Not Rock Bottom, but why wait?
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Ny, ny
Posts: 6
Not Rock Bottom, but why wait?
Recognizing that I'm in a whirlpool and moving faster towards the center and down the drain, I believe I need do slow down or stop drinking. I don't have "horror story" to motivate me, but rather declining health, increased aging (I'm 49) and drinking as hobby.
RIP Sweet Suki
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: In my sanctuary, my home
Posts: 39,905
Why wait indeed! I've often thought...if I found out I had stage 2 cancer, would I wait until I found out it was stage 4 before I did something about it?
People talk about "bottoms," but your bottom is when you decide that enough is enough. Does it matter if you don't have a terror-filled story to tell? I don't think so.
Welcome to SR! Congratulations on deciding that you are ready to put alcohol behind you and live a sober life. It could be the very best decision you've ever made.
People talk about "bottoms," but your bottom is when you decide that enough is enough. Does it matter if you don't have a terror-filled story to tell? I don't think so.
Welcome to SR! Congratulations on deciding that you are ready to put alcohol behind you and live a sober life. It could be the very best decision you've ever made.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 170
Hi JT, same boat as you (and close to same age). No DUI, no financial or work issues, no family issues, essentially no rock bottom. I've been very lucky so far! I'm basically just sick of constantly feeling like crap and having alcohol navigate my life. I just know that if I keep this up, something real bad is bound to happen in the form of major health issue, DUI, or whatever! I'm choosing not to wait for that day! Good luck and you will find tons of support here!
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: C.C. Ma.
Posts: 3,697
Welcome JT. After a lot of procrastination I realized, in a moment of semi clarity, that alcohol is far from being a health drink. I figure that the less one drinks then stops the quicker recovery kicks in.
BE WELL
BE WELL
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Surprise AZ
Posts: 293
I have been trying to get sober for years, and I think I posted on here that I had no clearly defined "rock bottom". I was a functional alcoholic, always made it to work, was very dependable, was relatively healthy. So I kept going back out to drink...Now I got a DUI to deal with. I wish I would have figured out this program before that happened. Welcome. Hang around!
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 14,921
Welcome to SR!
I wouldn't recommend slowing down your drinking, I would recommend stopping it completely.
I've used the circling the drain metaphor before, I've been there. You're right, the downward spiral starts to go faster and faster and the recovery from a night of alcohol abuse gets slower and slower. Eventually those two trend lines intersect and in order to feel "normal" you need to keep a certain level of alcohol in your system 24/7. How screwed up is that?
I'm a few years older then you and fortunately I'm sober and now in great health. I exercise (run or play tennis) several times a week. So I believe good health can still be attained despite years of alcohol abuse and physical neglect. And the positive effects of sobriety on one's mental state are wonderful.
I wouldn't recommend slowing down your drinking, I would recommend stopping it completely.
I've used the circling the drain metaphor before, I've been there. You're right, the downward spiral starts to go faster and faster and the recovery from a night of alcohol abuse gets slower and slower. Eventually those two trend lines intersect and in order to feel "normal" you need to keep a certain level of alcohol in your system 24/7. How screwed up is that?
I'm a few years older then you and fortunately I'm sober and now in great health. I exercise (run or play tennis) several times a week. So I believe good health can still be attained despite years of alcohol abuse and physical neglect. And the positive effects of sobriety on one's mental state are wonderful.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 818
JT ... There is only one Rock Bottom. Death.
We have a remarkable capacity to rationalize drinking at any stop along the way. Don't waste another day. I'm 53 and quit in October (passed 100 days this week!). It was difficult at first, but it has gotten easier. My life has changed in so many ways for the better. It's hard to believe that it took so long for me to give sobriety a chance.
It sounds like you know you need to quit, although you might be scared of a life without alcohol. Roam the hallways of this site, read stories of struggle and success, and post as you are moved. This place has played a huge part in my sobriety.
I'm glad you found us. Welcome.
We have a remarkable capacity to rationalize drinking at any stop along the way. Don't waste another day. I'm 53 and quit in October (passed 100 days this week!). It was difficult at first, but it has gotten easier. My life has changed in so many ways for the better. It's hard to believe that it took so long for me to give sobriety a chance.
It sounds like you know you need to quit, although you might be scared of a life without alcohol. Roam the hallways of this site, read stories of struggle and success, and post as you are moved. This place has played a huge part in my sobriety.
I'm glad you found us. Welcome.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Ny, ny
Posts: 6
I am amazed with both the number of responses to my post and the quality and thoughtfulness of your comments. Thank you. It's been 11 days and now my second weekend. Super Bowl weekend no less. Weekends are where I've concentrated my drinking as escape, reward, something to do. I already have more energy, concentration. Feel very tired and aches, which is probably a good sign of physical rebuilding and repair.
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