chiquen81

Thanks so much for posting everyone!! Let's keep this thread going.

lillyknitting

First & foremost my life changed: I spent half my week getting drunk the second half recovering. I suffered horrendous hangovers, I used to drink so much that I rendered myself so unwell I truly believed I was damaging my body(I was!) I cannot tell you the he'll I was in trying to get up in the morning for work with a nervous breakdown-like hangover. I never,ever want that life back again (who would). On the other side of the coin I had to change! I had to reassess my life. I held on to the belief that I was this all time party girl who was having an amazing, wonderful party social scene. In fact I was just a drunk. Damaging my life, body & soul, killing my relationship and deeply hurting my daughter.

I now aim to be a more serene, poised & dignified character instead of a laughing stock. Dont get me wrong there were so-called friends that dropped me as I didn't want part of that scene any more. My life changed utterly, dramatically: my relationship with my husband & daughter. I no longer feel despicable utterly horrendous hangovers. I can remember what I did & said the night before. I no longer yearn to be the life & soul of the party! Whatever that crap is (all in my mind and massive part of the denial in addiction). It's not about money, it's about finding peace within myself, loving me. You will get your dog, boyfriend and I'm sure many other things along the way. Enjoy your life, it is wonderful sober. X

lillyknitting

It's got to be better not feeling terrible all the time, the rest is icing on the cake.

MelindaFlowers

Honestly it really was not some kind of spiritual awakening. I don't know I was just a person first who had an addiction so I remove the addiction and now I'm just the person again.

I'm still pretty much the same person but I'm not hung over and sick every single day. I'm not sweaty all the time with heart palpitations.

My moods are much more even though. No more peaks and valleys all the time or crazy blackout behavior.

I am just so thankful not to be hung over every day.

Berrybean

I am not constantly angry and grudge-bearing
I appreciate what I have
I don't hate myself (mostly) any more
I am (often) able to stay calm see why things are going wrong and turn it round
I suppose those things are 'perspective' things

I get on better with my partner - no more screaming rows (often drunk and public)
No more tying myself in knots trying to cover my tracks and justify drunken behaviour
I am getting better and more on top of my job - maybe one day I'd be able to apply for promotion if I want to
I am not in financial dire straits
My home is usually clean and tidy and a pleasure to be in
I am fitter and stronger (not 10k fit yet though)

All of the promises are gradually coming true and I have hope.

MelindaFlowers

Beautifully written. I would like to second every one of those for myself.

SoberLife90

My life began when I got sober because I wasn't doing anything while I was drinking and drugging.