So looking back at my original post, it was posted on Dec 8 yet today marks 6 days sober. Definitely stumbled considerably and wouldn’t say I’m stable by any means, if anything far from it. Last couple days have not been easy, my gosh, much harder than I thought it would be. I always considered alcohol being the gateway to cocaine and not really having an alcohol problem. I am noticing that maybe I relied too much on drinking. The last few days have been a struggle to not have a glass of wine after work, with dinner, just as a relaxing thing on the couch. It’s not so much that I want to get drunk but I’m not one of those people that can have just one. Unfortunately I have excluded most of the people I used to hang out with which means my nights are looonnngg and lonely. I wake up with no texts from anyone no contact, which is a good and bad thing.
To improve my situation I have been looking up work out classes and yoga type activities in my area. Things that I can do after work to keep myself busy and hopefully meet new people. Monday I leave for a business trip, that will be tough also but could be very good at the same time. The hotel I am staying at has an indoor pool that I will most definitely take advantage of!
So happy to have you here When I first got sober, I was a daily user/drinker and after 10 years I tried some drinking again only to find I was in a binge spot and this continued for some time before I got sober again…thankfully and with the support of a lot of beautiful people here
I know my doc is not necessarily the same, but some thinfs I share that helped me when getting sober especially getting through that first bit. The anxiety I found around the binge aspect was different because even if I was sober a few days and felt okay or good, it could just creep or slam in. Its a different patterns to break but can be done, and I think many people on here know the challenges of breaking that cycle…in the beginning I:
Came on here each day. Even fod 10 to 15 min. I would share in the daily check in and read, sometimes stay for longer even
Write down all of my triggers…the emotional, physical and habitual ones.
Write down my reasons to stay sober, and wrote down the reasons I do not like to drink (for me it was drinking).
Get the tools in my tool belt so to speak. I wrote down a list of things I could do when I craved a drink or that automatic switch flipped…i.e., came on here and said how I felt, told my husband I was wanting to drink, had no alcohol in house, etc. And even tools to use for my energy (i.e., do some exercise, knit, hobby stuff) and for my brain energy (i.e., read, find a good show)…shit to deal with the triggers and the energy I have.
Focused on a new way of talking to my addiction. I was fortunate enough to meet a beautiful soul, 30 yrs sober, who did not get sober in the program I had and she taught me something I had never thought of or considered. This part of me that used was trying to help me, she deserved love and not hate, shame nor was shs a demon in me. When that thought to use would creep up in me, I would when I could stop to sit with myself and ask her: what do you need? What are you trying to help me with? What are you afraid of, etc. I mean I didnt anserr all these questions at once, and at first I was more focused on getting through the craving but it was the beginning of showing that part of me love and also appreciating why I felt I needed to shut off, turn up or get wasted.
This is just what I did in the beginning and one god damn day at a time I added a bunch together and now I no ponger crave or have that desire to reach for alcohol (again my doc and I know all are different). I am wishing you luck my friend and hope you find your path through this and find all that will work for you. Work for it, fight for it and give it all you got. You are so worth it xo
Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks! Even if our DOC is different, in the end it’s all the same, we are all here because we want to do better for ourselves! Thanks for your words of encouragement. In bed now sleeping shortly and wake up tomorrow to a full week sober which isn’t something I’ve said in a long long time!
Yeah there is a volunteer center but it’s very very limited. The only things it does is Meals on Wheels prepping and delivering. There are many sporting events over time that ask for volunteers so I might look into those opportunities as they arise. I live in a small town.
Been MIA the last few days, just so busy with work travel and finally getting back home. Things are good. Got home yesterday, got a message as soon as I was home asking me to go out, I denied. Had to drop off something for a friend yesterday at their work (they work at a bar) on my way home, ended up crossing paths with a good friend in the parking who offered to deliver the package for me so I didn’t have to go inside which was just so thoughtful. Today, denied another request to go out. In bed now watching TV relaxing knowing that tomorrow I will wake up without any regrets and no hangover. Gotta admit that the lack of feeling like shit every morning is really starting to motivate me more and more.
I love this. Great job on passing on the evenings out and protecting your sobriety. Those are big wins!! Here’s to putting another sober head on the pillow and waking up to no hangover
I just came across your thread somehow. And let me say man… you are not alone. I would have over 30 days if I didn’t give in. This app has an amazing community and I truly hope that you keep pushing like you are and you’re always welcome here. There are a lot of amazing people and resources.
Welcome I haven’t been here long either, but I just had a year this month on the seventh. It’s nice to come on here and just view even if you don’t post there’s a lot of helpful information on here and a lot of people that are willing to be there to listen
When I first got sober, I was a daily user/drinker and after 10 years I tried some drinking again only to find I was in a binge spot and this continued for some time before I got sober again…thankfully and with the support of a lot of beautiful people here 
