Hi everyone, I’m new here almost 3 days sober from alcohol. I’m 38 years old with three children and a wonderful husband I guess I never considered myself an alcoholic. I never had withdrawals. It didn’t affect my job or any of my relationships if I’m being honest.I didn’t need to drink every day. I have went months at a time without drinking, but I noticed I had a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I often overindulged in wine to deal with a bad day or anxiety. I tried AA but didn’t feel welcomed because I wasn’t drinking as much as everyone else however, I am very aware that when I do drink, I can easily finish two bottles of wine. I’m having a hard time finding support. I’m also having a hard time dealing with my anxiety. I do see a therapist and I am in the process of switching medication. I really want to live a completely sober lifestyle- both my parents were addicts and I saw the destruction it caused my family growing up. I just need a friend and someone I can talk to …my husband is super supportive of this decision. I also have Crohn’s disease so I know this is the best decision for my long-term management of that. I just want to feel proud that I’m able to handle all that life throws at me without drinking a glass of wine to deal with the anxiety.
Glad you’re here with us.
Congratulations on three days!
I’m new here myself; about a month or so with the community. I know you will get lots of support here…
Here’s to better days ahead! 
Welcome to the community and to your sobriety journey.
.you don’t need to drink every day or every weekend to have addiction problems or an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. What you described fits the narrative and I’m glad you are seeing that a sober lifestyle is the benefit your body is seeking for a healthier future.
I am glad you found this space. The threads here are filled with stories of what other members in similar paths have done and continue to do to stay sober. You will find love, support and just a sense of belonging. I sure did and I can’t get enough of this place and all the kindness offered here.
I am so sorry the AA was not welcoming. It may have been that particular place. If you would like in real life community support then try out a few other meetings. Or if not AA then another recovery group like Dharma Recovery for example. Keep adding tools and support to your armor and keep fighting one day at a time.
Join us on the Checking in daily to maintain focus #87 thread …it’s a great way to meet and interact with other members and stay accountable to your journey.
I have some similarities here. 50yo, three kids and married for 20yrs. Red wine was my drink and I maintained a steady 10 bottles a week for over 30yrs.
I stopped on July 11th 2021 and thought I would never be happy again. I have not been to groups or taken part in programmes. I can’t emphasise enough how useful this forum is. You can draw enormous strength from it. Good luck
Congrats on 3 days sober!!
I hear you and you are not alone in this. Good for you for posting and seeking peer support here. Good luck with the med change i personally know that can be stressful in itself. Be patient with yourself.
P.s. it doesnt matter how far down the unhealthy behaviors you’ve gone. If youve identified that alcohol isnt serving you and you reach for it as a coping mechanism thats enough. Try not to compare your bottom with others. The best advice i received was to look for the similarities rather than the differences. Its easy for the obsessive thought to play to that comparison, to justify picking up yet again.
Glad you are here
Thanks so much for the encouraging words. I really loved your advice and I have been reminding myself of that all day. Also, the med changes really suck! lol
How has your day been today?
2 bottles of wine because of a bad day sounds a bit much lol then you add how many days were bad days then add how long then study your patters and how your adapting
Addiction isnt just because of the substance, it a personality issue or, easier explained, learned behavior that puts the drinks in our hand.
Welcome to the forum @Happydayz. We are glad you found this safe place where you can find support for wherever you are in the process of quitting the demon that is alcohol. It is good you are addressing the issue now because if you can drink 2 bottles of wine in one sitting, it is highly likely your tolerance would have increased to even more over time. Have you ever heard of gray area drinking? There is an TED talk by Jolene Park on this subject that you might find enlightening.
You already know with Crohn’s that no alcohol is best. Alcohol also increases anxiety and even though it seems to help in the moment, it is actually damaging our brain and our ability to handle stress and anxiety.
You have ABSOLUTELY made the right decision to quit! 