SoberD

Here's my updated list (after my last failed attempt) that I'm sure many of you can relate to. Enjoy and hopefully it helps someone!

WHY TO QUIT – DAY 1: March 5, 2013

• A major life decision and turning point in life - do this when you are young and before it is too late – you have had more than enough of it and aren’t missing anything – sobriety is your priority
• Alcohol affects you differently – you will never be able to drink “socially” and what would be the point of having 1 or 2 drinks anyway – the point was always to get drunk – don’t try to convince yourself otherwise – you are in the minority with the addiction
• The negatives now outweigh the positives – it’s just not that fun anymore – it will never feel the same (as the early years) and will only progressively get worse – you don’t get a fresh start after a “break”
• Feelings of misery, depression, guilt, shame, anxiety – they will continue to haunt you if you continue to drink – drinking is the cause, not the symptom or cure
• Isolation/Loneliness – sitting at home getting drunk by myself – it’s ugly and pathetic – there are plenty of productive ways to relax
• Dangerous activities (e.g. drunk driving, unprotected sex, etc.) – you are jeopardizing your future – eventually you will hurt yourself or somebody else – think about jail, a criminal record, STDs, pregnancies
• Horrible insomnia, sweating, hangovers, headaches, nausea, suicidal thoughts – think of the constant (past) fear of going to bed
• Poor nutrition, health, workouts – low self-image, low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness – you can be in the best shape of your life if you quit
• Lack of mental clarity, poor performance at work and school – think about your career and academic goals – think about how alcohol has impeded them
• Long-term damage to the brain and body – you can live a long healthy/clean/pure happy life and reverse the damage done – you are poisoning yourself in every way
• Inability to maintain relationships – nobody wants to be with a drunk and being drunk won’t get you a family life, marriage, and the things that (will) matter to you
• Tried to quit many times and failed – now is your time and you don’t want to start over –it will be completely demoralizing – think about how many times it took to quit smoking
• Too old to be bar-hopping – it’s irresponsible, expensive, and unattractive – look at the people around you – nothing good ever comes of it
• Loss of control of finances – bankruptcy, inability to control spending – think of the money saved and what it could be used for (international travel, material things, etc.)
• Wasted time – think of all you are missing – camping trips, fishing, skiing, climbing, golf, backpacking, mountain biking, social clubs, etc.
• Foolish behavior – loss of friends, drunk texting, injuries, acting like an unmitigated ass – you have done more than enough damage to your image/reputation
• Complete loss of control and unpredictability – anger, fighting, drug use – you are basically liable to do anything without knowing it
• Disconnected from family – embarrassment, shame, preoccupation with alcohol – it always leads to neglect/avoidance of those who matter most
• Alcoholism is not glamorous, sexy, or exciting – it is a sad downward spiral
• Alcoholism does not get you sympathy – it makes people feel sorry for you
• The vicious cycle will never end unless it is broken – drinking is simply not an option

Snaggle

Exactly right - agree totally with eveything you said - amazing to see it all laid out like that - there are so many disadvantages! Makes you wonder why we would ever think its a 'good' thing to have a drink

Saskia

Terrific, SoberD! Prescription directions: read every time we have a strong urge.

My second phase: listing the reasons to drink, I only came up with two:

1. To relax when I'm stressed
2. To blot out my mind. (this one may not seem obvious as a positive but it started as blotting out unbearable memories).

When I read these, I realize that there are a variety of other ways to accomplish the same thing. So now I'm starting a list of alternative actions to use :-)

Sassy

Muzzwell

Also sounds simple but for me not drinking is simple, drinking is complicated, it takes more effort to drink then to not eventually.

llastchance8

Very Nice , SoberD. Each point in the list, makes a perfect sense and everything mentioned in your post is eternal truth. Thank you.

SoberD

Thanks - I find it helpful to read when I am having doubts. It is so easy to forget the troubles that the sauce has given you, particularly when you are "cured" after not drinking for some period...

Eddie2010

I can't think of a good reason NOT to quit.

I agree with all the points you make.

Tom