Day 17. I’m hurting. I’ve gone to my meetings. One a day since starting. I just want to crawl in bed and not leave. When does the wonderful magic of sobriety kick in. This is miserable.
Thanks so much for posting this Lisa. A big thing that we struggle with in recovery as patience and expectations. I think that word “magic“ is thrown around a little too loosely in the rooms. I think a better word might be “relief.” Relief can look a little bit different for everyone, and there’s a lot of different ways to get there. Step work, spiritual practice, mending relationships, all these things start to provide relief. The one thing that cannot be expedited, propped up, or faked is time. Time sober. Time and distance away from your disease. Be patient yes, but while you’re being patient put in the work. Feel free to direct message me if you have any specific questions, and congrats on 17 days .
Thank you.
Getting a sponsor helped me SO much to not feel like I was just white knuckling it. And then also I started doing a gratitude list each night of 3-5 things in my day I was grateful for (even super small things) to try to turn my mindset around. It’s not easy but give yourself credit for getting this far! That’s awesome!!
I’ve been raising my hand to ask and I’ve gotten one number but she has to many sponsees. So I’m just floundering.
Force yourself to get out the bed like I did and do things. Even if you have no money there’s things you can enjoy for free. I just recently had surgery yesterday night, lost my job, but I’m still optimistic and still am better off without my old life
I was in the exact same place until I got a sponsor and started working the steps. Sounds like you are in a good place to try just about anything…. Why not try what millions of other people have done to get sober.
Find more meetings. More friends occur
I have been going to meetings. Asking for help but so far to no avail. I have no idea what to do first.
Congrats on Day 17!! While it may be a struggle, it’s got to better than the hopelessness of being stuck in active alcoholism. A few things that helped me thru early sobriety were “fake it till you make it”, and to do the exact opposite of what my brain was telling me to do. I acted as if I was enjoying getting sober. When my brain said it’s ok to miss a meeting because you’re tired, I got up and went to the meeting. When my brain said it’s ok to skip work today, I got up and went to work. I don’t remember how long this lasted, but I’m celebrating one year this Saturday! You can do it too
Find the friendliest FEMALE face you can find at the next meeting that has more than a year sober. Now the hard part… ask her to talk for a few minutes after the meeting. Be honest and tell her how you are feeling. If she blows you off, find another and repeat. Keep repeating until you find someone to take you through the steps. Not easy, but so worth it. You can do this.
I’m sorry to hear that but it sounds like you’re doing the right thing! I started going to women’s meetings in my area and had a lot more options at those
Unfortunately sobriety isn't a magic thing- it requires time and effort. There is a reason a common AA phrase is "doing the work".
You're off to a great start, take the advice of others who've replied so far- you can get there. One of my mentors with 25 years under his belt pointed out he was on day 17 once. It's a process we all have to take.
I feel like saying “I’m Lisa alcoholic. 17 days and chronic crier” lol it’s just bananas
Hey Lisa! I can temp. if you want till you find someone in your area. I'm in Northern California. But we could totally make it work via face time and calls
Relief! That’s so accurate!
I cried and cried until I couldn’t cry anymore. I thought I would never feel like myself again. it was such a scary thought. I promise you there is light at The end of this horrific tunnel, I can proudly say I am 2 years sober and feel amazing!!! Hang in there.
I cried all the time for the first 3+ months. You’re FEELING things!
Congratulations on day 17 it will come
Lisa, I promise that if you keep going, you will see the difference. One day at a time is all we have.