My 27 year old daughter was living with me for the last 18 months and she moved out last weekend. The loneliness is settling in. I didn’t realize how much I was depending on her for my social/ companionship needs during the last 18 months. I know I need to make connections with others but never have been able to without alcohol as a social lubricant. I feel myself slipping…I am single, had to remove any “friends” that I had prior to getting sober, and live alone now. Sh*t.
Meetings can be a great way to socialize. They are about having a social group working on the same goals as they are about working a program. Congrats on 14:months. Stick with it positive change takes time to find our new normal.
You’ve come a long way Andrea. You got this, you can find like minded people it will just take effort.
I agree. Meetings have been uncomfortable for me but I gotta do something
I only have 69 days sobriety, but get the way you feel. I had to leave a four year relationship because my ex-girlfriend won’t stop drinking. I’m also having to leave other relationships, places and things that I associate with drinking. However, I been trying to fill the void with new sober friends and positive and healthy activities, and it really helps.
Absolutely get to meetings. Check out women's AA meetings. They will really look out for you there.
You are right Ty
You’ll b ok I live alone too but have any kids BUT I do have two amazing dogs tht r my kids and they r very loving and they are my companions they look forward to me coming home as I look forward to coming home to them so maybe u should get a dog or a cat if u like Animals tht is and they can b ur emotional support animal therefore u can have them n ur apt if u live n one and the land lord can’t charge or say anything to u:blush:
Just don't lower your standards for simple companionship. We all do this sometimes. Make strong, new friendships.
Andrea, I can only tell you what worked for me about the loneliness. The first 2 years of my sobriety I was constantly going to meetings. Meeting new friends in the sober world. I sat down and made a list of things I still wanted to experience sober. I got the trust of my family back so I was fortunate enough to be a part of them again which keeps me occupied. I knew I had to keep my mind and self preoccupied. It wasn't easy but it works for me. And at the end of the day I actually appreciate the alone time.
It sounds like you need to get out of your own head. You should try doing some volunteering In the program.
If you're not going to AA meetings already you should start.
Figure out what you like to do and start getting involved in those areas. You will meet like minded people.
You could try taking some classes or start a new hobby.
Have you tried Meetup.com? There may be groups in your area that gather to do hobbies together. I found hiking to be a good activity. Moving silences my social anxiety while making new friends.
Completely understand how you are feeling, Andrea. I have 16 months sober and feeling the same way. I’m pretty much an empty nester, even though my son has one more year left of high school. He has a busy life. I’m feeling the best emotionally and physically that I have in years. Wanting to possibly “date,” and hopeful that it will happen when the time is right. Meanwhile, I do spend time with some my sober peers. I use to live in Goodyear. Miss the Phoenix area. Good luck!
Please feel free to reach out if you need to chat. Getting sober can be a lonely journey but you’re not alone.
How did you meet your sober peers? Meetings? It’s so hard for me to walk in there by myself
Thank you
I have been looking at Meetup and The Phoenix for months now but just haven’t been able to get the courage to go. I think this post and everyone’s support may be just what I needed to pull the trigger
Pain is the touchstone of progress. We don’t think our way into changing our lives, but change in our lives leads us to knew ways of thinking. Let it be a lesson. You can either learn from it or teach it to others!
When you’re right you’re right. Alcoholics are obsessed with the thought of drinking when we first arrive then we learn that means we’re have been self centered so long we don’t know any alternative way of living. But we accept our imperfections.
I’m only 47days sober and I feel comfortable around it at the moment. I’m assuming you want to only be around people who aren’t drinking? If that’s the case then those meetings are where it’s at, but it significantly reduces your options. I didn’t want to do that, so I’m working on being able to be comfortable around my friends drinking. I don’t want new friends and I don’t want them to change what they do bc I’m not partaking…