Pixienottipsy

This reminds me of the 9th step promises in AA. I noticed a difference when I stopped having anxiety attacks several times a day. I was even able to drive two hours away to visit a friend last week.

EternalQ

I first new sobriety was making a real difference in my life...
when I felt, really felt, that I could completely change all aspects of my life if I wanted.

When I drank, I thought I was made for misery.....
and didn't deserve any happiness....

takingbackmylif

I first knew Sobriety was making a REAL difference in my life, when : I would drive home from work without ever realizing that I passed the liquor store.

takingbackmylif

I first knew Sobriety was making a REAL difference in my life, when : I could focus all of my attention of my family instead running downstairs after work to chug booze and be by myself.

Another

When the hard work and effort towards maintaining sobriety shows in its many forms. When I realize their is a higher happiness. Knowing good

takingbackmylif

I first knew Sobriety was making a REAL difference in my life, when : I didn't have to sneak into the garage and place all of the booze bottles in a bag and maneuver the trash bags so I could place it at the bottom of the trash bin.

nowme

I first new sobriety was making a REAL difference in my life when: I woke up and did not feel anxious or sad about the night before, I mailed my mothers Mother's Day card on time, it is not still seating on my desk, my life is being remembered!
CHEERS

unentschieden

Waking up and feeling like a normal person instead of a hungover sack.

It's been almost 1.5 years for me and I have so much more space in my head now that thoughts of drinking don't take up 99%

deeker

The first time I had a good laugh, a belly laugh that was so healing and was from being naturally high. Now I have um alot.

miyako

There've been several Eureka moments:

-- When my kidneys stopped hurting and I stopped getting swelling in my ankles and wrists at the end of the day.

-- When I started gettting really good quality sleep

-- When that empty, "clean" feeling from not being full of alcohol toxins was something I started to take for granted.

-- When my brain started to function better. Took weeks and weeks to notice this.

-- Most recently, when the physiological urge to drink finally STOPPED happening. THANK GOODNESS! It took almost 120 days to go away!

EternalQ

Today when I put my house up for sale online .

16 months ago I was still drinking, my house was trashed, I hadn't filed taxes in two years, I hid in the house and panicked when I had to socialize, house was overun with mice inside, and raccoons and bamboo outside. The dog had peed in places inside and I didn't bother to clean it up. I had sixteen loads of dirty laundry. My stove didnt work, my electric was sparking, i had hoarded and one room was so filled with junk i could barely open the door only a few inches and could not walk in it!!

Never in my WILDEST dreams did I think 16 months of sobriety would allow me to change enough to face finances, neighbors, organize workmen, ask family for help, make a livable house to sell, face hoarding etc. And put my house on the market!!

People!!! This is a sobriety miracle!!!

Lifebeginsat41

I've only been sober for 3 days but I want to be able to answer this question in a week, a month and a year. This has all given me a lot to think about - glad I read your posts.

EternalQ

One of the later ways I noticed sobriety was makng a real difference in my life,
was into my second year when my first inclination was not to deny or run from my problems
but to face them.
This was HUGE.

EternalQ

I knew sobriety was making a real difference in my life when I was able to let go of friends whose drinking was too toxic for me to be around (even though they never pressured me to drink)
while at the same time becoming more engaged with people who spent their time living life rather than drinking it away.

And all that happening naturally (not deliberately) over time, as I changed inside.

dbillyd

I noticed sobriety was making a real difference in my life when I started to realise I had a heightened sense of my surroundings and feelings - especially in the outdoors or in new environments.

EternalQ

I knew sobriety was making a real difference in my life when I realized I didn't need it for socializing anymore.

jaynie04

Holy Moly That is Inspirational!!!

potatojuice

When I pulled my head out of the bottle, I could actually see stuff and most of it was good. Lots of good experiences and people to appreciate.

potatojuice

Like your quote!

EternalQ

I knew it was making a big difference
when I stopped needing others to approve my choice to stay sober.