100% agree with this - especially that damn aisle!
@Bernablah24 Breaking my routine and starting a new one really helped me. I’ve had more relapses than I’d like to admit because I was doing the same things over and over again, just in slightly different enough ways that I’d convinced myself I’d changed.
I drank when I felt sad, I drank when I felt angry, I drank when I felt happy and I drank when I was bored… you get the picture.
So, when I feel motivated/happy, I now clean my house.
When I feel sad, I call someone for support or write my feelings down. If that doesn’t work, I have a good cry and go to bed!
When I feel angry, I like to stomp to the shops to buy orange juice and lemonade, then listen to heavy metal or workout - gives me that hit I need without alcohol.
Feeling bored? Draw, go for a walk, play video games, whatever hobbies you enjoy, or used to.
I had to tell all my friends that I was no longer drinking, which seemed really overwhelming at first, but the people who truly loved me supported me 100%. Those who didn’t? Gone, nada, no time or space for it.
I’ve given my ID to loved ones to keep safe so I can’t be served (If you’re lucky enough to be ID’d!) and I generally find this site, especially the check-in thread, to be really honest, motivating and sincere. We all get it here, there’s no judgement.
Checking in daily to maintain focus #64
I’ve linked the check-in thread above. Feel free to check it out.
Ultimately, and the hardest and probably most brutal part, is that you have to want to change. And you can, but not by yourself, and not by keeping your current routine.
I can honestly say that, despite all of my relapses and the liver damage, life is so much more enjoyable sober. More than that brief high you get when you drink, or the numbness you feel to dull the pain, or the easy way to cure anxiety. To feel and to live and to have a life worth living, that’s what keeps me going.
Be kind to yourself and stay safe. You are worthy of help and support.