Time2Rise

Good afternoon. Congratulations to everyone with sober time. At midnight, I will have completed 11 days.

I see that a few of us are struggling with a belief and condition that I also struggle with, i.e. the (false) idea that quitting drinking means a boring, staid life. However, IMO that belief is based on the illusion that using alcohol (or any drug) offers significant benefits. Yes, drinking or other intoxicants do offer at most a few hours of bliss and relief, but at what cost? And is that bliss really all that blissful? And is that relief a healthy, lasting relief?

Personally, I spend a little time each day reminding myself that it's possible to have a full and happy life without alcohol or any other substance. Because if I forget that, or when I start to feel that I'm missing out and being deprived, I will almost certainly drink again.

Stay strong everyone.

Peace

5upersonic

Thanks Time2Rise, this is good reading. I guess we have to be patient and accept that the price we pay for the instant gratification that alcohol brings simply isn't worth paying. We have to re-learn how to enjoy life. This is going to take some time after 25 years of reaching for the bottle at every possible opportunity. So true that concerts, meals out, sporting events etc would have been ruined without a constant stream of alcohol. I would have probably sulked the whole time, in fact I'm sure I did on the odd occasion when it wasn't possible to drink.

amazingjoy

Facing Future...you have an excellent point! If we can see obvious impacts externally, one can only imagine the internal damage that is going on! I have to hold onto that thought for when I really need to remember it.

soberjim

Hey all. Another trip home tonight with my AV not letting up. It so wants a drink.

I do not. I know once I get home and have some food the cravings lessen.

I hope everyone has a good evening

Oroszlan

Thx for the article Time2rise. Puts things into some perspective.

OldTomato

Time2Rise - Whenever I quit drinking I always find myself craving that feeling of relief and bliss. But when I do cave and binge I find those feelings weren't as great as my addicted side built them up to be. It just entered me back into the cycle of disappointment, regret and tons more guilt. Definitely not worth it.

soberjim - It's good that you're able to separate yourself and your AV, stay strong.

360startstoday

I very much enjoyed that article! Thank you!!!

Time2Rise

Right, it's mostly an illusion. I noticed the same thing the last time I drank.

But if I stay strong; if I get some quality sober time under my belt and if I keep working to enjoy and appreciate the simpler, but more meaningful things in life, I believe I will find a happy sobriety. The key--for me at least--is to keep working each day to develop and understand just how enjoyable and precious many everyday things can be.

But I have a long way to go, so I also remind myself to take time to enjoy the journey.

JL2014

I'm psyched !
Ready to get home and read this article.
Thanks time2rise.
Day 3 .

JL2014

Good job Jim

Tomato I agree. Same here

Ladybug2

Yes, I have, but it's been awhile. I never got into working the steps, etc, but I did enjoy going to certain meetings. Today was a good one. Topic was temptation.

JL2014

Ladybug I'm so so behind on posts. Life's nuts moving too quick.
Sending you hugs !

Oroszlan

Weird question. I have been noticing my hands falling asleep a lot since I quit drinking (day 4). Anyone else experience this? I do take mess for high blood pressure.

JL2014

I'm 44, and noticed the same thing, also on BP meds.
Mine went away after a trip to a good chiropractor that showed me how to stretch my back and hamstrings out. I'd not done any before. I hope that may help some.

mns1

Night y'all been running on 3 hours sleep all day and need to be up again in less than six hours it's been a wild week. But tomorrow is day 18!

Applekat

Ladybug, proud of you! Everyone else as well. I slipped, working on coming back! A terrible cycle as we all know! When I just have a "screw-it" quick slip of a couple drinks like this time, it's more up in the air, versus a night where I have too much once, and am more likely to feel icky and come back quicker. It's crazy.

kittycat3

Day 8!

I read posts but am off for now, will post more later! Hugs class!

83mama0f2

Day one. Again. Anyone else find any other options besides AA? Church groups? I am involved in my church and I think they hold meetings for alcoholics.. Would that be just as good?

bluedog97

Went to a meeting earlier, glad I went, for the most part. Although now I'm a bit wound up and agitated. I foolishly drank a cup of coffee. The same AV seems to pervade my thinking, leading to questionable decisions. I guess I'm impulsive. It seems sometimes I do things to feel better and it ends up backfiring. I need to be careful, I've fallen into this trap before.

Anyway, just thinking out loud. Hope everyone's hanging in.

FacingFuture

Hey all. Se ms like a lot of folks had some challenges today. I'm glad for everyone that made it through, and I thankful for the folks who slipped and came back.

Good night (from the WC of the US)