Alcohol is a depressant, but for many of us alcohol was a means of numbing the pain of depression. It āworkedā until it didnāt. Without alcohol, youāre left to feel your feelings. Iām not sure how long youāve been sober, but early days we struggle with post-acute withdrawal. Then thereās the āpink cloudā which may last a few months but once it dissipates the depression can get worse again.
Iām sorry youāre struggling. Iāve been there myself. My clinical diagnosis is āmajor depressive disorder with alcohol use disorder co-occurringā. My first recommendation is to talk to your therapist in case you need a change in your meds. They should know youāve given up alcohol and can help you with guidance.
Other things that help with depression are things that produce endorphins:
- exercise - walks, hikes, bike rides, etc.
- chocolate (chili peppers do as well, but chocolate is a safer option!)
- meditation - there are guided meditations online, and Recovery Dharma has online meetings where meditation is a part of every meeting
- laughter - for a start there are some amusing threads here on TS https://talkingsober.com/t/meme-wars-43-44-45-go-no-politics/108909/373
- sex (canāt help you there, but maybe you know someone?)
- talk with someone - weāre all here for you!
Checking in at the end of day 31. Had a strange day today, on reflection. Have been thinking a lot about drinking - but at some point in the future. Havenāt had a single craving or a thought about actually drinking today. Not sure what to make of that. Maybe stopping forever has been on my mind.
Have a good one, wherever you are.
Goodnight. 
Recovery is hard, Regret is harder
Keep choosing Sobriety & you wont have any regretsā¦
Very powerfull words! Thank you! 
Congratulations on your first monthā¦
jeah!!! what great news!
Today is day 76ā¦ I got dumped two nights ago for not making his kid a priority. Which anyone who knows me, knows thatās a bunch of bull. Thank goodness I have the family I do. My main reason for not relapsing. I lost my stepson, my dog, and my fiancee in one sentence. And as much as Iām going to miss my sweet boy and my beautiful pitbull, Iām glad im not being mentally and emotionally fucked up anymore. Grateful to not be told how Iām constantly fucking everything up and I can never do anything right. Itās so weird, I havent even cried more than a few tears this time around.
@anon60334405 Congrats on a first year well done! Youāve been through it this year, yet you fought hard for your sobriety. You should be super proud of yourself. Your journey has been beautiful to watch!
@Mno I really look forward to your pictures everyday. Hopefully one day Iāll be able to see Amsterdam in person.
I got the budget version of a Roomba, and my dog that hates vacuums actually loves him. Itās so cute, she follows him everywhere and gets sad when his charge runs out lol. So now heās her boyfriend, and his name is Sergei. Sergei & Svetlana
Day 3.
Feeling much better.
Still in that anxiety weirdness but, I know that doesnt last forever.
Staying busy, and mindful.
Checking in on day 1128ā¦currently sitting in the dentist office after (many many many many years of) neglect, smoking and drug use. Ready for the first half of my āscalingā (deep cleaning).
The only way out is through. While there are parts of me that want to run out the door and keep ignoring and escaping, I know that this does nothing good for me. Facing the fiery flames of truth one day at a time. Happy to be here sober with you all 
Too funny Beth!! This made me literally lol at work. 
Good to see you struggle through it! You got this!
Sending positive vibes your way!
@mejorandoā¦Hello and welcome! I think sobriety is different for each person. For me it took 2 years of attempts before it just clicked that I was done. Doesnāt mean I dont work at it everyday. Journaling, reflecting, and readingā¦read read read all the posts, get involved here and in any community resources. Check In everyday if not a few times a day. You can use the search functionality to find pretty much every topic under the sun. Everyone here has a unigue story and relationship with their DOC and have so many life lessons to share. You are never alone in this community and everyone understands as we have been at day one before. Here are additional resources, take care and welcome!
Resources for our recovery
100% agree. But as you become more aware of what you really want and you do that work, it does become easier to talk to them. For me, most of my family will never truly get it as tbey didnāt see me having a problem. Which is why it is so important to surround yourself with people who do get it.
Checking in on day 8! I was planning to run 8 miles, but ended up doing 10 miles bc I was feeling so good. Love that natural runnerās high where you feel you can run all day. I have a job interview in an hour. I havenāt worked outside of the home in 6 years. Im nervous & excited!
@anon60334405 oh, I missed it. I wish you all the best, cool you lived every single day and season of the year sober! Congratulations and I am grateful for all that you share here, the good, funny and angry, sad, depressing times. 
Fingers crossed 
Day 366. Sorry I havenāt been active much today guys, were heading home and roads are shitty. Thank you all for all the love and support, Iām still debating if I want to write a one year report. But I love you all thanks for pushing me and guiding me and being here through all the good, bad, sad, you name it times. Have a great day sober fam
