1 year ago I drank my very last drink. Although I was teetering the line of being blackout drunk that night, I vividly remember crying myself to sleep knowing that I needed to make a serious life change. And I did.
In a world where alcohol seems to be the main attraction, all anyone asked me was “why” I stopped. It was like I was breaking a societal norm that people couldn’t wrap their heads around. It wasn’t until I posted my 1 year sobriety achievement on here yesterday that I was asked “how”, which to me is a much more important question.
I took an unconventional route of sobriety that usually doesn’t work for everyone, but thankfully has worked for me. I did it alone. I leaned hard on my willpower and I believed in myself. I made a promise to myself that I was done drinking. I had failed in the past, but this was the final test that I wouldn’t allow myself to get less than 100% on. It was not easy, but has been so rewarding.
My journey has been an interesting ride of emotions, self reflection, and social changes. It started off with intense feelings of shame, guilt, and regret. I chose to stay away from social settings for about a month until I felt that I could go out without temptation. Well, temptation lingered for longer than that, and I also felt irritated by all the drunk people. So, I ended up choosing not to go to the usual parties that I had once enjoyed. I revisited old hobbies, started working out more, and spent much more time with my kids. I still socialize with the same friends but I limit what I do with them, and it is less frequent. The cravings have gone away so I can be around alcohol much easier now. People under the influence still annoy me though.
I looked back on all of the situations in my life that I wasn’t proud of, and every single one involved alcohol. At first, I beat myself up mentally for a few weeks before I decided that in order to move forward, I needed to learn from my mistakes and strive to be the best version of myself. I owed it to myself, and most importantly, my kids. As a result of being sober, I feel so much more confident in myself. I can have a conversation with anyone, day or night, and not rely on a substance as a crutch. I am my true authentic self and I am so proud of the changes and strides I have made in this last year. I feel proud to say I am sober and I hope I inspire others to find this path as well.
I am grateful for finding Loosid 6 months into my sobriety. Although this is essentially my first post, I have been silently active. Reading everyone’s stories, questions, heartaches, achievements, etc. has helped me through many lonely, tough nights. I am grateful for each and every one of you and wish you strength and love through your sobriety.
~Heather xoxo
My hat’s off to you. Keep up the commitment to yourself, my guess is more of your friends will will be more understanding and perhaps join you on your journey. My anniversary is this Saturday and my daughter is coming to visit. She once asked me not to call her if I had been drinking.
Congratulations I am so happy for you!! Stay strong!!
I’ve been clean and sober sober 8 months today from a very bad pill addiction! We do recover!
Congratulations on your sobriety. Yes it’s a bit of an unconventional path, but you have done a lot of work and made a lot of changes. Continue to be mindful of your recovery ODAAT
An amazing and inspirational story. Congratulations on one year sober.
Congratulations
Congrats Heather!
Hi Heather! Thank you for your share. Congratulations on 1 year! 
Everyone’s program is different. And we are no one to judge their program. So what works for you, works for you. Happy for you! Keep up the good work. 