eddie73

Im 7 weeks sober and have hit the wall. Feel depressed and empty. Is this normal? Advice would b much appeciated

Anna

I don't think there is any 'normal' for recovery, but for me, it was definitely filled with ups and downs in the early days. Recovery is not a straight line, that's for sure. I would ask you what kind of changes have you made in your life?

eddie73

Thats an excellent question. Ive changed my sleeping patterns and have exercised much more. Im reading, but am worried about my work as the times have gotten very quiet at the moment. I went for accapuncture last nite and the practitioner struggled to get the needle into the points on my left hand side. Dunno what that could mean but she noticed I had changed a bit since I had been 2 weeks previously. Am a worrier by nature. It would have been so easy last nite for me to go to the boozer(which I did with my Dad), but I didnt drink. Gotta see this thru this time.

tommyk

Different activities filled the 'emptiness' in my life.

I didn't have much desire to do things at some points, but tried different stuff.

I think I used drinking & drugs to treat the depression & emptiness actually.

If nothing changes, nothing changes?

Keep coming back.

SomeCallMeTim

Do you have a relationship with any type of power greater than yourself? After 25 years of struggling, this was what finally nailed it for me. Admitting i was powerless over pretty much everything, and becoming willing to accept that there is something out there that is greater than i am, and asking for help. The higher power stuff can be very hard, but it's what saved me from the inevitable, jails, institutions or death. :praying

Kelly927

Hi Eddie,

You know I'm pretty worthless for real recovery advice, but just wanted to let you know I care about you and I'm thinking of you. You're stronger than this moment - remember that it's a MOMENT of emptiness and depression and will not last. Stay strong, hun. You've come so far! Try something different...maybe find a new hobby to help occupy some time?

Hugs,
Kelly

Fubarcdn

Keep at it Eddie and like Anna says just like in your past life there will be ups and downs. In the past try to think back. Did drinking not make the lows even worse after the initial rise. You don't want to go back to that so just ride it through and things will get much better.

Congratulations on 7 weeks too. The first few months are the hardest.

stone

Don't forget PAWS.

Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center

four812

for many there are some very difficult moments to go through as you continue to stay sober. this surely is the case for me as well

there are many things you can do to face the discomfort when it comes.
i'll list a few if your interested
1. go to AA, and make some friends, and keep making friends
2. find a 'good' therapist
3. do something different (ie Yoga)


sharing about your difficulty is extremely valuable and you can feel good about that.

i face the same or similar difficulty as you i think

keep up the good work

Dee74

Hi Eddie

It took me a whole to realise but recovery's not linear - at least it hasn't been for me.
Like Anna says - lots of ups and downs - I think life's like that anyway, but it takes some getting used when we're used to using alcohol like some kind of air bag.

hang in there Eddie - we're always here

D

coffeenut

Hey...welcome to SR! Early recovery is tough. You gotta relearn all those things you used to do with alcohol.

Hang tough....and close to SR. Lots of good help here.

vegibean

If you can get through today and the next I bet you'll find what you're going through will pass. I have had to chug my way through some horrible, horrible days and I cheerleaded myself, pushed to get through it and came out the other side so very proud of myself. It does and will get easier.

We all have been there and I seriously have to say that the fact that I got through the hard times in early recovery makes me look back and see how much of a stronger person I am and how I can get through anything today.

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charmie

hey eddie! im sorry to hear you are struggling.im still only in early days but i found it helped so much spending a lot of time on sr and going to meetings and talking to fellow alcoholics.i spent so much time here that before i knew it time was passing and things were getting easier.do anything that will keep you occupied,heck they have put a games arcade on here,play space invaders if you have to! keep strong my friend.glad to be back home from my trip so i can talk frequently to folk like you! hang in there,this will pass.:ghug3