veryready

6 Months today. Just wanted to thank everyone for making this place what it is. 6 months ago I was googling 'how long do alcohol cravings last' and I found this site. To realize there was this place, where nothing about my drinking was unique; the hiding, craving, sneaking, highly functioning (wrong). To be able to speak my mind openly and be understood and supported. I can't thank you all enough. I needed to stop drinking and was only able to because of this site.

I have finally realized that I have no desire to be a moderate drinker. For so long, and even months here, I thought I would like to be able to drink 'responsibly'. Then it dawned on me, finally, no I don't. I never did want one drink and I don't now. If I were to drink now it would NOT be another attempt at moderation. I can't drink moderately and I don't want to drink moderately. I have thought maybe I could set a few days aside here and really tie one one, but I have read too much here to realize that getting the cork back in again may or may not be possible. Drinking for me is just no longer an option.

For those of your starting or struggling, be strong. One day at a time. Early on it is so easy to worry about 'not drinking forever' and all the situations that have to be overcome. You can't solve those problems or cross those bridges all at once. One day at a time, one hurdle at a time and you will get there. Have a plan, but worry when it is time to worry if that makes sense. There will be struggles and battles for sure, but be patient and take them one at a time, as they come.

Thanks again. Dee especially to you. I don't know how you manage to continually encourage and support all of us. You continue to give such good advice even though we don't always listen. You never give up on anybody and I really appreciate that. You are awesome.

sassu78

Thank you for sharing!! You really gave me motivation to keep at it!

Troae

Way to go, my fellow asphalt kicker! You da man!

Kasiaa

Congrats on your 6 months!
Yeah,I remember how I couldn't imagine 'not use forever' amphetamine,I did quit cold turkey(did for almost 8 yrs) almost 5 yrs ago and don't miss it.Then cigarettes,same thoughts,quit smoking 7 months ago.Now its time to fight an alcohol-same thoughts sometimes-Thank You to remind me how stupid is to worry about it.

Coldfusion

Just keep on truckin`

Leshar

That is excellent! Thank you for that inspiring account. It gives me hope to just remember that all I can do is take it day by day. Thanks.

Mizzuno

Wonderful work.! Congrats on your sober time. You have done something Amazing!

losteverything

Thanks for that, it was inspiring, and I very much needed to read that tonight... Congratulation.

nomis

Awesome, VR, just awesome

rainyengland

Your the one!.. Well done - brilliant

Sazzle

Congratulations VR, my Novie buddy! You have so accurately described how I feel about quitting. I no longer romanticise about having one (I don't even know what 'one' feels like as I never stopped at one.

Thanks for all your support here as well. My journey has been made a lot easier, travelling it with someone as awesome as you!

S x

Happyfeet

Congratulations on your 6 months! What a milestone!

least

Congrats on six months sober!

neferkamichael

Veryready, 6 months sober? You are FANTASTIC. Congratulations.

instant

Great stuff. Great post on what it takes.

I cried when i made six months. I never dreamed it could happen. As you have proved again, it does.

Thank you for your honesty

duane1

Congratulations!

NewHouse2012

Soooo happy for you and thanks for the advice.

veryready

And of course, Nomis and Sazzle and the rest of the class of November 2012. I was on that thread hourly for the first month or so. You even now enter my dreams on occasion. Thanks.

Hevyn

So proud of you veryready! This is hard work - and you're doing great. 6 months is an amazing milestone - and it'll keep getting better.