Robben Ford Discussion

JohnnyZ · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 11:00 am Post subject: Life renewed

This topic relates to recent events in my personal life and nothing to do with Robben or guitars or music in general.

The following is something I sent to many of my friends, and I feel that I also have many friends in this forum that may want to know what's been going on. It was written exactly one week ago...

I want and need to come clean. I’ve had a problem with alcohol for many years, and it’s been pretty serious the last few. I knew that something had to be done, but the addiction was just too powerful. Then recently, I had a medical episode that forced a change in life-style.

I’m on day 12 without any alcohol (and cigarettes). Thirteen days ago, I experienced a TIA (minor stroke, no permanent damage). My right arm went totally limp which lasted about 1.5 hours. I was hospitalized overnight for observation and spent the next day undergoing all the usual tests given to stroke victims. It was my wake-up call. The first 5 days were rough, especially the night sweats and tremors, but I seem to be over the physical part. Part of my recovery involves changes in eating habits, and I’ve already lost 7 pounds. I feel really, really good! I was hating alcohol anyway, but just couldn’t control the addiction. Now that the “poison” has gone through me and my body is not craving it, I’m determined to keep going. I know that if I have just one sip, I’m done for, and I don’t want to go through all of this again. And, besides my health, family, friends, house, job, etc., I have a great incentive- my wife has agreed to reward me with my dream motorcycle next summer (something she refused to consider because of my drinking)!

Note: I’ve already been in 3 situations involving being in a bar with family and friends drinking in front of me, and it hasn’t bothered me a bit. Amazingly, I didn’t want a drink, nor did I crave one. I’m keeping a positive attitude and not feeling sorry for myself for not enjoying an ice-cold beer or martini while others do… Very Happy

Later,
JZ

So, now it's day 19 and my weight loss is at 10 pounds (15-20 more pounds lost would get me to where I should be). I also started going to this recovery center called Right Turn http://www.right-turn.org/ recommended by a friend and Boston comedy circuit stand-up comedian who also happens to be an addiction counselor at the center. Although I'm kicking this addiction on my own, the people are cool and I'm hoping to get back on a creative path, something that alcohol took away from me and made me very unmotivated. Heck, I've been taking guitar lessons for 5 years now, and I'm barely at an early intermediate level.

Anyway, that's that. I'm feeling better than I can recall having been in many, many years, and as I already said, I don't ever want to go through this thing again. If you've read this far, thanks for reading.

JohnnyZ Very Happy

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Soul on Eleven

FatTeleTom · Senior Member Joined: 12 May 2004 Posts: 191

JZ:

Thanks for sharing with us. I sent a PM with a couple thoughts based on personal experience with a loved one.

One other thought that occurred to me since sending that: there are now medications that can be helpful, including Naltrexone and Campral. If you haven't already done so, you may want to talk with a doctor/psychiatrist about these options.

Congratulations on your success so far, and best wishes for continued success and good health.

UncleSalty · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:35 pm Post subject:

Glad to hear you're doing so well, JZ.

AndyR · Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 4:34 am Post subject:

Stay well, JZ !!!

Andy

PierreL · Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 1:20 pm Post subject:

Good luck JZ.
I know how hard it can be to win this battle.

rainmkr63 · Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:14 pm Post subject:

Thanks for letting us know about all this, we are only as sick as our secrets.

reading about this is inspiring.

R.

Leftbender · Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:03 pm Post subject:

The best of luck to you JZ!
It's good to hear you're on the right track now.
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"Don't play what's there, play what's not there" Miles Davis

DaveH · Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 3:04 am Post subject:

More power to you, Johnny! I too beat the devil, on my own terms, 16 years ago. Life has been much, much more wort living since then.

JohnnyZ · Posted: Fri Aug 14, 2009 7:13 am Post subject:

A sincere thanks to all who've responded (and not!) here and privately. It means a lot. Today is day 22... Very Happy

One of my favorite sayings when James Brown was alive was, "I feel better than James Brown!" I'm gonna have to come up with a new one... Laughing

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Soul on Eleven

frank0936 · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:44 am Post subject: Go JZ!!

Just got back into town and read this. JZ, you're my newest hero. Good luck!
Frank

Bluelobster · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 9:45 am Post subject:

JohnnyZ · Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2009 5:12 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Blobs. And, I didn't even need the decoder ring! Laughing

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Soul on Eleven