dr4t7

First a little background. I have three kids, from two marriages both of which ended in divorce. Drugs and alcohol did play a part in both divorces. I've used alcohol as both a social lubricant and a means to cope with a lot of issues that have also been caused by alcohol and drug abuse. Lately I had been drinking on pretty much a daily basis for the past couple of months around 12-16 drinks per night.

Last week (Wednesday) I took the step towards sobriety and told myself that I would no longer drink. The first couple days were a bit of a struggle and it was a rough weekend, but I made it through. I told many of my friends and family about my decision and received a very positive response.

I do worry about relapsing though as I have quit before for several months, after drinking placed me in the hospital for around 2 weeks with pancreatitis. I feel I am on the right track this time as I made the decision all by myself without doctors or family telling me that I can not drink. It feels a lot more empowering knowing that I own this decision. I am already feeling much better. Sharper mind, more energy getting a lot more accomplished than I did while drinking.

It would help if anyone has any solid advice on how to keep the positive attitude going strong. I want to stay sober as I know I am a better person for myself and those around me when I am.

Sasha4

Well done to you my friend.

I set myself little challenges.

First it was, one day, then a weekend.
Christmas and New year.
First sober holiday abroad.
The Jubilee weekend.
I never stop setting myself challenges.
The best bit is a quiet smile to myself afterwards thinking 'yeay I did it'.
I never make big announcements about my goals. Just work quietly towards achieving them and yes, when you do it yourself it's very empowering!

Dee74

welcome dr4t7

I think support is very important - coming here daily to SR helped keep me focused and committed - I hope it will help you too

Don't hesitate to see your Dr either - I recommend to everyone it's a good idea to touch base with your medico in early recovery

D

dr4t7

Thanks for the support. Challenging myself has helped a lot. Tomorrow is my birthday and I think it will be an enormous test for my first week.

OCDDan

when you get the urge to drink, think it through, remember how bad it gets, think about how good it feels when you wake up sober

OklaBH

:day1

Stay sober. I lost it big time on my birthday last year and didnt turn back for almost a year. Year 36 for me was spent in a very destructive way. Call it your re-birth my friend!

Michael66

But what better birthday present to yourself and others to start a new year of your life sober.

Id' say do whatever you need to do to keep yourself sober on your birthday, even if on this birthday it makes you a little wary of social gatherings.

Luling

Welcome. Keep posting here, these people care about you and will talk you down off the ledge when you need it.

Sapling

This is the best solid advice I can give you...Because it worked for me. Take yourself to an AA meeting for your Birthday....See if it doesn't give you Hope. That's a wonderful gift. Go to an early one...And enjoy your Birthday not drinking. It could be the best gift you ever gave yourself...And it's free. What do you have to lose?...Happy Birthday dr4t7!!

CaiHong

Dr4t7,
I hope I have spelt your name right. Welcome to the forum. I use AA and this forum to stay sober. I am glad you have made the decision on your own,I agree you need to make the decision yourself to make it count.
I was worried about relapsing early in sobriety and just focused completely on staying sober, reading and posting on this forum.
Use this forum to vent, talk about what you are going through, if you feel like a drink reach out and tell someone, no shame in that the AV is very powerful.
I wish you all the best in your recovery
love
CaiHong

dr4t7

Thanks for all of the support and advice from all of you. I woke up early today. Came in to work early and feel great. I don't have any urge to drink for the first birthday in probably 15 years... plus it's my 30th so I can plan a new decade of sobriety. Long term goals...