Day 30
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Montreal
Posts: 85
Day 30
Greetings my fellow addicts, today is my 30th day without a drink, and I feel great! I'm not too big on counting days, but this one does seem significant to me.
I had tried to quit many times before, but this time is different. In the past I tried AA, but I absolutely do not believe in any 'higher power'. I have come to believe that we can and should empower our selves to maintain sobriety. Not surprisingly, AA never worked for me. This time I am building my own recovery plan, which includes participation in SOS (Secular Org for Sobriety, aka Save Our Selves), reading lots of recovery literature, keeping a journal, and spending lots of time reading articles and threads on this terrific web site. I'm 50 years old, have drank since I was 14, and for the first time in my life I can honestly say that I am much happier not drinking than I am drinking. No more white knuckle abstinence, no more lying to myself and others, no more hangovers etc...etc. I think I could write several pages on why I now love sobriety and hate alcohol.
I'm still having lots of trouble getting to sleep, and trying every kind of natural remedy out there, but I am coming to terms with the fact that I am probably just a naturally high intensity guy who relied on booze to relax instead of embracing who I really am. I'd now much rather be a little tense, but sober, than drugged out or passed out. I use my late night awake time to read and reflect on all of the many reasons why I prefer not drinking.
I'm still separated from my wife, who justifiably threw me out last year after many broken promises and generally poor behaviour related to my addiction, but we are now talking, and the possibility of being together again with her is very real. Either way, as long as I am sober I have her respect, and the respect of my beloved children who deserve nothing less than a sober dad.
All the best to everyone and thank you to all those who have been supporting and encouraging me in this fantastic journey.
I had tried to quit many times before, but this time is different. In the past I tried AA, but I absolutely do not believe in any 'higher power'. I have come to believe that we can and should empower our selves to maintain sobriety. Not surprisingly, AA never worked for me. This time I am building my own recovery plan, which includes participation in SOS (Secular Org for Sobriety, aka Save Our Selves), reading lots of recovery literature, keeping a journal, and spending lots of time reading articles and threads on this terrific web site. I'm 50 years old, have drank since I was 14, and for the first time in my life I can honestly say that I am much happier not drinking than I am drinking. No more white knuckle abstinence, no more lying to myself and others, no more hangovers etc...etc. I think I could write several pages on why I now love sobriety and hate alcohol.
I'm still having lots of trouble getting to sleep, and trying every kind of natural remedy out there, but I am coming to terms with the fact that I am probably just a naturally high intensity guy who relied on booze to relax instead of embracing who I really am. I'd now much rather be a little tense, but sober, than drugged out or passed out. I use my late night awake time to read and reflect on all of the many reasons why I prefer not drinking.
I'm still separated from my wife, who justifiably threw me out last year after many broken promises and generally poor behaviour related to my addiction, but we are now talking, and the possibility of being together again with her is very real. Either way, as long as I am sober I have her respect, and the respect of my beloved children who deserve nothing less than a sober dad.
All the best to everyone and thank you to all those who have been supporting and encouraging me in this fantastic journey.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 694
Great job Joe, I'm right behind you at 29 days, have you tried melatonin? I am also high strung and don't get to sleep well, but 5mg at night of melatonin really helps. You have to Find your right "dosage" by experimenting, and doctors recommend it for a good antioxidant too and can be taken every night.
Congratulating you on your 30 days!
Congratulating you on your 30 days!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Montreal
Posts: 85
Thank you all for the warm wishes. Your support during my most difficult days was very helpful in getting me to where I am today. I know I have a lifetime of sobriety ahead of me, and there will certainly be temptations and challenges in the future, but I am thoroughly enjoying my new life so far. For those still struggling, don't give up - it can be done! Keep fighting and keep coming here for support.
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