JTtexas

I've posted here before. After drinking daily for 10 years I finally sobered up and didn't drink a drop for 28 days. First few weeks of withdrawal were pure hell but I guess I forgot just how bad it was.

At 28 days I was feeling great, both mentally and physically. I happened to be at a grocery store and bought a bottle of wine on a whim. Took it home and carefully and slowly savored half a bottle. I waited until the next evening to savor the 2nd half.

Observations: Drinking wasn't as fun as I remembered it being. Especially since half a bottle of wine doesnt come close to even giving me a buzz. I finally realized that I don't like to drink...I like to get drunk.

Over the course of a couple of weeks I drank moderately. I'd skip a few days then drink a couple of bottles. This quickly slid into becoming a daily drinker again.

After I quit drinking I lost 25lbs in those 28 days. Now that I've relapsed I've gained it almost all back.

During my drinking years I always felt fine the next day. During my relapse it was like I was going through withdrawals again after only a few hours of not drinking.

So, enough is enough. I went to the dr and got some taper off Meds and today is my first day of sobriety. This time there will be no "well, maybe I'll drink in a month" thoughts. I'm done for good this time.

And thankfully I learned a lot the last time. Plenty of water, green tea, and vitamins. Also starting lemon water in the morning. Day 1 and I'm already feeling great! Just a lil fatigued. Hope this can be a lesson or help anyone else who's thinking "ahh, I'll just have a drink a day".

PurpleKnight

Welcome back, yeah for me abstinence from alcohol didn't cure or fix me, I would also be back to square one within a few weeks as everything started to spiral as bad as ever.

You can do this!!

hokey

I'm glad you chose to come back JT ... I now know that I'll always be an alcoholic and can never drink normally. Took me a while to come to that realization, but I'm there now.

Nonsensical

Welcome back. Sorry you had to experience a little more pain to learn that sober is better for you. I did the same thing many times, though, so I know what it's like.

That was me.

Mentium

Once you have it, you have it and it doesn't go away.

least

Glad you're back and giving it another go.

DefconOne

I drank beer because I liked the taste. Yeah sure. I do recall the first one tasted pretty good..but..after the 2nd beer I couldn't taste a thing and it was on to harder stuff. I drank to get drunk...not because it tasted good. Less filling, tastes great..? No gets me drunk.....

HeadLump

I'm sorry you've had to go through this, JT, but great post and great realisation too

Accepting that I cannot moderate has been a major factor in my recovery - and in transforming my life! Welcome back on board

matt4x4

Everyday has to be a day 1, for the rest of your life!!

jazzfish

The thing I noticed last time I drank:

1. I did like the taste.
2. I didn't like the effect.
3. I didn't want just one.

Dee74

Welcome back JTtexas

jazzfish

Oops, 1, should have been "didn't" like the taste.

Tempe

JTtexas, your post was the one I needed to see tonight. Thank you. I'm on day 3 and your post resonates. Hope your day 2 is a good one.

happyandfree

Thanks for the post JTtexas....I need to be constantly reminded...good for you for coming to your realization. Welcome back, I'm glad you made it.

songthread

Good to see you back JTTexas!

matt4x4

So what non-alcoholic beverages do you like the taste of?
Do you sit down and drink gallons of it in an evening?

On a hot blistering day, I love the taste of ice cold lemonade.
I however do not sit down and drink a gallon of ice cold lemonade in one sitting.

This is the insanity of our disease.