Originally Posted by nigey1

Hi I am now one year sober.

Thanks heaps to this site. I would never have believed it 13 months ago. If I can and you are reading this then you can too.

My only secret has been keeping extra busy and committing 100% I am open to change and whatever now comes in life. I have so much to be grateful for.

My biggest issue now is the thinking - I'd never given up before maybe Im not an alco, or forgetting how bad it really was because it is soooo great now. I really have to be on my guard. I honestly don't want to drink.

The other thing I did is tell a lot of work colleagues and friends that I was having 12 months off grog, it was like telling them I just saw a 3 headed alien in the back yard. They were sort of OK knowing it wasn't permanent. Anyway a few have actually said your 12 months must be up you can start again etc.. I may have made a bit of a rod for myself. Just going to tell them I feel so good Im going another 12.

My reward = I have 4 months (paid) off work and going up the middle of Aus and down the East Coast in a tiny caravan in our little black AWD. Give a wave if you see us.

In summary - downside is it has changed dynamics with friends and work. To network and form friendships and associates, de stress, or nearly anything in my line of work you drink, fullstop.

Upside - Everything else except the above. Seems like a fair trade off to me.

For those with anxiety/depression issues the difference in me has been signifigant and enough to abstain from booze for that improvement alone.

Good luck everyone and thanks