Thank you Jane, and congrats on your massive 300 day milestone. Friday and Saturday would usually be active evenings, but I am feeling positive. My feelings of determination are stronger than my cravings, so I am sure I will be fine. We can’t go out yet in the UK which does help. I have spent so much time on here since joining 5 days ago (don’t tell my kids as that has always been my criticism of them!), but it has helped so much, the sense of community is amazing, and helping others, has been a form of therapy in itself.
I’m sure my wall will come, as I would love to be a social/moderate drinker… which I have been in the past, but that slippery slope has always been there… But for now, I am a sober, non-drinker and I look forward to each new day and what it brings. Xxxxx
Shoutout to the 6 months crew!!!
A couple of folks have reset, but we cast a wide net here at TS.
Great job everyone in piling up the days!!!
We have collectively 346 days built up (assuming my limited math skills are right)!!!
GNVLNative = 19 days
Chooser = 28 days
Glowstix = 5 days
CharlotteGal = 3 days
Rad = 17 days
EarnIt = 20 days
Sam7 = 21 days
Misokatsu = 23 days
Dolse71 = 40 days
zzzZZZzzz = 33 days
SaltyChick = 17 days?
Quit4MyDaughter = 67 days
Briella = 7 days
I like how on this forum, you can glimpse the diversity of different people’s issues with different levels of addiction and different doc’s, and also the common experience and goals. It’s inspiring.
My issues with alcohol are maybe not uncommon but not the classic descent to rock bottom. From age 18 to 28 ish, I was a very heavy drinker, constantly blacking out. Unambiguously had a problem (I now think), but I functioned, did great in college and grad school. Then I got a good job, got married, eventually got pregnant, and I scaled back, no more bars or parties— but I still drank pretty much every day, except in pregnancy. But much less, mostly. Wine or beer with dinner, a socially acceptable level. But still, every day, and still, I now think, far too much, for health and general well being. My culture (I’m British) normalizes alcohol in crazy ways. I’m now 48. It’s only over the past few years that I’m acknowledging even my reduced, “adult”/ “normal” drinking is not good for me or my family or my brain. My drinking wasn’t at its worst when I quit. And it was the right call to stop.
I need to write this out sometimes because I still have to fight the voice that says, “it wasn’t so bad, you can still drink”. That voice isn’t helpful.
Day 2 sober. Overcoming the tendency to be alone to disappear or dissolve, to avoid everything and everyone.
Checking here helps me at least to not drawn in total isolation
Day 267 sober. That seems like a lot but feels like it’s flown by. I’ve been in a rough mental place the last few days and feel only marginally better today. I took a day off work yesterday and spent most of the day in bed feeling full of lament. Most of this is tied to my job, which I’ve discovered during this pandemic that I really don’t like. It sucks the life out of me. I’m having a hard time achieving work/life balance being in the office now after getting to work from home for 2.5 months. It’s an adjustment I am resenting having to make. On the plus side, I haven’t craved a drink to deal with it. On the downside I’ve spent massive amounts of time sleeping and brooding and being in a funk. So it’s time to put on my big girl pants and just press on… Which means I need to get off here and get to work. Appreciate everyone sharing their stories. They motivate me to keep going.
Shout out to @Mno hope you get some answers. @Clarity and @Natnat glad you’re back on the sober train so quickly, sending love your way. @050Nl good to see you out in the sunshine the other day. Take care of yourself. @TMAC I love your idea of exploring your creative side! Good for you. I bet you’re hilarious in an improv/skit setting! @SoberWalker don’t let the stress get to you lady. One day at a time. That’s all we can do. @GVLNative love seeing you on here cheering others on. You’re inspiring! @anon79808082 hugs and how’s your son? @Desire2ChangeToday keep up your fabulousness.
Thanks for asking; he hasn’t reached out to me except that first and only time to say I’m crazy for thinking what I’ve spoken of here.
I send texts and sometimes he’ll send a short response.
Starting to move forward and focusing again on my sobriety. Met with the doctor via video confrence and going to get bloodwork done in a few weeks. I know how important diet and exercise are so those will be my first steps going forward.
I was around people drinking yesterday, even during a toast to my father inlaw but didn’t feel any compulsion to drink. Nobody said anything about me not drinking. Its unbelievable how we build up the fear though there is nothing to worry about. If I had still been drinking I would have drank all day and not been there for my wife. Being present for my family means the world to me.
When a job sucks that much life out of you, it’s time to move on. I know it’s not easy now with the world the way it is. But there is something better out there for you. You have a very desirable skill set. Just a bit of patience until the pandemic is over. I know what it’s like to wake up and dread going to work. It’s awful sending hugs.
to you all!
Appreciate everyone sharing their stories. They motivate me to keep going.
and how’s your son? 
314 days of strength n determination n believing you are worth it.
sending hugs.