This is my first post. I was sober 6 years after I married a recovering alcoholic. I remained sober until our youngest was almost two. I’ve been drinking wine, way too much, for the past 8 years. I’ve done 30 days sober a few times in the past couple years but always give up at that time. I’m 25 days sober now and those thoughts of wanting a drink are creeping in. I guess I’m just looking for a little encouragement…
12 Likes
Hey sober twin!!! I also have 25 days after my wine habit creeped slowly from the odd casual glass with friends to MUST HAVE WINE, WHERE’S THE WINE, I NEED WINE.
Day 25 was the most difficult mental day I’ve had yet. Its day 1 of my first ever sober vacay. Normally, I’m in blackout territory right now with no sign of slowing down. It’s currently 845pm and I’ve put myself to bed while everyone else is still drinking. When in struggle - go to bed. Be done with the day. Try again tomorrow. That method hasn’t failed me yet. Let’s check in tomorrow - we’ve got this!
10 Likes
Welcome to the forum, @Julses! Do you have a program of recovery, maybe meetings, in your sobriety toolbox? Any of the many books recommended around here available to you? Alcoholism is vulnerable before the power of a group, before the power of an alcoholic backed by an attachment to a tribe or a divinity. Alcoholism works on us the hardest when we are alone in our minds. I’ve heard that my mind is a dangerous neighborhood that I shouldn’t go into alone.
When I say meetings, I mean any of the several alcoholism recovery programs around - Refuge or Dharma Recovery, SMART Recovery, AA, outpatient treatment etc.
Motivation and intention are, of course, required for sobriety. But they are almost never sufficient by themselves.
Blessings on your house 
3 Likes
Well done on those 25 days! I also used to be married to an alcoholic. This allowed me to create strong denial about my problem with alcohol, because I didn’t think I was as bad as him. Well, I sure created problems in other ways. On my 20th day of sobriety, when those feelings like not drinking was crushing my soul, I made my way into my first AA meeting. I found people like me who were telling my story. Nearly 11 months later, I’m still sober and still can’t beleive it. A sober life is a beautiful life and this is possible for you, too. 
5 Likes
Thanks everyone! And congrats on your 25 days Bks!
I went to AA twice when I first quit drinking 15 years ago but it wasn’t for me. I am starting Freedom Session at a local church next week, so I hope I can handle it. I have major anxiety/panic disorder. But my anxiety is much less without alcohol! I have a lot of past trauma and maybe some PTSD so I find talking about things really triggers me.
I just went for an evening walk with my daughters, we’ve been doing that every night after supper which is a huge help as that’s when I’d usually be diving into the wine.
I marked on my calendar that my 100 days sober will be on Nov 21st, so I’m just keeping that goal in mind for now 
4 Likes
I’m only on day 5-1/2, 25 seems like a huge leap for me. I spent time with my daughter today too, that helps me focus on something else. If you can post some thoughts on your group meeting i would appreciate it. I’m not really the AA type as well.
1 Like
I am currently on day 26. The last couple days I have been feeling the same . Even right now as I write this I want to drink 
3 Likes
I usually find that when my urge creeps up, I grab a book, sparkling water and comfortable place to sink into. I completely relate that some days I’m thinking “just one.” and after that thought, I shake my head and say “it’s never just one.”
Over the past 5, almost 6, months it slowly gets easier to not pick up. I’ll even call a friend and just “check in” with them cuz 1. I want them to tell me how they are so I’m out of my thoughts and 2. it helps them feel good that someone is listening. That being said, hit my DMs if you want to vent/express yourself. No judgement here… I relate to you and @Julses struggles. Stay strong and never forget, one day at a time. 
Best of luck and y’all are doing great and I’m proud of all your efforts! 
3 Likes
Congratulations on 25 days!! I can definitely relate as I had 6 years of sobriety and relapsed when my daughter was 2. I spent 4 years drinking heavily and barely stringing together a few sober days in that time. I now have 215 days and I feel amazing. You can have this too! You deserve it and so do your kids.
Unfortunately I had to an extremely low point to snap out of it but the things that have helped are…intensive outpatient therapy, finding the right meds for my depression, individual therapy, AA, connecting to others by volunteering at school and church, walking and spending time outside each day, and of course checking in here.
I wish you all the best! 
2 Likes
Congratulations with your sober days! 
Encouragement enough here on this app, just come and get it! 
You have did it before and you can do it again! Just be here much (it really helps!) and ask for help if you crave.
I was sober for 5 years and started to drink again. When I slided back to my old amount of drinks I decided I had enough.
In about 10 days I’m 1 year sober again.
I wish you the same!
You can do it!!
4 Likes
@Julses day 26 - feeling any better?
How about you, @Dust??
Day 2 of my first sober vacation, and I’ve woken up feeling strong in my sobriety, but morning hasn’t typically been a problem for me. I may be back later when everyone else is getting into some drinks. Coffee cheers to sober Sunday! 
3 Likes
Welcome. I am glad you are here, sharing your walk with me.
I was sober from age 23 to age 30, the only time I drank during that period was right before we shipped out for the first Gulf War. I started drinking when my first marriage ended. I drank for 22 years and the last 2-3 of that were problematic. I decided I wanted to quit. Had 30 days when my mother died, and I tried to drown my grief in alcohol for another 11 months. As of today, I have 645 days sober.
My point is you can reacquire sobriety. You’ve experienced both sides of the bottle, and have decided sober is better. Some say “one day at a time”. I choose to take it one drink at a time. I realized that I only have to say “no” to one drink…the drink that matters…the first drink. If I say “no” to this drink, there can’t be a second or third or eighth, and I win this fight. If I were to say “yes” then I lose, with the only thing left to determine is how badly I lose. Maybe I stop at one, or more likely, when I’m passed out.
I hate to lose, and I like the sure thing. Then sure thing is not drinking. So I won’t allow myself the first drink.
Hope this helps.
6 Likes
Good morning! So far so good, but I was never a morning drinker either.
2 Likes
I just shared this on another post but wanted to share here as well. On my 1st day sober, I wrote all over my wine glass with all the reasons I quit drinking. I had a good look at it last night while I was struggling.
8 Likes
That’s a great idea! Congrats on 26 days
1 Like
Hey @Bks! Glad the holiday is going ok for you, it sounds like you’re totally focussed…go girl! Welcome @Julses, you’re doing great, stay strong and keep going! The community here is awesome, keep checking in and posting and reading, it really does help 
x
What a great idea! Very powerful…x