Originally Posted by
August252015 
One thing I'll add....IMO, IME and through 852 days of recovery to date - permanent abstinence is completely different than permanent recovery.
The latter, which I also frame as maintaining emotional sobriety, is the means by which I have found the freedom and the clear headed decision making and indeed the joy in sobriety - recovery is so much more than simply not drinking.
Permanent abstinence is sufficient for me. I don't believe in emotional sobriety. I am glad, however, that you have found what you're looking for in terms of your recovery.