Counting Days
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Newcastle, WA
Posts: 51
Counting Days
As most of you know, I am new to recovery, and on day 5. I notice pretty much everyone counts the days/weeks/months, ect. I am wondering: is it possible to get to the point where you're like " I just don't drink, it doesn't matter how long since I used to drink" Or is it really important to count the days ?
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Ohio
Posts: 3,785
Yes.
I think most people do it at the start to encourage themselves. I did for the first thirty days and then month to month until I got a year.
Now I don't really count days, weeks or months. It may dawn in me on the 24th that another month has passed but not always.
If someone asks I don't say I stopped drinking, I simply state I don't drink.
I think most people do it at the start to encourage themselves. I did for the first thirty days and then month to month until I got a year.
Now I don't really count days, weeks or months. It may dawn in me on the 24th that another month has passed but not always.
If someone asks I don't say I stopped drinking, I simply state I don't drink.
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,449
I think everyone is different - this is a popular topic around here. I used to count days (I don't do AA or anything though)....I had 6.5mths May to end of Nov. then relapsed in Cuba.
I decided to not count again. I just wake up everyday and not drink THAT day.
That's just me though. Counting days works for many people, holds them accountable.
I decided to not count again. I just wake up everyday and not drink THAT day.
That's just me though. Counting days works for many people, holds them accountable.
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Scotland
Posts: 780
Counting days kept me going in the beginning. I felt it was good to have goals.
I forget ever now and then but always love going back and counting....I'm sad like that.
Well done on 5 days that's great.
I forget ever now and then but always love going back and counting....I'm sad like that.
Well done on 5 days that's great.
Cause no harm
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Missouri
Posts: 596
I have posted on this subject before and feel it is a personal choice. I personally feel one should not dwell upon the number of days. If, forbid, you have a setback, many feel they have lost all those days of sobriety and have to "start all over." This could add a feeling of failure and cause a disintegration of resolve. IMHO, don't obsess on days sober, but enjoy the present day of sobriety. If you truly immerse yourself in the present and the awareness that you are on the road to health and well-being, that realization will continue your endeavor far better than day-counting. The past is just a memory your mind fabricates as a reference point. The present is the only important "date". It is what truly fashions the "tomorrow."
Count if you wish, but enjoy what you have at this moment.
Peace.
Count if you wish, but enjoy what you have at this moment.
Peace.
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,449
Originally Posted by Creekryder 
I have posted on this subject before and feel it is a personal choice. I personally feel one should not dwell upon the number of days. If, forbid, you have a setback, many feel they have lost all those days of sobriety and have to "start all over." This could add a feeling of failure and cause a disintegration of resolve. IMHO, don't obsess on days sober, but enjoy the present day of sobriety. If you truly immerse yourself in the present and the awareness that you are on the road to health and well-being, that realization will continue your endeavor far better than day-counting. The past is just a memory your mind fabricates as a reference point. The present is the only important "date". It is what truly fashions the "tomorrow."
Count if you wish, but enjoy what you have at this moment.
Peace.
Count if you wish, but enjoy what you have at this moment.
Peace.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 300
Originally Posted by BelleDeMer
Thanks All - I figured this topic comes up a lot, and it makes sense what you say...the main thing I want to focus on now is that I don't need to drink,
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ireland
Posts: 25,826
It took me a good few months before I started to loose track of days.
As new habits were formed, as I carved out a new lifestyle away from alcohol, the focus and obsession became quieter and I got into the mind frame of simply being a "non drinker"
Keep pushing through!!
As new habits were formed, as I carved out a new lifestyle away from alcohol, the focus and obsession became quieter and I got into the mind frame of simply being a "non drinker"
Keep pushing through!!
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,435
Counting days was important to me in the beginning - it was a tangible reminder of my progress, when I wasn't sure sobriety was something I could 'do'.....
By around day 90 I knew I wanted to stay sober forever...so counting days stopped being important for me.
I have no idea what day I am on now, but I know I'm coming up fast on 8 years
D
By around day 90 I knew I wanted to stay sober forever...so counting days stopped being important for me.
I have no idea what day I am on now, but I know I'm coming up fast on 8 years
D
A Day at a Time
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Posts: 6,435
By accident I realized I had 2000 days so I don't keep close track. I do recognize yearly anniversaries. I'm a big believer in a day at a time so counting days is a dual edged sword. Yes milestones are important but not as important as staying sober today
*Ex Missus
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 410
I think I ticked it off on my calender the first go around. The second which was considerably longer I counted for maybe the first month and then quickly forgot. Sober became normal. Problem was with me I got complacent. My plan this time is to count for as long as I remember but STAY posting here forever lol. No complacency for me this time around!
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