Legs21

I've toyed with the idea of sobriety for over a year now. I'm turning 25 this month, and now is the time.

A little about myself - I have an addictive personality. I didn't start drinking until I was 18, but when I drink, I drink a lot. It's like something goes off in my brain and I can't get enough. I've been drinking heavily at least 1-2 nights a week, something that I always said I'd "give up after college". I am not sure what being an alcoholic means to me, but I am DEFINITELY a problem drinker. I am self-medicating with it.

I've taken SSRI's since eating disorder treatment when I was in high school and don't intend to stop. I'm about to finish graduate school and I am a full time student, but am taking my registered dietitian exam in January. I'm a single girl living in Chicago and honestly, being sober is a little scary to me. Not drinking on dates, weddings, bachelorette parties, holidays makes me anxious. I know myself and I know that I am an all or nothing personality - moderation just isn't an option anymore.

I've never been to an AA meeting but am strongly considering it -- I live in Western suburbs of Chicago.

Please share any wisdom with me, I am so excited to be here! Bonus points if you're a 20something in recovery that can relate to some of my struggles!

Lightning Bug

Welcome!!! I have an addictive personality as well. When I like something, I like it to death.

You are in good company here, just keep coming back!

Ironman9292

Hey and welcome!! Im 30 something in recovery but can totally relate! The majority of my 20s was spent drinking socially a few nights a week and occasionally heavy to soften the blow from bad decisions that I had made. Now im 32 and trying to learn to function in everyday life without it.. This site has really helped me in the short time that I have used it! Hang in there and best of luck to you!!

Hevyn

Welcome to SR Legs - you found a great place for support.

I was afraid to let go of it too. It was such a part of me. So I didn't even try to stop. As a result alcohol ran my life, especially as I got older. So much damage and misery. By the time I finally stopped I was brought to my knees - totally dependent on it and desperate to reclaim my life. That's when I found SR and no longer felt alone. I think trying AA meetings is a good idea - try anything that will help. We're glad you're here.

least

to the family! I quit drinking over three years ago and don't miss it one bit. I used to wonder what I'd do with my time if I didn't drink and now I know: I can do anything I want and do it better too.

Dee74

I make up two 20 somethings so I must get double points?

Welcome to SR legs - you'll find a lot of wisdom and support here

D

Louise82

Welcome to SR, Legs. Well done on making the decision to get sober in your twenties. When I was in my 20s, I toyed with the idea of getting sober to the point that I gave AA a call. But I never followed through on it. If I had, I'd have saved myself another 5+ years of my own personal prison, so what you're doing is really, really good. You have a great opportunity to spend the rest of your life, well, living.

Notmyrealname

Welcome to the forum!

I'm twenty-something (the "something" is another twenty, though)

Jokes aside, after a few months you get used to not drinking and it becomes normal; it just takes some time to settle in. The number of times I even think about missing drinking is miniscule compared to the myriad instances of thinking how glad I am to be clearheaded, sober, not-hungover, flush with spending money, carrying less weight but able to lift more weight, relatively anxiety-free . . all kinds of good stuff.

LuLu13

Welcome, Legs, congratulations on your decision. I am in the Western Burbs of Chicago as well. There are lots of young people's AA meetings around. I am not young but I see them in the book. PM me if you want specifics. Good luck to you.

Legs21

Thank you, LuLu! I have seen those meetings as well - and am going to my first one tomorrow!