ZiggyB

Hi,
I've never been more motivated than now to quit drinking forever. It's kind of strange how breaking up with my boyfriend has made me just want to reinvent myself as a person. I want to be a good person.

Well, he was always drinking which I thought was a waste of time, but I drank with him and his friends just to go along with the crowd. I'd like to just do what I want to do for a change, I figure since I'm single now is the time. But since I'm kind of depressed over the breakup I'm feeling like crap in general. It's hard to get out of this funk.

I'd love to hear from those of you who have quit for a period of time - how do you feel that your life is better? What have you accomplished?

thanks!
-z

SoberForMySon

Great idea! Look forward to the replies!

gincognito

I lost about 5 pounds of bloat in three weeks, and saved a couple hundred dollars

Anna

My recovery brought me peace in my life and self-respect. When I took a very hard look at myself, I was finally able to see myself as I was - both the good and the bad. For the first time in my life, I began to love what I saw. I am humbled and grateful.

least

By staying sober I'm not adding to my depression and anxiety.

AlwaysGrowing

ZiggyB
Sober 20 years
Not so much about what I accomplished but rather how many people have I/Can I be of service to...
I am here on this earth to gather or make a name or serve others in need..

tallcactus

It's like those country songs, I got it all back!

Jitterbugg

I dropped 30 pounds without any real weight-loss plan. Just the reduction in calories. In turn, my self-esteem and general mood improved greatly. I look back on some pics from my worst drinking days and I am baffled how I could let myself go like that.

Kza

It has only been eight days but

Not having to hide from and avoid people
Not being terrified when I wake up in the morning
The shame as I go to the shop in the afternoon

hypochondriac

I have self respect now, not least because I have nothing to hide anymore. I don't have to feel ashamed. It's amazing how conquering a problem can make you feel like you can actually do anything you want.

england

..

CarolD

I have not had a drink since '89.....sooo.....
I've gotten so many benefits it's impossible to be specific
It's all about being responsible and careing..

however..in recovery I've gotten physically and financially limited
Old woman saggy and wrinkled...

None of that has made me want to dis connect from God and AA..
Those 2 elements keep me in gratitude and joy...

To our newly sober members....please do find your way...it's a
wonderful life after you win over alcohol...
Yes you can too be free and remember...

Deserto

Lost 20 pounds.

No fat tire around the middle.

No stomach aches.

Clear look in my eyes.

Feel younger.

No anxiety.

Actually do things I want to do rather than just think about them.

The list goes on and on....

Someguy23

This is a good idea for a thread ZiggyB. It's still early days for me, but I've already:

- dropped three waist sizes
- improved mood
- more emotional stability

I hope it keeps up.

ZiggyB

How long did it take for your mood to improve? Was it immediately or a matter of weeks, months? I sure wish I felt better right now but I don't think booze will make me happy anyway (it never does).

Auvers

Great question to pose, Ziggy. I have almost 3 months of sobriety. I have far less anxiety, More ability to listen and relate positively to other people, feel more self esteem, sleep much better, feel good when I awaken, stay up later and sober so can enjoy reading, movies, more productive, not as disorganized and messy. I am expecting lots more things to come!

Dee74

I love my life and who I am now - that was unprecedented for me as an adult.

It didn't happen overnight - I'd dug a pretty deep hole for myself & I had a lot of things to work out - but I felt things improve in little ways week by week

stick with it Ziggy

D

Someguy23

It took awhile.

It's hard to say because I did six months of controlled drinking first and now I'm a little over a month sober with one minor slip-up.

I don't know exactly when my mood started to improve. I think about halfway into the six months of controlled drinking I started feeling more peaceful. It'll probably go faster if you went straight to sobriety. It was very gradual, I only noticed it by looking backwards... but now, the difference is startling.

I didn't even notice that I was more moody, almost to the point of depression, while drinking. Again, I've only realized it recently. Hang in there!

Oh, and an addition to my list:

- that constant feeling of dissatisfaction with myself is gone

Deserto

For me I notice my mood improves somewhat around 1 week (I'm calmer) and then 2 weeks (I'm happier) and then really shifts around 1 month. But I think everyone is different.

Weasel1966

I have lost some weight... I feel better...

Tomorrow at work I will be sharper....

More important to me is that I can look people in the eye without feeling bad about my actions the night before.