Well, I've reached my 1-year milestone!
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 31
Well, I've reached my 1-year milestone!
One year ago my life was in shambles. My wife had left me, I was drinking daily, and had no idea how to stop, but I entered rehab
Stayed there for one week and went through detox and attended many group sessions. After I got out I almost relapsed. I came so close a few times, but I fought and I fought and I fought. Soon one month went by, then another and another.
I built my relationship back up with my wife, started feeling better, and the more the days passed, the less I thought about Alcohol. Cravings would hit every so often, but over the months they got easier to control.
Later, I was even offered alcohol from people, but I was strong enough to turn it down each time. Now, I am one year sober. I still take it day-by-day, but I know I can continue the good fight.
To all of you who are wanting to be free from the beast, or who are struggling and fighting to combat the urges and tugs. YOU CAN DO THIS! I never thought that I could, but I did and still am!
Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy! Just remember you can do anything if you grit your teeth and set your will to it!
Stayed there for one week and went through detox and attended many group sessions. After I got out I almost relapsed. I came so close a few times, but I fought and I fought and I fought. Soon one month went by, then another and another.
I built my relationship back up with my wife, started feeling better, and the more the days passed, the less I thought about Alcohol. Cravings would hit every so often, but over the months they got easier to control.
Later, I was even offered alcohol from people, but I was strong enough to turn it down each time. Now, I am one year sober. I still take it day-by-day, but I know I can continue the good fight.
To all of you who are wanting to be free from the beast, or who are struggling and fighting to combat the urges and tugs. YOU CAN DO THIS! I never thought that I could, but I did and still am!
Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy! Just remember you can do anything if you grit your teeth and set your will to it!
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 31
Originally Posted by Ptcapote 
What an awesome and inspiring post! Thank you and congratulations!!
I just hope someone who is struggling or want to stop but is afraid can read this and say "Hey, he done a year, and he ain't no different than I am. So, I can do it also!"
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Location: Washington, DC
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Thanks, CoalEater! For me (I am almost six months sober), it is always the question of: will I actually be able to turn it down because I have no desire to drink anymore at all (the AA Promises) or just because so much time passed between me and my last drink that the urge is gone?
When you said you were eventually strong enough to turn it down each time...was that because it just became habit to turn it down or was that because of your program, etc.? I can turn it down now because I am rarely in situations where I am being offered alcohol but that is purposeful on my part.
In either case, your achievement is wonderful and I am so glad you posted about it!!
When you said you were eventually strong enough to turn it down each time...was that because it just became habit to turn it down or was that because of your program, etc.? I can turn it down now because I am rarely in situations where I am being offered alcohol but that is purposeful on my part.
In either case, your achievement is wonderful and I am so glad you posted about it!!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Kingsport, TN
Posts: 31
Originally Posted by Ptcapote
Thanks, CoalEater! For me (I am almost six months sober), it is always the question of: will I actually be able to turn it down because I have no desire to drink anymore at all (the AA Promises) or just because so much time passed between me and my last drink that the urge is gone?
When you said you were eventually strong enough to turn it down each time...was that because it just became habit to turn it down or was that because of your program, etc.? I can turn it down now because I am rarely in situations where I am being offered alcohol but that is purposeful on my part.
In either case, your achievement is wonderful and I am so glad you posted about it!!
When you said you were eventually strong enough to turn it down each time...was that because it just became habit to turn it down or was that because of your program, etc.? I can turn it down now because I am rarely in situations where I am being offered alcohol but that is purposeful on my part.
In either case, your achievement is wonderful and I am so glad you posted about it!!
When I got out of rehab, I didn't go to AA or enter any program. I am not in any way, shape or form against them, I just had no way to go at the time.
When I was first offered alcohol (three times in one day) I was about at my 10 month being sober. I turned it down because I myself just don't want to get hooked on it any more. I know for a fact that if I even just took a sip, it would be all over for me, and I would start back again.
I never put myself in the situation to be offered one before that, so I don't think that it was habit. I just used my brain this time, and knew that if I did, I would be drinking again. I don't miss it at all, and I don't want it in my life ever again. It was like a chain bounding me down, and it feels so good not to have to worry if I have enough money for it, if I have enough of it to last, etc.
I was very proud of myself that day. I wasn't expecting to be in that situation, and I am glad I didn't fail. I relapsed in the past, when I quiet years ago. And this time it felt good to know how the addiction works.
I hope this answered you question and if you have any more, feel free to ask.
Job well done. Hearing your news really cheered me on!
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