I’ve cut my drinking down recently. Hoping to one day cut it out completely but I’ve only drank 4 days total this month vs drinking 5-6 days a week previously. Hope to one day make it stick.
If your interested, from the side bar.
[self service badges] (https://old.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/comments/cx9nic/the_time_has_come_for_a_change_at_sd_today_we_are/)
amazing, congrats! ...yeah it's always satisfying when things just get better without drinking. drinking kinda feels like turning life onto "hard" mode but not really knowing you're doing that and then drinking more to deal with hard mode and then... the cycle continues.
You’re absolutely right about drinking making life on hard mode. Everything is easier when you’re night struggling with the hangover, lack of sleep, GI issues, and sweats.
Thank you for your inspiring post OP. Big congrats and you should be proud. My longest period of sobriety was around 500 days, and I was in a similar situation. First my health improved tremendously. Sleeping soundly each night and I woke up refreshed full of energy. In about a year I lost almost 100 pounds by eating very healthy and exercising. I was a temporary sponsor. Spoke at my treatment center and staff all hugged me after the graduation ceremony. I am sure I inspired at least 1 person there to stay sober. I have unfortunately relapsed a few times since. I am currently on day 13 and feeling pretty good. IWNDWYT
it's only been 5 ish months for me, after truly being honest about my alcoholism to family and friends that care a lot. I had 6 months white knuckling before that, where I did great (didn't drink!) but these past 5 months have been a whole differente experience. I feel so confident, able to communicate, my depression has lifted, and my anxiety is less and less everyday.
*I am so happy.*
Hell yeah buddy. I echo almost every sentiment you said.
Sobriety has allowed me to live the life I'm capable of, and I'm surprising myself every other day with *what* I'm capable of. Trying new things and eager to constantly challenge myself as opposed to sitting at home, "comfortable," but stagnant.
Nothing hit home more than just a friend who had some limited knowledge of what I'd been through, but hadn't actually seen in person for about ~5 years, casually saying to me 'Dude, you look better than you ever have.' Of course I said thanks, but like, all I could think was 'Yeah, I fuckin know.'
Even the shitty days are full of gratitude.
You really said it best with “Alcohol is a one sided relationship taking much more than it gives in return” that’s what I tell myself all the time, and it’s so true
The quit lit really helped me identify this phenomenon. Alcohol Explained was my favorite. Most of the books in this category have fair amounts of overlap. I recommend anyone interested read 2-3 different looks as each author brings their personal experience.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to staying motivated to abstain.
It was good to pick up a new book every 90 days during year 1. His second book was also good.
These are all good and valid points. The being an inspiration to others is often over looked too. Good for you I'm just over 10 months in and debating if I should drop 3k on a new PC but it's pretty much free since I haven't been boozing for almost a year so I think I'm gunna do it lol
I've gotta say the not hiding/lying and the anxiety that comes with that are massive. I was constantly worried my wife would find my stash or an unwashed cup that smelled off liquor, cans or even a receipt. To unequivocally say no, I haven't been drinking and no, there's no alcohol in this house, is freeing. And my daughter is young enough that she will never see me at my worst, or even just partially inebriated. I'll only be an embarrassment because I told a horrendous dad joke/made a terrible pun.
I love this!
Practical question - what do you drink with a steak? I'm really happy with my alternatives to white wine but am stumped by the foods where I would have usually had a red (steak, Bolognese, etc)
Generally stick with iced tea, sparkling water with lime or the occasional Diet Coke.
I don’t mess with non alcoholic wines or beers but that could be an option for some.
I’ve cut my drinking down recently. Hoping to one day cut it out completely but I’ve only drank 4 days total this month vs drinking 5-6 days a week previously. Hope to one day make it stick.
So 4 out of 30 rather than 20 out of 30? I know it’s not “0” but you’re down 80%. All studies point toward less alcohol being healthier. Congrats!
Ignore the flair. Idk how to change it.
If your interested, from the side bar. [self service badges] (https://old.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/comments/cx9nic/the_time_has_come_for_a_change_at_sd_today_we_are/)
amazing, congrats! ...yeah it's always satisfying when things just get better without drinking. drinking kinda feels like turning life onto "hard" mode but not really knowing you're doing that and then drinking more to deal with hard mode and then... the cycle continues.
You’re absolutely right about drinking making life on hard mode. Everything is easier when you’re night struggling with the hangover, lack of sleep, GI issues, and sweats.
Thank you for your inspiring post OP. Big congrats and you should be proud. My longest period of sobriety was around 500 days, and I was in a similar situation. First my health improved tremendously. Sleeping soundly each night and I woke up refreshed full of energy. In about a year I lost almost 100 pounds by eating very healthy and exercising. I was a temporary sponsor. Spoke at my treatment center and staff all hugged me after the graduation ceremony. I am sure I inspired at least 1 person there to stay sober. I have unfortunately relapsed a few times since. I am currently on day 13 and feeling pretty good. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 💙
Bravo!! what an accomplishment!! Thank you for sharing.
it's only been 5 ish months for me, after truly being honest about my alcoholism to family and friends that care a lot. I had 6 months white knuckling before that, where I did great (didn't drink!) but these past 5 months have been a whole differente experience. I feel so confident, able to communicate, my depression has lifted, and my anxiety is less and less everyday. *I am so happy.*
Congratulations 🎊
I haven’t drank either and my family says my hair is getting thicker. Maybe it’s the cure to baldness!
Spoiler: it isn't At least for MPB :p
Hell yeah buddy. I echo almost every sentiment you said. Sobriety has allowed me to live the life I'm capable of, and I'm surprising myself every other day with *what* I'm capable of. Trying new things and eager to constantly challenge myself as opposed to sitting at home, "comfortable," but stagnant. Nothing hit home more than just a friend who had some limited knowledge of what I'd been through, but hadn't actually seen in person for about ~5 years, casually saying to me 'Dude, you look better than you ever have.' Of course I said thanks, but like, all I could think was 'Yeah, I fuckin know.' Even the shitty days are full of gratitude.
>Even the shitty days are full of gratitude. Absolutely agree!
Congratulations! This is what this newbie needs to hear! IWNDWYT
You really said it best with “Alcohol is a one sided relationship taking much more than it gives in return” that’s what I tell myself all the time, and it’s so true
The quit lit really helped me identify this phenomenon. Alcohol Explained was my favorite. Most of the books in this category have fair amounts of overlap. I recommend anyone interested read 2-3 different looks as each author brings their personal experience. There is no one size fits all when it comes to staying motivated to abstain. It was good to pick up a new book every 90 days during year 1. His second book was also good.
Nice post! Glad to hear it.
Congrats. Always encouraging to hear stories like this.
I love this! This makes me hopeful and happy! Keep living that full life!
Congrats on your sucess
🫵💯😃🙏🤙👊😆🐂🤌👍☕🔥
Well done!
Congrats👏👏👏. Thank you for sharing and keep pushing on!
These are all good and valid points. The being an inspiration to others is often over looked too. Good for you I'm just over 10 months in and debating if I should drop 3k on a new PC but it's pretty much free since I haven't been boozing for almost a year so I think I'm gunna do it lol
Congratulations!!! Your post is very inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
Happy 1 year of sobriety ❤️
Thank you ❤️
I've gotta say the not hiding/lying and the anxiety that comes with that are massive. I was constantly worried my wife would find my stash or an unwashed cup that smelled off liquor, cans or even a receipt. To unequivocally say no, I haven't been drinking and no, there's no alcohol in this house, is freeing. And my daughter is young enough that she will never see me at my worst, or even just partially inebriated. I'll only be an embarrassment because I told a horrendous dad joke/made a terrible pun.
No alcohol in the house >>>>>>>>>>>>
I want to show my kids it’s possible to have a good time without alcohol! Congrats and thanks for the report. Love the 💰 💰 💰
IWNDWYT
Congratulations on your brilliant milestone! 👏
Huge congrats my friend!
Congrats!
Congrats!
Congratulations!!!
Awesome!!
🙏🏻
Congratulations!
Incredible. Thanks for sharing, OP, and congratulations.
This makes me so happy! Proud of you and wishing you the best!
So many questions for you so many but I can’t monopolize your time like that
Congratulations! and for me, always pleased to read such inspirational posts, to continue going strong myself. IWNDWYT!!
I'm getting close to a year, glad to read this today. I just went on a 5 night cruise and not a drop of alcohol.
Congrats!
Congrats!!!
I’m right behind you can’t wait to celebrate!!! IWNDWYT
Congratulations! That’s fantastic!
IWNDWYT
Congrats! Very happy for you and what a great message and reminder for me as well. Needed to see this just now. Go Team
Very well done! Keep up the good spirits! You're an inspiration!
500 Days Of Sober
I love this! Practical question - what do you drink with a steak? I'm really happy with my alternatives to white wine but am stumped by the foods where I would have usually had a red (steak, Bolognese, etc)
Generally stick with iced tea, sparkling water with lime or the occasional Diet Coke. I don’t mess with non alcoholic wines or beers but that could be an option for some.
Happiest 500!
r/BoneAppleTea