My First Post
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 11
My First Post
I'm 28 days sober today. I'm a binge drinker that started in college to forget my anxieties. Ten years later, I was drinking way too much way too often. The cycle always seemed to be the same... for a year I'd drink heavily and then the next year I'd drink normally. The pattern was usually driven by wanting to take off the 20 pounds I would put on in the bad years. This time, I'd put on 40 pounds from booze and Lexapro and ended up on blood pressure bills because that was getting too high. The results of blood tests for a life insurance policy showed that my cholesteral was high too. All of it was drinking driven.
For some reason, 28 days ago I decided to start being honest with myself and my wife. Part of that process was admitting that (a) I couldn't control my use when I drank (b) that my drinking was becoming more and more problematic and (c) I wasn't likely to be around as long as I wanted for my three children and the one that is due in seven weeks.
The complete sobriety has been a challenge, but I know it's the right path. It's especially been a challenge as my body has healed and I feel better. I have always been high anxiety, tightly wound, etc. I've sought help for it for ten years and it's better with that help.... but alcohol would always bring me down when I was feeling too excited.
Anyhow, the key to all of this is a loving wife/family and honesty. Their love is stronger than the cravings, which are still strong.
For some reason, 28 days ago I decided to start being honest with myself and my wife. Part of that process was admitting that (a) I couldn't control my use when I drank (b) that my drinking was becoming more and more problematic and (c) I wasn't likely to be around as long as I wanted for my three children and the one that is due in seven weeks.
The complete sobriety has been a challenge, but I know it's the right path. It's especially been a challenge as my body has healed and I feel better. I have always been high anxiety, tightly wound, etc. I've sought help for it for ten years and it's better with that help.... but alcohol would always bring me down when I was feeling too excited.
Anyhow, the key to all of this is a loving wife/family and honesty. Their love is stronger than the cravings, which are still strong.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,554
Anxiety here too. Whew, it gets me when I go out, especially right now, after only 5 days quitting. My wine was very soothing each evening. But I just woke with anxiety in the wee hours afterwards.
Great on the 28 days! My motives are similar. Some health issues and yooung family. I need ot do better for them.
Great on the 28 days! My motives are similar. Some health issues and yooung family. I need ot do better for them.
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,569
Hello ProudPops! Congratulations on your 28 days. Relief from anxiety was one of my main reasons for drinking, too. In the end it made that problem much worse. I agree, being honest with ourselves is the first step - I wish it hadn't taken me so long to see the light.
Glad you are motivated and doing well. This is a great place - happy you're part of it.
Glad you are motivated and doing well. This is a great place - happy you're part of it.
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