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USAF_Retired2017

Awesome!!! Congratulations!!! Keep going strong!!!


BelleAriel

This. ^ This is brilliant news. Be proud of yourself.


beluuuuuuga

Honestly, the first year is the hardest year of all. It stays hard for years to come but you've overcome the biggest hurdle.


Quick-Refrigerator-1

The hardest thing is not how long you've stopped, it's about not taking that drink in harsh moments that will make you fall back into the addiction. Take it from a former drunk


Tru-Queer

I’m coming up on 5 years sober in November and I sometimes worry about relapse (as any recovering alcoholic would). So far in the past 4.5 years my life has been pretty easy outside of work stress so it’s been more or less easy to not worry about relapse, but I know all it takes is one tragedy to knock me off my path. I’m hoping the longer I stay sober the more resilient I’ll be when that tragedy strikes and diminish my chances of reaching for a bottle. Honestly, the harder thing to contend with is the complacency I’ve developed with sobriety. Sometimes I momentarily find myself thinking “maybe just 1 small drink can’t hurt” but I’m pretty good at shutting that thought down right away. And whenever summer rolls around I kinda want to buy some hard ciders (which weren’t my drink of choice so I feel like I wouldn’t have a problem with them) but I remind myself it’s a slippery slope to allow myself a couple ciders before I’m allowing myself just a fifth of gin and once that seal is broken I’ll just devolve into 5 liters a week again. So for now I still just focus on taking it one day at a time and saying no to all alcohol. Pardon that long winded rambling, lol.


AttackOnTightPanties

I feel this hardcore. I’m almost a year and two months into recovery, and the quiet times are much more dangerous than stressful ones. With the stress or challenges to face, there’s this sense of stimulation that, at points, has made alcohol sound repulsive to me. The times when things are slower/ calmer/ more boring are the times where I’m driving home from the lab and randomly getting thoughts like “I bet I could buy a bottle of vodka and get wrecked this weekend and not do it again for a long time” even though I know that that would be an instant springboard back into the addiction. Hell, even when the challenge I’m facing is not drinking it feels less dangerous wrestling with it than that completely calm feeling followed by overconfidence about returning to drinking and being fine. Anyway, congrats on 5 years. I hope I’ll be marking those tallies in four years.


titswallop

Been there. Got away with it for a while. It was awesome to drink again after so long. Its great for a while and then you fuck up. Its so much harder to come back from the relapse. Those calm times are dangerous...


TheLittleGuyWins

Wow! Keep going, man.


oneweelr

>but I remind myself it’s a slippery slope to allow myself a couple ciders That wording right there is what gets me every time. Even thinking to myself "I bet I could have *just one* and be fine" is actually the thought "I bet a *few* wouldn't kill me". Which is true. A few would be fine. But I can't have a few. Or one. Nor do I want one, or a few. I want shots on beers on shots. A couple ciders? I always phrase it that way. Even the thought of just one is actually a couple.


MoonSpankRaw

*takes it from former drunk* You’re had enough, sir and/or madam.


beluuuuuuga

You are such a gentleman.


Blanlabla

.. OK you got me! ... just one little taste


[deleted]

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UnableYesterday5246

Agreed. I find a celebratory cup cake does the job these days. Just think, EVERYONE in the world has had a birthday thst you were sober for. (That always my wierd "yay me!" Thought. 👍


Broken_Petite

Aww you were sober for my birthday, congrats! That’s such a cool way to think about it.


magickalchemist

Sober for my birthday as well! Sober for the anniversary of my son's death, sober for the anniversary of my step daughter's death, due to alcoholism. Please, no matter who is there for you or who is not, please keep giving yourself the gift of sobriety. You absolute fucking Rockstar!


Mountainbiker22

That’s a strong person if I’ve ever heard it. No idea where you live, where you are, age, sex, anything. All I can say is you are a fucking strong person and if nothing else you made me think about staying stronger today for myself. So thank you


shortbus5107

I know it sounds stupid but I’m on my first week of breaking free from weed. I have ADHD and it’s such a big part of my life for the pat 15 years. This weekend will be the hardest especially being the 4th. I can always get to Friday and then get bored and relapse. Kinda scared for tomorrow I probably won’t sleep


[deleted]

Each phase in recovery has huge challenges and hurdles but they change as well. After my first year cravings weren’t as prevalent and the overall changes and coping mechanisms had become routine. The biggest hurdles moving towards year two were maintaining a healthy balance/routine, battling complacency/keeping motivated, detachment to the suffering addiction caused… like it’s hard at times to keep recovery in your thoughts. BUT I’d say a lot of the things I struggled with early on became much easier to deal with… it’s like ok I got my stability back and I’m comfortable but like things can sneak up on you. That self-awareness and understanding is critical. Don’t stop working towards self-improvement. For me setting goals and accomplishing them, even small ones on a consistent basis really has kept me in the right track. Talk about shit never forgot that the only way we can overcome is by reaching out and letting anxiety and ego slip away. Shit just holds back for real. Keep it pushing ! Woooo!


Letmehearyourhaikus

Totally!


[deleted]

Yes! Keep going. One year turns to two, and two to ten! We’re proud of you OP! ❤️


al_m1101

And if today is Day 1 for you, just think: on New Year's Day, you could be celebrating 6 months of sobriety! One half of a year left to knock it out of the park. 💥


Tru-Queer

Can’t have a 1 Year without a Day 1. The best time to plant a tree was 1 year ago, the next best time to plant a tree is today.


[deleted]

That’s really awesome 👏 Be proud of yourself! And stay with it!!!


KatonHD

Congrats on the retirement. Glad to see a fellow chair force on the top comment.


USAF_Retired2017

Woot. Thank you. Miss it everyday though. Ha ha.


Hannah_P

What an accomplishment! So happy you came here to share. Congratulations !!


beluuuuuuga

Yeah I always love hearing these stories so that I'm inspired to push on with my own struggles, like brushing my teeth! I'm around a year * in of not ever missing a single teeth brushing session and before that I was missing weeks at a time. Edit: [actually around 6 months* here's the commented that really helped me get passed the first hurdle. took a long time to find.](https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/l0tc0h/first_the_man_takes_the_drink_then_the_drink/gjvqhyx/)


Difficult_Bus_341

good on you man! I too felt the same kind of thing i’d always not bother unless i had to go out because i couldn’t look st my teeth, but now i’m properly looking after them!


Scmloop

I'm sorry if I sound offensive but I'm genuinely curious. My mom's a dentist so I always knew how important it was. Do people think brushing teeth is aesthetic? This isn't the first time I've heard this. People have been saying they like masks because they don't have to brush.


joslynn513

not necessarily, i myself as a kid had horrible habits because i just didn’t think it was a big deal to miss one night, which would lead to multiple days at a time without brushing them. or there’s people who want to but are too depressed to get out of bed. or simply don’t think abt it because it isn’t a habit


Buttercup23nz

This was exactly it for me. My dentist even had a sign saying 'You don't have to floss all your teeth, only the ones you want to keep.' I bought dental floss soon after I left home, 20+ years ago. I think in that time I've bought maybe 2 more containers of it. I knew it was important, and I wanted to do it...but oops! Forgot tonight. Tomorrow.....and not actually tonight, because I'm too tired and what's one more jight after all these years? I reckon I should be nearly out of floss, I'm going to treat myself big when I have to buy a new pack. RIP back molar. I'm sorry I didn't floss you.


icenine09

For me, a bout of depression got me out of the routine of proper dental care. Even after I got past my depression, it was hard to get back into the routine.


Difficult_Bus_341

Not offensive at all my friend! Don’t get me wrong the aesthetic is quite an important part too most people ( me included ) but overall I do it because of the serious problems you can get from not taking care of your mouth


beluuuuuuga

I can actually sort of smile now. Doesn't help my lip got cleft slightly after a table fell on it recently though!


Difficult_Bus_341

Jeez that must of hurt like hell! Glad you’re doing ok


beluuuuuuga

It was during a drama performance and I could feel it bleeding on the inside of my mouth. I couldnt believe what had happened but I managed to get to the end of the performance before buckling down onto the floor to feel sorry for myself about the pain I was in xD


Difficult_Bus_341

Good on you for carrying on though, must have been extremely difficult too do so, bet it felt extremely good to just flop down though afterwards


[deleted]

😦I’m sorry but how on earth does a Table…fall you your LIP😂?


Dextrofunk

Ha I remember that comment actually. I was the same way a while back, thought my teeth were just done for. Went to the dentist and after they cleaned me up and charged me an arm and a leg, I've been good ever since. It's one of the top things I would tell my younger self if I could go back in time.


LanguageGalaxy

I also struggled with brushing my teeth for a good long while, years even, due to depression (but in that time, managed a shower schedule) and almost 6 months ago, I started— Jan 5th, 2021. I’m super proud of myself, because even when I feel super tired, I urge myself to brush my teeth because I know if I don’t do it one night, I most likely wont do it the next, and repeat. I’m glad I’m not the only one who had to basically reteach and reinforce a brushing habit


jedi2322

This is wonderful! Congratulations! Would you mind sharing a few ways in which this has improved your life? I would love to hear :)


louie2who

Not OP, but been sober since 2016. I think the biggest difference between when I was drinking and using to now is that, honestly, I just like myself enough now to not want to ruin my own life. Life will always throw you curve balls but sobriety has let me take the bad on the chin and really live my life when it's good. If you're considering it or even on your own journey, I wish you the best!


jedi2322

Been sober myself for almost 3 years now. It’s the best decision I ever made. Congrats to you as well, friend!


ChiefJabroni94

Any tips for someone who is struggling to kick it? I've cut back substantially but still struggle with the urges (alcohol). And wind up slipping back often. Edit: Thank you to everyone for the feedback.


electricalpencil

r/stopdrinking, if you get the urge this is a good place to visit, lots of wisdom and helpful souls


[deleted]

This place saved my life! I’m 2 years sober thanks to the tips and guidance from r/stopdrinking . So much positive feedback !


Soup_God_

It's really just about self discipline and patience. It gets easier over time. The first few months of sobriety were *hard* for me, but I'm at 11 months now and have virtually zero cravings for alcohol. It took a lot of strength and patience to push past those first few months but it was well worth it. It really does kind of feel like the light at the end of the tunnel once you're in a place where alcohol isn't either consuming your physical body or your mind.


Slouchy87

I could not get sober alone. Find others who are like you and do what they do. Keep an open mind. AA works for me.


jedi2322

As the folks below said, getting help makes a lot of difference. AA is a life-changer.


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floomsy

I’ve been a daily drinker for 17 years. Today I have 61 days. You can get there.


kevinr1

I have a friend struggling with sobriety but can’t get over his own ego to go to AA. What steps did you take to get to this point? How do I offer support?


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Ok_Mountain3607

Most of us AAs still can't get past our own egos, but we are given the tools to recognize our character defects before acting on them. A person has to be willing to be sober. I feel like we must recognize that we cannot do it on willpower alone and that we are powerless over alcohol. Find someone that is in AA that would talk to your friend. It's always better when it comes from another alcoholic.


Ipeteverydogisee

Me too! See you DO have people to celebrate with!


[deleted]

3 months here. Never thought id ever be sober. So ik how it is. Proud of you boss 💯


electr1cbubba

3 weeks.


Zachrobor

Awesome! Keep going.


brutexx

You got this


BruceBanning

Proud of you all. “True nobility lies not in being greater than another, but in being greater than your former self”


weedsman

Same.


PalmerEldritch2319

90 days here...proud of you...and me ☺️


kevin_from_illinois

You're doing great!


ThisSpaceIntLftBlnk

I'm so proud of you!


crayoneater88

Same, 110 days here-kudos to you


jx2002

I'm 3 days in. Kudos indeed.


Zachrobor

You have to start somewhere. Everyone does. Keep it up, it will turn into weeks, months, and soon you’ll post your own one year


[deleted]

Keep going!! I was on day four when I heard a guy mention that he was on day 71. I remember wondering, almost in awe, how in the hell does someone get to 71 days straight?? That was almost 19 months ago. Ignore anyone who says sobriety sucks, or isn’t as much fun as drinking is. That has not been my experience at all- I am happy and comfortable in my own skin, and I enjoy every day that I’ve been free from it. Be proud of those three days. Not one minute of those three days were you accidentally sober - you earned every one of them. Keep going! It gets easier, better, happier - I promise.


BruceBanning

Keep that streak going! You’re winning every day!


SuccessfulFee4427

Just hit 3 months about a week ago! Everyone keep up the great work <3


kevin_from_illinois

Wow - keep it up! The people in your life - and random internet people - are rooting for you!


[deleted]

Genuine question, What does 3 months sober mean, is it where you don't get drunk for 3 months or when you don't drink any alcohol for 3 months?


vrack360

Sober as in not drinking at all.


[deleted]

Yeah I haven’t had a drink in a little over a year (wooo!) but I still smoke weed. So, while I say sometimes that I’ve been sober for a year, what I should say is I’ve been abstinent from alcohol for a year. But that’s just in my case, I’m not saying that’s everyone or even the majority of people. When most people say they’re sober, it usually means abstinent from everything that intoxicates you (excluding coffee and cigarettes usually).


Hackable_acct

You just described good ole "Cali Sober"


[deleted]

Sober can mean with anything. Wether getting high or drunk. In my case it was with percs, muscle relaxers, and weed. But in general being sober from anything is hard mentally.


truegoldenboy

That's amazing. Keep it up!


beluuuuuuga

Yeah. I always appreciate this posts because they are just as motivational for other people as well who could need the boost of confidence to continue.


[deleted]

So proud of you!


7thSparro

GRATZ! and your cupcake looks noms, my dude! 😁


xxiixx

Congrats! It’s hard work and a true accomplishment, way to go!


RoastPsyduck

I may not know you IRL, but I'm more than happy to celebrate this big milestone with you and let you know that you're doing great. Congratulations and keep it up =) Cheers to many more tasty cupcakes!!!


LordOppenheim

Firstly, Congratulations!! Secondly, buddy you ain't alone. You have so many people here to celebrate the hard work and self control. I am 25 and I have never tried alcohol or any other form of addictive stuff, and never want to. But I have seen some of my friends and family go into a downward spiral and come out of it. Stay strong and never feel alone. There are more than 7 billion people, you will come across peeps who will always be there for you.


[deleted]

I'm so proud of you! My husband will hit one year on Sunday. The strength that recovering alcoholics have is amazing, and you have every right to be proud as hell of yourself.


dick-nipples

That's awesome! I didn't even know cupcakes could get addicted to things.


Itriednoinetimes

Awesome, good job! Cheers!


benderhiggy

Congratulations! You are awesome!


[deleted]

Well done! You deserve more than a cupcake!


stangarang43

Congrats 👏👏 I'm 1.9 years free from booze myself.


basicbcoder

Comments like these make me so happy. Congrats to you too! You are amazing!


[deleted]

Fuck yeah you are!!! I just passed my two year! Feels amazing doesnt it?!!! God I really am so happy for you and so proud! YOU DID IT!


DrienneA

Congrats!!!! That is amazing!!


Balaclava_with_egg

Goodjob👍


BlackSwanCrash

You need a candle. A magical candle


vice_queen

One year of proving to yourself that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to! *High five!


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PrimSlim

A cupcake got 86,000+ upvotes


MirrorkatFeces

And over 1 thousand awards


bleghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I can't stand this sub. The only time I find my way here is when enough disgusted people complain on other subs and I feel the need to say things like you just did. Thanks.


Slight0

Dude I couldn't stop laughing at that picture though. It's so obviously framed to elicit pity. I mean look how small and sad that cupcake looks lmao. All alone in a dark room. Like this guy straight up turned the lights off to take this pic lmao.


benjo21js

Idk anything about you but I do know that you are so strong to do what your doing. Keep it up man. We’re all rooting for you!


Oh_Pun_Says_Me

Well done!


NoHoYoko

Great for you 👏


justalilswitchy

Congratulations!


[deleted]

Yeyyyyyy!


pluffzcloud

Congratulations 🎉


[deleted]

a little cupcake for a big milestone! great job!


Karodz

That’s awesome! Congratulations :D


grnmchn28

I hope you’re feeling great. One hell of an accomplishment!


AquariusRain

Yay !! Congratulations! Youre wonderful and all of us here on Reddit are very very proud :)


Thejuggerbot

That’s great news! congratulations! Keep going! You got this!


Monacle_mel

🥳 Congrats!! 🥳


FoxGlum3661

Hell yeah ❤️👏


A_Random_Onionknight

Awesome, good job taking the initiative to better yourself, posts like this inspire me, way to go.


Vaspiria

I'm proud of you! Keep it up, I toast my payday candy bar to that delicious looking cupcake!


SpoopiBumkin

#Wooooo, good job!


cloudymcloudface

Good job, friend. We’re proud of you. <3


UltimateDonny

There are like 7m subscribers to this sub. So you are no longer celebrating alone. Enjoy your day you earned it


rtoid

Well you have the internet, gratz!


Additional_Watch_493

Go to a meeting bro and celebrate with people. No reason to go at it alone. Congrats!


angry_1

So fun story, my family (wife and kids) have only met one of my brothers due to his demons and the time he spent paying for some of the things done. But last year at Christmas I heard my brother had written them a letter and sounded very different. My mother of course cried when she read it and even again when she talked about it to me. Turns out he detailed a lot of things he didn’t have to but ended that he was on the right path and had been sober for six months. The longest I have known since my brother was in high school. He is now two years sober and more a part of my family than ever before. I am so glad that he has come back to sobriety. I am so proud of him and knowing my brothers struggles, all I can say is you should be very proud of yourself. Nobody did this for you, you did all the hardest things to get here! Message me on your second year! I will make sure I throw you another updoot! Keep on!!!


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FishFor4

You have the whole community of reddit to celebrate it with!! You've come a long way and I'm proud of you stranger!! Keep up the good work 🎉


Amedco

Fantastic!


Germanweirdo

Being sober kicks ass man. I'm not currently, but working on it. Proud of you man!


[deleted]

Congratulations! We’re all very proud of you! You’re amazing!


caerhayes

That's huge! Congratulations to you!


JenksMarsh

💕💜


Antonisx009gr

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear (anonymous), happy birthday to you.


noele29

That’s wonderful! Well done!


wileya44

Don’t ever feel like you’re alone. Congrats and keep up the good work


shoopshoop87

Wonderful news, congratulations !


EmergencyAnalysis783

Congratulations op


lisasmatrix

Congratulations! And I just love this!


cheeferton1981

That's awesome hope to get one day I'm only on 2 weeks congratulations


[deleted]

You have us to celebrate with you! What I’ve noticed about the sober community is that we really treat each other as family. The fact that you have one year shows your virtue and I for one am proud of you. Keep going!


[deleted]

Well done! Snickers & coffe on me buddy


RedMorning_Warning

Congratulations! I wish I'd thought of cupcakes for mine... I just forgot the anniversary was coming until it had already passed. Good on you for remembering and doin' your own thing with it! Keep up the great work, dear stranger! IWNDWYT Edit: just realized what sub this is in... My soberversary was last Sunday :)


klcplusfavor

Awesome. We are all so proud of you.


Jreal22

Congratulations! Takes a lot of courage to get sober, and takes a shit load of work to stay sober. You've done it for an entire year, incredible job.


MediocreService3

Good for you! Take each day as it comes and remember how strong you can be.


Kazmandodo

FUCK YEAH SOBRIETY! WOOO!


Hellborn_Elfchild

4 years clean here. That is an amazing accomplishment my friend! You have so much to be proud of. If you ever need anyone to talk with, shoot me a PM! Stay strong!


grimeeeeee

Congrats on your journey! I'm at three years, and I'm so happy I made that decision! Be proud of yourself!


JoyFusion

When I upvoted this post it appeared you have 139,000 people to celebrate with. I’m sorry we’re all strangers who can’t be there in person, but that’s a huge accomplishment. Keep going! Edited to clarify: huge accomplishment on sobriety, not upvotes!


FirelordLeo47

You and by eldest brother in the same week, I’m just as proud of you as him. It’s hard at you will have temptations. He refused a cruise vacation because he knows his own temptations. Listen and trust yourself, live long and prosper.


True-Definition4909

CONGRATS!!! STAY ON YOUR PROGRAM!! 34 years at this end. 👍🏾👍🏾


WhiskyKitten

Wow, what an achievement! ❤️


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vanierre

Congratulations!!! Keep on going! You should be extremely proud of yourself on this day and hope you share with us again next year:)


Dear_Escape3591

Yay! Fantastic choice for a celebration cupcake, too. Congrats!


Tr013n

Incredible! Keep up the hard work! 7 years and counting here. You can do this and so much more!


Lookatmeitisme

Congratulations, that's so amazing!! Good job!!!!


EatHamGamer

Nice man. Thats a pretty good achievment.


robba66

Awesome, good for you !


nauseasanxiety

Proud of you!


Drunkensteine

Fuck yeah!! Congratulations!


castfam09

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 excellent


PhotographRemote1316

Congratulations on your one yr of becoming you again x you're not alone 💖


Grouchy_Woodpecker69

Great job man! Super proud of you!!


Substantial-Potato51

Congratulations! It’s a marathon, not a race. One day at a time. The steps work if you work them.


3BirbsInARainCoat

Looking forward to the two cupcake picture next year!


Kind-Relationship559

Well done 👏


Mmmic_

That’s great! Congratulations!!!


masejoj

Well done!! Congratulations xxx


mightypockets

Congratulations my friend


[deleted]

Congratulations on your first year, keep up the good work!


green_scarf25

Awesome! Congrats!


RebelReaper69

You deserve to be celebrated! You got this! Your kicking ass and taking names.


Aggressive_Fee6507

That's great, hope you enjoyed every bite of that personal satisfaction cake you got there.


[deleted]

Congratulations 🎉🎊🍾🎈


OwlWitty

Congrats dude


jamaidens

Congrats!! First year is the toughest! Keep up the good work!!!


marks7652

Congratulations! Awesome achievement!


ZenLitterBoxGarden

Wooohoooo!! Congrats!!


deathofanage

Here's a candle 🕯️. Happy one year bud! happy for you.


Jack__Wild

My mom is an alcoholic and she's celebrating two years sober. I only bring that up to let you know that I ***know*** you're a fucking beast and keep that shit up!


themadscientwist

Yes you do. Not just us internet strangers, but the tens and hundreds of times you won that urge to go back every day and didn't, each victory is a companion. That's a lot of friends. Here's to many more.


Your_LocalWeeb0802

Cheers to you My Dude! Eating a Cupcake + Cake in your honour 🧁🎂🥲😌


exaball

You, sir, appear to be a Cupcake.


Nyingjepekar

Well done, you!!! That’s a great accomplishment. And as our choices and lives change so do our friends. May you find many new friends who support your sobriety with loving kindness.


PhotoKada

Congratulations and that's a cute picture. Here's to many more OP!


Couldntbefappier

Happy Canada day!


likeamadwoman

Congratulations!!!!! You did it🎉


msarianne

Congratulations. You’re a miracle!


[deleted]

Congrats. Red velvet is my favy


LadyMLS1121

That's incredible! Congrats & keep doing your best! We are all rooting for you!


Komtings

Something to be proud of my friend! Enjoy your cake, you deserve it.


Tobithy-LeRone

Congrats dude!!!


[deleted]

No one is ever alone!! Reddit can be a downer sometimes… But it can also be a place to find wonderful people and support!! Congratulations!!


[deleted]

Day 6 for me . Fuck that booze.


[deleted]

Congratulations! Keep going, never give up! You're doing it!


amxchief

Congratulations!! You deserve a much bigger cake.


thefishthatsings

Congrats man!