Hi everyone! I managed to get to 12 days sober (the most I’ve been able to do in years). I relapsed and drank yesterday from a very stressful situation that I couldn’t seem to shake no matter what I tried. Was wondering if anyone has any tips for when the stress, anger and overwhelm gets too much? I’ve tried meditation and baths but find I’m just stuck with my thoughts.
Back to day 1 but grateful for the lessons it has taught me and realising alcohol only makes me feel cr*p. Any suggestions of coping when it’s too much would be appreciated!
8 Likes
12 days is Amazing. You Can Do it again. I don’t have a particular tip but the weekend was really stressfull and words I heard in meetings came into my mind. It really helped me.
There is no situation that’s worth to lead me to drink. My feelings are valid. I eat and drink something I like ( homemade smoothie) I write down my feelings and call a Friend, met in meetings, because he understands and wont judge and will help me to see things differently.
I hope you’ll have better answer and wish you all the best 
3 Likes
Thank you for your kind words and tips! Will definitely give them a go 
Hi @Char17 
I have found that changing my mindset has been helpful. The overwhelm - the sense of emotional noise when everything feels like too much - is actually a cue. It’s a cue to call someone on my recovery contact list on my phone (friends and contacts from my recovery group).
The fact is, this sense of “overwhelm”, for me, is really just life being normal life, and I never learned how to ride the waves of life. I’ve been avoiding emotional “surfing” for my whole life - I’ve been getting numb in my addiction, always - and as a result, normal, ordinary emotional waves feel overwhelming to me now.
I think this is a good thing. It means I’m actually aware of the waves now, not avoiding them, which means I can learn how to surf them.
Having recovery mentors and friends has been crucial for me in this journey. Some people find those in groups - there’s a good list here: Resources for our recovery - and some find them here on Talking Sober, and many do both.
Welcome to Talking Sober!
4 Likes
Welcome. Ok on day 1. You are here! Stay immersed in and with sober folks. You can do it just today.
2 Likes