2.5 years sober and I keep thinking about letting loose

Struggling Help
#1

2.5 years sober and I keep thinking about letting loose and drinking again. I miss having fun with friends.

8 Likes
#2

It’ll be ok. Loneliness can be part of the healing journey. I m struggling too

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#3

I’m curious, Kimberly, why you won’t have fun with friends? I’m just at 15 months sober but love going out with friends to concerts at bars and other venues. They can drink all they want. I’m happy to be with the friends sipping on water. I think the isolation can be triggering. I’ve found that after a couple of hours with the drinkers I’m so glad to have a clear head!

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#4

It sounds to me like you are romanticizing the good times. Play the tape through. Why did you get sober in the first place?

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#5

It's much to do with the company you keep. If you find the right friends, you won't feel like you need to drink to fit in or to enjoy yourself. Congrats on 2.5 years! Keep it going!

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#6

I think for me personally, I have a hard time feeling comfortable and confident still with a lifetime of substance use to get there. I do enjoy going out with friends but not to the level of experiencing complete freedom from the worries that come up in my mind.

#7

The company that I keep is the worry and analysis constantly happening in my own mind. I felt free of it while I drank. I have a hard time getting to that point when I’m sober. Even after multiple years of therapy and effort to build confidence.

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#9

Kimberly, congrats on the sober time. It takes time to learn how to let loose without some drinks. I had to practice this and not let it get me down. Once I did let loose and really start having fun and dancing etc., people thought I was drunk, but I wasn’t of course.
Be patient and know that you will be much better off sober!
Are you working the 12 steps w a sponsor?
This helps tremendously

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#10

Unfortunately we don't get to be normal. Accept this or don't.

#11

It will pass. We are not a glum lot.

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#12

Hi Kimberly Two and a half years is great!! What activities have you added to your life in the past few years to keep you busy? Acts of service are terrific and require that you show up sober.

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#13

Yes it’s a lonely road but it was also lonely when I was a drunk and drug addict . Isolation can be a real drag and very triggering. Just try and get through it. I feel like I have a challenging moment a couple times a week. I’m only 320 days into my recovery so I am also learning the sobriety life. Also, when you feel like that, use this app and reach out to people. This app is awesome . I realize that’s easier said than done. Hang in there, Friend. You got this

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#14

Play the tape through. A few moments of "fun" isn't worth throwing your sobriety out the door. You may have fun for a few hours but regret will be waiting for weeks, months, and even years to come.

What activities do you enjoy? What is something you have been wanting to learn?

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#15

We are not normal. We are unique. Because who wants to be normal?

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#16

If you miss it then do it sober you will have a blast :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

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#17

No worries, I feel ya.

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#18

Hi Linda! I’m a full time bachelors student. I have invited running, rock climbing and mountain biking into my life since being sober:)

#19

Thanks amigo, I appreciate the kind words

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#20

You'll learn other ways to have fun and realize it wasn't your altered state that made it fun!!!

#21

I wouldn't say "only" 320 days. In the early recovery progress stage thats getting significant because you are closing in on a year.