Wish me luck
- Thread starter secondname
- Start date
Today has marked one whole year of sobriety. Oddly enough I spent yesterday at the same place as I took my last drink but I didn't even miss the alcohol.
As many people mentioned, the first month or so was the hardest. After that it became -not easy- but quite simple. Knowing I'm not going to drink opens up so many possibilities. I don't worry about where to park and how to get home. I don't worry about breaking the law or being unfaithful. Life has become simpler.
I won't lie and say I don't miss the feelings of relaxation drinking gave me. But to think I needed that to have fun was a lie I told myself. It took me 15 years to acknowledge my problem and a loving family and wife to bring me through this. If I was single and 23 I doubt I'd be able to overcome this disease. Coming to this decision a year ago was not easy or quick but once I realized I had no other choice than to quit it getting sober was my only option.
I have anxiety so drinking took the edge off and I've noticed my anxiety can creep up from time to time. But finding other ways to deal with it has been so much better for my body and mind. Knowing I'm going to wake up sober (and not at 1 PM!) is worth it. I pray every night for the gifts I've been given and this is one of them.
My final thought is I am going to stop counting the months since my last drink. Yes, I will always remember the day and place, but only prisoners count down days I until freedom. I'm already free.
Thank you for all the kind words and well wishes you've given me over the past year. It really means a lot to know others support me. If anyone has thoughts or questions about their own sobriety please don't hesitate to ask me.
God bless.
As many people mentioned, the first month or so was the hardest. After that it became -not easy- but quite simple. Knowing I'm not going to drink opens up so many possibilities. I don't worry about where to park and how to get home. I don't worry about breaking the law or being unfaithful. Life has become simpler.
I won't lie and say I don't miss the feelings of relaxation drinking gave me. But to think I needed that to have fun was a lie I told myself. It took me 15 years to acknowledge my problem and a loving family and wife to bring me through this. If I was single and 23 I doubt I'd be able to overcome this disease. Coming to this decision a year ago was not easy or quick but once I realized I had no other choice than to quit it getting sober was my only option.
I have anxiety so drinking took the edge off and I've noticed my anxiety can creep up from time to time. But finding other ways to deal with it has been so much better for my body and mind. Knowing I'm going to wake up sober (and not at 1 PM!) is worth it. I pray every night for the gifts I've been given and this is one of them.
My final thought is I am going to stop counting the months since my last drink. Yes, I will always remember the day and place, but only prisoners count down days I until freedom. I'm already free.
Thank you for all the kind words and well wishes you've given me over the past year. It really means a lot to know others support me. If anyone has thoughts or questions about their own sobriety please don't hesitate to ask me.
God bless.
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Congratulations to you!!!! Reading that was a fantastic way to start my Sunday!!!! Continued best wishes!!
There have been several CF'ers imbedded in my thoughts over the past year - unknown to me except in this format. I have had high hopes for healing and success for all of them. I'm so very glad your journey has brought you this far, and I sincerely hope that you stay strong, for your family, for your friends, and especially for you.
Congratulations, my anonymous friend.
Congratulations, my anonymous friend.
Congratulations! I've been doing alot of thinking lately about how much it really benefits me to drink. The cost, the time, the opportunity cost of other missed activities.
My brother just went to the ER last week for cirrhosis of the liver. He's 35. I don't really drink much (and he's the true definition of an alcoholic) but when you have something like that happen, it really makes you take a step back and re-examine things.
How much did he drink to get that? I've only heard about older people getting that.
I remember in college people passing out and us thinking how funny it was and hiw we had a good time. We never hear about that after college, though. Doesn't sound as fun.
A lot. He was going through at least a fifth of whiskey on a daily basis for probably well over a half of a decade.
This is totally random but yesterday I ran across an old drinking buddy and he asked when I'm going to start drinking again. I told him hopefully never. He didn't understand it and thought my "cleanse" had gone on long enough. I asked if he was going to stop and he said he's trying to cut back but life is too boring without alcohol.
My point is the is no other way to beat this than to just stop. Don't stop tomorrow, or after your birthday, or after the vacation you planned. Just stop today and let tomorrow worry about itself.
My point is the is no other way to beat this than to just stop. Don't stop tomorrow, or after your birthday, or after the vacation you planned. Just stop today and let tomorrow worry about itself.
Good morning all.
Just popped in to say there have been many of you who have messaged me with either well-wishes or seeking advice/reassurance with their own struggles. Thank you for the continued support and to those who wonder about themselves - now is the best time to quit. You're never alone.
On Saturday a friend was getting married and I had to go to the store and buy some alcohol as there was a mix up at the reception hall. It was the first time I had stepped foot into such a place in over a year. When I saw all the bottles and pretty layouts and great advertising I wanted to drink right then and there. I remembered what a neat experience it was to go and buy the coolest bottles and most rare whiskey I could find. It brought back many good memories.
Needless to say, I bought what I came for and delivered it as promised. I did not drink at the reception but found this out about myself: it is easier to avoid temptation in the first place than put myself in a compromising situation. Even though it's been a great 16 months I still wonder if I made the right choice; surely I can drink a bit here and there and be fine, right? Going to the liquor store gave me those thoughts so I think it's best if I continue to avoid it.
Just popped in to say there have been many of you who have messaged me with either well-wishes or seeking advice/reassurance with their own struggles. Thank you for the continued support and to those who wonder about themselves - now is the best time to quit. You're never alone.
On Saturday a friend was getting married and I had to go to the store and buy some alcohol as there was a mix up at the reception hall. It was the first time I had stepped foot into such a place in over a year. When I saw all the bottles and pretty layouts and great advertising I wanted to drink right then and there. I remembered what a neat experience it was to go and buy the coolest bottles and most rare whiskey I could find. It brought back many good memories.
Needless to say, I bought what I came for and delivered it as promised. I did not drink at the reception but found this out about myself: it is easier to avoid temptation in the first place than put myself in a compromising situation. Even though it's been a great 16 months I still wonder if I made the right choice; surely I can drink a bit here and there and be fine, right? Going to the liquor store gave me those thoughts so I think it's best if I continue to avoid it.
Congratulations on the 16 months. You overcame a big temptation. Another test passed.
You made the right choice, both 16 months ago and last weekend. Not starting again is much easier than quitting again. Well done!
In AA they call those thoughts "Stinkin' Thinkin'"
I know when I would "quit" smoking, if I tried "just one" after a few months I was right back to 2 1/2 packs a day within a couple of weeks.
I agree. You are strong, man. Keep it up. I know we don't know each other at all, but I'm very proud of you.
