Evoo

My AV had me convinced I could never live a normal life in sobriety. That I’d never have fun at a social event again. That I would lose the ability to connect with other people, to have “heart to hearts,” to network, to enjoy myself, to relax or calm my anxiety. I had this picture of a boring and sad person living in an endless hangover — doomed to wander the rest of my days as a boring, broken, teetotaling outcast.

What a lie that turned out to be.

I’ve never been happier or more fulfilled. I’m even more social and adventurous. I take on challenges that require study into the evenings. I have time and energy to invest in hobbies and schooling. Why was I so convinced sober life would be miserable when it’s the *exact* opposite? Sobriety delivers what alcohol promised.

What is your AV’s biggest lie?

Obladi

"I'm on your side."

doggonecarl

My drinking is not that bad.

silentrun

Its not a big deal and you have to keep doing it.

Soberween

It's just wine!

Purplrks3647

"Every once in a while is okay"

VikingGF

"You're doing fine. No reason to worry or change your behavior."

KAD65

"You'll lose your creativity and become dull and boring."

Hodd

“It’ll calm your nerves.”

Biggest joke going. The only reason I felt anxious was because I was craving for a drink.

Evoo

Yeah. I think that’s why the AV is so loud when you’re active in addiction. I’d come to associate being “sober” with anxiety-ridden hangovers and withdrawal. I’d been drinking so long I started to assume long-term sobriety would be a joyless, painful condition. Pretty crazy, when you think about it.

Hodd

I definitely remember this. It was October 2017, a few months before I started a health/diet plan which led to me cutting down and eventually quitting. I’d had a two-week break from alcohol, but I was starting a new job the next day and was a bit nervous. Not sure why I was nervous as it was a job I’d only left a few months before, and I’d been invited back. Someone appreciated me, so I should’ve been pleased, not nervous. Anyway, come 10pm on the Sunday night, I went out to buy a small bottle of wine and felt better. The next evening, of course, I just carried on as normal and bought a big bottle… I obviously had no plan for my two-week pause. I guess I intended to “cut down” after, but it never happened. OK, it did months later.

Anyway, it’s clear I wasn’t nervous at all about the job. That’s just what the AV told me to think. My good intentions vanished after just one small bottle of wine, and I reckon the same would happen now nearly three years on.

novips

My AV's biggest lie was that I didn't need Alcoholics Anonymous.

Libby06

"I'll quit tomorrow"

DriGuy

"I'm well enough to have just one glass of wine with dinner." But it's not just about how flagrant the lie is. Like a good orator, much of the lie is in the delivery and done when you are least expecting it. A lie is a lie, but making it sound convincing is what sucks us in.

CBS62

"My blood work is okay. I will just moderate my drinking and I will be fine."

LadyBug66

just one glass or one shot

Hodd

Or how many thousands (millions?) of drinkers have been surprised to have normal bloods and see this as a green light to carry on? I was guilty of this. I’m still baffled what I was thinking all those times.

least

that this time will be different

Delilah1

That I could drink in moderation. I tested that theory numerous times, and always had the same result. I am getting close to six years sober, and cannot imagine drinking again.

Dee74

'You're not that bad/ if people had your life they'd drink too'
D