Germany1

Memories are obviously an important part of recovery. We remember the stupid things we did, the hangovers, the withdrawal, and this reminds us not to drink. What about the good memories? Some of the best moments of my life have involved alcohol, and I don't want to forget them. Of course though, they were mostly before my drinking was out of hand. I guess I'm having trouble grasping the idea that those experience will never be re-created with sobriety. Then again they won't if I'm off the wagon either. I guess I just answered my own question. Anyways, anyone have any thoughts on this? Anything I should tell myself to make reminiscing still possible without triggering almost a panicked reaction?

Thepatman

Just like loosing someone we love, we think about the goos times and we can never recreate them.

But we can however create new happy memories, sober memories that are positive.

Notmyrealname

Nobody says you can't reminisce about war stories. But let's not add any new volumes to the boozing life library. Plenty new to do that doesn't involve drinking, and think how much more of it you'll remember

Anna

That's something I've never focused on.

The 'good' times were never real, even before my drinking became an issue. It was all smoke and mirrors.

bigsombrero

Don't live in the past, live for who you are now and for the person you can become. Alcoholics have a tendency to romance the old days. Sure, I had some good times back in the day and sometimes I had a beer in my hand. Big whoop. Those days are over and I have a lot of living left to do. Time moves on.

Mountainmanbob

As I look back
even the good times
I think would have been even better
without the liquid devil
why fool myself
MM

LDT

I've found that doing all the things I use to do when I was drinking, are infinitely better and more enjoyable doing them now that I'm sober. The best thing about it is I remember all of it now, without a shred of shame or embarrassment.

LBrain

Maybe not relative but...

I used to reminisce about the love of my life from twenty-five years ago. Unti I remember the day she stuck a knife in my heart.

More recently. Alcohol stuck a knife in me.

Johnston

You might just someday chuckle at the memories you find painful at present. It comes with age and perspective. Don't be so hard on yourself.

least

Even the 'good' memories of alcohol (were there even any?) aren't good to me. It just reminds me of how many more bad memories there are than good ones.

neferkamichael

In the beginning I worried about the things you are talking about. The memories of the good times and the bad times relating to drinking have faded and I'm happy to live without both. Rootin for ya.