SOBRIETY

[Sleazy]

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

gnarly especially at 30 days

[Binomial Nomenclature]

Just wanted to post thanks Sleazy for always keeping it positive and encouraging in this thread!

[JoseCansnake0]

Well, I come to you in a failed attempt at testing my will power over alcohol. And I failed.

Almost four years sober, and had enjoyed a few glasses of wine with my wife very sporadically. Was fine with that. I felt as though in my wifes presence, I could be responsible. As soon as my lips touched a double IPA, I just couldn't stop at one. I drank 5 last night and feel like shit today. I'm hoping back on the sober train immediately.

Like others have mentioned, it simply is not worth it.

[Fats]

Well for me I used to be a benzo fanatic very irresponsible, but after 5 years of sobriety I got a script for 15 anxiety pills a month and I'm able to only take one when I really need it. Been this way for a year, ymmv like dude above though

Basically what I'm saying is that "once a addict always a addict" saying just isn't true

[Benicio El Toro]

Went almost two years without drinking. Haven't been sober for longer than ten days in the last year though. Idk why but it's been harder this time around for me. I won't blackout or turn into a piece of shit or anything when I do drink but I mos def don't like myself the next day. Anyways, I'm at a week sober today. Proud of y'all. Post script, worst part is it makes me skate like shit

[Maccat]

Been lurking this thread for a bit.

While it was never alcohol for me, I’ve been smoking and eating pot for the last 20 years. It wasn’t until recently that was it something that started to twist me in a way where I embraced self hatred, was shitty to those I love and couldn’t do the normal life tasks without being burnt.

Wasn’t skating much. Wasn't getting out. Creativity was on E.


Someone I love dearly took me aside and gave it to me straight, that essentially the dopamine hole I was living in turned me into an awful person which had happened. As a son of an alcoholic, I became what I hated, but in a different format.

I never thought weed would take me on a ride that far out, but it’s been ten days and I feel insanely different. Emotional in a good way. Connecting with myself and my family and friends. My right side of the brain is coming back. Dreaming, where I used to never. Skating sober has been sick. Most importantly, I’m present for my family and myself.

It’s inspiring to everyone in here staying true to themselves and for those who are still putting it together. It’s really cool to see and to be a part of.

[Sleazy]

props to everyone putting in the work

@ratking i used to wake up pissed at my night time self everyday. i was able to figure out how to make my night time self and morning self to be on the same team. the anxiety i get about having an off day because of alcohol wins every time for me now. best of luck to you.

@Maccat super relatable and thanks for sharing. there was a thread on here about quitting smoking weed and i ended up getting started as a result of it. it got overwhelming for me. it was making me antisocial and grouchy and a bit schizophrenic which i think is what paranoia turns into after years of use. i found myself not wanting to do most things without being buzzed. if my wife and i were going see a movie i'd want to get a hit before going in, going on a hike, etc. it was also really awkward around my kids and fortunately i quit when they were really young. no regrets for me probably 15 years later. good luck with it.

[Bald and Embarrassed]

Just hit 5 months sober from alcohol 2 days ago. Although I feel great, I’ve found myself in a weird spot and I wonder if anyone else here has experienced this:

I feel like some people aren’t taking my sobriety seriously. They downplay it like “it wasn’t that bad” or just straight up don’t take me seriously. I’ve also noticed that once it became known to a lot of people, people stopped inviting me to things or just don’t bother to hang out with me anymore. I felt pretty shitty about this at first, but I think I’m doing a good job standing my ground and not giving in to the pressure. It has really got my thinking about cutting people loose from my life who I thought were supportive but weren’t in the end. I think it has pushed me to learn how to feel comfortable just spending time alone and enjoying my own company instead of hanging out with people who in the end don’t really have my back.

Idk..just feel like I’m in a weird spot in life, but overall I’m doing well and I hope everyone else here is doing well too. I’m rooting for you all.

[Sleazy]

Just hit 5 months sober from alcohol 2 days ago. Although I feel great, I’ve found myself in a weird spot and I wonder if anyone else here has experienced this:

I feel like some people aren’t taking my sobriety seriously. They downplay it like “it wasn’t that bad” or just straight up don’t take me seriously. I’ve also noticed that once it became known to a lot of people, people stopped inviting me to things or just don’t bother to hang out with me anymore. I felt pretty shitty about this at first, but I think I’m doing a good job standing my ground and not giving in to the pressure. It has really got my thinking about cutting people loose from my life who I thought were supportive but weren’t in the end. I think it has pushed me to learn how to feel comfortable just spending time alone and enjoying my own company instead of hanging out with people who in the end don’t really have my back.

Idk..just feel like I’m in a weird spot in life, but overall I’m doing well and I hope everyone else here is doing well too. I’m rooting for you all.

really sorry to hear that. closest thing i've got to that is that when i tell people i don't drink and they ask why after i explain they often will start justifying their drinking to me which makes it feel a little awkward. when i quit smoking weed my circle definitely changed though.

as far as being alone goes that's been my default for a good bit. i like chilling with my dogs and family and then having casual acquaintances associated with work and hobbies. i'm probably 5 years from being an empty nester and i might have to get homies back in the mix then but might just be more hobbies and dog walks.

[Bald and Embarrassed]

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Just hit 5 months sober from alcohol 2 days ago. Although I feel great, I’ve found myself in a weird spot and I wonder if anyone else here has experienced this:

I feel like some people aren’t taking my sobriety seriously. They downplay it like “it wasn’t that bad” or just straight up don’t take me seriously. I’ve also noticed that once it became known to a lot of people, people stopped inviting me to things or just don’t bother to hang out with me anymore. I felt pretty shitty about this at first, but I think I’m doing a good job standing my ground and not giving in to the pressure. It has really got my thinking about cutting people loose from my life who I thought were supportive but weren’t in the end. I think it has pushed me to learn how to feel comfortable just spending time alone and enjoying my own company instead of hanging out with people who in the end don’t really have my back.

Idk..just feel like I’m in a weird spot in life, but overall I’m doing well and I hope everyone else here is doing well too. I’m rooting for you all.

[close]

really sorry to hear that. closest thing i've got to that is that when i tell people i don't drink and they ask why after i explain they often will start justifying their drinking to me which makes it feel a little awkward. when i quit smoking weed my circle definitely changed though.

as far as being alone goes that's been my default for a good bit. i like chilling with my dogs and family and then having casual acquaintances associated with work and hobbies. i'm probably 5 years from being an empty nester and i might have to get homies back in the mix then but might just be more hobbies and dog walks.

Yup I can relate to those awkward moments too. I also think there are some people out there that secretly don’t want to see you succeed or better yourself out of jealousy or some kind of insecurity about their own lives. Sort of a way to try to guilt trip you or something.

[SmashtheState]

Three years to this day, most time's I'd say fuck it and have a bender for a week or two. Mind you this worked for me but I just can't anymore  going back to the bottle.

[Coastal Fever]

Just popping in to give props to all of you doing the thing, no matter how short or long your streak is.  Proud of you all.

[Maccat]

Just hit 5 months sober from alcohol 2 days ago. Although I feel great, I’ve found myself in a weird spot and I wonder if anyone else here has experienced this:

I feel like some people aren’t taking my sobriety seriously. They downplay it like “it wasn’t that bad” or just straight up don’t take me seriously. I’ve also noticed that once it became known to a lot of people, people stopped inviting me to things or just don’t bother to hang out with me anymore. I felt pretty shitty about this at first, but I think I’m doing a good job standing my ground and not giving in to the pressure. It has really got my thinking about cutting people loose from my life who I thought were supportive but weren’t in the end. I think it has pushed me to learn how to feel comfortable just spending time alone and enjoying my own company instead of hanging out with people who in the end don’t really have my back.

Idk..just feel like I’m in a weird spot in life, but overall I’m doing well and I hope everyone else here is doing well too. I’m rooting for you all.

Been there.

Had to stay clean due to some legal stuff and many of my friends dipped, and those that didn’t were pretty insensitive to what I was dealing with so I took myself out. That separation, while difficult helped me to realize who my real friends are. For those who didn’t leave me hanging and stuck it out respecting what I had to do, got me through a tough stretch.

As for anyone downplaying one’s sobriety, just doesn’t get it. It’s a very personal thing that isn’t their place to say. Essentially wasted breath.

Standing your ground is building a mental muscle that’s worth its weight in gold.

[whale]

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Just hit 5 months sober from alcohol 2 days ago. Although I feel great, I’ve found myself in a weird spot and I wonder if anyone else here has experienced this:

I feel like some people aren’t taking my sobriety seriously. They downplay it like “it wasn’t that bad” or just straight up don’t take me seriously. I’ve also noticed that once it became known to a lot of people, people stopped inviting me to things or just don’t bother to hang out with me anymore. I felt pretty shitty about this at first, but I think I’m doing a good job standing my ground and not giving in to the pressure. It has really got my thinking about cutting people loose from my life who I thought were supportive but weren’t in the end. I think it has pushed me to learn how to feel comfortable just spending time alone and enjoying my own company instead of hanging out with people who in the end don’t really have my back.

Idk..just feel like I’m in a weird spot in life, but overall I’m doing well and I hope everyone else here is doing well too. I’m rooting for you all.

[close]

really sorry to hear that. closest thing i've got to that is that when i tell people i don't drink and they ask why after i explain they often will start justifying their drinking to me which makes it feel a little awkward. when i quit smoking weed my circle definitely changed though.

as far as being alone goes that's been my default for a good bit. i like chilling with my dogs and family and then having casual acquaintances associated with work and hobbies. i'm probably 5 years from being an empty nester and i might have to get homies back in the mix then but might just be more hobbies and dog walks.

[close]

Yup I can relate to those awkward moments too. I also think there are some people out there that secretly don’t want to see you succeed or better yourself out of jealousy or some kind of insecurity about their own lives. Sort of a way to try to guilt trip you or something.

I think a lot of people are downplaying your reasons and efforts because deep down they know what they’re doing is not healthy for them but haven’t found the strenght to do something about it.

I’m not on the wagon anymore, but would like to congratulate every working towards bettering themselves.
You got this.

[ultsi]

Been sober for 1.5 years now, quit in 2023 November with the attitude "I'll drink again when I feel like it" because of a really low mood a 3 day bender caused me. I have tried drinking twice during this time in parties and just realized that I don't like that version of myself and definitely don't like the mood afterwards so I've just been continuing the sobriety. Won't say absolutely no to it though, I think that helps me more than being absolute about it. Also it seems I never really had a drinking problem in that I couldn't stop or anything, just hated the depression it always caused afterwards.

Also parties have been fine after I realized that a safety bottle in my hand gets rid of the awkwardness. Most of the time it's some non alcoholic beer or just a used can filled with water. My body seems to be more accustomed to having a drink in the hand at parties than being drunk, so when that is missing I feel really awkward.

[CrumblingInfrastructure]

Congrats Dude!
I have 18 months off the sauce as of monday and feeling pretty good. Every so often especially during the summer I get a mild craving but its pretty easy to run through it in my brain and look at everything i’d lose and how shitty my life was when I did drink.

[Benicio El Toro]

props to everyone putting in the work

@ratking i used to wake up pissed at my night time self everyday. i was able to figure out how to make my night time self and morning self to be on the same team. the anxiety i get about having an off day because of alcohol wins every time for me now. best of luck to you.

@Maccat super relatable and thanks for sharing. there was a thread on here about quitting smoking weed and i ended up getting started as a result of it. it got overwhelming for me. it was making me antisocial and grouchy and a bit schizophrenic which i think is what paranoia turns into after years of use. i found myself not wanting to do most things without being buzzed. if my wife and i were going see a movie i'd want to get a hit before going in, going on a hike, etc. it was also really awkward around my kids and fortunately i quit when they were really young. no regrets for me probably 15 years later. good luck with it.

@sleazy Thanks for the words of encouragement. Just saw this, wish I saw it yesterday. Made it a month and went to skate yesterday but I was drained from 60 hours work weeks the past three weeks. It's not the hours it's how fucked my body is at the end of Saturday. Seems like when I'm too tired for anything else I just say fuck it and have some beers. Here I am waking up late for another week but at least I'm aware of what my downfalls are and I'm gonna keep trying. Next time I'm too tired for skate I'll just come here.

[Sleazy]

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props to everyone putting in the work

@ratking i used to wake up pissed at my night time self everyday. i was able to figure out how to make my night time self and morning self to be on the same team. the anxiety i get about having an off day because of alcohol wins every time for me now. best of luck to you.

@Maccat super relatable and thanks for sharing. there was a thread on here about quitting smoking weed and i ended up getting started as a result of it. it got overwhelming for me. it was making me antisocial and grouchy and a bit schizophrenic which i think is what paranoia turns into after years of use. i found myself not wanting to do most things without being buzzed. if my wife and i were going see a movie i'd want to get a hit before going in, going on a hike, etc. it was also really awkward around my kids and fortunately i quit when they were really young. no regrets for me probably 15 years later. good luck with it.

[close]

@Sleazy Thanks for the words of encouragement. Just saw this, wish I saw it yesterday. Made it a month and went to skate yesterday but I was drained from 60 hours work weeks the past three weeks. It's not the hours it's how fucked my body is at the end of Saturday. Seems like when I'm too tired for anything else I just say fuck it and have some beers. Here I am waking up late for another week but at least I'm aware of what my downfalls are and I'm gonna keep trying. Next time I'm too tired for skate I'll just come here.

@ratking there's so much value in a lesson learned so you still win.

it took me ages to reframe how i deal with being tired. now instead of feeling board and restless when i'm just lampin it feels like relaxing. i do eat a good bit of halo ice cream though, lol.

[Benicio El Toro]

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props to everyone putting in the work

@ratking i used to wake up pissed at my night time self everyday. i was able to figure out how to make my night time self and morning self to be on the same team. the anxiety i get about having an off day because of alcohol wins every time for me now. best of luck to you.

@Maccat super relatable and thanks for sharing. there was a thread on here about quitting smoking weed and i ended up getting started as a result of it. it got overwhelming for me. it was making me antisocial and grouchy and a bit schizophrenic which i think is what paranoia turns into after years of use. i found myself not wanting to do most things without being buzzed. if my wife and i were going see a movie i'd want to get a hit before going in, going on a hike, etc. it was also really awkward around my kids and fortunately i quit when they were really young. no regrets for me probably 15 years later. good luck with it.

[close]

@Sleazy Thanks for the words of encouragement. Just saw this, wish I saw it yesterday. Made it a month and went to skate yesterday but I was drained from 60 hours work weeks the past three weeks. It's not the hours it's how fucked my body is at the end of Saturday. Seems like when I'm too tired for anything else I just say fuck it and have some beers. Here I am waking up late for another week but at least I'm aware of what my downfalls are and I'm gonna keep trying. Next time I'm too tired for skate I'll just come here.

[close]

@ratking there's so much value in a lesson learned so you still win.

it took me ages to reframe how i deal with being tired. now instead of feeling board and restless when i'm just lampin it feels like relaxing. i do eat a good bit of halo ice cream though, lol.

@sleazy "reframe how I deal with being tired" I like that outlook. Gonna use that. Definitely been on the ice cream kick lately as well. Usually a Snickers ice cream bar. This way I don't eat an entire pint of talenti haha. Appreciate ya reaching out.

[Sleazy]

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props to everyone putting in the work

@ratking i used to wake up pissed at my night time self everyday. i was able to figure out how to make my night time self and morning self to be on the same team. the anxiety i get about having an off day because of alcohol wins every time for me now. best of luck to you.

@Maccat super relatable and thanks for sharing. there was a thread on here about quitting smoking weed and i ended up getting started as a result of it. it got overwhelming for me. it was making me antisocial and grouchy and a bit schizophrenic which i think is what paranoia turns into after years of use. i found myself not wanting to do most things without being buzzed. if my wife and i were going see a movie i'd want to get a hit before going in, going on a hike, etc. it was also really awkward around my kids and fortunately i quit when they were really young. no regrets for me probably 15 years later. good luck with it.

[close]

@Sleazy Thanks for the words of encouragement. Just saw this, wish I saw it yesterday. Made it a month and went to skate yesterday but I was drained from 60 hours work weeks the past three weeks. It's not the hours it's how fucked my body is at the end of Saturday. Seems like when I'm too tired for anything else I just say fuck it and have some beers. Here I am waking up late for another week but at least I'm aware of what my downfalls are and I'm gonna keep trying. Next time I'm too tired for skate I'll just come here.

[close]

@ratking there's so much value in a lesson learned so you still win.

it took me ages to reframe how i deal with being tired. now instead of feeling board and restless when i'm just lampin it feels like relaxing. i do eat a good bit of halo ice cream though, lol.

[close]

@Sleazy "reframe how I deal with being tired" I like that outlook. Gonna use that. Definitely been on the ice cream kick lately as well. Usually a Snickers ice cream bar. This way I don't eat an entire pint of talenti haha. Appreciate ya reaching out.

@ratking if you haven’t checked out halo you should give it a go. Tasty low cal ice cream.

Reframing for me is just enjoying being bored. I have a drink fridge stocked with fun drinks and I just started doing filtered water in glass bottles like they give at cool restaurants which is surprisingly enjoyable and refreshing. Mexican cokes go hard when I’m tired. Soda water is great for a fizzy fix.

[Benicio El Toro]

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props to everyone putting in the work

@ratking i used to wake up pissed at my night time self everyday. i was able to figure out how to make my night time self and morning self to be on the same team. the anxiety i get about having an off day because of alcohol wins every time for me now. best of luck to you.

@Maccat super relatable and thanks for sharing. there was a thread on here about quitting smoking weed and i ended up getting started as a result of it. it got overwhelming for me. it was making me antisocial and grouchy and a bit schizophrenic which i think is what paranoia turns into after years of use. i found myself not wanting to do most things without being buzzed. if my wife and i were going see a movie i'd want to get a hit before going in, going on a hike, etc. it was also really awkward around my kids and fortunately i quit when they were really young. no regrets for me probably 15 years later. good luck with it.

[close]

@Sleazy Thanks for the words of encouragement. Just saw this, wish I saw it yesterday. Made it a month and went to skate yesterday but I was drained from 60 hours work weeks the past three weeks. It's not the hours it's how fucked my body is at the end of Saturday. Seems like when I'm too tired for anything else I just say fuck it and have some beers. Here I am waking up late for another week but at least I'm aware of what my downfalls are and I'm gonna keep trying. Next time I'm too tired for skate I'll just come here.

[close]

@ratking there's so much value in a lesson learned so you still win.

it took me ages to reframe how i deal with being tired. now instead of feeling board and restless when i'm just lampin it feels like relaxing. i do eat a good bit of halo ice cream though, lol.

[close]

@Sleazy "reframe how I deal with being tired" I like that outlook. Gonna use that. Definitely been on the ice cream kick lately as well. Usually a Snickers ice cream bar. This way I don't eat an entire pint of talenti haha. Appreciate ya reaching out.

[close]

@ratking if you haven’t checked out halo you should give it a go. Tasty low cal ice cream.

Reframing for me is just enjoying being bored. I have a drink fridge stocked with fun drinks and I just started doing filtered water in glass bottles like they give at cool restaurants which is surprisingly enjoyable and refreshing. Mexican cokes go hard when I’m tired. Soda water is great for a fizzy fix.

@sleazy Mos def gonna check out halo. Idk how it stayed off my radar. Soda water might be my most consumed beverage. La Croix has a peach strawberry that's wonderful. Otherwise I usually just go with Aldi brand. Wish I could only drink Mexican coke and have zero reprocussion. Picked up a fiesta (12 different flavor 12 pack if I'm not mistaken) pack of jarritos last week for when it's too late for the caffeine from Coke. Highly recommend

[Scarecrow Radio]

Back on the California Sober wagon. About a month ago I started drinking beer again 3-4 times a week. After getting semi-drunk I few times I realize the ship has sailed as far as having a fun time with a belly full of brew. I was feeling like shit and putting on weight so I axed the habit once again and have been sober since Saturday. It's really not hard for me to avoid alcohol, so you won't hear any 'wish me luck's from me, I got this under control. My relationship with Mary Jane on the other hand is a long turbulent love affair with no end in sight

[rawbertson.]

had to get my appendix removed last week and it sucked so bad. need to start taking better care of myself.

day 8 no pile out. havent had any drinks since the surgery. i am definitely going until the end of Sept and lets see if we can keep it going beyond that.

[HeavyAndExpensive]

I've been alcohol free for a year and half. I have absolutely not cravings, though I do miss the socializing part. Weddings are absolutely terrible. "You don't need to drink to have fun", yeah I don't in general, but I damn sure have to at a wedding. I disagree with the sentiment that you have to find things inherently fun without alcohol. I'm beginning to wonder how much I drank out of boredom.

[rawbertson.]

for me i dont really even hang out with anyone that drinks anymore. i dont feel like i am really missing out on anything.  i was jsut doing it because i was bored.

[Sleazy]

had to get my appendix removed last week and it sucked so bad. need to start taking better care of myself.

day 8 no pile out. havent had any drinks since the surgery. i am definitely going until the end of Sept and lets see if we can keep it going beyond that.

hell yeah @rawbertson.

i'm not sure how old you are but it took me probably 9 months to get my energy levels back to where my skating sessions were more good than bad. years of drinking really wore me down.

i've shared this before but this is me doing a dry 30, trying to moderate drinking, then quiting. you can see that my sleep was shit when i was moderating and i found it was harder than just drinking and you didn't really get the benifits of quiting.

for me i dont really even hang out with anyone that drinks anymore. i dont feel like i am really missing out on anything.  i was jsut doing it because i was bored.

embracing bordum was probably the hardest transition for me and i've finally gotten it to a point where being bored is relaxing now. i know that i need to rest each day and now i just chill and watch tv or a movie or play a video game. picked up doom dark ages and been playing it with my son. i walk the shit out my dogs and eat a lot of fruit and halo ice cream.

[rawbertson.]

that is very helpful information, thank you sir. so it is really important to maintain the non pile out.

i think i have enough stuff to keep me busy and also i have found myself content just looking at trees and stuff. just taking shitloads of photos on my phone. i cant wait to get back to skating again, i probably need another week off.

all my dreams are coming back now, its really scary. i havent been dreaming hardly at all for a long time. i am actually seeming to sleep really well other than that somehow. i have been sleeping terribly for a long time.

[rawbertson.]

Still don't even feel like drinking so that is good. Have thought about it a few times but my body is just like "nah" even though I am feeling pretty close to 100%. I don't want to take skating for granted, it sucks to have to miss it for 2 weeks.

When I was about to go into surgery, there was this dude 18 years old in front of me talking to the surgeon. He had to ask him how much he drinks and does drugs because it could affect the anesthetic, and he said 10-20 beers a day! I was like wtf!! I mean I have done that before, but never regularly to that amount. Apparently homey was in there because he wrecked on a dirt bike. His knee cap was in pieces apparently. The surgeon said he would need to put pins, screws, and a metal plate to replace his knee cap, which would all need to come out in like 1 year. Besides the metal plate. And he said over time that will start to irritate your skin and then they might have to change it again or something. He had broken his ankle 2 years before that apparently. I just couldnt imagine handling that kind of gnarly injury at 18 years old, whole life ahead of you. Apparently was hoping to play football in University as well.

[Sleazy]

Still don't even feel like drinking so that is good. Have thought about it a few times but my body is just like "nah" even though I am feeling pretty close to 100%. I don't want to take skating for granted, it sucks to have to miss it for 2 weeks.

you've always struck me as a guy who crushes things you focus on. for me sobriety feels like the best cheat code as you age. i've also had a mindset shift where now it's not tempting to me at all in the same way coke isn't tempting. been there, done that, get it but not trying to stay up all night talking to strangers. alcohol is like that for me. not trying to fuck up my sleep for the next week and have a shit skate session just so i can be less bored watching tv and pass out.

[Benicio El Toro]

I've reminded myself a few times to embrace the boredom so thanks again for that.
Had two ambers and a shot of tequila at some random Mexican spot in Billings on Labor Day. I'd "given up" after destroying my leg skating in Missoula and wasn't even enjoying the beverages so I stopped. At that point my skating and sobriety were symbiotic but I can't rely on skating as a reason for sobriety rn. Day 12(?) no booze ...or skating:/ It's worth it just for the better sleep, it really lets the creative juices flow too. My mindset has definitely shifted here lately in regards toward alcohol. Back to a place I've been before, like it's not on my mind or if I see people having a few it doesn't even cross my mind. Anyway. All things considered im feeling really good. Still haven't tried Halo. I need to so I stay away from the sugar bread.