SOBRIETY

[Sleazy]

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so how often are you guys thinking about a time in the future where you'll have a whisky alone at night after a tough day's doings?

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I was a huge whisky nerd (or anorak as they call it) and it would be great if I could do that but I know my compulsive behaviour so I know it‘s not going to work. I would be sucked into the vortex immediately. Anyway, if you love the complex taste of whisky or wine but are an alkie, try tea. Sounds lame but trust me once you get into the subject, a huge world of different tastes opens up to you. I am just starting out but am fascinated by the insane variety of tea. Plus it‘s very healthy and you can get a caffeine / l-theanine high out of it. :-)

@Easy Slider  i like this idea. I mix it up with my coffee but bringing in t sounds great. My wife and I love this green t with brown rice base of some kind at this sushi place we go.

What are some ones you dig?

[Easy Slider]

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so how often are you guys thinking about a time in the future where you'll have a whisky alone at night after a tough day's doings?

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I was a huge whisky nerd (or anorak as they call it) and it would be great if I could do that but I know my compulsive behaviour so I know it‘s not going to work. I would be sucked into the vortex immediately. Anyway, if you love the complex taste of whisky or wine but are an alkie, try tea. Sounds lame but trust me once you get into the subject, a huge world of different tastes opens up to you. I am just starting out but am fascinated by the insane variety of tea. Plus it‘s very healthy and you can get a caffeine / l-theanine high out of it. :-)

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@Easy Slider  i like this idea. I mix it up with my coffee but bringing in t sounds great. My wife and I love this green t with brown rice base of some kind at this sushi place we go.

What are some ones you dig?

That must be Genmaicha your wife gets. That‘s low grad Japanese stuff being mixed with rice to mask the low quality of the tea 

Atm, I really love the Japanese green teas. Sencha is the „regular“ variety of the good leafy stuff and Gyokuro the high end version (shaded tea plants). There are thousands of different versions but they are all more or less vegetal. You need to brew it properly, low temperature, high leaf to water ratio, to bring out insane umami hits. I bought a small clay tea pot (Kyushu) for that.

I also like Chinese stuff, there‘s mad variety, I only just started digging into it. I copped a few white, green, oolong and pu erhs. The difference between Japanese and Chinese green tea is that Japanese is steamed whereas Chinese is pan roasted. The difference between white, yellow, oolong and black tea is the grade of oxidation, whereas Pu erhs are fermented.

If you like lighter floral flavors, go for white or low oxidized oolong. If you want richer flavors try darker oolongs. Try some Dan Cong or Eastern Beauty oolong, for starters. For earthy notes go for Pu erh. Pu erh is fun, you can buy them as a pressed disc and then break them up as you go. Again, leaf to water ratio is key, I brew it Gong fu style in a Gaiwan.

I watched a ton of youtube videos, my favorite is the Mei Leaf channel atm, dude‘s knowledgeable. He has a good spreadshhet on brewing specs here https://meileaf.com/resources/pdf/mei-leaf-tea-brewing-guide.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOorO3xdGl-xjm5WNiXon6KNirTlP7LO4_0gbovpqxYrCNYNgyoFu

Hit me up if you need brewing time and temp specs for Sencha and Gyokuro.

As you can see, you can really nerd out on the stuff. It‘s a fun hobby to discover.

Maybe some of the Asian pals can drop some knowledge.

[Gland Dongzig]

Alertness is often used in this thread, and I love seeing it. Once someone is well into their sobriety, I imagine the alertness can be taken for granted. Thankfully I haven't had any cravings, but when/if I do I will remind myself of how shitty it feels to not always be there mentally, in times when I really should be. I don't miss that fucking brain fog.
  If I went back to my old ways my piss poor grammar on here would be even worse. So it's really for the greater good for all of us.

@easyslider that was an awesome share with the tea rabbit hole. That whole process really could help the type of ex-drinkers that really enjoyed the thrill of the kill, when contemplating their poison.

As always.. to anyone struggling, it truly gets better. If it didn't, I wouldn't of have the strength to still be here with yall.

[Texas_Tone]

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Day 7 tomorrow and gotta go get groceries/cat food, home depot trip and pickup weed with my lady tonight before we spackle the basement. Temptation to stock 6-8 tallboys for the weekend is gonna hit but I've been chilling all week and haven't given it a thought til now. It's gonna be downpouring the whole time too so I can't even go skate but that's why Red Dead 2 exists. Stay strong, gentlemen.

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first week is so hard. i'd focus on mornings and how good you'll feel but it's so hard to keep your mind from racing. good luck!

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Thanks brother. I got past the liquid guts, no appetite and inability to sleep after day 3. I swear if it wasn't for the volcano bag being a massive crutch I'd still be laying in bed shivering, nibbling on cheez-its just to shut my stomach up. I'm so thankful I never got to the point of chugging mouthwash even at my worst. I did end up buying the tallboys but I refused to take them any further than the garage. For some reason having them in the vicinity makes it easier to ignore the temptation.

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nice!

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Day 7 as well, it’s been a long time coming and after blacking out last Friday it’s time, a friend recommended looking into NA beers since it’s basically a social activity for me, I’ve been drinking those when I’m on the sesh or when I need one in the shower, it’s been a nice week being clear headed, gonna go bowling tonight luckily the place we are going sells NA Heineken, gonna throw a few back and knock down some pins, this thread is righteous and thanks to everyone for being there for each other

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i was drinking na's last night. a lot of places carry atheltic which i think are great

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Been drinking those with Tajin!!! So good

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are you drinking the mexican one? seems like that one would work well with it. maybe the the lite

Yea the Mexican copper ale or whatever, went to a family gathering everyone was imbibing, it was tough to deal with at first because everyone seemed to be having a good time, and I wanted to enjoy myself as well, I decided to go get some NA Heinekens, i had a good time visiting everyone, couple family members ended up starting to argue and I genuinely  was glad I wasn’t drinking

[Sleazy]

Alertness is often used in this thread, and I love seeing it. Once someone is well into their sobriety, I imagine the alertness can be taken for granted. Thankfully I haven't had any cravings, but when/if I do I will remind myself of how shitty it feels to not always be there mentally, in times when I really should be. I don't miss that fucking brain fog.
  If I went back to my old ways my piss poor grammar on here would be even worse. So it's really for the greater good for all of us.

@easyslider that was an awesome share with the tea rabbit hole. That whole process really could help the type of ex-drinkers that really enjoyed the thrill of the kill, when contemplating their poison.

As always.. to anyone struggling, it truly gets better. If it didn't, I wouldn't of have the strength to still be here with yall.

for me the alertness is pretty dramatic. it took a long time, probably 9 months or so but my current caffine routine and sobriety has me feeling so alert. i got up at 5 today and started working (i work for myself and have some new clients starting next week). i skated with my son, went to lunch at a mexican place and then came home and i've been working on and off and it's almost 9pm and i still feel like it's 11 am on a tuesday. it's wild.

[Coastal Fever]

Not looking for any particular type of response here, just wanted to share my recent experience.  Recently passed 2yrs, and the thought of having a drink was becoming overwhelming.  Just way too much internal pressure on having or not having one.

Got together with friends last weekend, and decided I’d buy one tallcan of cider I used to love.  Drank about 3/4 over a couple hrs and poured out the rest.  It didn’t taste good to me anymore, just way too boozy.  It didn’t feel that good either, no warm euphoric buzz that I was worried would hook me back in, just a groggy sloppy feeling.

Last night my s/o was having a beer, so I had one too, and again.. didn’t taste or feel that good at all.  I’m not saying I’m cured of alcoholism, or going back all in, but after two years of thinking a drink would be the best thing ever, I’m relieved that it’s not.

[ralf_]

Not looking for any particular type of response here, just wanted to share my recent experience.  Recently passed 2yrs, and the thought of having a drink was becoming overwhelming.  Just way too much internal pressure on having or not having one.

Got together with friends last weekend, and decided I’d buy one tallcan of cider I used to love.  Drank about 3/4 over a couple hrs and poured out the rest.  It didn’t taste good to me anymore, just way too boozy.  It didn’t feel that good either, no warm euphoric buzz that I was worried would hook me back in, just a groggy sloppy feeling.

Last night my s/o was having a beer, so I had one too, and again.. didn’t taste or feel that good at all.  I’m not saying I’m cured of alcoholism, or going back all in, but after two years of thinking a drink would be the best thing ever, I’m relieved that it’s not.

watch out for yourself (what you're describing could be read as .. you know .. slippin)

[Unkle Fleak]

I’m one week sober. I’m on the juul and a had only few squally’s since last Saturday night. Idk if it’s a good thing Yet.  It’s difficult as fuck 
I’ll smoke again when I’m happier probably.  I gave my last eighth to my neighbor. It was called grape gasoline. It was just too speedy and was setting off my schizophrenia sometimes.
I don’t want sanity to be a tightrope walk. I don’t want intrusive thoughts anymore.  I gotta be sharp and in my right mind at this time.

[artskool]

I played my first sober show ever, at the Middle East a couple weeks ago, and saw your sticker on the wall.

Stay strong, you got this. It's way easier to live sober than fucked up.

I’m one week sober. I’m on the juul and a had only few squally’s since last Saturday night. Idk if it’s a good thing Yet.  It’s difficult as fuck 
I’ll smoke again when I’m happier probably.  I gave my last eighth to my neighbor. It was called grape gasoline. It was just too speedy and was setting off my schizophrenia sometimes.
I don’t want sanity to be a tightrope walk. I don’t want intrusive thoughts anymore.  I gotta be sharp and in my right mind at this time.

[Sleazy]

I’m one week sober. I’m on the juul and a had only few squally’s since last Saturday night. Idk if it’s a good thing Yet.  It’s difficult as fuck 
I’ll smoke again when I’m happier probably.  I gave my last eighth to my neighbor. It was called grape gasoline. It was just too speedy and was setting off my schizophrenia sometimes.
I don’t want sanity to be a tightrope walk. I don’t want intrusive thoughts anymore.  I gotta be sharp and in my right mind at this time.

i haven't heard anyone else talk about schizophrenia and intrusive thoughts with weed but i was having really bad problems with this when i quit a decade or so back. i kind of feel it just makes your mind race so much and then paranoia gets out of hand. i'm not sure but i feel more people should talk about it because it sucks.

[Gland Dongzig]

Stay sober guys..I slipped up last weekend and its gonna cost me a large sum of money. I have some not ideal repercussions coming my way and I didn't have access to Slap for a few days..I should leave it at that.

accommodations were 0/10 ⭐️'s
learn from our mistakes and keep on rolling.

much love guys

[Unkle Fleak]

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I’m one week sober. I’m on the juul and a had only few squally’s since last Saturday night. Idk if it’s a good thing Yet.  It’s difficult as fuck 
I’ll smoke again when I’m happier probably.  I gave my last eighth to my neighbor. It was called grape gasoline. It was just too speedy and was setting off my schizophrenia sometimes.
I don’t want sanity to be a tightrope walk. I don’t want intrusive thoughts anymore.  I gotta be sharp and in my right mind at this time.

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i haven't heard anyone else talk about schizophrenia and intrusive thoughts with weed but i was having really bad problems with this when i quit a decade or so back. i kind of feel it just makes your mind race so much and then paranoia gets out of hand. i'm not sure but i feel more people should talk about it because it sucks.

Yeah it’s vicious. I never understood why the other men in my family would experience this. But now I see.
It’s like the Megadeth song sweating bullets. It’s not cool. I don’t wanna think about getting even with old enemies. I don’t wanna think about all the people who passed.

Sometimes off I’m driving stoned I can hear people screaming and I hear like almost cartoonish collision noises and shit. But in reality I’m actually driving extra fine.

Sometimes weed hits me like a crack low. I think about the past and nope. I don’t wanna do that no more.

[Top-Heavy Hookjaw]

Stay sober guys..I slipped up last weekend and its gonna cost me a large sum of money. I have some not ideal repercussions coming my way and I didn't have access to Slap for a few days..I should leave it at that.

accommodations were 0/10 ⭐️'s
learn from our mistakes and keep on rolling.

much love guys

I hope whatever happened isn’t too terrible. Don’t beat yourself up.
This sobriety thing is a work in progress.
✌️

[Easy Slider]

Stay sober guys..I slipped up last weekend and its gonna cost me a large sum of money. I have some not ideal repercussions coming my way and I didn't have access to Slap for a few days..I should leave it at that.

accommodations were 0/10 ⭐️'s
learn from our mistakes and keep on rolling.

much love guys

I am sorry to hear it but hope you‘ll be fine. If this serves others as a warning (it does to me) at least something good comes from it.

[Sleazy]

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I’m one week sober. I’m on the juul and a had only few squally’s since last Saturday night. Idk if it’s a good thing Yet.  It’s difficult as fuck 
I’ll smoke again when I’m happier probably.  I gave my last eighth to my neighbor. It was called grape gasoline. It was just too speedy and was setting off my schizophrenia sometimes.
I don’t want sanity to be a tightrope walk. I don’t want intrusive thoughts anymore.  I gotta be sharp and in my right mind at this time.

[close]

i haven't heard anyone else talk about schizophrenia and intrusive thoughts with weed but i was having really bad problems with this when i quit a decade or so back. i kind of feel it just makes your mind race so much and then paranoia gets out of hand. i'm not sure but i feel more people should talk about it because it sucks.

[close]

Yeah it’s vicious. I never understood why the other men in my family would experience this. But now I see.
It’s like the Megadeth song sweating bullets. It’s not cool. I don’t wanna think about getting even with old enemies. I don’t wanna think about all the people who passed.

Sometimes off I’m driving stoned I can hear people screaming and I hear like almost cartoonish collision noises and shit. But in reality I’m actually driving extra fine.

Sometimes weed hits me like a crack low. I think about the past and nope. I don’t wanna do that no more.

For me it took a few years for my mind to calm down. There’s an immediate decrease but I was still having random, annoying thoughts for a good bit. Haven’t had any in a long time now though

[Binomial Nomenclature]

100 days. Feeling pretty indifferent, but I intend to keep it going.

[Gland Dongzig]

100 days. Feeling pretty indifferent, but I intend to keep it going.

hell yes.

[mfweeno]

I'm not sure exactly why, but I wrote a pretty heavy stream-of-consciousness recall of some of my biggest regrets with alcohol and consequent behaviors a couple of nights ago. For what it's worth, I did visit "rooms" in early Sobriety, but never completed a 4th step. I guess this is sort of consistent with the idea behind it.

I'm grateful to still be alive after some of it, but the guilt, shame, and demoralization that the memories bring has still been a heavy burden. It's kind of traumatic to revisit some of it, but I'm hoping I can get some catharsis by getting the thoughts out of my head.

Just felt possessed to share that. Hope everyone is doing okay out there.

[shannamal]

my wife quit drinking about a 3 weeks ago. i went for about 10 days, had a few beers on a saturday, and realized it just wasn't as fun anymore.

i think i'm really struggling with the idea of having an issue, if that makes sense. i've never thought i had an problem, i just liked having some beers every now and then, and would fairly regularly go a week or 2 without drinking without a struggle.however, it recently hit me though that i shouldn't be thinking about alcohol this much, and that i really struggle (and straight up just can't remember) having just one beer if i'm with friends or at a bar. im headed to new york on vacation, and i was already telling myself this could be my last hurrah.

in the last 3 weeks, i've had one day of drinking and it was absurd how much shittier i felt the next day. never felt hammered or drunk but my sleep scored dropped from the high 80s to low 50s, my run the next time was shit, and i just felt like a dick, even though nothing happened.

i dunno, i guess here's a cheers to trying something new.

[Sleazy]

my wife quit drinking about a 3 weeks ago. i went for about 10 days, had a few beers on a saturday, and realized it just wasn't as fun anymore.

i think i'm really struggling with the idea of having an issue, if that makes sense. i've never thought i had an problem, i just liked having some beers every now and then, and would fairly regularly go a week or 2 without drinking without a struggle.however, it recently hit me though that i shouldn't be thinking about alcohol this much, and that i really struggle (and straight up just can't remember) having just one beer if i'm with friends or at a bar. im headed to new york on vacation, and i was already telling myself this could be my last hurrah.

in the last 3 weeks, i've had one day of drinking and it was absurd how much shittier i felt the next day. never felt hammered or drunk but my sleep scored dropped from the high 80s to low 50s, my run the next time was shit, and i just felt like a dick, even though nothing happened.

i dunno, i guess here's a cheers to trying something new.

everything you've shared is super relatable to me. i remember struggling with the idea of "i don't have problem" a bit and trying to rationalize that it wasn't really a problem. my wife and i are about 2 years in. i think about not drinking more like exercising, jogging or reading or any other kind of healthy self improvement these days. not doing something that is really bad for your health, cause you to gain weight and not hit your full potential is in now way a sign that you have a problem. i don't miss it at all. i cowork out a country club in our neighborhood and there's always people in there boozing it up when i'm working during the day and it just looks so odd and unhealthy to me and i'm always just thinking about how shit they will feel later. it'll be 2 pm on a tuesday and they'll be boozing it up. seems like such a waste of a perfectly good day.

[ilovegay]

Just hit 5 years no alcohol a week ago. The last couple months I was smoking more weed and slamming the NA beers, so I am celebrating my 5 years by quitting weed and NA beers. I want to deal with life with no crutches or vices. Good luck to everyone out there working on their own versions of sobriety.

[Makaveli]

Yesterday was six months sober and I didn’t realize til I was going to bed. Been sort of out of sight, out of mind. I think that’s probably for the best.

[NoComply180]

Just passed a year and a half no booze recently. And bought a house and realized, shit, this’ll be the first house I’ve lived in that I’ll never be drunk or hungover in.

[Mr. Kamikazi]

3 years for me just passed on Father’s Day.

My wife recently told me she never thought I had a problem & rather it was due to the company I kept but recently a pal of mine went to rehab & is is now sober so I’m standing in solidarity with him. It was weird to hear but for now, 3 years & counting.

NA’s are grand.

[Sleazy]

really enjoy all the milestones, thanks for sharing everyone

i just hit 2 years on the 1st

Yesterday was six months sober and I didn’t realize til I was going to bed. Been sort of out of sight, out of mind. I think that’s probably for the best.

it's a good thing i'm using an app to keep track because it out of mind for me also except when i see people drinking and think about how shitty they are going to feel.

[ralf_]

2 and a half years and a bit and everything sucks right now -- but it'll be fine

[Clone1984]

Just took my year coin/cake. Feel so much better. I'm still not where I want to be but it is getting easier.

[Gland Dongzig]

So happy to hear all of the stories of continued success. I am smiling like a fool as I find motivation from them. As I mentioned I fell off for one damn afternoon recently. A month later..and the hits keep coming like I'm in a fucking batting cage standing directly on home plate without a bat. Every day I wake up and wonder why I needed to learn this lesson at this point in my life. Why did I feel I needed to break character after 8 months of not giving a fuck about Alcohol? To anyone struggling..Don't fall off the boat..just keep padding like a motherfucker. Trust me on this one.

[Peter Ruma]

I’ve got 3 days tomorrow at 5:00am… the toll in my body and psyche is brutal, and I can’t keep going. Also I’m poor now and need to stabilize my bank in a big way. Best wishes to anyone else trying for it.

[shannamal]

hit 30 days today. pretty excited about that.

it was interesting, during a vacation, no internal pressure. but we went to a wedding last weekend and goddamn, i haven't missed beer like that this entire time