Struggling on Day 4

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I’ve been struggling to quit booze for the better part of 15 years. Every once in a while I tell myself “this is it.” This time, I’m on day 4 of sobriety. I love the feeling. I have energy, I already feel lighter, my eyes look whiter and bolder, and I feel like anything is possible. I’m a hard liquor drinker and fortunately avoided withdrawals. Just some restless legs that have already improved.

But man I want a drink. My mind is telling me I’ve made it four days – you can stop drinking any time you want if you can make it four days. I need to remind myself the four day feeling is not the best it gets. It will get even better.

I just needed to type that. Any inspiration or advice is most welcome.

PS: I’ve never tried AA. If I join a virtual meeting, do I have to go on camera? Do I have to talk?

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Glad you’re back James and great work getting 4 days sober under your belt! Those were some of the hardest in my experience, just remember they can be the last first days of your recovery!

For me, this was absolutely true. I too felt better in some aspects when I initially quit. But now that I have a little over a year of sobriety from alcohol I can tell you that it most certainly did get even better! My depression and anxiety have lessened so much I no longer need medication to handle them. The shame and guilt I experienced on a daily basis thanks to my awful actions/words while drunk are no longer something I deal with. I still feel shame and guilt about things I’ve done and said in my past, just not so much that it drives me to drink or use. Sobriety doesn’t erase who you were, it provides an opportunity to change who you will be.

AA helped me find a support network when I needed it most! I’ve never tried online meetings, but I’m sure someone here has experience!

Getting and staying sober was the best choice I’ve made, and I’m so glad to hear that you are choosing it as well! Was it a struggle? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Unequivocally.

Looking forward to hearing more about your sober journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need additional support :smiling_face_with_sunglasses::call_me_hand:

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Day 4 is awesome!! There were so.many.times. I relapsed on day 1. Or hour 1, if I’m being honest. And you’ve already made it to 4!

I’m just here to echo what @Alexh666 said more eloquently: it gets so much better.

Just not feeling the shame and self-loathing of waking up hungover…again…would be worth it even if there were no other benefits.

You can absolutely do this. Five minutes at a time, one hour at a time, you can do this. :flexed_biceps::flexed_biceps::green_heart:

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