Checking back in - 6 months
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Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 27
Checking back in - 6 months
Hello Everyone,
During the initial month or so of my (umpteenth) chase for sobriety, this forum helped a lot. I thought I'd check back in...I'm sure it's easy to lose track as people battle back and forth.
I just passed the 6 month mark a few days ago. Like many folks, I didn't think this was possible when I started. It was a hope, but not a dream. The positive changes in myself are hard to describe.
For those looking for a story, mine is simple. I drank essentially every day for about 20 years. I'd say my average intake was equivalent to half a bottle of hard liquor, though it came in many forms, and was often higher - that's just the rough average.
When I quit, I had physical withdrawls. I went CT. I had sweats and shakes and was scared and sleepless. The first couple of months I had conferences with people drinking and that was hard on me, but I made it.
Since I quit, I've lost 24 pounds. That is good. My long-term depression is much more manageable. My anxiety, which I took meds for, is 80% better. My blood pressure is normal for the first time in my adult life. I don't even crave much anymore, only the situation. I never expected these positive changes, and it's taken a while, but it's pretty amazing how my brain chemistry has changed. I do drink NA beer, maybe a couple a day, and I know some think that's a bad idea, but for me it's never made me crave real beer. I can also take it or leave it, so that is nice.
Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say, other than thanks for helping me get here, is that this has now become a self-motivating process and that feels so good. I want to stay here because of how I feel, and that makes it all so much easier.
For those struggling, don't expect miracles, but do keep our mind open to the possibility. I am a totally different person than I was 6 months ago, in all of the best ways. I'm not sick anymore. I love this.
Josh/Duckguy
During the initial month or so of my (umpteenth) chase for sobriety, this forum helped a lot. I thought I'd check back in...I'm sure it's easy to lose track as people battle back and forth.
I just passed the 6 month mark a few days ago. Like many folks, I didn't think this was possible when I started. It was a hope, but not a dream. The positive changes in myself are hard to describe.
For those looking for a story, mine is simple. I drank essentially every day for about 20 years. I'd say my average intake was equivalent to half a bottle of hard liquor, though it came in many forms, and was often higher - that's just the rough average.
When I quit, I had physical withdrawls. I went CT. I had sweats and shakes and was scared and sleepless. The first couple of months I had conferences with people drinking and that was hard on me, but I made it.
Since I quit, I've lost 24 pounds. That is good. My long-term depression is much more manageable. My anxiety, which I took meds for, is 80% better. My blood pressure is normal for the first time in my adult life. I don't even crave much anymore, only the situation. I never expected these positive changes, and it's taken a while, but it's pretty amazing how my brain chemistry has changed. I do drink NA beer, maybe a couple a day, and I know some think that's a bad idea, but for me it's never made me crave real beer. I can also take it or leave it, so that is nice.
Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say, other than thanks for helping me get here, is that this has now become a self-motivating process and that feels so good. I want to stay here because of how I feel, and that makes it all so much easier.
For those struggling, don't expect miracles, but do keep our mind open to the possibility. I am a totally different person than I was 6 months ago, in all of the best ways. I'm not sick anymore. I love this.
Josh/Duckguy
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