One year's sobriety
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 324
One year's sobriety
Hi folks!
Today marks a year since I stopped drinking, and what a year it has been! Regulars on this forum may remember that I really struggled initially with alcohol withdrawal, though perhaps that was exacerbated by the fact that I suffer from an anxiety disorder. It took several months before I began to feel anything approaching normal, and I have used that suffering as motivation when I have felt inclined to have a drink.
Without a doubt I feel so much better for having stopped drinking! The benefits are numerous. Firstly, and most importantly, is the improvement in my mental wellbeing, which I cannot emphasise enough. I used alcohol as a sedative, and it worked temporarily, but as the effects wore off I began to find myself more anxious than ever, and required more alcohol to sedate me. Ultimately I was a nervous wreck without a drink. I won't pretend that I don't still suffer from anxiety, but I cope with it far, far better without alcohol. I have also stopped smoking, after 25 years, and taken up cycling. I now have more money, feel fitter and happier and I'm looking forward to moving on with my life.
Sobriety has given me a feeling of hope that I have not felt for a long time! I now need to build on my accomplishments and do my utmost to ensure that I remain vigilant to temptation.
If you're reading this, I wish you well and may God bless you.
Today marks a year since I stopped drinking, and what a year it has been! Regulars on this forum may remember that I really struggled initially with alcohol withdrawal, though perhaps that was exacerbated by the fact that I suffer from an anxiety disorder. It took several months before I began to feel anything approaching normal, and I have used that suffering as motivation when I have felt inclined to have a drink.
Without a doubt I feel so much better for having stopped drinking! The benefits are numerous. Firstly, and most importantly, is the improvement in my mental wellbeing, which I cannot emphasise enough. I used alcohol as a sedative, and it worked temporarily, but as the effects wore off I began to find myself more anxious than ever, and required more alcohol to sedate me. Ultimately I was a nervous wreck without a drink. I won't pretend that I don't still suffer from anxiety, but I cope with it far, far better without alcohol. I have also stopped smoking, after 25 years, and taken up cycling. I now have more money, feel fitter and happier and I'm looking forward to moving on with my life.
Sobriety has given me a feeling of hope that I have not felt for a long time! I now need to build on my accomplishments and do my utmost to ensure that I remain vigilant to temptation.
If you're reading this, I wish you well and may God bless you.
Congrats on the first of many sober years! 
And thank you for the encouraging post. Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 324
Originally Posted by nez 
That is a fantastic accomplishment and post as well!!! Thanks and kudos!
Originally Posted by ZIP
Great life... great post! Your perseverance paid off. Congratulations!
Originally Posted by Dee74
congratulations Auchieshuggle 
Thanks, guys!
I forgot to mention that I no longer have to wake up with horrible hangovers, and the horrendous fear that comes with not knowing what I had done or where I had been, and my anxious mind filling in the gaps!
I just want anybody reading this to know that suffering the withdrawal is worth it. I don't even miss alcohol anymore, though I'm well aware that there will come a time where, in a moment of weakness, it may try to entice me once again.
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: casablanca
Posts: 282
Congratulations Auchieshuggle. I am working on that first year myself
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Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 5,169
Originally Posted by auchieshuggle
without a doubt i feel so much better for having stopped drinking! The benefits are numerous. Firstly, and most importantly, is the improvement in my mental wellbeing, which i cannot emphasise enough. I used alcohol as a sedative, and it worked temporarily, but as the effects wore off i began to find myself more anxious than ever, and required more alcohol to sedate me. Ultimately i was a nervous wreck without a drink. I won't pretend that i don't still suffer from anxiety, but i cope with it far, far better without alcohol. I have also stopped smoking, after 25 years, and taken up cycling. I now have more money, feel fitter and happier and i'm looking forward to moving on with my life.
Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 3,940
I remember your early posts, Auchie. We all felt your early withdrawal pain, but you went through the pain barrier and came out even better.
As you say, temptation will come. I’m 23 months in and wanted a drink a couple of weeks back. Like you, though, I know that one drink will play havoc with my mind, and I’ll be convinced I can have one drink a day and no more. You know the rest. You’ve found life’s easier without drink so take the easy option and don’t bother.
Thanks for the update, inspiring stuff!
As you say, temptation will come. I’m 23 months in and wanted a drink a couple of weeks back. Like you, though, I know that one drink will play havoc with my mind, and I’ll be convinced I can have one drink a day and no more. You know the rest. You’ve found life’s easier without drink so take the easy option and don’t bother.
Thanks for the update, inspiring stuff!
It's great!
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