Day 1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Originally Posted by Auchieshuggle 
I completely agree. I have symptoms of mental illness, which gradually seem to be diminishing with sober time. Like yourself, I think if I was to drink again I would severely damage my mental health.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Originally Posted by Hevyn
Sober - it's wonderful to have you with us. This is a great place for encouragement & friendship. Believe me, we all understand what you're going through, the way others can't.
I drank my whole life & have almost 12 yrs. sober. When I found SR I knew I'd never have to feel alone with my struggle, and that meant everything. We know you can do it - congratulations on deciding not to settle for that miserable old way of life.
I drank my whole life & have almost 12 yrs. sober. When I found SR I knew I'd never have to feel alone with my struggle, and that meant everything. We know you can do it - congratulations on deciding not to settle for that miserable old way of life.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Originally Posted by Obladi
Hey Sober45, do let us know how you fared after leaving work.
We're here for you!
O
We're here for you!
O
Blue Belt
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Soberville, USA
Posts: 4,174
Originally Posted by Sober45
I'm back at my desk and feeling much better than I did yesterday because I DIDN'T DRINK LAST NIGHT! The best part of being sober is waking up without a hangover.
On these days I wake up with a natural melatonin hangover. It is amazing and I will never ever ever give it up.
Thanks.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Originally Posted by D122y
When I don't have pressure to get up for work I sleep better.
On these days I wake up with a natural melatonin hangover. It is amazing and I will never ever ever give it up.
Thanks.
On these days I wake up with a natural melatonin hangover. It is amazing and I will never ever ever give it up.
Thanks.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Day 3
It seems like the intense anxiety I was having b4 I quit is starting to lift...maybe. I’ve gotten so much done and it feels good but I can also see a mountain of needed repairs ahead which is daunting. It’s going to be a long journey. Day 3
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Originally Posted by Surrendered19
Next week do some self-care things Sober45. Make a dentist appointment. Make an appt for a physical. Get a haircut. Stuff for just you and your future health and sober road.
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 14,934
Welcome!
This place can change your life. One thing I would strongly recommend is to join the January 2020 Sobriety Group, which is on this same forum thread, likely near the top.
I joined the August 2009 group, about 10 and 1/2 years ago and that group of comrades really helped me to get sober.
This place can change your life. One thing I would strongly recommend is to join the January 2020 Sobriety Group, which is on this same forum thread, likely near the top.
I joined the August 2009 group, about 10 and 1/2 years ago and that group of comrades really helped me to get sober.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Day 4
funny thing. At the end of my work day on Friday I was anxious about the weekend..which I did well with. And now, Sunday evening, I’m dreading my workday tomorrow because no reward after work! So many highs and lows but I’ll take that over waking up with a hangover. Focus. Day 4.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 2,426
Write down your plan for your after-work craving schedule. Script every minute. Get out immediately after work and take a really long walk followed by an hour or two at a coffee shop. Just stay busy and out of that space where you used to reward yourself with booze.
Life Goes On
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 6,069
Very good advice, Surrendered.
I found scheduling my free time hour-by-hour to be extremely helpful in early days. Even if I didn't exactly follow the schedule, it gave me structure and a plan.
What are your thoughts about checking out AA, Sober45?
O
I found scheduling my free time hour-by-hour to be extremely helpful in early days. Even if I didn't exactly follow the schedule, it gave me structure and a plan.
What are your thoughts about checking out AA, Sober45?
O
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: canada
Posts: 7,242
if you feel you must have a reward, plan for one so that you are not aimlessly drifting within that feeling. doesn’t need to be a substance...can be a movie, or going to see a friend, or a nice bath or checking and planning on a class you can take or ...endless possibilities. nothing wrong with chocolate, either.
or try a meeting; depending on where you live, you might have many choices, from SMART to Aa to Lifering et cetera.
or try a meeting; depending on where you live, you might have many choices, from SMART to Aa to Lifering et cetera.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Day 5 of 365
I'm on day 5 now. I took your advice Surrendered and have a plan written out for myself for this evening.
I wont drink tonight, that I do know. But I'm thinking of the past a lot and to when I had 53 days under my belt. Wishing I could go back in time and give my old self a slap in the face for giving in.
To think that I would every consider drinking again seems incomprehensible right now. BUT, having been down this road several times now I know the difference. The pain that alcohol caused me will fade over time and that's when I'll be most vulnerable.
The future looks dull but I am hopeful. On guard. Day 5.
I wont drink tonight, that I do know. But I'm thinking of the past a lot and to when I had 53 days under my belt. Wishing I could go back in time and give my old self a slap in the face for giving in.
To think that I would every consider drinking again seems incomprehensible right now. BUT, having been down this road several times now I know the difference. The pain that alcohol caused me will fade over time and that's when I'll be most vulnerable.
The future looks dull but I am hopeful. On guard. Day 5.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Originally Posted by Obladi
Very good advice, Surrendered.
I found scheduling my free time hour-by-hour to be extremely helpful in early days. Even if I didn't exactly follow the schedule, it gave me structure and a plan.
What are your thoughts about checking out AA, Sober45?
O
I found scheduling my free time hour-by-hour to be extremely helpful in early days. Even if I didn't exactly follow the schedule, it gave me structure and a plan.
What are your thoughts about checking out AA, Sober45?
O
I've thought about AA many times and personally and I don't agree with the 12 steps. For example, I don't think I would ever believe I am powerless over alcohol.
I believe in neuropathways and the brains reward system. While being young and stupid I repeated negative behaviors (not just drinking) that fed into my reward system and are now a part of my subconscious. The only way I can change that is to create new pathways (by force) consciously. I used this line of thinking and was able to quit smoking 1.5 years ago after smoking for 30 years.
I'm also using a strategy called CORE: commit, objectify, respond and enjoyment.
My past has taught that quite often the more I think I know the less I know so who knows what lies ahead.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,100
Originally Posted by fini
if you feel you must have a reward, plan for one so that you are not aimlessly drifting within that feeling. doesn’t need to be a substance...can be a movie, or going to see a friend, or a nice bath or checking and planning on a class you can take or ...endless possibilities. nothing wrong with chocolate, either.
or try a meeting; depending on where you live, you might have many choices, from SMART to Aa to Lifering et cetera.
or try a meeting; depending on where you live, you might have many choices, from SMART to Aa to Lifering et cetera.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posts: 28,672
Welcome Sober. You are doing well- especially in keeping up your 'progress reports'/sharing. I found after joining SR, I use it every morning- I sit down with the necessary coffee and reconnect to people. I also then had more confidence to face the world, see a GP for a checkup (and depression) and started going to meetings. Support to you.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
