So I am one week sober from alcohol and I am feeling hopeful! Normally I couldn’t handle going one night, without getting drunk and now I know if I can handle one week. I can handle another week sober. The advice and mentality I keep having is a phrase. “Don’t think about being sober forever, just be sober for today and tell yourself that everyday.” And with that mindset if I can just get through today sober. I know it will make staying sober not overwhelming.
My biggest challenge this week was visiting my girlfriend. She’s in her final year of uni and she has 5 months left. And the plan is when she’s finished uni we are gonna live together. For the past year and a half we’ve been dating it’s mainly been long distance. I would visit her every other week. And during those times I would visit her I would get extremely drunk. And the alcohol addiction had caused our relationship to almost end a few times. Last week she told me I gotta get sober. So I visited her this week and stuck to my word and stayed sober.
We even went to a sports bar where we both just had a coke and we both have agreed this was the best date we had since I first met her over a year ago when I was sober and before the addiction.
I am gonna try everything in my body and soul to not give in and keep going. My motivation right now is proving to my girlfriend, with action staying sober rather than saying bullshit about how one day I wanna be sober. I told her about this community and she said she’s proud of me. Next week she’s home for a month and I hope to stay sober during the holidays. Thank you guys I’ll post again in a few days to update!
This is amazing, @NoExcuses, you must be so proud of yourself!
It must be very helpful that your partner is invested and willing to be sober with you, let’s hope you can continue that together throughout the next month.
In terms of the holidays: just keep doing your ODAAT and you’ll be fine. If however you do find that you are overwhelmed and struggling, we are always in your pocket and here to spur you on. Do continue to check in, those that do tend to stay the course
Many members share their daily experiences and help support one another through daily struggles/ stresses. A great way to stay connected and accountable.
With the holidays coming up, try to avoid additional triggers where possible. No need to go to bars if other options are available. Make sure to always have a non alcoholic drink in hand so you don’t get offered a drink.
Other tips to help you through…
Get yourself a support system in real life. Possibly join a meeting or recovery group. Keep away from triggers and develop healthy alternative routines. Have an escape plan in place if things get to be too much during social gatherings. Remember this community is active 247 so someone is always around to listen and help.
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Keep it up, it gets better.