Been a while
 

It's been a long time since I've posted. I've had many ups and downs. Been good, then fallen off the wagon.
I have actually hooked up with a friend who goes to meetings, and have attended one so far.
I have a question: I know people tell me one habit must be replaced with another. What are some ideas that everyone has found useful here to swap out for drinking?
I am currently sober and would like to stay that way. I am feeling the effects from drinking for so long, and I know my health will do nothing but decline from here if I continue.

Hi powerflower :)

I didn't find thinking about my drinking as a habit was too helpful - it was way more destructive than than that.

it wasn't really about swapping one thing for another for me so much as getting rid of a maladaptive and self destructive way to deal with life.

If I replaced my drinking with anything, it was with recovery - thinking about not just not drinking bu all the other ways I could improve myself.

I changed into a person who no longer wanted or needed to drink

Thanks. I've changed a good bit about myself and am still in that process. I'm a lot healthier now...except the drinking. It's taking a toll on my liver. I feel I need a replacement...or maybe I feel that way because that's what I've been told by so many??
It's hard to find a replacement since I only drink at night. I've managed to be sure not to purchase any alcohol lately, but am worried about the upcoming holidays.

I replaced my drinking life with a life of gratitude. Being thankful for my blessings is part of my daily routine. :) It makes me focus on the positive, instead of the negative. Drinking was all negative for me so gratitude really helped me strengthen my recovery. :)

One thing that helped me was physical exercise. I picked up a tennis racquet and I've been playing 3 - 4 times a week since.

That didn't get me sober, AA and this website did.

However it has been a positive addition to my life. It has greatly improved my health, has filled many evenings, and has allowed me to meet a whole new group of people who don't focus their lives around drinking.