yea, my father in law in Vancouver told me a couple days ago; "none of us had a hard time quitting drinking, just a hard time not starting again."

An ifisher emailed me this a little while ago:

Quote:

So, did you really pour that alcohol out today?? I could hear it in your voice. The urge. The desire.
Stick with us, man. We're all pullin' for you.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Yes the urge was there. But so was the desire to quit. Tough battle! I made it through another day.

No I didn't pour the beer out that was left over in the refer from last Saturday night. But that email reminded me and I took it and gave it to another ifisher that doesn't have a drinking problem just a little while ago on my way to dinner. It's gone.

I'll be up pouring lead 'till midnight at least and pulling orders for a road trip that will begin at 6:00am tomorrow and on my way to Reedsport, Windy Bay and Charleston. I believe I will spend the night in Charleston and then up to Eugene area Sunday to meet another ifisher that I have become friends with through this site and sense on the phone.

Share some time with him and a gal friend that also lives there who moved from Depoe Bay.

I'll in all likelihood be off the puter 'till Sunday when I get to Eugene. I'll be fine and neither party in Eugene drinks.

I might print out this thread and take it with me to read in Charleston tomorrow night.

Thanks again everybody and the round is on me.

No wait a minute, wait a minute, I didn't say that! :grin:

Starting to get my sense of humor back.

Seriously, thanks!

Dan

(Approaching day 7)! Yahoo! :smile:

Bill Monroe · 07-18-2003, 09:18 PM

Don't forget what he said at that meeting, Dan...sit down and make your own lists of pros and cons, then tape them up around the house...
Lemme know any time you're coming back up...

Born to be Wild · 07-18-2003, 11:47 PM

You bet Bill! Enjoyed the meeting and learned a few things from it. Been thinking about that list and wished I would have taken notes.

But a few things on that list came from me and it won't be hard making a new one.

Tired and think at this point I'll have to work straight on through.

Doesn't feel right working this hard, this late and not drinking a beer(s).

But I got rid of it and I'm not going down to Wing Wa's (the only place open in Depoe this late). Last week I would have. :shocked:

Didn't look like there were a bunch of boats (Ifish tunaholics) at the boat ramp at 9:00pm when I ate dinner at the Spouting Horn. Maybe the forecast scared them off.

Pretty nice outside right now with about a 5kt breeze.

See ya. :smile:

Dan

Day 7! Wow!

Cool Texan · 07-19-2003, 04:24 AM

DBD,

Keep the faith brother. You dont need the alcohol and you know that. Hang in there!!

Born to be Wild · 07-19-2003, 05:00 AM

I will Cool Tex.

Just got back from the Depoe Bay boat ramp. What a circus! You would think it was opening day of coho season!

Just got an email from an ifisher down in Coos Bay and got invited to go out in the big blue with him tomorrow. I'm delivering tackle in Charleston later today. Me and my dog named blue will spend the night in the van and tomorrow afternoon I will go and visit another ifisher in Eugene area and have a fresh one for the BBQ!

Way cool! :smile:

Well, got to go out in the shop and finish pouring lead and head south. [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

Post pic's on salty dogs Sunday or Monday.

Have a good weekend everybody!

Dan

NEUTRON · 07-19-2003, 06:07 AM

Dan... Grant us the courage to change the things we can, accept the things we can't and give us the wisdom to know the difference. I can see by the picture of your little girl, you have a lot to live for and be thankful for. WAY TO GO! Clean since 86.

Small Fry · 07-19-2003, 12:00 PM

Dan keep it up. I quit 11 months 2 weeks and 3 day ago. It's not easy but it gets better and the urges get easier to handle . Remember your doing this for you. Not anyone else. One day at a time.

I know every day I wake up and feel good I have made the right choice. I,m proud of you!!! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Keep your chin up.

Steve

steelheadslayer · 07-21-2003, 02:49 AM

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] :grin: :grin: :grin:

[ 07-21-2003, 03:53 AM: Message edited by: steelheadslayer ]

steelheadslayer · 07-21-2003, 02:52 AM

Dan,

GREAT news!!! Glad to hear you're doing what you need to to get sober. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Looking forward to seeing you soon, fall coho.

Beautiful little girl, maybe you guys can come visit with me and McKenna sometime. She's not that shy around other little girls, just crotchety old farts like us.

Take care buddy and I'll see ya later.
Earl

Seefood Man · 07-21-2003, 09:38 AM

Wishing you all the best. Sure looks like you have the most important reason in that picture [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] . My prayers are with you, and boy it sure is great to see all of this support. Hats off to all of you as well [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Bill Monroe · 07-21-2003, 07:33 PM

How are you doing, Dan?

Born to be Wild · 07-22-2003, 08:50 AM

Doing fine!

I stayed at Donna and Kathy's house last night in the Eugene area. A couple good friends formerly from Depoe Bay that moved away about a year and a half ago.

Day 10!

The urges have been almost non existant today and yesterday but were very fierce the two days prior to that.

I'm going to go for now as I'm using Donna's worn out labtop (half the letters are worn off and a key or two pops off and the left click doesn't work half the time). I's your worst nightmare.

Posted this last night and it took me forever:

http://www.ifish.net/ubb/ultimatebb....;f=21;t=002300

Be home tonight hopegfully and possibly go out with Skipper tomorrow.

Dan

Born to be Wild · 07-22-2003, 08:55 AM

PS> First time I have fished with an ifisher when I have not drank all night and didn't don a hangover!

Felt a whole lot better!

Day 10

larryb · 07-22-2003, 04:32 PM

keep it up dan i am pulling for you 13 years and counting

fishing is life · 07-22-2003, 09:04 PM

Dan, I have never met you but i have heard really nice things about you and i have seen all the help you have given on this board. I just wanted you to know I really am pulling for you. I hope all this support isnt too much pressure, but I feel we all need it in times like these. I can tell you really want this so i believe you can make this huge change. Hang in there and use your mind in your favor.

Jeffhead · 07-22-2003, 11:12 PM

Hi Dan,
Another friend of Bill W. here. 3 1/2 years of one day at a time. You will here one day at a time...well sometimes it is one hour or 5 minutes or one minute at a time. Go to lots of meetings and don't drink in between. All of us in AA have been in your shoes and know what you are feeling. I will echo what has been said by a few here, life just gets better every day. As long as I stay sober it will continue to be that way. Sounds like you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. That is a good thing.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff