Hey. I was sober for 12 years on June 1 this year. About two weeks ago I relapsed and went on a very big drinking binge. The drink I drank at just past midnight last night I intend to be my last. I drank a lot the past two weeks and I think I have an element of physical dependence, but I don’t think it’s enough to be dangerous, so I’m not getting any medical support for this withdrawal.
I’d like to check in here to get through this difficult early stage.
I’m grateful for any support, of course, and I will try to give back a little.
Thank you. My timer is on one day, two hours and eight minutes.
12 years…wow! Great job!
You will overcome this relapse and go on with your sobriety journey..you can do it!
We are all humans and make mistakes. Dont let that phase pull you down.
All the best!
Twelve years is amazing. Welcome, Colin. I hit twenty days today. A small stepping stone really, but it’d have been very damn near an impossible feat if you’d asked me to do this just a couple months ago. One piece of advice I’d share is something I’ve been told here and from other addiction professionals in my life: Don’t be too hard on yourself. I think most people are hard enough on themselves already, without adding the shame and guilt that comes from this addiction. By no means am I saying not to own your mistakes and not to learn from them - but you can’t change the past so there’s no use dwelling on it. Be forward focused. Move forward, one day at a time. Good luck, you’ve got this.
Thank you so much for the kind responses. It’s been really helpful to see what you’ve said. I’m doing OK. It’s hard. But I made sure I had lots of fluids and easy to prepare food in the house. I’m not far off making it through today sober now. One day. One day. What a win.
I’m so sorry to hear about your relapse after 12 years (which is an amazing stretch of time by the way)! I know how it hurts- I’ve relapsed after 2 years and 1 year. Do you know why it happened? I’m glad that it sounds like you know how to take care of yourself during this time. Remember that your 12 years aren’t gone. I’m glad that you’re here with us. We have your back during the difficult days and as they get easier to bear. Welcome again!
I’m sorry that you suffered a relapse, but I’m glad that you came here for support during your restart…
In reality, although you have to reset your timer, it’s not really a restart. You literally have more than a decade of insights, wisdom, and practice at living a sober life.
Keep applying what you know. And, check in often to get that boost that you need.
Glad I found this thread, it’s always good to find someone in a similar boat! I was sober for nearly two years, two years ago and I relapsed myself. I’m finally taking a stand again and this time I will be going to meetings which I’ve never done before. It’s really encouraging to see someone with so much time under their belt also return here at the same time with me. I’m on day one today, and I look forward to hearing more about your journey and sharing mine too!
