Hi all! Any advice for someone new to sobriety? I have been saying I was going to quit drinking for so long, but I guess I never felt the urgency bc there have been no severe consequences behind my drinking. I know that it's a problem because I want to drink everyday and not just socially. I want to be healthier and lose weight, be here for my kids. I'm really hoping being on this app will help. TIA!
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Welcome, I'm glad you're here. For me, I had to experience all the pain and consequences of my drinking in order to finally want to do something about it. I had to learn that just because I didn't drink every day, didn't mean that I'm not an alcoholic. I had to learn that I am mentally and physically different from the average or temperate drinker. Once I put alcohol into my body, the phenomenon (still can't be explained by science) of craving is introduced and my body demands MORE. Once I start, I can't and don't want to stop. I had a mental obsession where I thought about drinking all the time. Once I accepted that I was an alcoholic, I was willing to begin to follow the suggestions of people who had been sober for a long time. The key to my sobriety was AA, and getting a sponsor, a home group, and working the steps with my sponsor. Over 2 years into my journey now, and I walk a free man. I can go anywhere, and do anything, and the obsession to drink has been lifted. When they told me to pray, even though I didn't believe it would work, I did. I have met, and become friends with dozens of alcoholics who used to drink just like me. I got into the "center of the pack" and did what they did. It works, it truly does, and I continue to develop my relationship with my Higher Power which I choose to call God for lack of a better word.
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I recommend doing 90 for 90 that means 90 meetings in 90 days and when you're done with it if you take it seriously you will not want to miss a meeting in turn you stay sober it's an amazing goal to set and when you accomplish it it's gonna be a great self-esteem boost
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Thanks for sharing. I do believe I am an alcoholic. My father was one as well. His health when he was alive to a backseat to his drinking and I don't want to be the same. I tried during covid to find an AA meeting but everything was virtual in my city. I will try again now. Thanks so much
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I'm happy to hear that you are willing to give it a shot. I love zoom AA meetings, but the in person ones are much better in my experience. I would also suggest to find a woman who has what you want (preferably longer-term sobriety and someone who is talking about how she recovered from this disease) and ask her to be your sponsor. It was super awkward for me, almost like asking another man out on a date, but it was awkward for me because I wasn't comfortable in my own skin. I liked the suggestion of 90 meetings in 90 days also. I don't know of a single person who did the 90 in 90 who didn't achieve long-term sobriety. It sure kept me sober, and kept me accountable for my actions and behavior. They told me to go to meetings until I wanted to go to meetings, and to not leave until the miracle happened. It absolutely did for me, and I am extremely grateful to AA, and to the people who are still there trying to selflessly help others. I can't imagine going back to drinking at this point, but it wasn't always the case. It was difficult early on, but as time went on everything (including life in general) just got easier. I have experienced a complete physchic change, and I am a proud, contributing member of society once again. I had a progressive, fatal illness that would have killed me if I had continued with my drinking. It always gets worse, never better, and it's a downward spiral of depression, anxiety, and self-loathing that I pray I never go back to.
That may seem like a lot to take in, but the only thing that I have to do is not drink between now and the time I go to bed. I got overwhelmed with all of the what-ifs, and I couldn't imagine a life without drinking. I don't look at it that way anymore, now it is simply a matter of trusting God, cleaning house, and helping others. I have an amazing relationship with my family, friends, and my children nowadays that I didn't have while I was drinking. I loved my kids, but at the end of the day I always chose alcohol over them.
If you follow the suggestions of the people in AA, then you'll be just fine! Best of luck to you!!
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Welcome ODAAT!
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Quit …lost 30lbs….never felt better
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I am looking for friends
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I like that I’m definitely going to try that asap 90 for 90 
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Yes same here
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My suggestion to you is to look up Annie Grace … she is the ABSOLUTE best when it comes to helping people get sober! If you Google her name, you will see her books. I borrowed them both for free from the library! Or you can buy them on Amazon.
They’re called This Naked Mind & The Alcohol Experiment. She answers readers questions on YouTube for free. She also has a podcast. I downloaded her free app on my iPhone called This Naked Mind Companion app. It’s compassion led & she can help you forgive yourself & have grace. She tells you about the science & psychology. She also co-wrote about nicotine for anyone trying to quit smoking. She’s GREAT!!
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Hang on to your asscheeks. It's gonna be a bumpy ride at the start... But VERY worth it.
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I promise you it teaches us commitment and we get the help and support we need when we get started
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Stick around, ask a lot of tech questions, take advice and throw out the rest. Realize that relapse happens and don't get caught up in guilt and shame. Attend meetings online or in person if you need advice on isolation or triggers if you need advice.
Sober activities be sure to ask
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D best advice is to do your great daily gratitudes. It's a great way to fight depression. Think about what you're going to accomplish that day and set out with intent and purpose
Great message. Their is a lot of truth