Hamartia

I feel like I am at the end of a street, and I have to turn the corner and begin a new direction. Thing is, I am leaving my old support system (alcohol) behind. I know it was never a support system, but it seems like the many times I have been shoved up against a wall, the alcohol helped me not to be sick at my stomach -- helped me cope. I'm crying while I write this, and this all sounds like I'm feeling sorry for myself, but really, I'm facing up to my weakness.

Now, what I thought was helping me has turned against me and is ruining my health. I have to give it up! I have made a good start. I have gone one full week without any wine (my poison of choice) in the house. But that's not good enough. This week -- step 2: No alcohol at all! Not in a restaurant or anywhere else! This is hard.

justinJustQuit

You're making the right decision. You will thank yourself. I'm 15 days sober and feeling great.

Welcome to SR!

KateL

Yep, what Justin said. Good luck xxxxxxxxxxxx

Ghostlight1

Hello and welcome.
Alcohol was my support system, too. Then it became a problem. Then it became a really big problem as I crossed that invisible line into alcoholism.
From there alcohol made my life a living nightmare. Couldn't drink and couldn't not drink. I was at the end.
After many attempts at quiting I was finally able to.
Now my support system is God, a therapist and a doctor.

I know where you're coming from. Alcohol was my crutch for many years. You can find a sober life and a new, better, support system.

Best to you.

MamaGoat

Have you thought about getting help? I suggest you go to AA and learn about the disease and the solution in the Big Book. ******{hugs}}}}

Notimetoloose

Welcome and congratulations. It can be hard in the beginning but it does get easier.

It can be very emotional when we reach out and admit we have a problem and a new direction is a good idea.

There is a lot of info on this site and lots of help when you need it, just ask.

FreeOwl

you're definitely not alone, and have come to a good place to find support and inspiration to honor your choice and commit to sobriety.

welcome.

Hamartia

I am astonished that seven people have already spoken to me. Seven people have lifted me up higher than I have been in a long time. Seven people may actually keep me sober this day. How do I say thank you?

hez1979

im at day 33....it gets easier every day...you have made a wise choice...stick with it xxxxxxxx

KateL

Look at it like this. Perhaps, some time soon, you can say these things to a newcomer and lift them up too It's a marvellous place. I wish it had been around in my younger days xxxxxxxx

adee

You aren't alone. And in sobriety, you will find a great strength within you that you can't even fathom exists right now. Welcome.

2bhappier

Welcome. SR has been a great support to me and I know it can be for you too. Wine was my best friend, or so I thought. Turns out it turned on me. Keep coming back!

Anna

We do understand how hard this is.

I hope that you stop drinking and make a choice to live a sober life. Alcohol helped me to cope too and I began drinking to self-medicate. Not surprisingly, the period where it 'helped' me in my life, was so small. You will be able to find healthy ways to cope with life.

least

Welcome to the family!

Hamartia

I am having trouble learning how to navigate this website, but I'm sure with time, I'll figure this out.

To those who replied to my earlier post, I can't thank you enough! I have not had anything to drink today! Many times during the day, I thought about stopping for a drink somewhere, but I thought of those of you who replied to my post this morning, and I just didn't stop. I didn't know how much it means to have the support of others who have gone through this. Thank you.

Dee74

Welcome Harmartia

it is hard - but there's tons of support here.
congrats on nearing the end of day one!

D

nicole100

Hamartia - Congratulations on taking the first step. You are going to be so happy that you are doing this for yourself. It may not be easy -- BUT it is sooooo worth it!!!

Hamartia

I got so much work done yesterday -- totally sober!

Day 2: My challenge begins again! I pray to God that I will not go back to where I was just a week ago -- Drinking a bottle of wine every day. I hope my health will improve soon.

Has anyone heard of a disease called "alcoholic lung disease?" I find myself always getting short of breath - even on a short walk in a parking lot or something like that. I was just wondering about this.

I have started a journal writing down quotes and Biblical scriptures on various topics that I need to work on. I found this quote a few days ago:

"Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power." by Seneca

Hamartia

"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
Proverbs 13:20

I am grateful, now, to be walking with the wise since I have found this website and all of you! May God (however you perceive God to be) be with all of us today.

Hamartia

Two days ago, I was great -- my first day of sobriety. Today, I am defeated and alone.