SOBRIETY

[Coastal Fever]

The only thing I’d warn against a 6 month plans is that can be a daunting and discouraging length of time.  Not saying to adopt the whole “one day at a time” mindset either, but maybe a week?  2 weeks?  Just long enough to get over the initial hurdle and start feeling the positive effects.

Sorry to sidetrack, but wanted to riff off on sobriety vs addictive behaviour vs spending habits… I think my ADHD is kicking in now that I’ve stopped numbing myself, and I’ve found new fixations to obsess over.  Mainly teeth whitening products, na beers, and investing into new gear for every hobby that piques my interest.  To the point where my partner is expressing concern rather than celebrating my sobriety. 

Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

*This isn’t a flex about having lots of money either, I’m doing okay, but recently put a home reno project on credit while waiting on interest free funding, and have taken on the attitude of “hey why not invest in myself as well even if it means using credit”.

[Easy Slider]

The only thing I’d warn against a 6 month plans is that can be a daunting and discouraging length of time.  Not saying to adopt the whole “one day at a time” mindset either, but maybe a week?  2 weeks?  Just long enough to get over the initial hurdle and start feeling the positive effects.

Sorry to sidetrack, but wanted to riff off on sobriety vs addictive behaviour vs spending habits… I think my ADHD is kicking in now that I’ve stopped numbing myself, and I’ve found new fixations to obsess over.  Mainly teeth whitening products, na beers, and investing into new gear for every hobby that piques my interest.  To the point where my partner is expressing concern rather than celebrating my sobriety. 

Has anyone else been in a similar situation?

*This isn’t a flex about having lots of money either, I’m doing okay, but recently put a home reno project on credit while waiting on interest free funding, and have taken on the attitude of “hey why not invest in myself as well even if it means using credit”.

Lol bruh, sounds familiar. When I stopped drinking, my attention actually turned to skateboarding and that's what I have been obsessing over ever since. I am also obsessed with other stuff and have become a coffee addict. I guess it comes with an addictive character to substitute one "drug" with another. Just try to pick obsessions that are not as destructive as drugs and alcohol.

[JoseCansnake0]

I appreciate that.
That's the crazy thing, anytime I drink way too much I always feel ashamed the next morning no matter how the night went. But lately I've been doing my binge drinking at home, alone. That part scares me too.
Thankfully I'm good at staying away from my phone and computer so far, heh.

I think I'll give your 6 month plan a try, that sounds about up my alley.
Sucks to have to start it when summer is just kicking off, but the booze isn't gonna wait until it's convenient for me, and hey, 4th of July will be a good last hurrah before going off the wagon...or on the wagon...I can't remember which means "doesn't drink"...

This is what I was doing towards the end of my drinking career. I was hiding beers from my wife, and staying up way too late just mindlessly getting drunk. I would be so hungover the next day that work was an absolute struggle that I had to fight to accomplish (outside sales, which made it even harder). By late afternoon, I was so exhausted from work and just shaking my hang over, it was time to pick up some more beers.

I will be 2 years sober in August, and it's the best decision I've made. The moment you start hanging around drunk people while you're sober, you'll know why you quit. Hopefully, because it's fucking unbearable, and a waste of time and money.

[Idk]

Will hit 96 hours sober tonight!!!

[Idk]

One week clean
Longest I’ve ever been clean since junior year of high school and I’m turning 27 in a few days

[Easy Slider]

One week clean
Longest I’ve ever been clean since junior year of high school and I’m turning 27 in a few days

Big up dude!

[Natas_Fauxas]

I have been on here with the same name twice. First time i posted about how i was excited to be almost 2 years or so sober. Well i completely fell into a full on drinking binge. I did the absolutely classic mistake of thinking i could have one at my friends wedding.

That was a year ago today. Im only 1 month dry. I do smoke bud, but no tobacco etc. I swear it was easier last time when i stopped to keep no doing so. RN its insane to not drink. Any advice? I stay away from drinking friends when they are doing that. I try to just keep my mind off it. 

[Idk]

I have been on here with the same name twice. First time i posted about how i was excited to be almost 2 years or so sober. Well i completely fell into a full on drinking binge. I did the absolutely classic mistake of thinking i could have one at my friends wedding.

That was a year ago today. Im only 1 month dry. I do smoke bud, but no tobacco etc. I swear it was easier last time when i stopped to keep no doing so. RN its insane to not drink. Any advice? I stay away from drinking friends when they are doing that. I try to just keep my mind off it.

Do you have access to a day treatment program or an IOP (intensive outpatient program)

[Natas_Fauxas]

im in our local AA program rn. I may have a sponsor lined up this week. I know that i just cant drink. Im dry rn i just gotta do something else.

[Easy Slider]

im in our local AA program rn. I may have a sponsor lined up this week. I know that i just cant drink. Im dry rn i just gotta do something else.

Stay strong bro, you got this.

[Idk]

im in our local AA program rn. I may have a sponsor lined up this week. I know that i just cant drink. Im dry rn i just gotta do something else.

what has helped me is journaling, acknowledging the anxiety and depression that comes out once you stop numbing yourself. Journal your cravings every time they come. I just wrote I want to get high and I wrote it so many times the first few days. I don’t really have cravings now. Just dealing with the underlying mental health issues that caused me to spiral into addiction. Move. Like I’d just lay in bed and think of terrible shit so now when I wake up I get up and go outside or just go get some water. Have you tried SMART recovery meetings? They don’t do higher power but instead emphasize on your own responsibility. I like the meetings and they have virtual or in person. If you want to join mine you can dm me.

[Idk]

Two weeks sober today. I’ve had some cravings but my life in the long run will be better. I’ll actually have a life not just be a prisoner to weed and alcohol when I didn’t have any. I’m very sad and depressed right now but I’m not numbing my pain away. Trying to let it out.

[Easy Slider]

Two weeks sober today. I’ve had some cravings but my life in the long run will be better. I’ll actually have a life not just be a prisoner to weed and alcohol when I didn’t have any. I’m very sad and depressed right now but I’m not numbing my pain away. Trying to let it out.

Stay strong. It's not easy but I am convinced that you are doing the right thing. You're not in this alone, many pals are going through this.

[Coastal Fever]

Congrats Idk!  That’s a huge accomplishment.  If you’re feeling down maybe try reading or listening to some material about the benefits of sobriety?  I don’t like the stuff that’s prefaced or focuses on the dark times leading up to it, but there’s some great motivational resources out there to remind you why you’re doing it, and why you’ll thank yourself soon.

I’m at 3 months today.  In the beginning I was worried that my life wouldn’t actually improve going sober, that I’d still be bored, sad and unmotivated.  It’s crazy how untrue that was.  I have more time, money, energy, mental well-being, etc.  I’m taking on and enjoying things that before would’ve felt like an absolute chore. 

I also have to give credit to my supportive partner, friends and family.  If they drank around me like I used to in their presence, this would be a lot harder.  So I truly appreciate their patience with me when I was down bad.  Be kind to yourself and others.

[Easy Slider]

Congrats Idk!  That’s a huge accomplishment.  If you’re feeling down maybe try reading or listening to some material about the benefits of sobriety?  I don’t like the stuff that’s prefaced or focuses on the dark times leading up to it, but there’s some great motivational resources out there to remind you why you’re doing it, and why you’ll thank yourself soon.

I’m at 3 months today.  In the beginning I was worried that my life wouldn’t actually improve going sober, that I’d still be bored, sad and unmotivated.  It’s crazy how untrue that was.  I have more time, money, energy, mental well-being, etc.  I’m taking on and enjoying things that before would’ve felt like an absolute chore. 

I also have to give credit to my supportive partner, friends and family.  If they drank around me like I used to in their presence, this would be a lot harder.  So I truly appreciate their patience with me when I was down bad.  Be kind to yourself and others.

Well done bruh, so good to read this.

[Idk]

What I’ve been doing is reading sober journeys. Especially pro skaters. Guy’s and AVE’s. Spanky. It definitely helps and motivates me. I don’t really have cravings anymore but I know that won’t always be the case. I’m trying not to be complacent. I have a group meeting Thursday it’s a really good group so I at least have that. But I definitely need an individual therapist it is just hard to find one that accepts Medicaid.

[doublesteveburger]

had the worst cravings yesterday and decided to hit the gym instead of pacing around... highly recommend

not only does it distract you but one hour doing cardio and breaking a sweat made the rest of my day way more peaceful

[Enrico Pallazzo]

Sitting at 4.5 months-ish right now as I didn’t really have an official start date. Was strictly a social drinker other than the occasional glass of wine or cocktail on a date night, but when it was party time I definitely suffered from CEBS (Constantly Empty Beer Syndrome), and would lose track and end up drinking too much and getting terrible sleep and anxiety the next few days. Just didn’t like who I was when I got to that point.

We welcomed our first baby in April, which has absolutely changed my life. I was thinking about giving it up for a while, but the third trimester and first few months of fatherhood have been the perfect catalyst. I just want to be there for every moment, and be ready at a second’s notice, and don’t want to have those experiences dulled in any way, either through alcohol or a hangover.

Still have plenty of anxiety issues to work on in therapy and a whole bunch of stupid party shit I did to feel guilty about forever, but this new step in my life definitely feels like the right one.

[Idk]

was just working a 40,000+ people/per day sort of event that doesn't serve/sell/prohibits alcohol. Mushrooms are legal in Oregon and instead of getting shitty on booze it seemed like at least 1/2 people were eating mushrooms. I'll take people on moderate dosages of boomers all day long. 100K+ people filtering in and out for 5 days with no fights, no cops, etc. Instead we got people hugging, laughing, making art, music, and being all around decent. fuck ya

I have been microdosing more now that I’m sober from weed and alcohol. Obviously shrooms are a drug but they’ve never been enticing to me where I have to do them everyday nor is the high something I love, it’s way too intense for me. But I just eat a little of chocolate shrooms and they tend to bring me a peace of mind and a calmness. Like everything will be ok. Really has helped this recovery process.

[EdLawndale]

That sounds like a nightmare. Well, recognizing it is the first step towards success. Keep your head up and get better. We can all only work on ourselves. If you did 2 years, you can do 2 again (and more) if you put your mind to it and perhaps try to tap into the steps that maneuvered you there before. If you're bummed out at the notion of having to cut stuff/ppl out again, take this as a conformation that stuff/ppl are highly overrated. Think about how amped you will be when you see that stuff/those ppl when you have some new sobriety under your belt and you realize you are making the right decision. If the bleeding doesn't stop, soon, please see a doctor.

[MC3]

I'm starting to think about stopping drinking. I don't know if I consume enough to where it is a legitimate problem, but more and more I think about it and the notion of quitting (if I wanted to) seems harder and harder. Makes me think I'm going in the wrong direction.

Im about to be 25, but I am tired of spending what people tell me some of the best times of my life with headaches, a shitty diet and slight gut, and less money from buying booze. Like I said, I don't think I have a "problem" in the formal sense, and I probably drink far less than some of my friends, but I'm wondering if there is some clarity or presence to be had from cutting it out completely. Would love to hear what y'all think.

[pugmaster]

Oh, and the amount of blood that starting to go from both ends is scary

And most of my adult life I’ve drank during work for sure. It becomes this massive task of always have deodorant, perfume (ck1!) mouthwash, toothpaste, cigarettes, anything to hid it. Like a full time job in itself

Dude, if you seriously have blood being emitted by your body as you described on a consistent basis, you need to make seeing a physician an immediate priority, especially considering that you are using methadone and alcohol together.  Early identification and treatment truly is the difference between life and death. You'd be surprised how early colon cancer can affect people.


https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/colorectal-cancer-in-young-people


Hoping the best for you Velcro.

[Velcro Wallet]

Has anyone read the book “Alcohol lied to me”?

[Coastal Fever]

Can’t even pretend to know what you’re going through, but I basically just want to repeat everything EdLawndale said.  You’re capable of stopping, you can and will feel better when you come out the other side.  Definitely consult and be honest with a doctor asap.  We’re all here and rooting for you <3

[pugmaster]

The thing I hate most about this addiction is the lying. All the little white lies add up and people work it out in the end. Also the money. Atm it’s around $60 a day. I’ve sold most of my Jordan’s, Airmaxs,so much ACG gear and stuff  that took ages to hunt down only to sell them for cheap so I can get money in my hand now.
I stole a bottle of wine this morning. The shops around here don’t open till 7am.

Sorry for spewing all this shit. If it is triggering anyone please tell me to stop. Sorry in advance

No need to be apologetic. Just be fully transparent with your healthcare provider about your current situation so that they can adequately structure intervention by considering all variables. Detoxing alcohol without medical supervision is increasingly complicated as a person's use of alcohol increases. This is further compounded when individuals are taking other substances.

I am glad you get to talk to folks tomorrow. I don't know the intricacies of your country, and I am guessing you are from Australia since you talked about VB beer, but from my perspective as an American, stopping theft is another VERY important goal to reach. In America, when a person gets a record, it has the potential to have a strong negative impact on employment opportunities in the short and long term. Then again, I am an American, and our system is completely fucked. 
 

[Bill Salt]

unfortunately, sobritey often comes with sudden religious belief and plastic teeth.

[Daewons front truck]

I love that I found this thread. I got back to skating after I got sober, of course I was too occupied with coping dope to entertain my past hobby at the time. I was addicted to heroin and alcohol from ages 20-30. I finally had enough after loosing my house, my wife, and most important of all, my self respect. I had been to rehab a couple times In the past two appease my family and friends but I finally got to the point that I was either going to eat a bullet, or find a new way to live. Thankfully I chose the latter option. I went to detox and then I went to an AA meeting. I heard some of their stories and realized that they were just like me. I worked the 12 steps with a sponsor with no expectation of it doing anything but I was wrong. I've been blessed to sponsor someone  in the program and help them through the 12 steps. I have a life I never imagined I could have before. I got a wonderful job helping those with mental health issues. I got my family back and they don't have to worry about finding me dead in the bathroom anymore. I'm not perfect and still fuck up on things all the time, but today I don't have to drink and get high to get through the day. I try to "do the next right thing" now, even if it's extremely difficult to do so. I'm beyond grateful for 2 years and 10 months I've been clean. If anyone that reads this is still struggling, I hope you hit YOUR bottom soon, and I pray it isn't as painful or costly as mine was. I know you won't believe this because I never did when I was using, but you can live a sober life and be HAPPY doing so. -Alexander

[Idk]

No need to say sorry @Velcro Wallet you can do this. You can get better. You can use this space/thread as a sounding board. I’m 19 days sober today and it is amazing how life can be positive and fun and then sad and hard in the same day but instead of running away from the world and being numb to all of it I can feel it all. I just feel so much more human. I’d love to see you get back to your humanity too. You matter. You’re enough.

[S.]

Sitting at 4.5 months-ish right now as I didn’t really have an official start date. Was strictly a social drinker other than the occasional glass of wine or cocktail on a date night, but when it was party time I definitely suffered from CEBS (Constantly Empty Beer Syndrome), and would lose track and end up drinking too much and getting terrible sleep and anxiety the next few days. Just didn’t like who I was when I got to that point.

We welcomed our first baby in April, which has absolutely changed my life. I was thinking about giving it up for a while, but the third trimester and first few months of fatherhood have been the perfect catalyst. I just want to be there for every moment, and be ready at a second’s notice, and don’t want to have those experiences dulled in any way, either through alcohol or a hangover.

Still have plenty of anxiety issues to work on in therapy and a whole bunch of stupid party shit I did to feel guilty about forever, but this new step in my life definitely feels like the right one.

Congratulations!

I have an 18 months old. At first I stopped getting drunk for the exact same reasons you wrote about, plus, I felt that the newborn was so fragile and I didn't want to do anything stupid after I had had a few drinks.

Now I will have a few drinks when I go out (which doesn't happen often anymore). But: Being hungover and taking care of a toddler doesn't mix for me at all. It's the worst. It gets to be super annoying and stressful. So the only time when I will have more then two drinks now is when I have the following day for myself. This only happens in the rare case, when my wife and son visit her mother for the weekend.
It's been good, but sometimes I do miss being stupid and drinking too much without these immediate consequences.

[fakie nollie]

I’m on day 14 of no booze. Spent 8 days abroad and was drinking at least 3 beers/ drinks a day, with a couple of nights I went harder. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety throughout my but noticed, over the last year or so, drinking was exacerbating it far more than before. I’m hoping to ride this out through the rest of the year and get my mental/ physical health in a good and balanced place