Hi there
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 21
Hi there
Not sure this is the right place to post, but the website wants me to, so what the hell.
Been sober since 1 Sept 2012,had intended just doing a month because I didn't really have a drink problem... I was just a social drinker. I realised as the withdrawal hurt and I read up on my drinking, that I was in fact an alcoholic or so close to it that certainly they would suggest that I drank too much when my liver finally packed in.
So, 109 ( I think) days sober. It's not been nor is it easy. I still want a drink every day.however I know now the damage it's been doing to my brain and the damage it will eventually do to my body. I also know what an expensive, restricting, insidious crutch it's been. I thought I drank like every one else. Well, either they are all alcoholics or I was deluding myself.
What I do know is since stopping, my memory is improved,my skin is the softest it's been and the depression that I've suffered for years has almost gone. I had no clue the enduring affect that alcohol had on the brain. I stupidly thought it was a depressant only while it was your blood. I did not realise it shrunk your brain, destroyed white matter and path ways so that life without alcohol became dull and empty... like an alcoholic.
27 years... wasted... being wasted. Not anymore. I'm done and I quit.
Been sober since 1 Sept 2012,had intended just doing a month because I didn't really have a drink problem... I was just a social drinker. I realised as the withdrawal hurt and I read up on my drinking, that I was in fact an alcoholic or so close to it that certainly they would suggest that I drank too much when my liver finally packed in.
So, 109 ( I think) days sober. It's not been nor is it easy. I still want a drink every day.however I know now the damage it's been doing to my brain and the damage it will eventually do to my body. I also know what an expensive, restricting, insidious crutch it's been. I thought I drank like every one else. Well, either they are all alcoholics or I was deluding myself.
What I do know is since stopping, my memory is improved,my skin is the softest it's been and the depression that I've suffered for years has almost gone. I had no clue the enduring affect that alcohol had on the brain. I stupidly thought it was a depressant only while it was your blood. I did not realise it shrunk your brain, destroyed white matter and path ways so that life without alcohol became dull and empty... like an alcoholic.
27 years... wasted... being wasted. Not anymore. I'm done and I quit.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: UK
Posts: 5,678
Welcome to SR Tim and well done on your sober time 
If you are still wanting to drink every day you may want to look into some recovery stuff. I always think if I am not happy being sober then I must be doing it wrong, because it's ridiculous to feel like you need alcohol to be happy. Sounds like you're realising some of the benefits of being sober though Glad you're here x
If you are still wanting to drink every day you may want to look into some recovery stuff. I always think if I am not happy being sober then I must be doing it wrong, because it's ridiculous to feel like you need alcohol to be happy. Sounds like you're realising some of the benefits of being sober though
Glad you're here x
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 21
Thanks HC, what recovery stuff? I don't live in the US,so we don't have rehab etc. When I say I want a drink every day, it's not a strong urge, it's more a desire now and then...especially with it being the holidays!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 21
Thanks HS.
I'll look up whatever avrt and smart recovery are. I'm coping fine and will not drink again, but no point being smug / complacent and the more defences I have the better. AA isn't for me. I don't believe in higher powers having seen the love of my life die of AML and the nhs have more important things to worry about than me not drinking... or it should have.
Thanks for the tips. I am also looking into new hobbies and interests to get me out of the pub friend mentality.
I'll look up whatever avrt and smart recovery are. I'm coping fine and will not drink again, but no point being smug / complacent and the more defences I have the better. AA isn't for me. I don't believe in higher powers having seen the love of my life die of AML and the nhs have more important things to worry about than me not drinking... or it should have.
Thanks for the tips. I am also looking into new hobbies and interests to get me out of the pub friend mentality.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 522
Congratulations! My sobriety date is 8 Sep 2012. One week behind you.
I, too, have realized many of the benefits that you have mentioned in your post.
I love waking up to a new day, I actually like mornings now!
All the best,
SD
I, too, have realized many of the benefits that you have mentioned in your post.
I love waking up to a new day, I actually like mornings now!
All the best,
SD
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,439
welcome aboard Tim - congrats on 109 days
I'd actually disagree with you that the NHS have better things to worry about - alcoholism and substance abuse must be one of their biggest areas of activity.
I'm not from the UK but here are some UK links & numbers that may be useful (pls do disregard the AA links if thats not your scene but I figure others may read this thread)
The National Alcohol Helpline-UK - Tel: 0800 917 8282
Offers help to callers worried about their own drinking; support to the family and friends of people who are drinking; advice to callers on where to go for help.
UK National AA Helpline
08457 697 555
SMART Recovery - SMART Recovery UK
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) Great Britain
Addaction | Drugs & Alcohol Addiction and Recovery: Support - Help - Advice - Treatment
Alcohol services | Alcohol Concern
and some NHS links
Find more health services - Alcohol addiction support - NHS Choices
D
I'd actually disagree with you that the NHS have better things to worry about - alcoholism and substance abuse must be one of their biggest areas of activity.
I'm not from the UK but here are some UK links & numbers that may be useful (pls do disregard the AA links if thats not your scene but I figure others may read this thread
)The National Alcohol Helpline-UK - Tel: 0800 917 8282
Offers help to callers worried about their own drinking; support to the family and friends of people who are drinking; advice to callers on where to go for help.
UK National AA Helpline
08457 697 555
SMART Recovery - SMART Recovery UK
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) Great Britain
Addaction | Drugs & Alcohol Addiction and Recovery: Support - Help - Advice - Treatment
Alcohol services | Alcohol Concern
and some NHS links
Find more health services - Alcohol addiction support - NHS Choices
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 21
Thanks Dee and everybody else. I'm a bit blown away by the number of responses to be honest. I didn't expect any.
I will read the links- including AA- tomorrow. It's 12.30 here and the sound of gentle snoring besides me suggests I should stop messing with my nexus and get my ass to sleep... if I can with this snoring!
I will read the links- including AA- tomorrow. It's 12.30 here and the sound of gentle snoring besides me suggests I should stop messing with my nexus and get my ass to sleep... if I can with this snoring!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 2,937
The 18th of December (in my time zone it is early hours of 19th of Dec) is/was 2 years since my beloved aunt died of AML.
I am spending extra time on here on the 18th as I feel especially sad....and here are you!
I wonder what made me read your post?
Xxxx
I am spending extra time on here on the 18th as I feel especially sad....and here are you!
I wonder what made me read your post?
Xxxx
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
