JakeDennert

Hi there, SoberRecovery community...

Thought I'd make my first post today.

I look around the site and I see a lot of people reaching out and helping others. It's a beautiful thing. I only wish I would've known about this place back when I first sobered up -- probably would've made it a bit easier!

Anyway, just a little about me...

I used to be a functioning alcoholic. And I really lived up to that definition. I'd drink from the moment I woke up in the morning to the moment I put my head on my pillow at night... and to most outside observers, I functioned like a sober human being.

I used to feel like I needed alcohol coursing through my body to do even the most basic of tasks... and it took a near-death-experience to open my eyes -- to see what I'd become.

It was a car accident back in 2008... and I'm very fortunate to have survived it with what minimal injuries I sustained.

Haven't had a drop of alcohol since. Last October (2012), I reached the milestone of living four consecutive years, booze-free.

So why am I here, then? If I'm sober, why bother posting on a site like this?

Fair questions... I'm here to help.

I know how scary it is to even think about quitting when you're still using. Even after the physical withdrawal symptoms where off, it's an uphill battle for quite a while (psychologically, mentally, emotionally).

There were a few times in my personal journey of recovery where I almost went back... almost caved in... but I didn't. I've passed the four year mark (and I'll soon pass the five year mark) by taking one day at a time, and making the commitment to myself to face life's challenges, completely sober.

So again, I've conquered this, and I'm here to help others do the same.

Thank you for reading my introduction. It's great to be here.

To living sober,

Jake D.

Anna

Thanks for the great post, and welcome!

LindaLou

Thanks Jake and welcome!

My longest sober stretch was a year. It's great to hear from folks who have "been there" and have long periods of sober time. It gives me hope that we all can do it too!

Applecrumble

'There were a few times in my personal journey of recovery where I almost went back... almost caved in... but I didn't.'

Useful, thank you! Congratulations on getting to where you are - carry on developing

paul99

Welcome - great introduction!

JakeDennert

Thanks for the quick response, Anna.

Happy to be a new member.

heath480

Welcome to SR jake.

Glad you are here.

JakeDennert

Hey, thanks Linda!

A year is fantastic! Definitely nothing to scoff at.

I'm glad my first post meant something to you.

You can be sober as long as you want -- just comes down to making that same decision, every single day, until you realize that you've made it through a whole day without even thinking about it.

It gets quite a bit easier after that.

Again, thank you for your response, and good luck in your own journey!

Jake D.

JakeDennert

Hey Apple,

Thank you very much.

I could've elaborated a little more on that... by "almost", I mean there were times when I was VERY close to sabotaging all of the progress I'd made.

I'll definitely keep developing -- you do the same!

Jake D.

JakeDennert

Nice to meet you Paul.

I appreciate the welcome, and thanks for the compliment... finding the right words took a little longer than anticipated.

Jake D.

JakeDennert

Thanks heath! Nice to meet you.

I'm glad to be here... and that's a powerful signature if I've ever seen one!

I like it.

Jake D.