Eleven years, firmly in double digits
 

My yearly reminder of where I've been and where I'm going is upon me once again. While life without imbibing has gotten way easier I have an almost weekly reminder of the clear and present dangers that we all still face. So much marketing and ads everywhere, huge displays in storefronts and acquaintances talking about drinking. Hearing about "Mocktails" and wondering why anyone who has struggled with addiction would want to pretend they are drinking the real thing as if that's not a recipe for disaster. I am at the point where I don't like when a seltzer bottle uses the word champagne or a coffee says whiskey. I just find no need in tempting the devil, it's like a vegan wanting fake meat. I don't get it, just eat beans and nuts to get your protein, you don't need to pretend you are eating meat. You're just in denial.

Over the years I have mentored others as I go further and I find that not too many who seemingly ask for help actually want it. You really need to want it for yourself before it's going to matter to anyone else. So here's to another year sober to you all, if you got it, you got it. Cherish it and never take it for granted, remember where you came from. For those of you still struggling, there is light at the end of that dark tunnel, just keep marching towards the light and don't give up.

Happy Sober 2024

Good to see you Sudz - congrats on 11 years :)

D

Awesome recovery achievement. :c043:

Congrats on taking back your One Precious life.

Thanks for posting. :)

Congrats Sudz, eleven years is awesome!!!

I’ve got six years myself with no fear of returning.

I agree that often one asks for help when they want the negative consequences from drinking to go away. That is not enough in my experience. Once we start to feel better, we start bargaining and romanticizing, soon we’re back to drinking. One needs to be willing to give up that sweet pleasure as well as the bad stuff. It was when I accepted that I will never drink again & enjoy that sweet release, that my sobriety stuck.

Congrats to you as well msl - 6 years is great!

D

Congratulations on 11 years!

Congrats Sudz for 11 years and ms1999 for 6 years both sober.

When drinking becomes a null point there is no more romanticizing or pretending anything. Then sober and a life of thriving become one.

Thank you for sharing your success with us

Congratulations Sudz(no more)

Congratulations Sudz. I remember you from all those years ago. Fabulous achievement 👏

Sudz - 11 yrs. is remarkable. :yup: I'm so happy you've triumphed. Congrats. :)

Congratulations Sudz! You are so right about Mocktails. I just do not understand the appeal.

I think I remember that handle from my days of trying to get sober as well. It's nice to see someone else that "made it" as well. Congratulations on your sobriety! 11 years is a crazy amount of time!

Huge congrats on 11 years!