Hi there. I’m new here and not feeling great about myself. I am 53 and want to stop drinking. I don’t know how to get past the witching hour. In the morning after a night of not drinking I feel so positive, I plan for how to keep going, then I get home and cave. I’m married, my husband drinks too so I can’t keep alcohol out of the house. I have done 30 days sober before and try to see that as something I can build on. I am considering AA but unsure if that’s the right fit for me. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.
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Welcome @Tan_ya!
This forum is where I started by learning more about addiction and connecting with those in the same boat as me. This helped me to begin my sober journey.
Eventually I joined AA and it saved my life. I wished I had done it sooner, but we all have our own path to walk and I wasn’t willing to surrender to an entirely new way of life-even after I quit drinking. I had more misery to endure to allow me to become willing.
Welcome, I’m glad you’re here!
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I’m glad I’m here too thanks Mandi for the welcome and for sharing a bit about your journey 
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I used AA at the start it’s good having face to face chats with like minded people but there was parts of it I didn’t like but I took what I needed at the end of the day AA and the forum saved my life as for your husband can you talk to him about not having alcohol in the house for awhile till you become stronger in your sobriety
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10/10 would recommend AA. The support and positivity there can be life-changing.
Have you asked your husband how he would feel about keeping alcohol out of the house, at least until you’re more stable in your sobriety? He might surprise you with his answer. Idk if he’s alcoholic as well, and it’s none of my business, but limiting his drinking too (say, to time out with friends) can’t be a bad thing.
Welcome! You’ll love it here
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Welcome. I am on the same journey but just had my 60th birthday. There is so much support here. My husband still drinks (a lot) and it really does make it a challenge for me. Some days it is easier than others. Glad you are here. 
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Thanks everyone I really appreciate the support and suggestions. When I did 30 days, my hubby kept drinking but drank less, we are definitely drinking buddies. I need to find ways to do this regardless of what he does, I know this. I’m terrified of AA but am strongly considering at least starting with an online meeting.
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GO!!! If isnt for you, you havent lost a thing. I did AA for 4 years…it saved my life. 2 years ago, I switched to Recovery Dharma. Try them both. I will tag you in a Recovery Dharma thread.
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Thank you!
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Hi,
I’m 53 too and my partner still drinks.
In the beginning I bought lots of quit lit, Annie Grace and Allen Carr are my favourites and I took the dog for lots of walks and listened to lots of podcasts, Recovery Elevator and Janie Lee Grace were my favourites.
I tried Smart Recovery online meetings with my camera off and just listened.
But my main support was here. I was on here lots, reading and learning all about other’s journeys and successes. I went to bed very early and enjoyed counting my days. I journalled too and still do.
I’m now very nearly 2.5 years sober from alcohol and feel amazing. I love being sober and can’t ever imagine me drinking again.
How to start - when you’d usually have a drink of alcohol, drink something else. And that’s it, you’ve started.
Hope to see you around 
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Welcome @Tan_ya glad you found us!
This place and aa changed my mindset and helped me to start living the life i dreamed of. I started as sober curious. Did dry january, then drank the next day to celebrate. The drinking got worse and worse until i hit my latest bottom. Doesnt matter how far youre bottom is you can always make the decision to try something new. Breaking a habit and addiction isnt easy but if you can find community, not pick up, and work on yourself a world of opportunities appear.
Check in here daily.
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Welcome @Tan_ya!
I would strongly encourage you to join meetings, AA or other. When I first went, I was positively taken aback by how supportive the folks are and how much it helps to be able to listen, speak and relate.
I don’t formally follow the AA program for personal reasons (I am very much not religious) but it’s a great help to know that it’s there should I need it!
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I wasn’t sure AA was for me either. I had stretches of 30 60 100 days of sobriety but never had a plan and always relapsed. Going to AA meetings genuinely changed my life and outlook. Keep an open mind and you may enjoy it. First few were a bit of a unique experience but after the first few I noticed people who have had years of sobriety stressed just keep coming back, so that’s what I did and it has worked out great. I attend as many as I can now. It’s a great reset. Every meeting I go to feels like a little bit more of a weight is lifted off my shoulders. I wish I found AA earlier. Doing it alone was a nightmare for me personally. It really helps listening to like minded people.
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Go to that AA meeting it will change your life . Once you walk into a meeting you’ve faced your fears and you’ll find people just like you .sobriety s about facing life on life’s terms including the fears . I wish you well 
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Hi
Im new to this forum to. I first got into recovery in 2016. Have spent 6 out of those 8 years in recovery but relapse has been my problem. I tried aa and na for a good while and it really helped. But in the end i opted for a different approach i now use the smart recovery program. Its been amazing in how it gives you tools and coping startegies to cope with everything addiction and life brings and our feeling thoughs and behaviours in general and helps change our mindsets more positively. There are lots of online and face to face meetings. Some people use the fellowship and smart in there recovery journeys. I wish you all the best on your journey your already making the right steps in admitting theres a problem and reaching out.
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Well I attended an online meeting last night. It was hard to sit through the first part as they were reading from the big book, not sure if that’s for me. Appreciated peoples shares after that though. I didn’t t drink last night- I actually thought about it when hubby came home with wine, but I didn’t. Today we are going boating to the lake. Looking forward to spending time on the beach. Have a great day everyone.
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Well that was a win t:slightly_smiling_face:well done. If you google smart recovery it will give you all the info on meetings and the program etc and what its all about. At least your making an effort for support and again thats another win . Ive been out hiking today with my german shepherd and done a work out plusmowed the lawns busy day but so much more time to fill when drink or drugs arnt involved in our lives. Its brilliant really. Collapsed on the sofa now in a peaceful state of mind not thinking about where the next drink is coming from or any desire for the stuff.
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