Facing pain without alcohol

Milestones
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Today was one of the hardest days I’ve had in a long time.

I had to write a formal complaint related to my sister’s suicide and go through the case files. Reading those documents was deeply painful and emotionally overwhelming.

In the past, this kind of stress would have pushed me straight into alcohol or cigarettes — anything to escape the feeling.

Today, I didn’t do that.

I stayed present. I let the emotions be there. I didn’t drink. I didn’t smoke.

It wasn’t easy, but it was honest.

I’m sharing this as a reminder to myself (and maybe to someone else here) that progress doesn’t always look strong or calm. Sometimes it looks like simply not running away anymore.

One day at a time.

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Beautifully shared. I’m sorry you had to do it but I’m happy you did it sober.
Thanks for telling us.

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Thank you for sharing this. I needed to hear it…been dealing with some difficult issues in the last week sober and it is not easy.

Proud of you facing those raw, difficult emotions head on so that they could be felt and not suppressed. You are SO strong for accomplishing that!! :people_hugging::teddy_bear:

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I can only imagine how difficult that must’ve been but well done for staying present and doing it sober :ok_hand:

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Thank you. It means a lot to be understood here.

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Hello Juliette…welcome to the community. I am very sorry for your loss and what you had to go through today.

Super proud of you for facing it sober and with a present mind. Drinking/ smoking would not have provided any comfort. We are here for you. Lean on us here or in support irl …you are not alone :people_hugging: :people_hugging: :heart:

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