Hello, I'm new!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Trinidad and Tobago
Posts: 8
Hello, I'm new!
I'm a 29 year old female from the sunny Caribbean. I'm two weeks sober as of today.
I have a lot of trouble fitting in, as I'm naturally introverted. For years I used alcohol to overcome shyness and anxiety. It was fine at first. I enjoyed the popularity of being an "it" girl, but eventually the facade started crumbling and I had to drink more and more to keep up outward appearances. Things got worse when I was diagnosed with ADHD and depression. After a string of alcohol-related failures in my career, friendships and love, I've decided to quit drinking entirely.
I don't have any friends to confide in at the moment (my ex got them all after our recent breakup), so I joined SR to find a support system for myself. It hasn't been easy at all but I keep telling myself, "one day at a time." Hopefully one day I'll be one who can offer advice and inspiration to others on this forum!
I have a lot of trouble fitting in, as I'm naturally introverted. For years I used alcohol to overcome shyness and anxiety. It was fine at first. I enjoyed the popularity of being an "it" girl, but eventually the facade started crumbling and I had to drink more and more to keep up outward appearances. Things got worse when I was diagnosed with ADHD and depression. After a string of alcohol-related failures in my career, friendships and love, I've decided to quit drinking entirely.
I don't have any friends to confide in at the moment (my ex got them all after our recent breakup), so I joined SR to find a support system for myself. It hasn't been easy at all but I keep telling myself, "one day at a time." Hopefully one day I'll be one who can offer advice and inspiration to others on this forum!
It's great to have you on board 
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 12,000
Welcome sunshinepepper, you will get plenty of support here.
Congrats on your decision and 2 weeks.
Is it possible to find an aa meeting where you live?
AA Caribbean
Congrats on your decision and 2 weeks.
Is it possible to find an aa meeting where you live?
AA Caribbean
Last edited by LBrain; 04-17-2014 at 11:49 AM. Reason: added link
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,531
Greetings sunshinepepper. You're among friends who care and understand.
I drank to calm my nerves and anxiety. In the end it only made things worse. I didn't mature the way I should have. Staying numb I avoided having the necessary feelings & emotions to grow. I wish I'd realized what I was doing to myself at 29 - it took me much longer. I'm glad you're here.
I drank to calm my nerves and anxiety. In the end it only made things worse. I didn't mature the way I should have. Staying numb I avoided having the necessary feelings & emotions to grow. I wish I'd realized what I was doing to myself at 29 - it took me much longer. I'm glad you're here.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,378
Welcome sunshinepepper
I'm not as outgoing as I was when drinking - but this is the real me. It's no mistake that the friends I have now, who know the real me, are worth their weight in gold.
There's lots of support here - I'm glad you've found us
D
I'm not as outgoing as I was when drinking - but this is the real me. It's no mistake that the friends I have now, who know the real me, are worth their weight in gold.
There's lots of support here - I'm glad you've found us
D
High Wire Girl
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 87
I started drinking because I thought it helped me relax and made me more interesting. At the end of my run, I was an unreliable nervous wreck. Congratulations on a firm two weeks. Best of luck, as well.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 908
Welcome sunshinepepper and congratulations on your decision to put down the drink.
I can relate as I too used booze to 'aid' my anxiety and shyness in social situations. A few years down the line both were way worse than before.
You will find lots of support here
I can relate as I too used booze to 'aid' my anxiety and shyness in social situations. A few years down the line both were way worse than before.
You will find lots of support here
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Michigan, USA
Posts: 392
Welcome Sunshine! I'm exactly the same. I started drinking as a way to overcome my shyness and social anxiety until it all went too far. I've decided to tackle my anxieties without alcohol. I hope you find lots of support here.
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