I think that drinking is obviously pathologised here and sobriety is idealised. The longer I am sober, the less I support such a view, which will ruffle some feathers.
LOL My feathers aren't ruffled but..you've been sober 2 weeks, yeah ?
I remember - it seems long - it feels like you've made the mental switch -but you're still way closer to the start of this than anything else.
This is not 'recovery' - this is the difficult transitional phase.
I guarantee you no one here would stay sober long term if they felt they lost out on the deal.
I'm guessing you gave years to drinking - we get used to instant gratification - pop the bottle and 'mood adjustment' ensues....
You won't need to give years to sobriety before you accept it works best - but it will probably be months rather than weeks?
I'm sorry for the NHS run around - the public health system is groaning under the weight of patients here in Oz too - but I guarantee that it annoys the bejabbers out of drinkers too
There's two steps to freedom as I see it, Garvo
1. stop drinking.
2. find out how to be happy while doing Step 1.
The second one is harder and takes longer, but when you crack it, it's worth it
D