Hello everyone.
This is my first day and I must admit I’m pretty scared of taking on this goal of becoming sober. I have woken up and realised alcohol is controlling my life, not the first time but I’ve never asked for support. I drink most nights and wake up feeling guilty. I just don’t know how to cut down it’s too easy for myself just to buy a bottle of wine or two. I mainly drink alone at home, it’s has turned into the norm and I want to change. I get quite lonely and it’s almost alcohol has become a relief. But I know it’s no good and I need to take action. Any support or advice would be appreciated. Thank you
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Here’s what works for me. Higher power, AA, Sponsor, Step work and service.
I drank and used all day everyday. Once I got out of rehab and started working my program I’ve barely had a craving to pick back up.
Congratulations! You ARE making a huge first step, and I promise you, you will feel so much better when you come through the other side of the cycle of drinking too much, the guilt, and repeat over and over again. You will feel free of that daily pull of alcohol.
My advice is to plan right now what you will do tonight when the urge for your wine hits. Think to yourself you will not drink today, and make it through the evening and you will be so glad in the morning.
Read books on sobriety, memoirs of others journeys. I liked William Porter’s book Alcohol Explained with a different approach as to what happens in our brains from alcohol. Listen to podcasts - the bubble hour is s good one with stories of women’s journeys in sobriety. AA works for many people on this forum. It’s nice to try lots of different meetings and you will be with people who have gone through this.
And, keep checking in here!
Congratulations and best of luck !
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Welcome. Its so strange that we all seem so scared in the beginning. I bawled my eyes out the day i knew I had to quit. Looking back, i have no idea why. Life is so much better sober.
YOU are totally worth a sober life, and you can do this!
This place, AA, and finding respect for myself is what has kept me sober. This is a wonderful place.
Congrats on taking your first step!
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Check in here often, Abbie… it really helps. And This Naked Mind is a great book (and podcast). I also recommend the Recovery Elevator podcast. You’re not alone. You made a great decision. You can do this!!!
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Welcome. That fear is likely either a fear of change, a fear of not being able to change, or most likely, a combination of the two.
I could tell you that you have nothing to fear, but that is thin gruel for someone just starting out.
Instead, I will tell you that lots of people have walked this path, the beginning of which, where you now stand. They’ve experienced the trepidation, the doubts, the physical and mental challenges of early sobriety. They’ve chosen different tools and strategies, but the one thing they all have in common is, they are walking the same ground, chewing the same dust, sweating the same sweat. They’ve also shared the same triumphs, same scenery, same personal breakthroughs which make the walk worth walking.
They are happy to share what worked for them, and what didn’t. Happy to encourage you through the steep climbs and rocky patches, and they are happiest when you make it through that section of trail and say “I did it”. They are happiest because even though you may have doubted yourself, they knew you could do it.
I know, because I am one of these people here.
Never be embarrassed or ashamed for stepping in something, or slipping on something. We’ve all had to scrape stuff off of our shoes. We’ve all had to dust ourselves off after a fall.
You’ve decided to be better. Now be better. Keep getting better at getting better each and every day.
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Abbie, you remind me of myself last year when I began this journey. (Wednesday is one year!) After I posted earlier, I thought of two other things that can help:
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Read sobriety blogs. Many women have journaled online to keep themselves accountable, and it turned into popular blog sites. A group called She Recovers lists the top female bloggers here: https://sherecovers.co/recovers-list-top-12-female-sober-bloggers-cyberspace/ My favorite is Unpicked Blog, but I am the same age and in the same place as the author so I can totally relate. Also check out Hip Sobriety.
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Annie Grace who wrote This Naked Mind has something called the Alcohol Experiment. It is a 30 day challenge to quit alcohol. You will get a daily email and video which is so helpful. I was three months sober when I stumbled upon this, and I did it anyway, the videos reinforced my sobriety.
So I think thats it! Good luck and welcome (once again) 
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My first day was yesterday and I’m scared as well. I’ve already hit the reset button so haven’t even made it a day lol. Anyway, I know this is an undertaking but we know a change is needed. Keep on fighting and I will too. Just know you’re not alone
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