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6 months sober

Old 06-25-2016, 03:49 PM
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6 months sober

I'm 6 months and 10 days sober and thought I'd share some reflections.

IT GETS EASIER! The sleepless nights won't last forever. The withdrawals aren't the end of the world. It just takes time. If you're like me, and every waking moment when not at work you had a glass in your hand, you have to make adjustments.

I had to learn how to do everything while not drinking. How to relax after work without a drink. How to watch TV without a drink. How to BBQ, go to the deer lease, sleep, read. I had to literally re-learn how to relax and enjoy myself without drinking.

I also had to accept the fact that I'll never be a "normal" drinker. I can't come home and have a bourbon to unwind and that's it. I can't just have ONE glass of wine before bed. I can't just have a cold beer after working outside on a hot day. That one drink leads to 10.

I also had to accept the fact that I drank to ignore/cover up issues in my own mind. I'm different. I'm not normal. I have to face the issues head on. Not bandage them with alcohol.

I also learned how to treat my addiction as if it's an enemy combatant who wants me dead. This sounds crazy, but I apply lessons of warfare to my addiction. And it works for me. I've been reading a lot of books written by Navy SEALs. They have a mental strength that is like to tap into.

So, I'm 6 months sober. The urge is still there, underneath. I'd love a drink right now. But I won't drink. I actually do enjoy being sober. My life can count now. I can be useful. I can be helpful.

Also, tea and Topo Chico have been life savers.
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Old 06-25-2016, 03:55 PM
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Great post NewJosh!! I think many people that are struggling will get a lot out of it. Thanks. John
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Old 06-25-2016, 03:55 PM
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Way to go Josh - congrats!

D
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Old 06-25-2016, 03:56 PM
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Great post man. Good job.
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Old 06-25-2016, 03:58 PM
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Good job on 6 months! I feel the same way. I had to learn to not drink in general activities of life. Even b b q in the back yard is hard without a cold beer. But I'm doing it.
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Old 06-25-2016, 04:09 PM
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We're stronger than we can imagine. Keep at it.
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Old 06-25-2016, 05:15 PM
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well put, congratulations on 6 months !
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Old 06-25-2016, 05:22 PM
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Congrats on six months sober! Keep going, it gets better.
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Old 06-25-2016, 05:31 PM
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Congratulations! Well said my friend.
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Old 06-25-2016, 06:21 PM
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Thanks for the wisdom, Josh. You make some great points. For me, that was the hardest thing - acknowledging there would never, ever be 'just one'.
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Old 06-25-2016, 06:24 PM
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Great post!!! Well said. Going to look up the books you are talking about. Sound interesting. Thank you
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Old 06-25-2016, 06:34 PM
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Way to go Josh! thanks for sharing!
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Old 06-25-2016, 06:36 PM
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awesome!

do that again, (in a row).
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Old 06-25-2016, 06:41 PM
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That's great. Congrats, Josh!
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Old 06-25-2016, 07:51 PM
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congratulations Josh, well done!
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Old 06-25-2016, 07:58 PM
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Congrats and keep truckin
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Old 06-25-2016, 08:03 PM
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Congrats on the half a year! Major progress.
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Old 06-25-2016, 08:47 PM
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Six months and 10 daze is a long time for an alcoholic to not drink - well done!
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Old 06-25-2016, 09:16 PM
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Congrats on 6 months Thanks for the inspiration! Great post!
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Old 06-26-2016, 02:26 AM
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Congratulations
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