Is it normal to have cravings four months in? The

Recovery
#1

Is it normal to have cravings four months in? The first month or two I felt amazing. Even though I was kind of dodging life. Now I'm putting myself out there.. Started a business, started dating and I feel so on edge and anxious all the time. Just wish these crappy feelings would go away

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#2

Hmmmm. That’s the reason they say don’t make big decisions your first year. Get overwhelmed. Build that sober foundation first, then make big moves. Hope you make it out the other side. Keep struggling. Time will heal all, soberly.

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#3

Starting a business and starting dating is enough to make most anxious and on edge now add newly sober just exasperates things. With all that going on cravings are bound to pop up. You need to be careful. There is no set time frame for cravings to stop. I'm 6 months sober and had thoughts the other night. Nothing strong but there. I will say it does get better and worth every sober minute. Best of luck reach out anytime

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#4

Thanks Charlie makes me feel a bit better knowing regardless of it all this is a normal time to feel stressed. I just felt so capable when I stopped and I think I bit off more then I could chew. Got to figure out how to make it work

#5

Hi Jamie, that’s a lot to take on at once! Luckily you can develop tools to help cope with the stress through being engaged in a sober community. As for the cravings, I am a little over three years sober, and every once in a blue moon I still get them, and they are usually when I’m stressed or emotional. Keep your sobriety first and it will keep working. You got this!

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#6

Normal for sure. Just take it 1 day at a time. Do you think you're overwhelmed with dating and starting a business? Those are great moves- but could be reason(s) for your stress.

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#7

Thanks Jenn I should start a program I'm just nervous to start

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#8

You don’t have to commit to working a program yet if that is too much, just try attending an online meeting, you can keep yourself muted and the video off, so less stress. Or if you’re up to it attend an in person meeting.

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#9

Thanks Tori, I think it's a combination of both. The business I am constantly stressed about and with dating just trying new things sober and thinking too far in the future has been hard. Also the person I'm seeing knows I don't drink but doesn't really know why / we haven't really discussed that yet.

#10

That's a great idea, never though of starting there

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#11

I just quit drinking in July and I definitely find myself wanting a drink every once in a while. But it's about the same as the craving I feel for a cigarette when I'm stressed and I quit smoking over a decade ago! Stress definitely brings it out. In my experience the cravings lessen but still pop up from time to time BUT, they are much easier to ignore with practice. Stay strong.

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#12

Thanks Laurie it's good to know they get easier to ignore with time

#13

I've run my own business over 20 yrs. I have to say it's not for everybody. You are capable for all 3. Just try not to mix things and take it slow. Under no circumstances drink. I almost lost my business because of drinking. I wish you the best in everything you do. Reach out anytime

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#14

Thanks Charlie