Greetings
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lancaster, England.
Posts: 8
Greetings
Hello everybody.
My name is Jordan, I am 19 years old and I have decided to take the big step and quit alcohol, for good.
I have been drinking heavy for 5 years or so, and I suffer badly from anxiety and depression.
I decided to take the step of sobriety as I believe that it was severely impacting on my life in every way; I have lost relationships, HUGE amounts of money and my health has slowly but surely plummeted.
I have joined this forum in the hope that I can find people who are/have been in the same boat and can support me in any way that can help.
I do not have anyone around me who understands that you can live without alcohol, or who have had the problems that I have had because of it.
My initial goals are:
- Go 90 days without alcohol.
- Save at least £40 a week (I was spending at least £10 a night when drinking at home, or at least £40 when going out)
- Have a night out and drink nothing but soft drinks.
I am currently struggling with the social aspect of quitting drinking.
I have never really been one to socialise but when I was drinking, I was in the pub most evenings, seeing friends and family who happened to be there, and made friends there. I often get drunken text messages from them telling me to come to the pub or visit their house for a few beverages and I am finding it difficult now to find things to do with all of this spare time that I have. I have so many things that I would like to achieve, and I find it difficult to do one at a time, and the thought of them overwhelms me which leads to me procrastinating about all of them instead of doing one at a time.
These include finding a new job, learning to drive, etc.
Sorry for the rant but if anyone is out there who would like to help, and or anyone I can support in return, it would be greatly appreciated.
Looking forward to some response,
Jordan. 16 days into sobriety.
My name is Jordan, I am 19 years old and I have decided to take the big step and quit alcohol, for good.
I have been drinking heavy for 5 years or so, and I suffer badly from anxiety and depression.
I decided to take the step of sobriety as I believe that it was severely impacting on my life in every way; I have lost relationships, HUGE amounts of money and my health has slowly but surely plummeted.
I have joined this forum in the hope that I can find people who are/have been in the same boat and can support me in any way that can help.
I do not have anyone around me who understands that you can live without alcohol, or who have had the problems that I have had because of it.
My initial goals are:
- Go 90 days without alcohol.
- Save at least £40 a week (I was spending at least £10 a night when drinking at home, or at least £40 when going out)
- Have a night out and drink nothing but soft drinks.
I am currently struggling with the social aspect of quitting drinking.
I have never really been one to socialise but when I was drinking, I was in the pub most evenings, seeing friends and family who happened to be there, and made friends there. I often get drunken text messages from them telling me to come to the pub or visit their house for a few beverages and I am finding it difficult now to find things to do with all of this spare time that I have. I have so many things that I would like to achieve, and I find it difficult to do one at a time, and the thought of them overwhelms me which leads to me procrastinating about all of them instead of doing one at a time.
These include finding a new job, learning to drive, etc.
Sorry for the rant but if anyone is out there who would like to help, and or anyone I can support in return, it would be greatly appreciated.
Looking forward to some response,
Jordan. 16 days into sobriety.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,759
Welcome to the family.
Glad you're quitting drinking at such an early age. That will save you a lot of heartache, health problems, and legal problems as well. Congrats on your sixteen days sober. A good start to a better way of life.
Glad you're quitting drinking at such an early age. That will save you a lot of heartache, health problems, and legal problems as well. Congrats on your sixteen days sober. A good start to a better way of life. SR Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7,910
Hi Petts and welcome to the forum!
I think a lot of us can relate to self-medicating our depression and anxiety. That's something you may have to consult with a doctor about - there are definitely better ways to treat those issues. I didn't know this while I was drinking, but depression and anxiety are actually side effects of drinking.
I'd suggest just focusing on getting sober right now and trying not to get overwhelmed with all the other stuff. One thing at a time......
Glad you've joined us!
I think a lot of us can relate to self-medicating our depression and anxiety. That's something you may have to consult with a doctor about - there are definitely better ways to treat those issues. I didn't know this while I was drinking, but depression and anxiety are actually side effects of drinking.
I'd suggest just focusing on getting sober right now and trying not to get overwhelmed with all the other stuff. One thing at a time......
Glad you've joined us!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lancaster, England.
Posts: 8
Thanks everybody for your support.
I didn't think there would be a forum with people who completely understand but luckily I was wrong.
17 days today, and aiming for 90.
The big question in my mind, is whether or not I should allow myself to have a drink after this period has passed.
It'll be a long time until I reach that goal, but I believe I can, but I also want to believe that if I did want to have a drink that I could, and not go overboard again.
Only time will tell, I will keep you posted with my progress.
Thanks again,
Jordan.
I didn't think there would be a forum with people who completely understand but luckily I was wrong.
17 days today, and aiming for 90.
The big question in my mind, is whether or not I should allow myself to have a drink after this period has passed.
It'll be a long time until I reach that goal, but I believe I can, but I also want to believe that if I did want to have a drink that I could, and not go overboard again.
Only time will tell, I will keep you posted with my progress.
Thanks again,
Jordan.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Ft. Myers Florida
Posts: 5
Hi, Jordan
I know how you feel. I've been a heavy drinking for over 7 years and now and trying to get off pain killers. I've only stopped 3 days ago, and know that the anxiety and depression definitly is a side effect of the drinking, which is why I started getting high on pain killers. When I was on Oxy, I felt like I could do anything forever. The euphorea was amazing. Essentially was taking "legal" heroin. Since I've stopped I feel aweful. I want to drink to take the place of not taking the drugs, but know if I do, I'm ultimatley going to feel even worse.
I can tell you one thing though as a long time drinker trying to quit that: No you probably can never have another drink again socially with totally falling off the wagon and continuing to drink long after you know you should quit. When you're addicted to something like drugs or alcohol, you are addicted forever. It's just wether or not you choose to feed that addiction.
If you want to vent to someone about things, I'd be happy to listen, any time. I need someone to listen to me too, so I know how you feel.
Very best of luck to you and hopefully we can get past all this dark time permenantly.
I know how you feel. I've been a heavy drinking for over 7 years and now and trying to get off pain killers. I've only stopped 3 days ago, and know that the anxiety and depression definitly is a side effect of the drinking, which is why I started getting high on pain killers. When I was on Oxy, I felt like I could do anything forever. The euphorea was amazing. Essentially was taking "legal" heroin. Since I've stopped I feel aweful. I want to drink to take the place of not taking the drugs, but know if I do, I'm ultimatley going to feel even worse.
I can tell you one thing though as a long time drinker trying to quit that: No you probably can never have another drink again socially with totally falling off the wagon and continuing to drink long after you know you should quit. When you're addicted to something like drugs or alcohol, you are addicted forever. It's just wether or not you choose to feed that addiction.
If you want to vent to someone about things, I'd be happy to listen, any time. I need someone to listen to me too, so I know how you feel.
Very best of luck to you and hopefully we can get past all this dark time permenantly.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Midwest U.S.A.
Posts: 130
That is one of the constant struggles in my head trying to convince myself that if I want to have one drink I can and that I would not go overboard. However, if we were able to drink in moderation, wouldn't we have already done it by now? One day at a time. Congrats on your 17 days, Jordan!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alabama
Posts: 226
Welcome Jordan. I am youngish too, 26, so I know how you feel when you find it hard to socialize without the booze. I would call myself a habitual relapser right now so I am not the best at this yet. I do know one thing though is that if you fall down once get back up and try again. I've learned something everytime from every piece of sobriety I have had and life is truly much better sober. I wish I would have been smart enough to try and quit at your age. The hangovers get exponentially worse every year I have been drinking.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,369
The big question in my mind, is whether or not I should allow myself to have a drink after this period has passed.
There's plenty of time to deliberate when you hit 90 days. You may feel totally different by then.
I hope, though, when you do, you'll remember this from your first post:
I have been drinking heavy for 5 years or so, and I suffer badly from anxiety and depression.
I decided to take the step of sobriety as I believe that it was severely impacting on my life in every way; I have lost relationships, HUGE amounts of money and my health has slowly but surely plummeted.
I decided to take the step of sobriety as I believe that it was severely impacting on my life in every way; I have lost relationships, HUGE amounts of money and my health has slowly but surely plummeted.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lancaster, England.
Posts: 8
Thanks for that, D.
I will take every day as it comes, I think it is just because I am not drinking I feel like I can do anything! Which is great, really.
Another night of sobriety and another morning with no hangover.
I don't miss them one bit.
Thanks again for your continued support and I hope I can get to the stage where I can support others as much as you have supported me.
You're all lovely people who I wish I would have met earlier.
Regards and farewell for now,
Jordan.
I will take every day as it comes, I think it is just because I am not drinking I feel like I can do anything! Which is great, really.
Another night of sobriety and another morning with no hangover.
I don't miss them one bit.
Thanks again for your continued support and I hope I can get to the stage where I can support others as much as you have supported me.
You're all lovely people who I wish I would have met earlier.
Regards and farewell for now,
Jordan.
Non-Zoroastrian
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Great State of Mitten
Posts: 183
Originally Posted by Petts1337 
Thanks again for your continued support and I hope I can get to the stage where I can support others as much as you have supported me.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lancaster, England.
Posts: 8
Originally Posted by Petts1337
Hello everybody.
- Go 90 days without alcohol.
- Save at least £40 a week (I was spending at least £10 a night when drinking at home, or at least £40 when going out)
- Have a night out and drink nothing but soft drinks.
- Go 90 days without alcohol.
- Save at least £40 a week (I was spending at least £10 a night when drinking at home, or at least £40 when going out)
- Have a night out and drink nothing but soft drinks.
It shall be 4 weeks tomorrow since I have had alcohol, I never thought I'd get this far but I'm so glad I have.
As for the goals, last Saturday I went out with my housemates and managed all evening on 0,0% lager and soft drinks, and the feeling of seeing them all hungover when I woke up for work on Sunday morning was priceless!
Also, with the money I have saved I have managed to afford a new television, which I've wanted for so long, and it's even gone down in price because of Christmas sales!
I want to thank you all for all of the support, I couldn't have done it without you.
Good luck to the rest of you, and hopefully in 7 days I can be 1 day away from 5 weeks.
Love from Jordan; 27 days of sobriety
<3 
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: I'm exactly where I should be.
Posts: 1,889
Awesome...you are taking a huge step to being successfull for the rest of your life. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you and your decision at your age. There are people out there who don't drink -even across the pond. Haha
You will find them, you will be hugely successfull in life while all your drunk friends are still running the same circles. Move forward...one day at a time.
You will find them, you will be hugely successfull in life while all your drunk friends are still running the same circles. Move forward...one day at a time.
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