Sobriety Date question?? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Wendy · 04-10-2002, 02:57 PM

My original sobriety date is July 9 when I quit drinking for 3 months. Prior to, I was daily drinking beer and wine so had a long road. I have had a few one day mistakes/relapses since July 9. When asked my sobriety date, I'm not sure how to answer? I feel disappointed that I had relapses but they have made me stronger and made me realized more how important sobriety needs to be.

Noelle · 04-11-2002, 04:57 AM

well..........u get to use whatever date u want, but for meit was the day i decided to STOP, and from then on i have not put any more alcohol or any other mood altering chemials in my body.........

Noelle

DOS: 6/23/86

P.S. Some folks use the date of their last drink/drug, but for me that would be about a week before, and I'm not sure of the date

Sick In The City · 04-11-2002, 08:25 PM

Most people feel that your sobriety date is the last day that you used or drank (used). However, most people in recovery also feel that there are miles of difference between abstinence and recovery. I believe that recovery begins not only when we choose to abstain from using but also when we choose to change the belief systems and behaviors that enabled us to use in the first place.
My sobriety date is October 18, 2001. I have grown by leaps and bounds since that time. However, I only quit smoking cigarettes fifteen days ago so in many ways I feel like a Newcomer. I like to take it as a sign that this program works and that we can recover from addiction. Honestly, cigarettes were my gateway drug... for sixteen years and over a pack a day.
The only person who can really answer this question for you is you. I am sure that you know what the right answer is.

------------------
The lie is dead...We do recover!

Gettin' Better!

04-15-2002, 05:36 AM

To me, the VERY FIRST DAY AFTER THE LAST DAY I DRANK, IS MY SOBRIETY DATE. Part of working an honest program is to start counting those days all over again. I had to do it and I pray that I will not have to again. Also remember,it's not just saying your sober. Your brain goes through a series of detoxes. One in 30 days, 60, 90, 6 months, 9 months, a year, etc. That's why those milestones are celebrated. It takes a full 2 years for your brain to be rid of all traces of alcohol.

I suggest reading "There is a Solution" from the Big Book.

Even though I celebrate my milestones, I really only have today, this minute.

It works if you work it.
Nicole

Wendy · 04-21-2002, 05:01 PM

Thanks for telling me what I needed to hear. I know that I have come a long long ways from my daily drinking so I am worlds better but still a long way to go. You're right - I'm going to start from the day of the last drink!!! And my "initial" can be an "awakening" of sorts I guess.

Noelle · 04-21-2002, 06:03 PM

WTG Wendy,

At our AA Center here, our desire ship is given out using the dialogue, "...for anyone who has a desire to stop drinking; for 24 hours; an outward sign of an inward commitment........congratulations on that inward commitment.....

In Recovery,
Noelle

04-21-2002, 09:58 PM

I have a different opinion. I think putting so much emphasis on how many days you have clean, at least for me, is not beneficial. I prefer just to focus on my daily recovery, than on counting days.

Noelle · 04-22-2002, 03:46 AM

Chronic?

I'm sorry, I didn't see this thread as putting emphasis on how many days (whatever) we have, but on how to answer a question about one's sobriety date, as that was the original question......could just be me tho.

Jon · 04-22-2002, 03:48 AM

And what side did we wake up on his fine morn? (actually, I haven't layed down yet.) How the heck are you Noelle?

------------------
Be well, and have a great 24...

Noelle · 04-22-2002, 01:44 PM

Well Hey there Jon!!!!

What side of the bed.......heck I dunno; must be the dang pain meds I got fer this dang tooth.......got it pulled tho; now i b waitin fer the novacaine to wear off....grrr

Asside from all that.........i b GREAT!!!!!
and BTW..... 5782 days and countin.....lol

In Recovery,
Noelle

DOS: 6/23/86

04-24-2002, 07:02 AM

Thanks for the response to counting the days. For me keeping track symbolizes how far I've come. And it's been a long way. God willing, I'll be clean and sober 1 year on May 4th.

Nicole (gr8tful)

Noelle · 04-24-2002, 08:45 AM

WTG Gr8ful!!!!!

Aint it amazin how quickly those li'll 24's add up; and who'd a thunk???

KCB-----this program really does work; if we work it.....and sometimes it works us...

In Recovery,
Noelle

5784 days 'n countin'

04-25-2002, 05:36 PM

Wendy, Be honest with your self. The reason there is a sobrity date is to let us know on that day forword you have not had a drink OR a drug. This program is about being honest and willing to do the deal. Its not just about putting the drink or the drug down, Its about changing our behaviors, its progress not perfection.

[This message has been edited by Hanghigh88 (edited April 25, 2002).]

Sick In The City · 04-27-2002, 07:03 AM

I know I did not just see a man posting on this board.

Well, okay Jon but just this once.
Noelle, it has been very nice to see you sharing on the boards, again. Your words show that they come from one who has "been there" and has come back recovering. Thank you.
Speaking of milestones. I celebrated my six month milestone on the 18th of this month. I just wanted to share that.
And for Chronic, I wanted to say that my focus has not been how long I've been clean as how long I have been working my recovery. I think the same can be said for others here, although I presume to speak for noone. I feel that anniversaries of when we chose to recover are very important to recovery. It is a day we can look at and hold up for ourselves to say, "This is a day when I chose to live a new way of life. This is a day when I began learning to change one thing; everything."

------------------
The lie is dead...We do recover!

Gettin' Better!

04-10-2002, 02:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Wendy Paused Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 41	Sobriety Date question?? My original sobriety date is July 9 when I quit drinking for 3 months. Prior to, I was daily drinking beer and wine so had a long road. I have had a few one day mistakes/relapses since July 9. When asked my sobriety date, I'm not sure how to answer? I feel disappointed that I had relapses but they have made me stronger and made me realized more how important sobriety needs to be.

04-22-2002, 03:48 AM	#9 (permalink)
Jon But Very, Very Bruisable... Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Palm Springs, Ca. Posts: 559	And what side did we wake up on his fine morn? (actually, I haven't layed down yet.) How the heck are you Noelle? ------------------ Be well, and have a great 24... __________________ Have A Great 24 -jon

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04-11-2002, 04:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
Noelle Paused Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 34	well..........u get to use whatever date u want, but for meit was the day i decided to STOP, and from then on i have not put any more alcohol or any other mood altering chemials in my body......... Noelle DOS: 6/23/86 P.S. Some folks use the date of their last drink/drug, but for me that would be about a week before, and I'm not sure of the date

04-11-2002, 08:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sick In The City Forum Leader Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Vacaville Posts: 95	Most people feel that your sobriety date is the last day that you used or drank (used). However, most people in recovery also feel that there are miles of difference between abstinence and recovery. I believe that recovery begins not only when we choose to abstain from using but also when we choose to change the belief systems and behaviors that enabled us to use in the first place. My sobriety date is October 18, 2001. I have grown by leaps and bounds since that time. However, I only quit smoking cigarettes fifteen days ago so in many ways I feel like a Newcomer. I like to take it as a sign that this program works and that we can recover from addiction. Honestly, cigarettes were my gateway drug... for sixteen years and over a pack a day. The only person who can really answer this question for you is you. I am sure that you know what the right answer is. ------------------ The lie is dead...We do recover! Gettin' Better!

04-15-2002, 05:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
Gr8ful Guest Posts: n/a	To me, the VERY FIRST DAY AFTER THE LAST DAY I DRANK, IS MY SOBRIETY DATE. Part of working an honest program is to start counting those days all over again. I had to do it and I pray that I will not have to again. Also remember,it's not just saying your sober. Your brain goes through a series of detoxes. One in 30 days, 60, 90, 6 months, 9 months, a year, etc. That's why those milestones are celebrated. It takes a full 2 years for your brain to be rid of all traces of alcohol. I suggest reading "There is a Solution" from the Big Book. Even though I celebrate my milestones, I really only have today, this minute. It works if you work it. Nicole

04-21-2002, 05:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
Wendy Paused Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 41	Thanks for telling me what I needed to hear. I know that I have come a long long ways from my daily drinking so I am worlds better but still a long way to go. You're right - I'm going to start from the day of the last drink!!! And my "initial" can be an "awakening" of sorts I guess.

04-21-2002, 06:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
Noelle Paused Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 34	WTG Wendy, At our AA Center here, our desire ship is given out using the dialogue, "...for anyone who has a desire to stop drinking; for 24 hours; an outward sign of an inward commitment........congratulations on that inward commitment..... In Recovery, Noelle

04-21-2002, 09:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
chronic Guest Posts: n/a	I have a different opinion. I think putting so much emphasis on how many days you have clean, at least for me, is not beneficial. I prefer just to focus on my daily recovery, than on counting days.

04-22-2002, 03:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
Noelle Paused Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 34	Chronic? I'm sorry, I didn't see this thread as putting emphasis on how many days (whatever) we have, but on how to answer a question about one's sobriety date, as that was the original question......could just be me tho.

04-22-2002, 01:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Noelle Paused Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 34	Well Hey there Jon!!!! What side of the bed.......heck I dunno; must be the dang pain meds I got fer this dang tooth.......got it pulled tho; now i b waitin fer the novacaine to wear off....grrr Asside from all that.........i b GREAT!!!!! and BTW..... 5782 days and countin.....lol In Recovery, Noelle DOS: 6/23/86

04-24-2002, 07:02 AM	#11 (permalink)
Gr8ful Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks for the response to counting the days. For me keeping track symbolizes how far I've come. And it's been a long way. God willing, I'll be clean and sober 1 year on May 4th. Nicole (gr8tful)

04-24-2002, 08:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
Noelle Paused Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 34	WTG Gr8ful!!!!! Aint it amazin how quickly those li'll 24's add up; and who'd a thunk??? KCB-----this program really does work; if we work it.....and sometimes it works us... In Recovery, Noelle 5784 days 'n countin'

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04-25-2002, 05:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
Hanghigh88 Guest Posts: n/a	Wendy, Be honest with your self. The reason there is a sobrity date is to let us know on that day forword you have not had a drink OR a drug. This program is about being honest and willing to do the deal. Its not just about putting the drink or the drug down, Its about changing our behaviors, its progress not perfection. [This message has been edited by Hanghigh88 (edited April 25, 2002).]

04-27-2002, 07:03 AM	#14 (permalink)
Sick In The City Forum Leader Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Vacaville Posts: 95	I know I did not just see a man posting on this board. Well, okay Jon but just this once. Noelle, it has been very nice to see you sharing on the boards, again. Your words show that they come from one who has "been there" and has come back recovering. Thank you. Speaking of milestones. I celebrated my six month milestone on the 18th of this month. I just wanted to share that. And for Chronic, I wanted to say that my focus has not been how long I've been clean as how long I have been working my recovery. I think the same can be said for others here, although I presume to speak for noone. I feel that anniversaries of when we chose to recover are very important to recovery. It is a day we can look at and hold up for ourselves to say, "This is a day when I chose to live a new way of life. This is a day when I began learning to change one thing; everything." ------------------ The lie is dead...We do recover! Gettin' Better!