Slippery Slope
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Slippery Slope
This past weekend I think I came as close to drinking as I have since I quit in October 2015. We had a historical snowstorm and it was bad. It snowed constantly for over 40 hrs. Everything was closed (even in fast food restaurants the lights were off), nobody could really do anything. I've always said boredom is the enemy and I was bored stiff. For many years I was working during these blizzards because my company plowed snow, that is no longer the case. It also made me question if I'm living in recovery or if I'm still just "not drinking". I think there is a difference. I did not cave and I am extremely grateful that we got back on our normal schedule today. Just kind of wanted to get that off my chest.
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,443
I'm glad you didn't drink too Jeff.
I wouldn't be *too* hard on yourself - I think everyone has had a testing time now and again - its what we do in response that counts - the important thing is you stayed true.
I wouldn't be *too* hard on yourself - I think everyone has had a testing time now and again - its what we do in response that counts - the important thing is you stayed true.
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 40
Great that you didn’t drink. I have found when I have negotiated situations, in which I previously drunk, sober, they are a little awkward. Previously I would have tried to eliminate this awkwardness with a drink. Now I have other responses. My point is that as time goes on these situations, are less as you negotiate more and more of life sober. But freak storms and original situations can make us go to our old response, drink, before realising that our new responses are better. I wouldn’t worry, actually I’d see it as a positive.
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Big City
Posts: 3,895
Thank you for posting. Your time is sobriety is very impressive and I always appreciate your insight on SR.
It's both a daunting and exciting thing to consider that even 2+ years of sobriety does not vanquish the Beast/the cravings. In a sense it could make one despondent. On the other hand it just shows that a life well-lived is a fight against temptation and poor decisions and "sin". Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom and all that.
Thank you for your post. And congrats on the getting-through.
It's both a daunting and exciting thing to consider that even 2+ years of sobriety does not vanquish the Beast/the cravings. In a sense it could make one despondent. On the other hand it just shows that a life well-lived is a fight against temptation and poor decisions and "sin". Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom and all that.
Thank you for your post. And congrats on the getting-through.
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: US
Posts: 5,095
I remember when I lived in Truckee I woke up on mother's day morning and it was blizzard-ing. Good lord. We drove to Reno and stayed at the Atlantis, swam at the indoor pool and ordered room service. That was fun! And a long time ago.
So dunno, maybe you need to add something? If you are feeling that 'just not drinking' feeling maybe that's a sign?
Good on ya for not drinking!
So dunno, maybe you need to add something? If you are feeling that 'just not drinking' feeling maybe that's a sign?
Good on ya for not drinking!
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Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,476
Originally Posted by ZBeeblebrox 
Great that you didn’t drink. I have found when I have negotiated situations, in which I previously drunk, sober, they are a little awkward. Previously I would have tried to eliminate this awkwardness with a drink. Now I have other responses. My point is that as time goes on these situations, are less as you negotiate more and more of life sober. But freak storms and original situations can make us go to our old response, drink, before realising that our new responses are better. I wouldn’t worry, actually I’d see it as a positive.
CT
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 980
This weather is nuts isn’t it? I swear I had the windows open one day enjoying the fresh air. Today I wake up to snow! I’m glad you didn’t drink. I was doing so well for so long and once that door was cracked open, back to day one today. Thanks for posting. It’s good to know we’re not alone.
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
Weather can throw me for a loop, too. We've had so much rain lately. I live on a river and it's up and it gets scary for me when there is so much rapidly flowing water. My over-active mind goes to flood-homeless.
I find I have all kinds of fears that I just never explored when drinking.
And, yeah, boredom. I haven't spent any time outside in over a week.
everything is green, so there's that...
I find I have all kinds of fears that I just never explored when drinking.
And, yeah, boredom. I haven't spent any time outside in over a week.
everything is green, so there's that...
Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Minnesota, USA
Posts: 1,469
Originally Posted by thomas11
This past weekend I think I came as close to drinking as I have since I quit in October 2015. We had a historical snowstorm and it was bad. It snowed constantly for over 40 hrs. Everything was closed (even in fast food restaurants the lights were off), nobody could really do anything. I've always said boredom is the enemy and I was bored stiff. For many years I was working during these blizzards because my company plowed snow, that is no longer the case. It also made me question if I'm living in recovery or if I'm still just "not drinking". I think there is a difference. I did not cave and I am extremely grateful that we got back on our normal schedule today. Just kind of wanted to get that off my chest.
I too am in MN, it was terrible. I am glad you didnt drink
Spring is on the way
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