New tricks for old dogs......
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 118
New tricks for old dogs......
I didn't wave a permanent goodbye to alcohol until I was in my 50's, following an "illustrious" 35-odd year drinking career.
I just wanted to provide some reassurance & hope to others of somewhat "mature age" (he says delicately!) by saying that old dogs certainly can be taught new tricks, as long as those old dogs are open-minded & willing to learn.
Change is hard, & often harder as you get older & perhaps a little more set in your ways. Established patterns of behaviour can be hard to identify & break.
But it can be done!
I wish everyone here success & good fortune. Take care & stay strong
I just wanted to provide some reassurance & hope to others of somewhat "mature age" (he says delicately!) by saying that old dogs certainly can be taught new tricks, as long as those old dogs are open-minded & willing to learn.
Change is hard, & often harder as you get older & perhaps a little more set in your ways. Established patterns of behaviour can be hard to identify & break.
But it can be done!
I wish everyone here success & good fortune. Take care & stay strong
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Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Right here, right now
Posts: 3,971
Thank you,Purpleman. I agree. I was 50 and it’s been just over two years. It may be more difficult older, I’m not sure. But it is certainly possible and so rewarding. I don’t think I could have done it without the therapy I received because there are a lot of deep layers to get through to change old habits and behaviors.
Sober-T- Dragon
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Manitoba
Posts: 8,759
In my 50's also. 2 1/2 years just around the corner. It was hard getting to the quit point but I feel I've 'out-grown' it. Building a new sober life and lov'n it. SR is what kept me moving forward.....
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Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Northern NJ
Posts: 68
In my 50’s also. Been drinking for the majority of my life. It’s over now. It’s been 21 days since my last drink, bottle, hangover and I’m just done. Every once in a while a small voice tries to unhinge me but it’s not that strong. It’s weird. I know there’s still a chance of relapse (I have a wedding this weekend) but I feel oddly strong. F u wine. You’re not the boss of me. Thank you for posting and thank you for listening ❤️
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Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,909
This old dog is now 66 and quit when I was 50. As to new tricks... I am younger today than I was at 49!!! More along those lines, in my 60's (and in recovery) I went back to school and changed careers (after 40+ years). Woot!!!
Reality...what a concept!
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: CT, USA
Posts: 1,232
Began my sobriety journey in my late 40’s and honestly think it’s easier to stay sober the older I get. First of all, the body doesn’t bounce back the way it used to; the older we get, so are the after effects of drinking. Second - we have much more to lose: families, careers, people depending on us. And perhaps the biggest motivator of all is that we are starting to ponder our mortality and do not wish to excelerate it by drinking. 🤔
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: New York, New York
Posts: 600
Originally Posted by Fearlessat50 
Thank you,Purpleman. I agree. I was 50 and it’s been just over two years. It may be more difficult older, I’m not sure. But it is certainly possible and so rewarding. I don’t think I could have done it without the therapy I received because there are a lot of deep layers to get through to change old habits and behaviors.
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Europe
Posts: 440
My AV is saying.... "35 years? It has only been 9 years for me. I could continue this for a couple more decades!"
But I get your point. Thanks. I am, well, about 2/3rds to 50, and when I get there, I'm going to be happy and sober. And not.... gone.
But I get your point. Thanks. I am, well, about 2/3rds to 50, and when I get there, I'm going to be happy and sober. And not.... gone.
I was older too when I finally saw what needed to happen. Trying to moderate for decades cost me dearly. I'm so glad we got free.
Sober-T- Dragon
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Manitoba
Posts: 8,759
Originally Posted by nez
This old dog is now 66 and quit when I was 50. As to new tricks... I am younger today than I was at 49!!! More along those lines, in my 60's (and in recovery) I went back to school and changed careers (after 40+ years). Woot!!!
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