ADaisyifyoudo

Day 23. (Easy to count since the 1st of the month was Day 1). First week was awful. Second week was, well, still awful. In retrospect it might have been a bit much to quit both drinking and smoking cold turkey on the same day but I was fed up after not recalling how I got to bed 5 nights running over memorial day weekend, and two of them waking up in the bed with my 4 year old the next morning. NOT GOOD.

Week three was a little bit better. Not great, but I had moments where I didn't want to cry or scream or drink. Wanted to have a few beers out with friends one night but didn't and had a good time anyway. I am actually feeling OK with how things are this week, going out for dinner in the city with friends and looking forward to good food and laughter.

I don't want to get complacent, but I haven't yet been to an AA meeting (although I know a lot of people swear by them), I don't have a sponsor, and I haven't yet found a therapist (the one I had made an appt with blew me off). But I feel OK right now. Not feeling like drinking, actually just kind of tired a lot of the time but OK mentally. At least I think so.

Am I fooling myself here? Is the other shoe just waiting to drop? I do have to go to a doctor tomorrow anyway (I think I have shingles, how's that for fun times?) so I may ask him what he thinks or if he can recommend a therapist. It's very helpful coming here and reading that other people have had similar experiences, and it seems like it may not be smart for me to try to do this all on my own, but at least the past week or so, it's going OK.

Bikeguy

Glad it's going well for you, I quit without AA and have 135 days in. Whatever works for you is the best method for you. Take care of yourself and keep up the good work.

Dee74

I think if you're worried about getting complacent, you probably won't
As long as you're searching out support and ways to move forward, I think it's all good.

In my experience, it's when we feel we don't have to work anymore, that the rot can set in ...

Congratulations on yr 23 days!

D

Anna

I don't use AA, but I am definitely not complacent.

In my opinion, stopping drinking is the beginning. That's when the hard work begins. Drinking is a symptom and I believe you need to deal with the underlying issues in order to fully recover and live a happy life.

Zencat

The thing that keeps me for being complacent is having an (dual) addiction treatment program.

I utilize SR, SMART, AA meetings and other healthy treatments that keep me active in my own guest to live free from alcohol/drugs and joyful and free .

Zebra1275

Although I use AA, I'm not as hard core about it as some people. The aspects of AA that help me the most are the face to face meetings and the experience, strength, and hope that others share. I learn something at every meeting and 98% of the time I feel better after I attend a meeting then before. Since there are many meetings throughout the week in my area it's very convenient.

instant

I am 39 days in. It's a big achievement for me. I have not gone to groups although I am considering doing so. The question for me is what makes a person succeed in being able to live and flourish in a sober life. If there was one answer there would be no debate- there is plenty of debate and strong opinions. Most seem to agree that not drinking is essential.

I personally am going to avoid therapists unless they are in their own recovery