What 6 Months Sober Means to Me
God's work in progress
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 515
What 6 Months Sober Means to Me
I started my Day 1 on January 1st, 2012. I knew I'd be up against some flack, as it was looked upon as "just another New Year's resolution". Well, for me, this was so much more. The date, in retrospect, was purely coincidental. To put it simply, I was ready.
I stopped for many reasons, too numerous to mention, but one of the most significant for me at the time was a frightening wake up call at the doctor's office. I showed up complaining of acute anxiety, sleeplessness and heart palpitations. The visit confirmed that my blood pressure and heart rate were through the roof. I was immediately put on meds and referred to the cardiologist. I was stunned, as I had always considered myself a healthy person, watched what I ate, exercised etc etc.
It was at the cardiologist's office that I finally opened up about my drinking. I found myself in tears, sharing my "secret" for the first time...that my drinking was out of control.
Amazing, looking back, that it took a whole lot of reading before I truly made the connection...my drinking was destroying my health! Later on I discovered it had done some major damage to my mind as well.
Today, I am humble and grateful that I made these discoveries and chose to turn my life around.
I had my follow up visit with my cardiologist this morning. He went through a checklist of all my prior ailments: high blood pressure?...now120/74.(by the way, I was taken off meds back in March) Anxiety?...relaxed as can be. Acid Reflux?...did I really have that? nope, gone. Palpitations?...not a one. Trouble sleeping?...sleep like a baby. Thrilled?...YOU BETCHA!!!
As terrific as this news is, my better health is really just a snapshot of what I've gained from sobriety. The big picture encompasses so, so much more.
In short, I have serenity now. And happiness. And even joy. While actively drinking, I was sad, depressed and anxious pretty much all the time.
My sober journey thus far has given me the courage to take life as it comes, one day at a time, and cope as best I can. I no longer reach for a bottle to soften the pain or enhance the fun. I have learned that I can live without alcohol...and for me, that is a huge gift.
I would not be where I am today without the incredible support that this community has given me. I thank each and every one of you, you have all helped me whether you know it or not. And I pray to return the favor.
Newcomers, do not give up the fight! I am still very new myself, but this I already know: Achieving sobriety is so very worth it, and can be done.
God bless you all
I stopped for many reasons, too numerous to mention, but one of the most significant for me at the time was a frightening wake up call at the doctor's office. I showed up complaining of acute anxiety, sleeplessness and heart palpitations. The visit confirmed that my blood pressure and heart rate were through the roof. I was immediately put on meds and referred to the cardiologist. I was stunned, as I had always considered myself a healthy person, watched what I ate, exercised etc etc.
It was at the cardiologist's office that I finally opened up about my drinking. I found myself in tears, sharing my "secret" for the first time...that my drinking was out of control.
Amazing, looking back, that it took a whole lot of reading before I truly made the connection...my drinking was destroying my health! Later on I discovered it had done some major damage to my mind as well.
Today, I am humble and grateful that I made these discoveries and chose to turn my life around.
I had my follow up visit with my cardiologist this morning. He went through a checklist of all my prior ailments: high blood pressure?...now120/74.(by the way, I was taken off meds back in March) Anxiety?...relaxed as can be. Acid Reflux?...did I really have that? nope, gone. Palpitations?...not a one. Trouble sleeping?...sleep like a baby. Thrilled?...YOU BETCHA!!!
As terrific as this news is, my better health is really just a snapshot of what I've gained from sobriety. The big picture encompasses so, so much more.
In short, I have serenity now. And happiness. And even joy. While actively drinking, I was sad, depressed and anxious pretty much all the time.
My sober journey thus far has given me the courage to take life as it comes, one day at a time, and cope as best I can. I no longer reach for a bottle to soften the pain or enhance the fun. I have learned that I can live without alcohol...and for me, that is a huge gift.
I would not be where I am today without the incredible support that this community has given me. I thank each and every one of you, you have all helped me whether you know it or not. And I pray to return the favor.
Newcomers, do not give up the fight! I am still very new myself, but this I already know: Achieving sobriety is so very worth it, and can be done.
God bless you all
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Spinning happily in my hula hoop
Posts: 2,618
Wonderful post faceit!! Congrats on your 6 months!!
8...Your post is just what I needed to read today, like I mention in our class my AV has showed up uninvited to July 4th.
.. Reading this brings it back to me how lucky and how far we have come...Keep up the awesome work! You and many others truely inspire me...**{Big congratulation hugs to you}}:ghug3
8...Your post is just what I needed to read today, like I mention in our class my AV has showed up uninvited to July 4th... Reading this brings it back to me how lucky and how far we have come...Keep up the awesome work! You and many others truely inspire me...**{Big congratulation hugs to you}}:ghug3
God's work in progress
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 515
Originally Posted by TimW 
How long exactly did it take for the palpitations to go away? I once did 2 months sober and they were still there.
Stay strong!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: New York
Posts: 96
Bravo on 6 months!!!! amazing achievement!!!!!! i cant wait till i even hit my 1 month mark!!! the days fly by so fast i dont miss alcohol at all ...what a great feeling!!!! now if this darn heat would just break...ide be in bliss! lol
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: London
Posts: 299
Aw, great post. I'm at just over 3 months, and struggling at times (though I'm happy to have stopped as my depression much better).
It's really good to see others further on their journey and the great progress being made. Congrats.
It's really good to see others further on their journey and the great progress being made. Congrats.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,308
Congrats on the 6 months faceitandfixit,
It is an inspiring post. I would read posts similiar to yours early in sobriety and was very skeptical and thought people were just writing these glowing reports so that newcomers would not drink and to encourage them and that they probably felt better but if truth be known were still hanging out for a drink.
Over a year on experiencing sobriety and the great changes in me and my life, I can attest to the fact than a sober life is a way better life.
Good on you
CaiHong
It is an inspiring post. I would read posts similiar to yours early in sobriety and was very skeptical and thought people were just writing these glowing reports so that newcomers would not drink and to encourage them and that they probably felt better but if truth be known were still hanging out for a drink.
Over a year on experiencing sobriety and the great changes in me and my life, I can attest to the fact than a sober life is a way better life.
Good on you
CaiHong
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,569
We're very proud of you, faceit. I feel so bad for those who give up in the beginning because they can't see how good it'll be down the line. I hope some of the new members read and remember your words, for when things get challenging. Congrats on your wonderful accomplishment.
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