KiKi0615

For people with some significant sobriety, how did you do it? What helped you not pick up that drink regardless of the situation?

SR?
AA?
Church?
Exercise?
Therapy?
All of above?
Yoga?
Medication?
Recovery books?
Other things?

I'm still struggling and searching for things that might help because I feel like I've tried it all! Thanks! I'm desperate.

Anna

For me, books, walking and SR.

KiKi0615

And books in particular?

Dee74

This might be annoyingly vague but: commitment - and faith that things would get better if I stayed sober.

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ml#post2531003

Urge surfing help a lot too
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...e-surfing.html

Cravings happen but they will pass.
Triggers happen too - but we don't have to pull the the trigger
D

soberaccountant

Exercise--a lot of weight training and exercising. I have dropped 20 pounds and lost 3% body fat. I am even starting to see some of the veins in my arms lol.

SR--I come on here pretty regularly now. It is nice to read other peoples posts, read how they're getting through life, and to be able to write to those who are struggling.

AA--I go to meetings to gain a different perspective. I have been on and off if I am an alcoholic or not--I just answer I don't know now. But what I do know is that my life is better without alcohol, I am getting through my circumstances, and AA has helped me realize that I am not alone and some people are worse off than I ever will be.

least

Wanting to be a better dog-and-cat mom. I knew I wasn't taking good care of them when I was drinking and knew I had to stay sober to give them the care they need and deserve.

Dog walking is a favorite pastime of mine. We get out of the house and get exercise and sunshine and fresh air. It's good for all of us.

I also had the help of SR daily and weekly counseling sessions.

LadyBlue0527

Kiki, I am currently reading Blackout by Sarah Hepola. My mind is blown. If you haven't read it yet you have to check it out. It's probably one of my favorite books I've read so far.

thomas11

Reading. Anything. It kept my mind engaged, boredom is my enemy. Now, it seems like there is usually something to do. I'm exercising, job hunting, still reading, a little yard-work etc...

tomsteve

"What helped you not pick up that drink regardless of the situation?"

getting it from my head to my heart that there are solutions for everything and many years of drinking tellin me alcohol wasnt a solution.
and
remembering where i came from-remembering the gloom,dispair, and agony.
and
AA

DAB

AA, and exercise when I first got sober.
What keeps me sober is staying spiritually fit. Exercising my spirit with daily readings, prayers, and meditation.

KiKi0615

This was really good. Thanks for sharing your story Dee!

REsoberALITY

"remembering where i came from-remembering the gloom,dispair, and agony" like Tomsteve said....... I do this often, almost daily. Especially remembering the first 14 days after I stopped drinking. Anything I can do to stay busy will keep me from ever being in that position again. I am not a veteran by any means of sobriety yet. But this has helped me to push through some tough days.

strategery

One of the things that you can do is, "play the tape through" before picking up that first drink. Think about where that drink is going to lead and how that will make you feel.
I am also a big believer of not being anywhere near alcohol in early sobriety.
Another thing that may help you, is doing a relapse prevention plan. Smart ring has a very nice one, and it is an eye opener as to where alcohol can lead if you pick up. http://lifering.org/wp-content/uploa...elapseCh11.pdf

Charlie117926

Faith, family and exercise

hellrzr

AA. Also, actually following the program and the steps and not just attending meetings.

On The Road

For me, it's all mind-set: No half measures - ALL in. That takes away the ambiguity and opens up the opportunity for full commitment (as Dee said). Once I got that through my thick skull, my journey to sobriety began because I was truly desperate to find anything to get me out of the hell I was living in.

Pressmetilihurt

Outpatient rehab thru Kaiser - med insurance
Therapist at rehab - she encouraged me to create my own recovery plan - I didn't just get told what to do
AA-I enjoy the space and the people
Friends in rehab - they make it fun
Exercise - natural high
Medication for depression - using these while NOT drinking really changes the experience
Lifering and smart recovery- a few meetings-nice to know they were out there adoptions
SR - soooooo much encouragement. These folks really helped me feel like I belonged

Hawkeye13

I joined a gym, started doing yoga, took up guitar after 30 years away,
and hiked regularly.

I also cooked and ate quality healthy food, made time for sleep, reduced stress.

All of these helped me build a new life--recovery--instead of just not drinking.

Gottalife

God and AA, though I used to think it was the other way around.

I couldn't, He could, so I let Him. I did not fix myself.

Bunny211

AA
Specifically Big Book Step Study (Hyannis Method).
I worked the steps, and continue to live in 10, 11 and 12. The drink problem has been removed for me. I no longer feel angry I can't drink. I don't miss it. I don't feel like I am missing out. The obsession has been lifted...through working the 12 steps in a concise, thorough way.