It Can Be Done
 

Felt a very strong urge to check in today. Back in 2010, I came across this site when I was at my lowest ebb. I just couldn't get out the bit at all. An endless drunken cycle of misery, self-loathing etc. Trying and failing to get sober. You know the score or you wouldn't be here. Coming on here was a great help, knowing that there were others out there, all across the world, going through the same thing.

I have no words to describe the feeling, but on August 10th 2010, six days into another life-destroying bender, something clicked into place. A moment of clarity. I had tried to quit before, but this felt different. I took a decision to finish the drink I had and then be done with it. I have never experienced a feeling of certainty like it before or since. I just knew that I was finally through with it.

The early days were hard and not without difficulties. Some relationships were beyond repair etc. I had to find work again after a patchy few years where I had lost jobs etc. But I got through it.

One thing I will always be thankful for is finding this place. I have no doubt my life would be very different and catastrophically worse without it. As time progressed and life's priorities change, coming here didn't seem like something I needed to do. And it's not. But I feel guilty about that from time to time. This place gave me so much and I feel that I could contribute more.

I'm 8 years, 7 months sober. I guess I just wanted to say thanks, sorry for not coming around so much, and to let everyone just starting out to know that it can be done.

Thanks for checking in.

I had the same moment of clarity. It's real.

September will be nine years without a drink for me.

Thanks for sharing Frank.

I also had the moment of clarity you speak of. One night I was drinking whiskey from the bottle as I did every night and as I was planning to do for the foreseeable future. I finished it but wasn't where I needed to be because of my sky high tolerance. Unfortunately it was too late to go buy some more whiskey so I was screwed.

As I sat there in the dark something came over me. I knew I was finished and as you said, "this time is different". I'll be coming up on two years in a few weeks.

Thank you for the inspiring post Frank - Sounds like you had an Epiphany :)

Hi Frank - it's wonderful to see you. I'm so glad you have all that lovely sober time. I also had the same realization. It's a cliché, but if I can do it - anyone can. 30 yrs. drinking, 11 yrs. sober. :)

I too had that moment of clarity. What a wonderful, nervous yet exciting feeling! Congrats :)

Thank you for sharing. Congrats!

Great job, FrankBarone! That's exactly what it's all about. I like your name too, love that show. :) Frank knows the score. Marie, make me a sandwich!

Great job, Frank.

Thanks for sharing your "moment of clarity".

I remember mine.

It was an unconditional surrender and it didn't feel good at the time, but I was absolutely defeated.

Congrats on your sober time and recovery.

Really glad to read this update FB- congratulations man :)

D

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Beautiful... For those wondering "Why don't I have that moment of clarity?" Sometimes it's an evolution. Read appendix II in the Big Book. It turned my head around 7 years ago.

Thank you!