Hey. Ik am Kristof. Ik amper trying to overcome my alcohol problem. I have been sober for 17 days now and I was very motivated at the start. I now notice my motivation is starting to dwindle and as a result I am having a way harder time not taking to that first drink that I know will spiral me down into the oblivion I so often crave. I am also starting to feel more and more depressed since I am missing that trusted companion so much. I feel alone since almost all my friends are drinking buddies. How do you guys keep motivated after your first resolve starts to dwindle?
Try and remember why it was you stopped…remember your very worst time drinking, remember your lowest of lows as painful as it may be, remember why it was you chose to stop. Then focus on your best days sober, focus on waking up without hangovers, without regret of what you might have done the night before, focus on how good it feels to get through each day without needing alcohol or falling weak unto your craving.
It works for me…it might work for you!
Stay strong…stay sober!
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One of my buddies that has a 2 year chip told me to ask myself, “Haven’t I played the tape before?” You already know what pressing play will entail, there’'s a reason that you decided to throw the tape away… it’s definite in where it starts and where it ends, you already know and have already said NO.
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@Rikk totally agree with you…works for me as well.
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I usually do what @Rikk does - remember my lowest point, my rock bottom, in agonizing detail until I make myself sick. Think of the loved ones you hurt, all the things you value in your life that you lost due to addiction.
But to keep yourself from wallowing in guilt and depression, remind yourself of the last time you were truly happy while sober…mine was when I was married and attending college. I had such peace and contentment. Realize that your life can be that way again with time, work, and dedication. 
I truly believe that everyone has there own thing that they do which keeps them motivated…you just have to find something which will work for you.
Been working for me so far. Lol 
@Volatile I’m an artist and have been drawing since the age of 5 but once I started with drugs then beating that addiction and shortly after turing to alcohol I lost that side of me…now that I have been sober one day at a time I’m slowly finding that side of me again and it keeps me motivated to stay sober because it’s something that I have always loved to do and I know that if I start to drink again I’ll probably loose that side of me again.
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I know what you mean @Chris… I’m ask artist and a writer, but I can’t seem to find a passion for anything anymore. That probably has more to do with the fact that i have some mood disorders though.
@Volatile I agree that would probably make it a lot more harder to get motivated and stay motivated. I’m sure u will eventually find something that will work for you.
stay strong
Personally, my career is being jump started and I have everything to lose. Why screw it up again? It’s kinda my last chance.
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@Kristof_Magnus everyone had their own way of staying sober, just find what works for you. What makes you happy? What can you do sober that you can’t do high? Do you have friends or family you hurt or just didn’t spend enough time around as you wanted? Do the things that make you most happy. I love the outdoors, even though I was always out running around looking for drugs, I never looked at or enjoyed the true beauty of the world. I was always in a hurry, so I decided to slow down and take my time. Life is too short to always rush, you can’t enjoy what you’re doing. Spend more time with family and loved ones, you don’t know how much time you will get, so enjoy every moment. Get rid of all your “using buddies” and get sober ones, or just spend your time alone trying to figure out who you really are and what you want out of life then go from there. Do things you couldnt do or enjoy while high. Everyone is different just figure out what makes you happy and what works for you! Just take it a day at a time, because you can’t change yesterday, tomorrow is never promised, and today is all we’ve got, so make it the best possible day ever!! GOOD LUCK!!
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