My First Post, 7 Days Sober
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 23
My First Post, 7 Days Sober
Hi Everyone -
I want to say how inspirational all of your success stories have been. I'm now 7 days completely sober after my many attempts at trying to just "drink normally." Here is my story.
I'd finally come to the realization just over a year ago that I have a problem with alcohol. I've been in denial since I first started using alcohol excessively in college, which was considered the social norm at that time. I enjoyed how easy it was to talk to people after a few drinks, and loved the feeling of my stress melting away with a few more. I continued to surround myself with young professionals who frequented happy hours, it appeared everyone let off steam with a glass of wine. And a glass of wine a day was what I limited myself to, but that didn't last long. That glass of wine turned into 2, which turned into a bottle and most recently 2 bottles or more. The nighttime happy hours also turned into a glass in the morning to "take off the edge," which eventually turned into whenever I needed alcohol. How quickly my drinking seemed to escalate, and I was in such denial. I appeared successful and I started living this double life as the functional alcoholic. But my body started aching, I could feel my health deteriorating. I started to get to the point where I couldn't even function without a drink in the morning, and I'm sure everyone I encountered was aware of what I thought was my "secret drinking."
I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who were very supportive. My entire lifestyle needed a change. About one year ago I realized that taking time for me was more important, and sought the help of a wonderful therapist. I struggled off and on over the past year, quitting altogether, then trying to drink like "normal people." But I can't drink like other people. One glass of wine is no longer enjoyable for me. All I can think about during that one glass is how I want more.
I've realized how much more enjoyable life is without alcohol. I look forward to contributing to this forum, and I'm very fortunate to find such a great group of people to join me on my journey.
I want to say how inspirational all of your success stories have been. I'm now 7 days completely sober after my many attempts at trying to just "drink normally." Here is my story.
I'd finally come to the realization just over a year ago that I have a problem with alcohol. I've been in denial since I first started using alcohol excessively in college, which was considered the social norm at that time. I enjoyed how easy it was to talk to people after a few drinks, and loved the feeling of my stress melting away with a few more. I continued to surround myself with young professionals who frequented happy hours, it appeared everyone let off steam with a glass of wine. And a glass of wine a day was what I limited myself to, but that didn't last long. That glass of wine turned into 2, which turned into a bottle and most recently 2 bottles or more. The nighttime happy hours also turned into a glass in the morning to "take off the edge," which eventually turned into whenever I needed alcohol. How quickly my drinking seemed to escalate, and I was in such denial. I appeared successful and I started living this double life as the functional alcoholic. But my body started aching, I could feel my health deteriorating. I started to get to the point where I couldn't even function without a drink in the morning, and I'm sure everyone I encountered was aware of what I thought was my "secret drinking."
I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who were very supportive. My entire lifestyle needed a change. About one year ago I realized that taking time for me was more important, and sought the help of a wonderful therapist. I struggled off and on over the past year, quitting altogether, then trying to drink like "normal people." But I can't drink like other people. One glass of wine is no longer enjoyable for me. All I can think about during that one glass is how I want more.
I've realized how much more enjoyable life is without alcohol. I look forward to contributing to this forum, and I'm very fortunate to find such a great group of people to join me on my journey.
to SR x
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 23
Thank you everyone for the words of encouragement! It's incredible how you all motivate and inspire one another, I no longer feel like I'm going through this process alone. I'm so glad I finally had the courage to post!
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