Originally Posted by Callas

Let us be clear about this: recovery is extremely difficult. It is hard to stop drinking, it is even harder to stay stopped. It is tough to leave behind a habit of a lifetime. It is challenging to face life without the easy escapism that was so conveniently available. It is trying to socialise without the help of a few confidence boosters. It is gruelling to try and find meaning in the mundane. It is an effort to do things differently.

Then we get to the real sucker-punch. This is forever.

Most people have struggles and challenges. Life is like that. This struggle of ours is a double whammy as it is mostly self-inflicted.

Many posts on this forum speak of anguish and pain. This is to be expected. SR provides solid support and much needed assistance but in reality in this battle we are alone.

Each of us must succeed or fail entirely on our own.

I have the greatest respect for the members here who succeed and complete empathy with those who fail, temporarily or permanently.

My quest is on-going with the full realisation that this time there is no easy out.