How did you stop?

Recovery
#1

Hey everyone!

I was on my 11th day of sober, which is the most I had gone without a drink since the beginning of the pandemic, and then I relapsed for 3 days :pleading_face: It was my b-day this week and although I didn’t feel an urge to drink, I still went and bought some beer and I did it again for the following 2 days. I regret so much, I was doing good and feeling better.

So how did you stop? Is there maybe an app that helped you? Hypnosis? AA meetings? I used to drink because of depression. Unhappy marriage, followed by a rough divorce. And for the past year I was drinking simply out of boredom. I left my family and friends behind when I moved away with my ex wife, and now I’m pretty much alone in a really small town and don’t know anybody.

If somebody drinks out of boredom as well, maybe we could connect together and talk so that we feel support from someone. I’m open to speaking with anybody so if you also need support, please feel free to contact me and we’ll try and do this together.

Much love, and wish you all a wonderful sober day :heart:

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#2

I tried everything. Eventually I went to detox and attended AA. That’s what helped me. It might work for you.

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#3

Good morning

Jo Couz I know it’s tough brother. I have been there. I had to change places and things. I had to understand that I was the most important person. That I did not put myself first the drink or the drug would be first.

Always

By doing that I was able to start forgiving myself for the things that I had did in the past. I worked the steps to heal from the brokenness that I have caused myself and loved ones.

Then, after finishing the steps, I started to sponsor guys and take them through the steps. And show them how a broken man like me can help another broken man be happy and free in life.

Without picking up a drink or a drug.

So please try to be vulnerable and get a sponsor that you can dump your deep dark secrets with and free yourself from the pain and misery.

We do recover



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#4

Thanks buddy, I appreciate your advice and thanks for sharing :blush:

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#5

I had four years sober and moved to Connecticut, and thought I was away from people, places and things, and I could drink normally - Found out I can’t and September 8, 2002 I stopped drinking And I’ve been in the program since. I had a chance to drink normally and it didn’t work - I don’t take that for granted, and plan to be sober for life.

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#6

My pleasure, brother

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#7

Hi! It definitely sucks and is the hardest when you very first stop drinking, especially with it being around your birthday! You should look into the Affect Therapeutics App. You’ll have opportunities to attend online meetings and have a counselor and they also pay you for your progress and attendance because they use the dopamine-reward system. It’s pretty cool and really has helped me. I’m also here anytime you want to talk too! I’ve been where you are more times than once lol. Best of luck! Reach out anytime!

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#8

Thank you so much Amanda :heart:

#9

Hi, Jo…
I took it minute by minute…especially throughout the first days, weeks, months…thinking about a full 24 hours felt too overwhelming.

I do not go to meetings-while have not a thing against them.
Meetings help so many people.

I do comprehend the importance of being around others that get it, get becoming and remaining sober.

I realized earlier this evening…for the zillionth time…how much many family members, others - do not comprehend how amazing it is to stick with sobriety.

Please do not give up.
You can do this!

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#10

…I went back and read what everyone shared.
Solid suggestions.

Hoping that one or more of the suggestions helps you, Jo.
Do not give up.
Let us know how you are doing!:peace_symbol:

#11

Absolutely, any time!

#12

…thank you for sharing this…about being four years sober, Douglas.
I feel as if I have to be so vigilant.
I am around my family.
They do not drink.
While being around their energy…it was a reason that I drank.
May sound like some lame excuse…while it is how I feel.

I am checking Loosid…because I knew that no matter what…I could end this day, feeling proud of the fact that I did not drink today.
Everyone keep going!

#13

Thank you Sarim for sharing :heart:

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#14

In a new town? AA works, and you can make new friends going through what you are going through. The drug Naltrexone works wonders in early sobriety., If tempted find someone to reach out to. This is a great app for that. I have prayed to God also. If you can find a new hobby such as a workout place. Maybe a cooking class. Walking and exercise are great tools. Find a mantra to repeat often such as I don’t need alcohol! Good luck to you!

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#15

I'm in agreement that you're DRINKING AND USING CAREER HAS BEEN RUINED AND RECOVERY HAS BECOME VERY PERSONAL. AA HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD of 80 YEARS. I got in recovery at the Age of 23. I DID 40 MONTHS OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT.. diagnosed as a MIDDLE STAGE WETBRAIN ALCOHOLIC WITH A DRUG PROBLEM. CAN YOU IMAGINE I MIGHT OF HAD A FEW ISSUES BECAUSE OF THAT. WELL TODAY I'M IN YEAR 37. IS EVERYTHING PERFECT. NO. BUT I HAVE MORE OPTIONS TO DO SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE WITH MY LIKE. TODAY I THANK GOD I DON'T PLAY THE VICTIM. BUT I'M VICTORIOUS IN EVERY AREA OF MY LIFE. AND YOU CAN DO. BUT YOU HAVE TO BE HONEST AND WILLING TO DO THE WORK IN FRONT OF YOU

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#16

My mentor shared with me we have to be ever vigilant - And his wife said - I don’t drink, and I go to meetings. Both of them have passed, but left a lasting impression on my sobriety. I must maintain it and practice it.

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#17

Hi again, Douglas.
We really DO need to be vigilant.

Thank you for the reminders which you have shared.

That is a blessing…
To have had your mentor and his wife in your life.
:pray:t4::peace_symbol:

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#18

Step into the rooms of AA and stay. Without those rooms I don’t have sobriety :pray:

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#19

My pleasure

#20

AA works for me.

1 Like