For the newbies - things will get better!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Ottawa, Canada
Posts: 133
For the newbies - things will get better!
This is for all you newbies out there who are having a hard time. I drank for 20+ years and got into a lot of trouble as a result. My health was awful, my finances were in ruins, I was constantly anxious, and I felt absolutely terrible about myself.
The first little bit was hard. I felt tense, still had stomach issues, insomnia, and triggers were everywhere. I felt like I'd never be able to have fun or relax without drinking. Around 2 months in, I was still suffering from extreme fatigue and wondering when the hell all this was going to end.
At 3+ months, I'm feeling like a new person. I don't need naps during the day anymore, and I finally have enough energy to start exercising. I've lost around 10 lbs. and my swollen face and beer gut have disappeared. I no longer have digestion issues, and I'm actually getting my calories from food rather than restricting my food intake just to have the alcohol hit me harder.
I'm volunteering, going out with people to socialize, and working on starting a business. I no longer have to worry about whether alcohol will be available at an event, how much I should drink before I get there, and making sure that I have alcohol at home so I can drink more when I get back. I'm no longer consumed and controlled by this thing.
People in my life who were frustrated and angry with me are now reaching out to help me in any way they can. This is the best thing though...I got an email from my sister yesterday. She told me that she's really proud of me and that I'm an inspiration to the whole family. That's the kind of feeling that alcohol will never be able to give you.
Yes, it's going to be hard and sometimes painful...but it'll be worth it. People on this board are great and they will support you. Stick with it for a while and I promise that things will change. You don't need to suffer anymore.
The first little bit was hard. I felt tense, still had stomach issues, insomnia, and triggers were everywhere. I felt like I'd never be able to have fun or relax without drinking. Around 2 months in, I was still suffering from extreme fatigue and wondering when the hell all this was going to end.
At 3+ months, I'm feeling like a new person. I don't need naps during the day anymore, and I finally have enough energy to start exercising. I've lost around 10 lbs. and my swollen face and beer gut have disappeared. I no longer have digestion issues, and I'm actually getting my calories from food rather than restricting my food intake just to have the alcohol hit me harder.
I'm volunteering, going out with people to socialize, and working on starting a business. I no longer have to worry about whether alcohol will be available at an event, how much I should drink before I get there, and making sure that I have alcohol at home so I can drink more when I get back. I'm no longer consumed and controlled by this thing.
People in my life who were frustrated and angry with me are now reaching out to help me in any way they can. This is the best thing though...I got an email from my sister yesterday. She told me that she's really proud of me and that I'm an inspiration to the whole family. That's the kind of feeling that alcohol will never be able to give you.
Yes, it's going to be hard and sometimes painful...but it'll be worth it. People on this board are great and they will support you. Stick with it for a while and I promise that things will change. You don't need to suffer anymore.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 101
Thank you for this post! I really needed to hear this. 30 days of sobriety for me today! However, I am wanting to feel better. I come home from work feeling so tense and not wanting to be around my family. I do know that after a few minutes, that feeling goes away. I was just so used to numbing out when I get home. I just want don't want to be so tense! Breathe~Patience~
Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: London, England
Posts: 1,713
A great post, and a generous one. Like some other people on this thread, I need to hear this - again and again! I'm meeting friends tonight, but I'm not gonna drink. I'm putting that out there now. One day at a time. Congratulations to you for an inspiring achievement!
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