Xune

How I've stayed sober for four months 16 days.

1) Admitted to myself, wife and Doctor I have a drinking problem.

2) Stopped drinking.

3) Read 'Sober for Good' and 'Alcohol a love story.' ( I wasn't fond of the latter, as I found the author to be too self indulgent and melodramatic)

4) Every three or four weeks I see a psychologist.

5) I don't drink alcohol ever

6) I am trying to repair the damage I caused to my marriage by seeing a couples counsellor with my wife. ( My marriage was on the absolute edge of failure, but consistent sobriety and a complete 180 with regards to my attitude, has given my wife hope that the marriage is salvageable. )

7) I drink copious amounts of low sodium club soda and Perrier when at home or out for social occasions.

8) I'm not in need of AA, but will not rule it out as a possible means of support, should the future not continue so positively.

9) My Doctor has prescribed Seroquel and I've been on Paxil for over two years for OCD.

Benefits;

1) I'm sober

2) I no longer live in a fog

3) Increased energy and a increased positive outlook

4) I'm more productive

5) I'm emotionally and mentally present for my family

6) I lost 20 pounds, feel and look healthier

7) I'm no longer slowly killing myself

8) I've only seen my main drinking buddy one single time since August and that was this past weekend to watch the UFC fight. GO GSP!!!!

9) Two weeks ago, I got myself back into the gym and when I play hockey, my legs respond faster and my stamina is better.

10) I'm repairing the damage to my marriage.

solstice3

" 'Alcohol a love story.' ( I wasn't fond of the latter, as I found the author to be too self indulgent and melodramatic)"

I also just finished this book, and being a woman and having had a similar relationship with my father (and other men) - it hit head on.

Perhaps women can relate better to her feelings but the overall message of stunted growth and loss of control is familiar to most alcoholics.

I think it took a lot of strength for her to write it. Will have to look up Sober for Good.

duane1

Well keep doing what is working for you. Congratulations on your success.

PaperDolls

Congrats on your sober time! That's great!!

It just keeps getting better.

Delilah1

Congratulations on your sober time, and for sharing your plan, it may help members who are just getting started.

I just finished Drinking A Love Story, and also read Diary of an Alcoholic Housewife. I really liked both, but agree with Solstice that they may be "chick lit".

Have a Happy and Sober Thanksgiving!!!

Windancer

Awesome! and wonderful way to express your post. Thanks
Could you tell me more about "Sober for Good"? was it very helpful to you? i have read several books...some are better than others obviously but everyone is different too.

hypochondriac

Try Dry by Augusten Burroughs. Less melodrama I could definitely relate to that more than Caroline Knapp's book.

Well done on your sober time Xune. Sounds like you're doing great x

Xune

I appreciated learning that there isn't one best way to get sober...that basically, whatever works is what matters.

I was unaware that there were so many different strategies, techniques and ways for people to get well.

I had always assumed that AA was the only way and was relieved to find out that AA isn't for everyone...and that is Ok.

I got a lot out of that book.

With regards to the love affair story, I think the other posters are right...that it may be better received by a female audience.

I couldn't relate to the authors struggles or emotional baggage and ended up feeling kind of sad.

A shame she died so young after getting herself clean.

Dee74

well, I'm a man and I related more to Knapp than I ever did to A. Burroughs...

Diff'rent strokes - go figure
D

soberbythesea

I've read all the books mentioned in this thread and Knapp's was my favorite. I've read it many times actually. As a woman, of around the age she was when she finally got sober, I relate to her a LOT.

Xune

I just remembered what I had a huge problem with in the love affair book.

The authors psychiatrist was apparently trying to treat her, while doing absolutely nothing for her drinking problem.

That really burned my gears.