Year One complete
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 452
Year One complete
I wanted a record of this so I can look back.
I achieved 12 months of continuous sobriety on the 23rd October 2018.
I read this site daily and can't tell you what a massive help it is for me.
The journey has not been easy. The most difficult part for me was not the alcohol but how to fill the time I used to waste with alcohol. I have taken up some new hobbies and I'm slowly working through the challenge. I would also say, to be completely honest, that the emotional journey can be pretty intense, too.
When one is sober longer, I found that a re-evaluation of life takes place, mainly relationships both business and personal and for me, this resulted in quite a lot of soul searching and a degree of regret. So, I guess you have to be prepared for that, too. It just happens, it's like scales being taken from your eyes.
So, overall I have found my 12 months as a sort of re-awakening and re-assessment period. I have a far more stable and happy marriage, a happy kid, I've lost weight, a happy boss, have new hobbies and re-kindled old friendships and have grown as a person, at least I think so
I have done this with AVRT, this site and the support of an old friend who has not drunk alcohol for 12 years, so I am in good company. I'm still tempted by AA, at least to go along and meet people in a similar boat but right now I don't think that I need it. I am not new to abstinence and will monitor longer term.
I achieved 12 months of continuous sobriety on the 23rd October 2018.
I read this site daily and can't tell you what a massive help it is for me.
The journey has not been easy. The most difficult part for me was not the alcohol but how to fill the time I used to waste with alcohol. I have taken up some new hobbies and I'm slowly working through the challenge. I would also say, to be completely honest, that the emotional journey can be pretty intense, too.
When one is sober longer, I found that a re-evaluation of life takes place, mainly relationships both business and personal and for me, this resulted in quite a lot of soul searching and a degree of regret. So, I guess you have to be prepared for that, too. It just happens, it's like scales being taken from your eyes.
So, overall I have found my 12 months as a sort of re-awakening and re-assessment period. I have a far more stable and happy marriage, a happy kid, I've lost weight, a happy boss, have new hobbies and re-kindled old friendships and have grown as a person, at least I think so
I have done this with AVRT, this site and the support of an old friend who has not drunk alcohol for 12 years, so I am in good company. I'm still tempted by AA, at least to go along and meet people in a similar boat but right now I don't think that I need it. I am not new to abstinence and will monitor longer term.
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Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 154
Originally Posted by b0glerd69 
When one is sober longer, I found that a re-evaluation of life takes place, mainly relationships both business and personal and for me, this resulted in quite a lot of soul searching and a degree of regret. So, I guess you have to be prepared for that, too. It just happens, it's like scales being taken from your eyes.
Congratulations on a year. That's a huge milestone.
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 11,426
I really appreciate your honest assessment of the changes that needed to happen as enacted by you, and the changes that just "happened" as a result of your continued sobriety and willingness to face life on its own terms.
Congrats on your sober anniversary--first of many more
Congrats on your sober anniversary--first of many more
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