4 years It's been 4 years since I had my last drink. Today I feel odd, my wife and kids take me out on milestone days. Today was no different, except today I felt different. my friends and family are always telling me how strong I am for quitting and staying sober. I felt like I was celebrating a weakness not a strength. Sure it takes strength to stay sober when you are and alcoholic, but it seems like I wouldn't need the strength to stay sober if I was not weak to begin with. My life is so much better now and I have no desire to drink... today was just... weird Anyone else ever feel this? :a043: |
Although in some circles the terms are synonymous I think weakness and addiction are actually two entirely separate things. I'm not a weak person, but I was/am very much addicted. It took great strength to dig myself out of the hole I was in. I exopect it did for you too :) If I start thinking of addiction as a weakness, I start to lose my sense of agency (will, choice) and personal responsibility, and - for me - I'd be one step closer to relapse. Congrats on 4 years - you deserve kudos :) D |
Congratulations! Take your celebration, you absolutely deserve it. |
In short, no. In fact I've always viewed those who've dealt with addiction through recovery and maintaining sobriety (or whatever you want to call it) pretty damn strong. Actually the furtherest from weak. But on a personal level...I could see where you're coming from. Anyways, congrats and be proud. |
I think there's always a bit of your addiction that wants you to think that quitting was a bad idea. Your situation today might just be one of those - but you of course know that it's not true, what you've done has nothing but positive for everyone involved, especially you. Congrats on 4 years and enjoy your time with the family! |
Congrats on 4 years sober, FoodDude! I'd say that's something to be proud of, reclaiming your life. I know I'm sure proud of my 2+, it wasn't always a piece of cake ya know! Or easy as pie either. |
Hi FoodDude. Congratulations on 4 years. When I read a post from someone like you with long term success I would appreciate knowing how you succeeded. What did you do in the first year? AA or this forum or rehab or something else? Secondly what do you do today to maintain your sobriety? Is it different from what you did in your first year? Thanks for any insight you can provide. |
I guess when I landed in the bottom of the alcoholic pit, I was defeated, beaten, and lacked the power to get out. Self reliance had failed so I suppose that I was in a state of weakness. Then through action and faith I found a source of power that has sustained me in sobriety no matter what. On my own I amounted to nothing. Connected to the Power, the sky's the limit. |
Congratulations! :funjump: |
Congratulations! It could just be you aren't enjoying the way these sober dates are framed, you can handle them however you want, or not celebrate them at all. I get how that can be. It's not like I enjoy celebrating my birthdays and getting older either! |
Originally Posted by Dee74
(Post 7152376)
Although in some circles the terms are synonymous I think weakness and addiction are actually two entirely separate things. I'm not a weak person, but I was/am very much addicted. It took great strength to dig myself out of the hole I was in. I exopect it did for you too :) If I start thinking of addiction as a weakness, I start to lose my sense of agency (will, choice) and personal responsibility, and - for me - I'd be one step closer to relapse. Congrats on 4 years - you deserve kudos :) D Thanks for the great words! And for the kudos! |
weakness? nah, not for me...addiction is an illness process- but I get what you mean |
Originally Posted by trailmix
(Post 7152384)
Congratulations! Take your celebration, you absolutely deserve it. |
Originally Posted by Surlyredhead
(Post 7152958)
Congratulations! :funjump:
Originally Posted by kinzoku
(Post 7152980)
Congratulations! It could just be you aren't enjoying the way these sober dates are framed, you can handle them however you want, or not celebrate them at all. I get how that can be. It's not like I enjoy celebrating my birthdays and getting older either!
Originally Posted by PhoenixJ
(Post 7152997)
weakness? nah, not for me...addiction is an illness process- but I get what you mean |
Originally Posted by jimmyJlover
(Post 7152507)
In short, no. In fact I've always viewed those who've dealt with addiction through recovery and maintaining sobriety (or whatever you want to call it) pretty damn strong. Actually the furtherest from weak. But on a personal level...I could see where you're coming from. Anyways, congrats and be proud. |
Originally Posted by SnazzyDresser
(Post 7152553)
Congrats on 4 years sober, FoodDude! I'd say that's something to be proud of, reclaiming your life. I know I'm sure proud of my 2+, it wasn't always a piece of cake ya know! Or easy as pie either. |
Originally Posted by ScottFromWI
(Post 7152533)
I think there's always a bit of your addiction that wants you to think that quitting was a bad idea. Your situation today might just be one of those - but you of course know that it's not true, what you've done has nothing but positive for everyone involved, especially you. Congrats on 4 years and enjoy your time with the family! |
Originally Posted by AAPJ
(Post 7152558)
Hi FoodDude. Congratulations on 4 years. When I read a post from someone like you with long term success I would appreciate knowing how you succeeded. What did you do in the first year? AA or this forum or rehab or something else? Secondly what do you do today to maintain your sobriety? Is it different from what you did in your first year? Thanks for any insight you can provide.
Originally Posted by Gottalife
(Post 7152845)
I guess when I landed in the bottom of the alcoholic pit, I was defeated, beaten, and lacked the power to get out. Self reliance had failed so I suppose that I was in a state of weakness. Then through action and faith I found a source of power that has sustained me in sobriety no matter what. On my own I amounted to nothing. Connected to the Power, the sky's the limit. |
Originally Posted by FoodDude
(Post 7153015)
I don't have much to offer as I never went to a meeting, never did rehab and I didn't find this forum until I was a couple years sober. I guess I was just done. Close to losing my family and my career made me need to get clean. At least for me this whole thread is terrific. Thanks again! |
Originally Posted by AAPJ
(Post 7153067)
Thanks for the reply. I will disagree with your assessment though. You have a lot to offer by telling us how you quit. I think what you are saying is that the love for your wife won out over your love for alcohol. I appreciate this. Unfortunately for many spouses their love is not enough. If you want some gratitude just check out the posts on the F&F forum. At least for me this whole thread is terrific. Thanks again! |
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