25 Days
 

Hi everyone,
I keep one of those "# of days sober" apps on my iPhone and it just hit 25.

Wow.

It's the longest (by far) consecutive stretch of days that I haven't had a drink in 14 years.
Although, like many have said on here, I'm not yet seeing the superficial benefits from sobriety yet e.g. (weight loss/ glowing skin/ consistent sleep patterns) but, I've been SOBER. To me, that's amazing. I've never been a person for making lists but I started jotting down some things yesterday - the benefits of drinking vs not drinking that I'd like to share.

The positives

No hangovers
No blackouts (trying to remember what happened the night before)
Hands aren't shaking
Panic attacks have lessened
No fights with my husband
No fights with my family
My career is back on track/ more energy for it
No unhealthy food binges the next day
No embarrassing social media posts
No embarrassing text messages
Clearer thoughts
Saving money
No switching liquor stores to save face
Saving calories
No falling, bruising, cuts etc..
Excited to be an aunt for the first time - a sober one!!! (my sister is pregnant)

The negatives

Miss going out to dinner
Miss the temporary "high/ feeling happy"
Feeling tired
Trouble staying asleep
Face breaking out (I thought this was supposed to get better?)
Having to deal with emotions without booze (not that it made it better)
Nervous about upcoming vacations (booze was always involved on past trips)

Anyway, there they are. Thank you all for your support. This place has been a godsend.

Congrats on 25 days that's awesome

Well done that's great

Way to go, Flinders :c011:

Your list of negatives will eventually be in your rear view mirror.

It all gets better :grouphug:

:c011:

way to go Flinders :)

some of those negatives will be easy to fix.

I still go out to dinner...more than I did as a drunk for sure.

maybe there's an unlicenced place near you that doesn't serve alcohol?

The tiredness and skin problems should get better soon, and you'll learn to deal with emotions too.

Have you started working on a plan to stay sober during your vacation yet? :)


D