I’m still finding my feet with this app as I am new here, hopefully I am using this right!
I have chosen to give up drinking. For health as well as mental well being reasons. I have no one at present in my immediate friend/family groups that are t-total and therefore am trying to carve the way for myself and completely unsure of what I am doing! Not having a drink each day is probably a good start!
I personally foresee myself struggling with resurfacing shame from passed intoxicated behaviours and the mental self-flagellation that comes with combing over those memories. As well as navigating my way through social expectations surrounding alcohol as many have come to consider that one of my defining traits, a trait I would rather not be associated with any longer.
I do not feel alcohol serves me anymore, and often turn to excessive drinking in social situations where I am uncomfortable, as well as privately when unable to cope with upsetting/stressful life events. Neither I recognise are good reasons to drink.
I am not a daily drinker, or habitual drinker, however I do notice the red flags around some of my drinking triggers, not to mention my semi-regularly volatile behaviour when intoxicated.
I have recently finished The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober, and have another couple of reads lined up.
On day 8 just now, and already getting itchy feet about the commitment! Any starting advice would be welcome
Hello! And welcome it’s fantastic you found this forum. There are many, many marvellous people on here who will willingly give time and advise to you should you only ask for it. It’s the most welcoming place I’ve ever been and I mostly just loiter lol
in reference to your bit about ‘getting itchy feet about the commitment’ I totally feel that way too! In the back of my mind I think how the hell can I go the rest of my life without drinking?! My only piece of advice that was given to me and works wonders is - just stay sober today. Don’t think about tomorrow. Don’t think about next week. Don’t think about your birthday next year. All you can do is focus on today and ensure you go to bed sober. It really really helps.
it’s often said but never over used and never under estimated. Not many if any people can imagine the rest of their life sober. We don’t have to, we don’t have to do anything apart from not pick one up today. Well said👍
That’s exactly it! Perhaps the big picture is a bit too daunting! That’s lovely advice. Just another reminder of the importance of staying present!
My next step (I think) is to find a substitute that I enjoy drinking while socialising! Even during this pandemic I feel like I’ve got sticky fingers on a friday night that long to having something ice cold in my hand, but I would like to work on a bit of home sober socialising training before I have to tackle any pubs or restaurants.
(Cue clearing the shelves of any and all elderflower products )
Welcome and congrats on your 8 days!! I so enjoyed that book as well!! Another one I personally got a lot from was Quit Like A Woman…in case you are looking for another thought provoking read.
I drank lots of La Croix Lemon or Lime in my early sobriety…cream soda and ginger beer are also incredibly yummy…if you do sugar (they are loaded with it).
Hope you have a chance to look around here and read lots of threads…that helped me so much in my early days.
…and yes, avoiding pubs and restaurants for awhile is very much encouraged…why tempt fate until you feel a bit more solid in sobriety.
Hi I’m new here too. And I totally feel you, the “itching” about never being able to do it again is constant. But as many already said, the best you can do is focus on today nothing else. I wish you the best of luck in recovery, this forum is a great place to be.
Love this
I think I will use this too
I am new on here too at the moment my fridge is full of fizzy lemon also I love a lime juice or a good old cup of tea
My only piece of advice that was given to me and works wonders is - just stay sober today. Don’t think about tomorrow. Don’t think about next week. Don’t think about your birthday next year. All you can do is focus on today and ensure you go to bed sober. It really really helps.
)
