Dee74

I remember the day I quit.

I was convinced it was too late - that I was a dead man walking - but I'd be damned if I was going to die drunk...so I stayed sober one day...then another day..then another.

I started to build up a support network and work out all kinds of things I could do - mental and physical - instead of going to the liquor store for another bottle.

It wasn't easy - but then my drinking life was easy either.

Busted nose from falling down drunk - keep drinking...lacerated back from falling through a table...more drinking...busted forehead...keep drinking...

The same insane but unbeatable stubborness that kept me drinking when I probably should have been in hospital, could be used to help me not drink too.

I punched and kicked the walls, screamed into my pillow and lay there unable to sleep in terror for a few nights..but I stayed sober....

and I kept on gaining tools and tips and support every day (and using them) that helped me stay sober when my old ways of thinking intruded and my resolve weakened.

And slowly my 'right mind' was returned to me.

I'd been living with addiction so long I didn't realise how it had coloured my thoughts and my perception of myself.

Putting myself down, feeling despair, hating or fearing the world and everyone in it - all those things were my addiction - they made drinking seem reasonable in response...even good.

But I knew - deep down I knew - I was better than that.



Over time, I changed. I became myself again and every day I stay the real me, addiction stays in my past.

Staying sober was hard - but it was worth it. And it gets easier

We all know what it's like to go back to drinking - there's no answer back the way we came. Find the courage to move forward - and keep moving forward.

There is noone else like you in the world. Cherish that. Use it as a shield to push forward.

Start today - every day sober is a step towards happiness and a step away from addiction

D

Doris47

I love this post, much love Dee🙏💖

saoutchik

Thanks Dee. I love reading posts like these. It cannot be said too often that it does get a lot easier in time. It won't always feel like it does in the first two months.

KremlinDusk

Thank you D, this came at a perfect time with my nagging self-doubt.

kinzoku

Appreciate this

Bathbomb

I needed this today. Thank you.
I can already see this getting bumped.

Mummyto2

FBL

Thanks for sharing, Dee! It's amazing how so many of us come from different backgrounds, yet all have some things in common when it comes to addiction.

I found SR just when I needed it most and you were here to welcome me. For that, I am forever grateful.

Pinky1

Thank you Dee, what a great post 👍🏼

JayTee33

Thank you so much Dee. This is invaluable advice for us all - from those taking the first steps towards sobriety, to those who are years down the path.

Accord1

Great post Dee. Thanks.

TM75

Thanks Dee.

I was on the verge of giving in today when I read your post. I’m a short time sober and the tremors, sweats and anxiety were making me almost cave in. I’ve been having auditory hallucinations at night - thinking my phone is ringing, there’s someone at the door or shouting at me. I was very close to buying it when I saw your post so thank you so much. You have let us know there’s light at the end of the tunnel which is what we need to hear sometimes.

Thank you

Finalround

Great reminder for all of us. Thank you Dee.

Hevyn

Your words have been helping me stay sober for almost 12 yrs. There's no way I could ever express my gratitude.

PhoenixJ

Sage words Dee, as ever written with quiet grace and honesty. Life truly is a blessing.

Unshackled

Awesome post Dee. This is just a reminder of why I stay sober and where I came from. Your service to this site will be forever remembered. Thank you.

OneDayOneHour

least

Thanks Dee! I remember the day I quit too. I was just so damn sick and tired of always being sick and tired. I looked deep within myself and found strength. One day at a time and now over 9 yrs!

biminiblue

"Let today be the day."

Indeed.

Thanks for this, Dee. There's always something to be done to make life better.

wildflower70

Thank you Dee and SR, because of this site I have found my true self and freedom from my addiction. Your encouragement is a blessing!