oldwriter

I've been going through that struggle of loving/hating wine and vodka for years and it was a terrific revolving door. Tonight's my first sober night (again), but this time, the pale stools have convinced me I can't run or make excuses anymore.

I read some responses talking about "triggers" and I agree they can't be avoided. Boredom is a trigger, the idea that there won't be any alcohol to occupy my brain in the evening. Even watching TV is boring when sober.

For me, writing helps (which I can't do when intoxicated) but then natural fatigue still makes my thought process a little fuzzy and it's harder to author something. Trying to find alternatives to occupy myself when I'd normally be drinking.

Just wanted to let you know you aren't alone at "Day Zero," although for me, I think if it as "Night One." Within the past month or so, I've gone without drinking a grand total of five nights. Here's hoping both you and I can keep plugging along without drinking one day and one night at a time.

least

Welcome to the family! The first few days can be rough but if you stay sober, it does get better. Getting sober for good takes some effort and making changes, but it's so worth it.

Berrybean

Try and try again. Learn from every slip and add things into your recovery plan to stop the same things happening again...

'Sir Edmund Hillary made several unsuccessful attempts at scaling Mount Everest before he finally succeeded . After one attempt he stood at the base of the giant mountain and shook his fist at it. “I’ll defeat you yet,” he said in defiance. “Because you’re as big as you’re going to get— but I’m still growing.” Every time Hillary climbed, he failed. And every time he failed, he learned. And every time he learned, he grew and tried again. And one day he didn’t fail.'

BB