Kejun

Today is day ten of quitting booze.

Whilst I feel I have done remarkably well doing the right things, and certainly not doing the one wrong thing, because I have clarity of mind unimpeded by the haze of alcohol, I feel slightly overwhelmed with... Well... Everything.

I can feel doors opening and options presenting themselves to me, I had one before - drinking. It was never a question, home? Beer o'clock. Watching a movie? Beer o'clock. Awake? ... Beer o'clock.

How long does it take before feeling 'normal' feels normal?

TYG2

Certainly not at Day 10. Me, Day 35.....baby steps. It didn't take us 10 days to get to this point, right? So, imagine it isn't going to take 10 days to feel "right"......right? The body and spirit need to heal so badly, let them. Be mindful, live in the moment. I enjoyed reading the Desiderata, maybe you'd like it:

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Dee74

Hi Kejun

I don;t thinks there's anyone who doesn't feel overwhelmed with sobriety initially...but it really is worth sticking with being sober. It won't always be this intense or visceral, I promise

I had no idea of my capabilities until I stopped drinking. Alcohol didn't actually support me at all - my addiction kept me down under thumb.

D

Stronger2017

I’m a few months in and I’m thinking about beer way less, though I still get the odd craving now and again. Well done on 10 days!

Kejun

Keep on keeping on - roger

Thank you for your responses and words. Possible I am being impatient.

- Wouldnt be the first time.

Nonsensical

+1

Rar

Hi Kejun. I was thinking the same thing yesterday. I have 3 weeks today. Although this is not my first 3 week anniversary, I'm still feeling overwhelmed. Although I am not having many cravings as such, I am consumed by remaining alcohol free. I am on SR several hours a day, I am reading sobriety books and articles, I am thinking about my plan. I think about remaining alcohol free 24/7. Even when I exercise or ride my bike, I am thinking, "This is good for my sobriety". I feel like a hamster on a wheel. I'm hoping things normalize, but I am working really hard on making this quit stick. Anyway, congratulations on your Day 10. I know how hard those first 10 days are.

J50

I'm around 80 days in and I think it's about creating a new "normal" and replacing the void of when you used to drink with new habits and rituals. I think a plan is important so you stay on track, but the new habits and rituals will keep you from obsessing or feeling like you are missing something by not drinking.

entropy1964

Congrats on 10 days!

They say addiction is a 'disease of perception'. I use the word disease loosely but it kinda makes sense. In order to stay sober I pretty much have to change the way I think about and respond to, well, everything. I can only do that by taking it easy, accepting my limitations, and giving myself a break.

Change is hard. Even good change. I have returned to the hell of drinking so many times simply because it was 'better the devil I knew' kind of thinking. And you're right, being sober is like suddenly turning a bright light on when you've been asleep in the pitch dark for hours. Trust the process...take it slow. More will be revealed, but only if you stay sober.

Mac4711

For me, it got considerably easier after about 90 days, I could really feel the pressure and obsession getting weaker. Now, after 6 months, I only think about alcohol when I log on to SR - but it’s ok, it keeps me focused on what I need to do to remain sober.

milly4me

Kejan and Rar - I really relate to what you two are saying. The normal is "to drink", and now my normal is obsessing over "not drinking".

I'm 20 days sober. I'm just gonna let this stuff settle. I'm not going to obsess over obsessing. If my mind has to obsess, I'll just let it flow that direction.

I believe a new normal will come eventually.

Anna

It takes time and patience but, you can get there. Try to not feel overwhelmed and just continue making the right choices every day and things will get easier.

thomas11

Great job on your 10 days. I think I'd try keeping my focus on the day to day living without alcohol for awhile. Looking too far into the future may cause you to overlook some things in the present. Slow and steady is what has worked for me. Not too high, not too low and just keep moving forward.

JudicatorPanzer

Sobriety takes practice. We are dealing with the ups and downs of life, sometimes for the first time in our lives.

Kejun

Feeling relieved to have found this site. I really relate to many posts on here and responses to my own, due to being in a similar position as many of you it enables me to believe veraciously what you all write.

Thank you!!

(11 days just beginning!)