Getting Sober - It all begins and ends with ourselves - Weekenders 11 - 14 February 2022
Magsie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 26,640
Getting Sober - It all begins and ends with ourselves - Weekenders 11 - 14 February 2022
Getting Sober - It all begins and ends with ourselves - Weekenders 11 - 14 February 2022
Peer pressure, stresses of daily life, my work, my home, my past! All these were a cacophony, causing me to drink.
That was my view of why I drank. It was easier to pass the cause to something else without thinking about it.
I didn’t want to think I had a drink problem until I had. Then I wanted to hide it from the world.
I wasn’t brave enough to say ‘I’m an alcoholic’.
I wasn’t ready to give up the drink either until the cracks started showing.
Until I couldn’t function without alcohol being in the mix or a ‘soon to be’ reward after a long day.
I did break the mould eventually and live a life without the chains of booze.
It required a certain amount of work on my part.
“Meaningful change is also not possible until we stop blaming our jobs, our spouses, other people, and circumstances in our lives for our problems, and instead, take responsibility for our struggles, also by taking actions that are relevant to what we want to accomplish”.
I had a million excuses why I drank, which I hid behind like a shield.
Until I took action myself, seeked guidance and help in the knowledge I was powerless against alcohol.
Therein my sober life began.
Peer pressure, stresses of daily life, my work, my home, my past! All these were a cacophony, causing me to drink.
That was my view of why I drank. It was easier to pass the cause to something else without thinking about it.
I didn’t want to think I had a drink problem until I had. Then I wanted to hide it from the world.
I wasn’t brave enough to say ‘I’m an alcoholic’.
I wasn’t ready to give up the drink either until the cracks started showing.
Until I couldn’t function without alcohol being in the mix or a ‘soon to be’ reward after a long day.
I did break the mould eventually and live a life without the chains of booze.
It required a certain amount of work on my part.
“Meaningful change is also not possible until we stop blaming our jobs, our spouses, other people, and circumstances in our lives for our problems, and instead, take responsibility for our struggles, also by taking actions that are relevant to what we want to accomplish”.
I had a million excuses why I drank, which I hid behind like a shield.
Until I took action myself, seeked guidance and help in the knowledge I was powerless against alcohol.
Therein my sober life began.
Say cheese!
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Scotland
Posts: 3,379
thanks mags for starting another threat x i always read how everyone gets on, even if i dont always participate in everyones conversation. day 18 for me and my 3rd weekend sober. your also right it starts and ends with me for being sober x
Member
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 170
Hi erratic
I’m heading into my third sober weekend too. Day 16 here. I’m in what I deem to be a ‘safe zone’ right now, as my AV is sleeping.
I’m planning a lovely walk with friends on Saturday, and a quiet day with my children on Sunday. Every sober day is a gift and a blessing. xx
I’m heading into my third sober weekend too. Day 16 here. I’m in what I deem to be a ‘safe zone’ right now, as my AV is sleeping.
I’m planning a lovely walk with friends on Saturday, and a quiet day with my children on Sunday. Every sober day is a gift and a blessing. xx
Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: London, England
Posts: 7,057
Thanks Mags.
My struggle to stop drinking is well documented here in my past threads. I didn't think I would ever get it. I was so far down the alcoholic path, drinking all my waking hours, that I thought nothing but a miracle would stop me. Eventually, with the support of SR, I took the long road. Day by day, hour by hour I refused to give into that voice and my, what a fight it was - I got sober.
Everyday I have to remain vigilant and keep myself away from triggers. In times of stress my mind still wants that quick fix.
Wayne Rooney (footballer) was on the news this morning talking about his struggle with alcohol, he said "I could have a glass of wine but no good will come of that". Very relatable and something to always remember.
My struggle to stop drinking is well documented here in my past threads. I didn't think I would ever get it. I was so far down the alcoholic path, drinking all my waking hours, that I thought nothing but a miracle would stop me. Eventually, with the support of SR, I took the long road. Day by day, hour by hour I refused to give into that voice and my, what a fight it was - I got sober.
Everyday I have to remain vigilant and keep myself away from triggers. In times of stress my mind still wants that quick fix.
Wayne Rooney (footballer) was on the news this morning talking about his struggle with alcohol, he said "I could have a glass of wine but no good will come of that". Very relatable and something to always remember.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,756
Well, since no one else has called it, I'll call shotgun. 
I'm in for another sober weekend.
I remember the self loathing I felt waking up after drinking for two days, breaking my six months sobriety. Something in me broke and I felt determined to stop drinking for good. It helped me a lot at around 3 months when it was suggested that I start practicing gratitude every day.
Over 12 yrs sober and never once have I woken up wishing I had drank the night before.
I'm in for another sober weekend. I remember the self loathing I felt waking up after drinking for two days, breaking my six months sobriety. Something in me broke and I felt determined to stop drinking for good. It helped me a lot at around 3 months when it was suggested that I start practicing gratitude every day.
Over 12 yrs sober and never once have I woken up wishing I had drank the night before.
. I would love to watch the documentary but I don't have prime.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 782
Thanks Mags for the thread - as you say it all begins and ends with ourselves. I've just seen Wayne Rooney on the BBC and will certainly be watching the documentary. Good for him for getting sober and sharing his experience to help others.
So, life in my world continues at pace. I've won (another) promotion at work and I'm hoping that the step up the ladder will give me the authority to regulate my workload a bit more. I made myself fairly poorly last week by over working - not good. Having said that, despite all the pressure I didn't once want to reach for a drink.
Well done to all those making progress here. It's lovely to read of all your successes. Anyway, must go.... Warm wishes to all as always. Forwards.
So, life in my world continues at pace. I've won (another) promotion at work and I'm hoping that the step up the ladder will give me the authority to regulate my workload a bit more. I made myself fairly poorly last week by over working - not good. Having said that, despite all the pressure I didn't once want to reach for a drink.
Well done to all those making progress here. It's lovely to read of all your successes. Anyway, must go.... Warm wishes to all as always. Forwards.
Giving up is NOT an option.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 7,808
I'm IN!
I'll think about the OP when I get a chance and share my thoughts later.
Busy as heck right now at work, and that's a good thing, I guess. Distracts me from worrying about my daughter who moved away a couple of weeks ago. She says things are fine, but of course my mind goes nuts wondering what she's up to. I need to let go. At least she answers me when I text her.
I'll think about the OP when I get a chance and share my thoughts later.
Busy as heck right now at work, and that's a good thing, I guess. Distracts me from worrying about my daughter who moved away a couple of weeks ago. She says things are fine, but of course my mind goes nuts wondering what she's up to. I need to let go. At least she answers me when I text her.
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