17 Days. I’m Being Tested But I’m NOT Drinking!

Recovery
#1

My teenager has been raking me over the coals lately. She’s a wonderful kid, but just questioning rules a lot. I’m so tired of explaining the why and I’m not a “because I said so” parent. I will always explain where I am coming from. I also found out today that my oldest dog has cancer. We won’t know how bad it is until next week, but I am a mess. She is the BEST dog I’ve ever owned. Truly my spirit animal. We lost her sister in November and I can’t even believe we may have to face this again so soon.

But I am not drinking. I don’t want to. I know it will make all of this worse. It’s hard to feel all of this, but I am and I’m really proud that I didn’t pick up a bottle of wine tonight!

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#2

Stay the course Lola and congratulations on making 17 days. Teenagers are tough, but she needs your support even if she won’t let you know.
Very sorry for the news you got about your dog. :two_hearts:

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#3

You’re doing great! Truth is…all of life is a test. Learning to live life on life’s terms without alcohol/drugs is exactly what recovery is all about. As we progress in our recovery, it’s important to find tools to learn how to remain “somewhat” peaceful thru all of it, so that we don’t feel the need to “escape” and medicate thru it. I suggest you get involved in a daily recovery program which will give you the tools, and keep you mindful of positive alternatives to drinking/drugging your way thru life. Just as important, getting involved in a recovery program will connect you with a support group that will allow you to give and receive support throughout life

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#4

Our Children will continue to test Us… I slipped up and shouldn’t been drinking and neither should my daughter and she was addicted to pills, but allowed herself to drink myself being an alcoholic at my other daughter‘s wedding she plays a beer in front of me. I was like no you can’t have this, so this is how trying our kids can be and she was in her 30s pills were her drug of choice, so I hope she’s doing well somewhere out in the world. I’ve started over in recovery, but no matter what our kids are going to challenge us. You are the parent and stay strong.!!!

#5

I never responded well to just being told what to do without being told the "why".

Understanding the mechanism behind things really helps a lot of people with regards to "rules".

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#6

That’s a long time without a drink. Keep it going! Just for today!

#7

From toddlers to teenagers they are engrained to test boundaries. Its so hard. They definitely learn how to wear you down too. I wish i had the best advice. I know consistency is key. Maybe some special one on one time. I know when drinking i didnt pay attention enough to things. If theres been a shift because of your sobriety it could be also causing shift in change by default between you and your teen. Definitely the best reason to stay sober.

Im sorry about your pups . That is tough. The depression and sadness of course would be worse with drinking. Self care and self love will help. Maybe doing a craft or planting something in your dogs memory will give you some way to release som of the pain.