I’ve recently hit 10 days of sobriety (the longest I’ve gone in MONTHS) & I noticed something interesting… whenever I share my progress w/ non alcoholics I screw myself over…by that I mean, in the past I’ve told my friends how long I’d been sober in order to recieve congratulations, & I always got it! But whenever I’d say “I’ve been sober 4 days!” I’d always end up drinking THAT night. But the thing that’s gotten me to 10 days is that I haven’t shared it w/ anyone… it’s weird! I’d have thought it’d have an opposite effect than it does! Does anyone else experience this?
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The first time I tried to get sober I went through this. It wasnt until 1+ year long binge until I learned AA was for me to share how long sober I have. Coming back into the program I have never felt better! Keep it up! Sobriety ROCKS!
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I’m finding it much easier to do social situations if I don’t make an announcement about my not drinking. People don’t really care anyways unless you’re their #1 go to person for drinking. Other people are drunk and think it’s their personal mission to get you to drink.
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This time I don’t tell anyone about my Sobriety. Last time I told some friends, and those “friends“ made me drink again like “Come on, one drink won’t hurt“
Me too…for some reason the secretive part of this makes it less hard. I don’t want to feel like a failure any more, so am keeping it to myself. One day at a time. Only on my 3rd day which is already surprise… but it’s all MY surprise!
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That hasn’t been my experience. I shared on the Facebook that I went a month without booze and that me and alcohol we’re going on a indefinite hiatus, and then I updated at 100 days, 150, and now 6 months, that I was still booze free. I received nothing but support. I suspect people were aware I had a problem. I’ve been to several gatherings where alcohol was present and everyone was aware of my new life and there were no pressures to drink. So everyone’s experience will be unique I guess. I’m goal driven though, so each accomplishment pushes me towards the next
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I speak for only for goat here… I did not get wrapped up in the day count, even at meetings. It really frustrated others working with me that I would not regularly announce my day count. I understand it is important, but I also understand that all of those days will turn back to zero if I do not focus on the current day. For me living in the past and living for the future are dangerous activities, as they make me forget about living in and learning how to be grateful for today. Edit: This goat does not have a large thriving social/family life. The only ones that probably miss me are my bartenders and the other barflies.
I have only told my best friend who I know supports me 100% & she is happy to share a water with me instead of our normal drinks.
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I find that telling people super close to me in the beginning put pressure on me to be perfect. I start assuming they have these huge expectations of this new hero of a human being that they think I should live up to. Of course that is all in my head but, I start thinking that I can never be that person I just say screw it and drink and have a pity party mourning someone I never was and can never be. That’s part of the disease being cunning baffling and powerful. This time I waited a month or so before I told anyone(other than those in recovery with me). It took off some of the pressure I was putting on myself and I just focused on being the best I can be that day. It’s working so far. Tomorrow is 70 days. I’m still in early recovery but, I’m much more peaceful this time around. I hope this made sense and I hope it helps. Best wishes.
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