Hello, I’m Zac. I’ve now been sober for 59 days with alcohol being my main problem. I finally got help after 14 years of self-medicating. For me 28 days in treatment was a necessary step to put me on the right track for sober living. I drink to numb the pain I have endured over the years, without trying to focus on my real problems.
I’m new here, but have really enjoyed the readings so far. Love the support!
My name is Andrew… Im 21 from Maryland and have been struggling with alcohol since 15. I seemed to fit in better while I was drunk. I’ve blown many education opportunities because of my addiction.
My childhood was a little rough. I was raised mainly by my father because my mother was a alcoholic. My father worked all the time so he was never home.
My definition of drunk is blacking out. I joined this group to find inspiration and guidance. I hope to get sober and help others struggling.
Hi there
I am 35 year old woman from sydney who has struggled most of my life with one addiction or another.
First overdose was at 14 years old. Rehab 3 times. The usual story.
I am learning to overcome addiction. Quit pot about 4 years ago. Meth just 45 days clean. Nicotine is the next devil i plan to kick in the ass but not there yet. Then caffiene… 
One day at a time, slowly but surely.
_hey, I’m Colleen. Married recently, Turned 40 last July and have realized it’s time for a break from alcohol. I live in WI, the land of Beer and Cheese; we are also known for having a history of family alcoholics and addicts. I grew up with an alcoholic father. I was mostly a parent to him since age 9. My 2 younger brothers have turned into major alcoholics/addicts. I started drinking at age 15. Quite honestly, I am sick of it and what it has done to me and my family over the years. I am bitter and have resentment I need to work on. I’ve made many mistakes while drinking. I am quitting to gain back respect and to focus on other fun things. I don’t want my life revolving around when I can drink. I want to shed pounds, get healthy, mentally and physically and improve my quality of life so I can live longer and enjoy life hangover free. I’m mostly a social drinker but have a tendency to drink alone too for an escape from my problems. I need a different outlet. I’m on day 3 and plan to be sober 365 days in 2017.
So far I am loving this app and will participate when I have time.
Hey everyone, I’m Chris. I’ve really found all of your stories beyond comforting to read. It’s nice to know there are others going through what I am.
So here’s my story…
Growing up, I was always the shy kid at school or in any other social situation. I have always struggled with social anxiety and have never -and still haven’t- quite figured out how to fix it. I was never addicted to anything until I got out of high school. In fact, the first time I smoked pot was when I was 18 or 19. I was smoking pretty regularly for a bit around that age, but gave it up because it just increased my anxiety and made me paranoid. I was going to college for a bit right after high school but I had a hard time concentrating on my classes because my anxiety just kicked my ass and made my mind constantly wander. I couldn’t pay attention because I was so worried about being accepted by my classmates and those around me. I don’t know why, but worrying about being accepted in public is something I’ve always struggled to overcome. After about a year of failing grades I dropped out of my classes. Being out of school for about a year and working a crappy retail job, I started to worry if this was the extent of my life. About this time I turned 21 so alcohol became more easily accessible to me. Whenever I would hang out with my friends at the bar or we went to a party, I really enjoyed how alcohol would numb those thoughts and give me “liquid courage” to talk to women. Drinking just made me a lot more sociable. Over a few months my lease was up in the apartment I was living in and my roomate and I couldn’t really get along anymore (for reasons I won’t mention), so I had to move back home with my folks. Living at home at my age, working crummy jobs, not having a girlfriend and dropping out of school triggered my depression big time so I started to drink more. By this point my drinking to suppress the thoughts of being a failure became a daily occurrence. As more and more time passed, I became more and more depressed and more and more of a drinker. 3 days before my 24th B-Day, my alopecia areata returned -I had this back in high school but it went away after about 6 months-. I started seeing my friends graduate from college and this was really hard to deal with, knowing that I should be right there with them at this point in my life. By about age 26, I was a full-blown alcoholic and nothing had changed in my life within the past few years. I was in the same exact situation except I was drinking a whole lot more. I was up to about a pint of whiskey or more per night. I had also gained about 70 pounds and was really upset with my personal image. I started noticing I was losing my friends because of my drinking, and I also noticed my health deteriorating.
Fast forward another two years to now (28):
I have a little better of a job, not a job that I want to stick with for my whole life. Still have alopecia, but it’s getting better and is almost entirely gone. Still wish I could overcome my anxiety. I’m just so damn sick of drinking and have noticed it’s not going to help my situation. In fact, it’s making it worse. I’m ready to move on and get back to clean living. I’ve realized that a change needs to happen and I’m the only one who can pull the trigger on that change. I haven’t had a drink in 4 days now and have already noticed the clarity! I’ve been working out every day and eating healthy too and it feels amazing. I don’t miss the every day hangovers.
I know I’m not that far into my sobriety, but I gotta start somewhere. I felt really inspired and encouraged by all of your stories so I thought I would share mine. Hopefully it will have the same effect on someone that your stories had on me. Sorry for the long story but thank you for reading 
Hey everyone,
My name is Morgan and I reside in the State of Kansas. I would say my drinking really got out of control while I was in the Navy. I got out in the Fall of 2013 and proceeded to have serious issues and was lucky to have not hurt myself or anyone else, physically that is. Mentally and emotionally is another story. I sobered up for 30 days, but then decided I could cut down my drinking by having 3 drinks a week. We all know how that goes. Since then, I have gotten married and became a stepdad to an amazing 6 year old daughter, of which i’ve been the primary father figure in her life for 4 years. Recently, I almost lost my wife and sweet daughter because my drinking spiraled out of control again. So, here I am. 3 days and some change in wanting to do it right this time. Keep reaching numerous goals and stay sober. This is a great place for me…love the app! Thanks everyone and hope you all had lovely holiday festivities!
Social anxiety is a pain in the ass! I was diagnosed with it a few years back. I would be out with friends and would get the irrational feeling all at once that said “YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!!” Drinking numbed that sometimes, and sometimes would make it worse, so I skipped going out, and started drinking at home by myself after work. A pint of whiskey, and a 6 pack was what I usually had after work. No need for dinner when you got booze. I’m a bartender, so talking to people is part of the job. It’s not a social thing though, so I’m fine. Social anxiety is something you really need to practice at to get over. Now that I’m starting too get sober, I’m gonna start working on it as well. Good luck.
My name is Ray I’m a alcoholic and was addicted to Ativan was best lost my wife my house my job my business came back home from England to Scotland to live with my elderly parents both dead now I had to admit I was beat so I went AATo see what they could do I was a hopeless case my dr said when I was in a straight jacket and my second suicide attempt bloated hands shaking scared of my shadow couldn’t see any way out. My wife’s boyfriend moved in soon as I left my lawyer did a bunk halfway through my divorce had to travel to England to sort things out just a few weeks sober ended up I got nothing out of the divorce my house was sold for 400 k but I didn’t drink. My dad had Parkinson’s at that time him and my mum both in there seventies but I found hope and help at meetings. I was 34 went back to the gym got a sponsor got on a program of recovery got a job with helping old people then went to work with my sponsor he suggested I start my own business landscaping which I had been trained to do I was five years sober. My dad had just died stayed sober. Met my wife of today Sheila got married 94stayed sober then Raymond Jr came along in 95 my mum passed away stayed sober. In 97 Adam came along. My best friend John passed away he was six years sober. His wife asked me to arrange his funeral stayed sober. Still doing meets business going ok. Bought our guest house 2003 my sons will take over my business when I retire hopefully moving to Spain to live Ray Jr born 15th sept my AA Birthday 15th sept 1986 great journey. We like cruise s been all over the world that what being sober offers. If you make the effort.
Hello everyone
My name is Dennis and I live in Atlanta, GA USA. I’m 37 years old and I’m on my second day of sobriety from alcohol use/abuse. I have been drinking since I was about 13, but I just can’t do it anymore. I hate how it makes me feel (guilt and hangovers), forgetting stuff all the time, the affect it’s been having on my health and my relationships. I just need it out of my life permanently becsuse I know it’s holding me back. I was able to stop smoking on December 27th 1999 so I know I have pretty strong will power. Any way, I just wanted to introduce myself. Any and all advice/ideas of what works for you guys to get sober and cope would be appreciated greatly. Thank you!
Hello everyone I’m Lauren
But for the grace of god I have not found it necessary to pick up a drink since 3/24/15
I have two children that I losted to the state, but because I was willing to take sertain suggestions & work a program I have obtained my children back living with me. I want to spare my story in hopes to bring hope to someone struggling.
I had my first drink at the age 13. Drank twice and the third time got alcohol poison. I continued to drink to numb feelings of not fitting in or not feeling good enough. I got sober as a teenage for 15month in a program for teens. They say a forgetful mind will drink. I went back to my same friends same situitions and drank again for 9 years. In those years it was always a rollercoaster. Always trying to get ahead and getting knocked down because I couldnt stop drinking. I was the house wife, the chef who drank & cooked with wine, the party animal, the friend with the loud mouth, the heart stuck lover, the late night studying student, the burger king drivethru worker, the stoner, the mother who couldn’t get out of bed& the homeless drunk. I was black out drinker who didnt want to live because i losted everything. It took me to get the courage to go to AA and ask for help to realize i couldnt stay sober on my own. Its been 21 months since ive had a drink and everyday is a new stuggle living life on lifes terms. Believing in something greater than myself, taking the pressure off me makes its easyer to stay in the moment. If theres anyone out there who’s struggling there is a solution!
Hi,
I’ve been reading a lot on this website and it’s been a great help so far. I’m 6 days sober which is the longest time I’ve gone without a drink in maybe 8 years.
I’m really determined this time - actually I have barely even tried to quit before, I was resigned to my fate and didn’t see many reasons to try to stop. Something changed in me and now I want to be sober. I’m sick of the health problems, sick of having no money, sick of embarrassing myself all the time, sick of all of it. I want to give life a chance.
I’m actually not finding it too tough at the minute, I tapered off over a few days so the withdrawals aren’t too bad. Sleeping sucks, but I know this will improve soon. I’m feeling very strong willed at the minute, but I know there will be days when I don’t.
Looking forward to joining you all with our journey
2 weeks is quite a big one for most of us. The ‘fog’ lifts and sleeping patterns settle down.
Try to crack 2 weeks, you’ll be glad you got there!
I’ll be over the moon if I can get to 2 weeks, just a few weeks ago I never would have believed I could do 6 days
I know that “I need to get out of here” feeling all too well my friend! I’m always looking for an escape plan whenever I go out. With time and practice I’m sure it’ll get better. Thanks for reading my story and I wish you the best of luck with your journey!
Hey everyone, I hope I’m doing this right not sure how to post or whatever you call it on here. Anyway, my name is les and I’m starting over again with my sobriety. I got a dui back in 2012, and due to alot of pressure from my family, and of course the legal system, I decided to get sober. Not a drop for 3 years. Well, in the summer of 2015 I went on a lake camping trip with friends and family. I had become kind of a shut in up until thay point, and was finding it difficult to enjoy the trip. I started again. I maintained really well for about 6 months, drinking in moderation and only a day or 2 every couple weeks. Fast forward to the present, every weekend, falling asleep in the chair because of it. So I decided to stop again. Finding it more difficult this time so far, but really wanna give it my best shot. Any advice or suggestions would sure be appreciated. Thanks!
you tried AA manchild the support there would help you when you feel like a drink it worked for me only a suggestion be safe have agood day now
Hi my name is Tammy. I am 30 years old. I’m addicted to pain killers and drinking. I lost my house, almost my marriage and I pushed everyone away. I grew up going to meetings and learning the program cause my parents are recovering addicts.I went to rehab and I am 56 days clean. Never thought I would even make it this far. I’m really struggling but I can’t use no matter what. I lost my friends when I went to rehab due to me cheating on my husband when he was emotionally/verbal abusive. He is scared to let me have friends again.We both got help and are working on it but I am struggling because I miss my best friends and their kids call me auntie. I have had a few of my nieces taken away from me due to divorce in the family and it’s been hard because I am going through it again. I was diagnosed with serve depression as well but they put me on Prozac for that. I am going to meetings every day. Anyways that’s my story.
Welcome @Tamalinia. You found yourself in a very supportive community with a common purpose…to get and stay clean and sober. We’re glad you’re here.
Hi everyone My name is lyle I. From south Africa Cape town I have been an alcoholic most of my life I have always been attracted to the alternative lifestyle and with that comes with parties festivals drugs etc so first just weed then lsd e then onto coke and that’s where it stopped and it’s basically ruined my life I had a great job running a company but took money to support my habit and got fired so I have to start over again I had accidents while drunk got locked up for the evening on my birthday I’m just sick of always self destructing constantly it’s like I don’t feel worthy of success my dad had to use his pension fund to keep me out of prison but I have been sober from alcohol for 6 days and from coke for 17 I’m changing my life and joining a treatment facility as an out patient I have the most wonderful partner that I hid all this from for 2 years as she was still studying
and we weren’t living together she is moving in 1st of Feb I would be lying if I said I am feeling strong but at least I’m sober and we have a plan for the future. …
Hi. My name is Dave and I live in Toronto. I’m 52, engaged with no kids. I started drinking at 14 and have really never stopped. I am a functional alcoholic, with a good job and I’m close to my family.
I drink wine and beer only after 5 p.m. almost every weekday night and every weekend. I don’t stop at a couple of 5 oz glasses of wine, but binge and put away close to a 1 1/2 litre (I always buy the big bottle of red and a regular bottle of white) every other night after work. Sometimes, I will also throw a beer (tall boy) in there for good measure in case that’s not enough! I do not drink hard liquor. I can stop for 4-5 days in a row, but always seem to go back to it. I don’t physically crave it, but it’s clear to me that I am psychologically dependent on it. If I don’t have wine at a meal then I feel something is missing. I tell myself it’s to help me relax and I will sleep better. I guess part of the problem with alcoholism is you get very good at finding excuses to drink.
I finally have decided to quit for good (I told my fiancée that I would still drink on special occasions, as she likes some wine, but I want to quit for good) and I can’t say I will miss the hangovers, vomiting, ridiculous costs, not remembering details of the night, etc.
I found you guys and I hope we can support one another during this challenging, but very rewarding journey. I am, again, 2 days sober.
Dave