thomas11

Hi Rio, we could be twins regarding out drinking behavior. I'm too old to tear up the bars, so I sat home and drank and would find something to do, and enjoyed it. Then I didn't. And by the time I didn't, I wasn't interested in any hobbies or anything. Its an adjustment, and if you are like most, you recognize when its happening. I don't have much sober time under my belt, but enough to recognize that I don't obsess over weekend drinking, and I do things like go run errands with my wife. Which is something I would never do while doing my weekend drinking.

Lastly, your title says it all. Its an illusion of excitement. Its not genuine.

DoubleFelix

Thanks for sharing this, Rio97, I can really relate.

My period of heaviest drinking, like a lot of people, was in college - but it wasn't usually at parties. I'd drink alone while watching TV or listening to music, 6 or 7 days a week, homework left undone. Looking back, it wasn't actually "fun" but it was easy and distracting and that's what I was after. And it may have been fun for my AV but that's not the same thing as fun for ME. That's something I constantly have to remind myself of.

You're right - (re)discovering new hobbies and interests seems to be a big part of recovery. So far I've found it difficult and scary, and also really fun and exciting. Keep us updated on which interests you reconnect with or pursue!