Raeven58

I'm back, after a couple years, it's time to.fo this. I need to get serious, thought I was under control, wasn't. Didn't want to.admit there was a problem, there is. Need to stop, want to stop...scared.

Anna

Welcome back, Raeven. It's normal to be scared at the outset of recovery. But, you can do it. Do you have a plan for how you will stop drinking and recover.

Cascabel

I have quit drinking several times; actually, I’ve quit more often than I would like to admit. For me, the hardest part was the fear going into quitting, especially when you are thinking “this is forever I hope”. It may be separation anxiety or just fear of the unknown, I don’t know. But, it is real. In early days, a “one day at a time” mindset helped me the most. And fortunately, as time passes, the fear goes away and you think about drinking a bit less every day. Quitting isn’t easy but it’s worth the effort.

Raeven58

not a specific plan, just focus and recognizing that I can't keep going this way. I looked up meetings, and if you knew how much I hate that you'd know how determined I am, but COVID has that locked out.

I've quit for short times because of a specific need, such as when I was on pain meds and couldn't mix. But I always went back... now, I recognize the need, physically, emotionally and financially. I retired in Aug and lost 70% of my income.

Thank you for responding, gave me something to think about. Guess I need a plan to get my to tomorrow

Be123

Hi Raven. It is scary, for me it was pretty much all I knew in my adult life.

My experience is that life is much less scary and giving up much less of an issue than I thought it would be. If that makes it sound easy I'm sorry - it really isn't as you know! But as time ticks along and being sober becomes normal even the worst life has to throw at me is cope-able. I think focussing on positive stuff each day really helped me in the first 70 days, whether that be exercise, food, family or something else.

Good luck

Raeven58

thank you

Hevyn

It's great to have you here, Raeven - we all understand how you're feeling. I was so scared to let go too - but I don't know why. In the end, drinking was no longer comforting, or fun, or an escape. It had become a necessity & was destroying my life. You can get free & live again in a new way.

Dee74

Welcome back Raeven

a specific plan, based on areas and situations you've had trouble in or with the past is better than a nebulous focus, I think.?
https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums...very-plan.html (What exactly is a recovery plan?)

Most meeting based approaches are using online meetings now. Its never been easier to find one and join in

D

soberclover

I really like the online meetings as they are available so often. SR is also great for lots of information to keep my mind busy.

It's good you know that you can't control the use. For me, that was key for my ongoing sobriety. I know you are hurting now, but at least you will never have to go through this part again.

least

Welcome to the family Raeven! Getting sober is hard at first but becomes easier the longer you stay sober. I hope you'll read and post and take advantage of the support here.

advbike

Welcome Raeven. You can really do it if you want it bad enough. Many of us have.

I found it helpful to observe my thoughts, when I wanted to drink. Why, what set me off? Learn to recognize the patterns and triggers.

Mostly it was stress-related, and I wanted to relax. But if I don't drink I rarely have the same level of stress. Funny how it works. So now I workout in the evenings - the time when I used to want to drink.. and all is good. That and coming on here regularly to read and post really helps.

If you're serious, join the December class and gain a bunch of friends who also quit this month.. the support is excellent.

Good luck Raeven.

bandicoot2

(((Raeven))) So glad you're here.
SR is a great place for support. Please keep reading and posting, there is so much to learn about the sobriety journey. It is indeed a journey and Knowledge is Power.

Raeven58

Thank you all for the encouragement. I know it won't be easy but it is important.