Another Discovery - A 9 Month "Bounce"
 

Throughout all of my research on being a drunk - I had noted several reports of people "hitting a wall" at around 9 months of sobriety.

Until this point, my recovery had been textbook. Relatively easy detox, moderate PAWS, slowly healing, getting stronger.

Then I hit a 9 month wall. It was nothing severe, - but I experienced symptoms similar to the same PAWS I had back at 2-3 months! Safe to say, it was a bit of a shock.

Fortunately, the fatigue, shiftlessness, irritability, etc. only lasted a couple of days, but here's what I discovered....

For the past few days now, I have noticed how much happier and content I feel. I'm laughing more. I'm more cheerful. I'm grateful and confident.

I can only conclude that this is a result of my damaged dopamine transmitters and receptors functioning better now. The alcohol had poisoned them into oblivion and now they are healing too.

It's my guess that this "9 month wall" was a breakthrough in my brain healing. I had read somewhere that the brain is like a big spring and that severe boozing puts that spring under a lot of compression. Then the release of that severe compression is what causes PAWS.

Anyone else have a similar experience? Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Much love.

Be vigilant at 12 and 18 months and every year afterwards!

Excellent job on 9 months

Yes well done. I am at month 4 and still finding it tough, especially socialising. Hoping for it to get better.

I'm glad you're doing well.

At 9 months sober, I was still doing a lot of work on guilt and shame and getting through those negative emotions. I think that recovery is a way of life, a way of living and I'm glad that you're feeling good.

Glad you got through it Dad :)

I didn't have any walls at nine months but I had a few plateaus in places...year two was better in that respect for me :)

D

Yes.... Short at 9 months 2/3 days and then 1-2 days at about the one year mark. I too know my brain is still healing and can feel this still weekly.

I am truly amazed and feel very blessed to be feeling all this progress as well.
I am prepared, as a few others have stated, to be aware of possible other "milestones" 18, and 24 months. The best part of which is knowing that they are all small phases usually and I feel I'm far better equipped to deal with them now.

So glad to hear of your progress.....
And my best wishes to you as always!

We ARE doing THIS!!