Been a week tomorrow. I’ve thought of drinking, but fought the thoughts! It just hurts and sucks because nobody’s cared to checkup on me! I need that support but I’m not gonna BEG ANYONE for it! Give it unconditionally or don’t. It’s just sad!! Idk anymore!
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Great effort Joshua, just keep checking in here because we care. It’s difficult in those early stages but you really have to rely on yourself and it sets you up to be strong and resilient.
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Thank you. I think I’m doing it more for others than myself. I keep hearing that I need to do it for myself, but honestly, I think whatever reason in my head that keeps me from drinking is as good a reason as any. I just want praise, sad to say like a dog would, but I would like to be acknowledged that I’m doing a a good job.
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You are doing outstandingly well mate.
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Welcome, Joshua. It didn’t make much sense to me at the time, except that it was a practice that people with long term sobriety had. I was told to pray every morning to whatever idea of a strength beyond myself that I could muster up, to pray to express gratitude for having woken up sober and to ask for help in staying sober that day.
The attitudes of gratitude and seeking guidance were ones I had to cultivate. Like you, my natural inclination was to seek approval or acknowledgement for what I thought I had accomplished by myself. I was called out, in fact, for always wanting a pat on the back for simple acts. Going to bed sober, again? I wanted kudos for that, but I learned that civilians do that sort of thing all the time and it will not be recognized by them for the struggle it took to get there.
Being grateful and humble are key attitudes for me to continue to cultivate. In my experience, these are the most helpful, and easiest, changes that will grow my sobriety today.
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Makes a lot of sense. Thank you.
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I suggested 6 days ago maybe try a meeting , have you tried ? or any other meetings available instead of spitting the dummy out maybe the support you seek youl get at a meeting with like minded people like the people on here who care but you dont have to beg , early sobriety your heads all over the place i wish you well
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Normies dont get the struggle it is to stay clean for addicts. Other addicts understand. You can find support by posting here!
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Good work Josh! A week is a solid series of days.
Have you joined a meeting where you can have some positive social recovery time? One of the things I appreciate about my meetings is they’re on a regular schedule and I get a chance to celebrate others’ progress, and have them celebrate mine. (It also helps to have empathy and support through the tough times 
)
There’s a list of meeting groups here:
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Congrats on 1 week of freedom @Jps85 
Do the people around you know your battle with drinking? Have you confided in a few for accountability?
People who don’t battle with alcoholism don’t understand those that do.
They don’t get why 1 isn’t enough, how we can’t just stop.
Its not their fault their simply not able to conprehend the struggle.
To really gain some support I would open upto at least 1 trustworthy person tell them your battle, how you have gotten sober, how you feel alone and need some support and acknowledgement.
I personally celebrate my milestones, I treat myself to a nice meal, new clothes, even jewellery for my big milestones.
Even when noone else is cheering us on from the sidelines, we can cheer ourselves on and be grateful for the chance we have to be sober.
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I’ve confided in quite a few people. Idk. Maybe I just need to do what you said and celebrate myself. Thank you for the advice.
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No meetings yet. Idk if I’m ready for a meeting… I’ve just been trying to stay busy and stay around family.
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No meeting yet Ray. Just been trying to stay focused on staying away from trigger people and places. Trying to still maneuver on my own.
Maybe, but it would solve the problem you were talking about 
Meetings are checkups and recovery boosters all in one 
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my experience meetings make it easier rather on your own , so keep us posted on your journey
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Stick around here, we’re all in the same fight 
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I will hit a week later this evening and I have to say I feel the same way about wanting some praise. I understand how it was previously stated that those we are seeking acknowledgment from just don’t get the struggle it has been to get to this point. They act like it should just be easy to stick with it not knowing the internal conflict we are battling minute by minute.
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Congrats on your week of your sobriety. You can find the support and encouragement you are looking for here and like others have suggested at meetings. Unfortunately unless the people in your life are also in recovery they will not understand the daily struggles and battles you face to maintain your sobriety. They very luckily will never understand our addict minds.
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THANK YOU!!! What’s crazy, is even when I drank, only on weekends, I went to work, i own my own company, and I still pay ALL the bills plus more. My family’s financial needs always came first. I’m not making it okay because of that, but the very same people that I take care of wanted me to quit, don’t bother to see how I’m holding up. To me in my brain, it shows lack of concern or care on their part. It’s like a job, they only see the bad you do, never the good. They don’t praise you for the good you do, just the bad mistakes you’ve made. Idk. I’m just ranting at this point.
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We care here and always available when you need support .