Is becoming sober different than when you can’t drink during preganancy?
 

I have had no trouble stopping drinking when I am pregnant or in that phase of planning to be but aren’t sure yet. But once I’m not pregnant I go back to drinking and then progressively it’s somethubg I look forward to and it goes on... this time I’m not pregnant but want to be done because I can see where I’m headed if I continue.

I’m trying to not think too long term as a lot of advice is that it’s overwhelming and a huge reason for people giving up, but I don’t want to say “oh it’s been 9 months (or a year... or 5 years) and realize my commitment was the same as when I was pregnant.

I’d figure than since I’m doing this for me and for long term affects in general my commitment will stick.

Its interesting right?

We all quit like nothing when we are pregnant and then the minutes its over, its over.

I wish I had taken those chances to make a lasting change. I got there in the end, but could have saved me a lot of pain (and the kids).

Hi, Readygo.
Welcome.
It’s different, but in some ways the same.
Moms- to-be stop drinking during pregnancy because they want to protect the baby’s health.
So it’s a good, short-term commitment.
I think, for many, there is a sense that after the child is born, drinking can resume.
I have sometimes wondered how many women just don’t pick up again after the birth.
So...now you are thinking that you might be drinking too much, I guess, and would like to protect your health, much as you did when you stopped drinking for the baby’s health.
It’s a good goal.
But now we’re talking long term commitment.
That to me is where the difference lies.
It is choosing not to drink for one’s own sake.
I hope you do stop, as it is a healthy thing to do, mentally and physically.
Good luck.

Yes! Get pregnant! Why haven't I thought of this?! ;) :D

I remember I would only drink 2 weekends a month while actively trying havingbto wait a third weekend if I was late lol. Pregnancy and 2 years breast feeding, easily done... it took me a year after deciding I was an alcoholic and knowing I had to quit to actually do it. Infact during my last pregnancy i had a drinking dream and got scared, not scared enough... our minds are amazing things.

I, like many other women, have no problem stopping while pregnant.

I've been trying to get sober since April last year, with my longest stretch about 7 weeks of sobriety. It's a whole new ball game. Very different from stopping while pregnant.

It's funny that we can't prioritise our own health in the way we do for our unborn children!

Never been pregnant of course, but I imagine it's different simply in that there's an end date to the pregnancy.

There's no end date to me wanting to live a sober life :)

D