Old 07-26-2017, 02:20 PM
  # 12 (permalink)  
ScottFromWI
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
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How long has it been since you quit drinking? It is very common to have these kinds of feelings, especially in early sobriety. Having regrets about the past is a common thing, and not just with addicts.

As others have mentioned though, if you just wait for the thoughts to go away they probably won't. You need to take a proactive approach - which can be different for each of us. Therapy can be a very helpful tool, and you can also learn techniques to practice on your own when you can't visit a counselor. Mindfulness and meditation is one that comes to mind that can be very helpful.

Working a recovery program can be very helpful too - because most of them focus on channeling energy to things you can change - and focusing on now, not ruminating on the past.

Time can also be a healer, especially if you have just recently quit. The first weeks/months after quitting are very up and down - your brain is literally recuperating and changing pathways after being sedated for so long.
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