Boleo

For me it was not so much physical and mental. The best part of recovery is the
emotioional and spiritual benefits:

Peace of mind.
Sense of purpose.
Joy of seeing others recover.

barb dwyer

I remember wanting to know pretty much the same thing
"when will this be over?"

It's different with everyone.

But I can promise you

it *will* happen.

jazzz

Less anxiety
sleep better
clearer mind
more motivation
more honesty
a better sense of "me"
true happiness sometimes
less irritability
no more blackouts
clear head
better concentration

Generally a better quality of life

It's been 2 months. Still hard work, but it pays off

mikefreak

A almost forgotten sense of self-respect
Look Better
Feel better
Better mental/emotional state ( though not ALWAYS perfect.)
A bank account that deosn't say " Insufficent Funds".
Get along better with people- no grumpy hangovers
Food doesn't taste like cardboard anymore
More restful sleep
No more drunk "friends"
MUCH better spiritual life
Starting to grow as a person
Able to FINALLY relax
Getting a LOT more done
More acute senses- music sounds the best I remember in years.
No more breaking out in hives
More patience
More empathy
Greater ability to come out of my shell & love others
My heart & I are on speaking terms again
Blood Pressure has calmed down.
No more waking up at 4AM Monday morning on the verge of tears
People say I look younger-and, at 52, (nearly) that's wonderful to hear!!!
Long-suffering friends/relatives telling how proud they are of you
A sense of optimisim/hope for the future
A sense of gratitude.

Wartrace

That is exactly how I have been feeling. I would get downright resentful when someone would try to control my actions. The thought that I allowed alcohol (and tobacco) control my life for over twenty five years never occurred to me.

Thanks for that statement Gypsy Feet, it just makes me feel even MORE determined to NEVER AGAIN allow ANYTHING to take over my life.

suki44883

I love not feeling like hammered sh*t when I wake up in the mornings...or even having that dull headache and lethargy. I still don't bounce out of bed loving the idea of having to go to work, but the way I feel in the mornings is just the normal, everyday feeling of having to wake up to an alarm. After my shower, I'm good to go, whereas before, I just felt clean, but still muddle headed. I love knowing that I can leave the house anytime I need to without having to worry whether or not I've had too much to drink to drive safely. I love not having to wonder if I have enough booze in the house to get me through the evening, or if I need to stop and get more so I don't go out to buy some after I've had a few. There are so many things I love about not drinking. I'm sure I could think of more, but I think you get the idea.

rondfw777

Atleast when I drank, I could!

Work
Sleep
Eat
No anxiety
Not angry
smiled
was not broke
ears did not ring
did I mention sleep?
list goes on!


Ron

ibana27

I've been clean 11 full days...I just feel healthier...and my head is clearer. I'm accomplishing things to...def plus!!! And I'm paying more attention to my pets at home. I think I prolly look healthier as well!

LiveLikeGold6

Omg how I yearn for some of the things you guys have experienced since quitting. It almost brought me to tears. More people share please

sunrise1

For me?

Hangover and guilt free mornings. Definitely better sleep, and my husband has one less thing to worry about. Our relationship has improved immensely and we have become closer. He's proud of me reaching 60 days this past week.

Mostly, if I mess up or really screw up bill payment, or make gross mistakes onstage, it can no longer even be a suspicion that it was brought about due to drinking. I own my mistakes, and that has taken away a huge amount of stress between hubby and me onstage. 9 times out of 10- they were legitimate mistakes, but now there is no question.

I am also in a away enjoying (maybe not the typical use of that word) comparing my "before" and "after" life... I was swigging the last drops of a Sprite Zero bottle a few nights ago and remembered the sneaks into the kitchen to guzzle whatever I could grab without getting caught. All that sneaking and hiding (which is a form of dishonesty too) are things of the past and reminders of more negativity drinking brought to my life and are now gone.

TheSunAlsoRises

You can experience all of these things. If your a alkie like us, not drinking is going to be the best decision you have ever made!

dan1957

I don't miss it either. everytime I wank to drink I run through my list of reasons not to. getting arrested, dwindling bank account, loss of mental and physical health, watching my mother die of liver failure, my last drunk on my knees vomiting, and letting down my loved ones who want me to stop. 39 days, one day at a time. thank you. best regards to all.

al13nw4r3

I am comfortable in my own shoes sober. I enjoy life so much more. I dont have to worry about what I did the night before, getting another dui, disappointing my family. It isnt always lollipops and gumdrops but its a million times better now then when I was out there. My employer likes my work ethic much more and I actually enjoy work. I now enjoy a diet DR. Pepper once and awhile. Thanks to these forums, AA meetings and people like you.

NewMe11109

I really enjoy my family now - something that I struggled to do when I was drinking. We have fun!

TheMaster

2 weekends for me. not drinking:

1. No more stomach/intestinal problems (I never knew it was alcohol related, but I suspected it might).
2. No more depression, sitting at my desk wanting to disappear.
3. No weight loss, yet, but with the stomach thing gone, I can start exercising more. The stomach thing was killing me when out walking.
4. My temper seems to be calming down. I used to have a nasty temper (violent when I was younger, but verbally nasty, recently).
5. No hangovers, so I don't have to gorge myself to get rid of one.
6. I can go out at night, now (I drank alone, "safe" at home).

Can't think of anymore, at the moment...

jazzz

Much calmer
clearer thinking
overall happier
better sense of self
stomach is better
no hangovers
no more hiding how I'm really feeling (like crap!)
more sense of purpose in doing things

and other little things...

2,5 months sober..