paloverde

During my last couple of years drinking I continued to chase that buzz from the old days. I rarely achieved it, and when I did it only lasted about 20 minutes. The rest was madness and sickness. I'm glad today isn't like that. Today I got up and went to work completely clear-headed and rested, had my hands in high-voltage equipment and dealt with a customer with no alcohol on my breath from the night before or this morning. I was able to do my job and do it well without worrying about smelling like fumes or being spaced out and getting hurt or starting a fire. I didn't argue with my wife last night or cause a scene. We had a nice dinner and watched a movie together. I remember what I was doing right up until I fell asleep.

I haven't drank for almost 7 months (tomorrow will be officially 7), and the hardest part is being me without a way to deceive myself about my health, my relationships, my career, my goals, how I look in the mirror. I did some permanent damage in those last 2 years to friendships, reputation, my body, and my brain. I'll have to live with the nerve, liver, pancreas and joint damage, the emotional hurts I caused other people, the reputation, the wasted money...

It's been tough the last few weeks. But I made it through Thanksgiving holiday and my next goal is Christmas and New Year's. I want to be sober still on 1/1/15. I'll worry about what comes after that when the time comes!

blueyes618

This is a difficult time of year with the holidays and being surrounded by friends and family. I know one of my biggest issues I will face is not drinking on Xmas and New Years. Thanksgiving was my last day of drinking, and it ended in disaster. I try and look for the silver lining in all of this and focus on the sober memories I will be making and easing the minds of my loved ones stay strong.

OklaBH

I am so sorry. I hope you regularly see your doctor. Its scary what alcohol does and has done to us. Keep posting. We can get through the holidays together!

Midwest1981

That's great you are doing so well! Congrats on 7 months sober!

That's wonderful your able to spend time with your wife and have a good evening together!!

Soberwolf

Well done on getting through a tough time and thanksgiving and a big well done on 7 months tomorrow
paloverde

Know that you have us all the way through the holiudays to lean on and be sure to check the surving christmas link he posted

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...trategies.html