Originally Posted by
doggonecarl 
I haven't drank in over four years. I don't consider that long term sobriety, not compared to the 35 years I did drink.
How did I get past the "novelity" of sobriety? I took the option of drinking completely off the table. I vowed to never drink and never change my mind. Any thoughts of drinking are dismissed as the stirring of my addiction. Any compromises I make with my addiction that will lead to drinking is the insanity of alcoholism. Recognized as such, I can settle into my sobriety without getting complacent.
If I drink, it will be a choice. A poor one, but a decision I will have made. If this happens, I hope I'm not surprised by the results.
As simplistic as that sounds I find that idea quite powerful. I like how that attitude assumes the power over the disease rather that begrudges its limitations. Thanks very much.