Tides

I recognize that everyone's relationship with alcohol is different, and that the effects/fallout from that relationship are also different. Mine, for instance, has been a cycle of anxiety, self-doubt, a drive to be everything to everyone (and falling far short of that in MANY respects) - self-medicated by heavy drinking which was mostly concealed.

I believe I have said so in two of my many (just kidding -10) posts since joining a week or so ago.... I would not wish what we all have gone through on anyone. However, I am very thankful to have found SR. I don't necessarily think that I was naïve enough to think "I am the only one going through this," but I just had no idea that there were others out there like me, and that there was a forum to communicate things like are communicated here. I am trying to change the way I handle my thoughts, my behaviors. I know I'm early into sobriety, but reading through the posts here, checking in several times a day, has (so far) kept me focused. And more importantly, sober.

I'm not even a naturally sunny or optimistic person, by the way, so words like these are out of character.

So, thank you all. And have a great day!

Croissant

Welcome tides and congratulations.

I think that feeling of knowing you aren't alone is so invaluable. I know if I'm struggling, I will read something here I can relate to, which helps so much.

Makes all the difference, but yes, I never really considered there would be an online forum like this...wish I'd found it years ago.

Mentium

In terms of what we all have in common I have found that nobody really understands alcohol addiction like another person who has gone through it. I went to my GP, was referred for counselling and once (some years ago now) saw a psychologist - all to no avail. It wasn't until I started to seek support from others who knew the ins and outs of it that I started to make progress. That is one reason why AA suits me. When I go to meetings I know that almost anything I say will be something someone else, or possible everyone else there has been through.

All the best to you!

Fandy

welcome Tides...I think I had very similar thoughts when I joined here too.

I drank for many of the same reasons you did too.

my disposition improved greatly when I stopped drinking....who KNEW?

Tides

Yeah, it's funny. Not funny ha-ha, but funny strange.

Not having alcohol play a role in every single event or emotion in the evening is new ground for me. I am more patient with my son, less apt to "worry" when my wife is experiencing frustration or exasperation (with other things, not me... well sometimes me, but not because of drinking). I can't change what I have been, but I now realize how much I over-reacted to and internalized things.... and right now, it is nice to have removed alcohol from that equation.

happyhour

good job tides! sounds like sobriety is starting to operate your keyboard

yea for you!

ZeldaFan

I'm glad you are here Tides! I know exactly what you mean about finding a forum like this. I have tried to quit in the past but now that I have this great community to keep me motivated, I feel far more equipped for success. 9 days sober today!

AlefVavResh

This really helped me.

Welcome!