Checking in - 8.5 months sober
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 73
Checking in - 8.5 months sober
Hi All,
It's been a while since I visited this forum although it's been on my mind a lot lately.
Just over 8 months ago, I came here seeking help from you guys. The support was incredible. I opened up to my wife the same day and told her that I felt I had a problem. Got her support immediately. I wasn't too bad (I own a business, I have a family, I'm in good shape), but I was bad enough where I'd occasionally drink until I blacked out or said/did things I'd regret. I'd wake up with guilt, cussing myself out. That was enough for me to stop.
The past 8 months have been the best. My relationship with my wife has gone from a 5 to a 8. People have told me that I've changed and am a better person (people who don't even know I quit drinking). I'm pursuing my professional and personal goals like never before because that's the only way I'll feel good - whereas before I'd drink so that I could avoid it.
I went to one AA meeting about 12 weeks in a row, once a week. It was very helpful, but I don't find it absolutely necessary. I do find myself negotiating in my mind that I can drink and I've got this under control, so going to AA meetings for a reminder to ignore that voice is good. I wish there was another way though because I really don't like going to meetings. I've already ran into 4 people who I know who I'd rather not share my disease with. So it's a problem in that sense but I've still been okay. I've also stopped a lot of my previous bad habits that I'd regret as a result of not drinking - because I can't drink to deal with the guilt. I'm an all around better person. Thank you all for helping.
If I can be of any help to anybody, please do ask.
It's been a while since I visited this forum although it's been on my mind a lot lately.
Just over 8 months ago, I came here seeking help from you guys. The support was incredible. I opened up to my wife the same day and told her that I felt I had a problem. Got her support immediately. I wasn't too bad (I own a business, I have a family, I'm in good shape), but I was bad enough where I'd occasionally drink until I blacked out or said/did things I'd regret. I'd wake up with guilt, cussing myself out. That was enough for me to stop.
The past 8 months have been the best. My relationship with my wife has gone from a 5 to a 8. People have told me that I've changed and am a better person (people who don't even know I quit drinking). I'm pursuing my professional and personal goals like never before because that's the only way I'll feel good - whereas before I'd drink so that I could avoid it.
I went to one AA meeting about 12 weeks in a row, once a week. It was very helpful, but I don't find it absolutely necessary. I do find myself negotiating in my mind that I can drink and I've got this under control, so going to AA meetings for a reminder to ignore that voice is good. I wish there was another way though because I really don't like going to meetings. I've already ran into 4 people who I know who I'd rather not share my disease with. So it's a problem in that sense but I've still been okay. I've also stopped a lot of my previous bad habits that I'd regret as a result of not drinking - because I can't drink to deal with the guilt. I'm an all around better person. Thank you all for helping.
If I can be of any help to anybody, please do ask.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 120,872
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 120,872
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 73
Originally Posted by SoberLeigh 
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 73
Originally Posted by BobbyE
I found your post to be very helpful and inspirational, speaking from day 10 here....and from your description I feel like you and I started in approximately the same place. thanks.
voices ca**y
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: St. Paul Minnesota
Posts: 4,359
Congrats! It can get easy to forget you ever had a real problem. I am pretty sure I am home free as long as I never try to renegotiate my zero alcohol policy. I have been doing it online as I would rather not have my problem well known plus I don't feel like leaving the house.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Central America/Florida USA
Posts: 4,064
Great post. Reminds of me of how I felt when I hit the 1.5 year mark. Such a short time, such a big change. I myself went to rehab, and like you, I used AA when I was in the very early goings quite frequently. So happy to hear you are feeling positive about life here as you approach the 9 month mark! I'm sure your story will inspire many, no matter what part of recovery they are on. Congrats!
Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 374
Awesome job 
I can totally relate with the AA and seeing those you know. I am struggling a bit with that myself as well. Just today, I ran into a member at my place of work. I am not sure how long AA will be part of my sobriety either - but I do know that I will never drink again
I can totally relate with the AA and seeing those you know. I am struggling a bit with that myself as well. Just today, I ran into a member at my place of work. I am not sure how long AA will be part of my sobriety either - but I do know that I will never drink again Into the Void
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: California
Posts: 931
Thanks for the awesome inspiration! I'm about two months into this thing and I'm really liking it so far. I'm not a joiner so I just quit with my wife and have been reading some really good books on the subject if you're not into the AA philosophy (which I have no desire to bash). I really like Allen Carr's Easy way to control alcohol, which you can get as an audiobook on itunes for like six bucks and listen during your commute. For an American listener, it's kind of funny to hear a book about alcoholism read by a proper English gentleman, but the man knows what he's talking about...
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