In the same boat brother. Feel free to reach out whenever. Always down for a new sober buddy.
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Focus on yourself first, itās noble to want to help others but youāve got to do your own work first.
Loneliness and boredom are part of the process imo, it gives you space to reflect. Helps you learn why you were drinking, what your triggers are, and plan your go forward moves. Donāt sweat it too much, enjoy the time to yourself, and hit pause on your friendships (especially if it will put you at risk). You can do it!
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I would also recommend reading stoic philosophy. They offer great insight into sobriety. Particularly Seneca, you can find a āsix packā of his works for free on Apple Books and I assume others.
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You are going to have to take a step back from everyone and focus on yourself , bud. 
It seems so lonely, but this is your life and you future ! Find meetings, find time to better yourself that doesnāt involve occasions where alcohol is at the center. You donāt need that to have a good time and if your friends respect you they would find ways to include you that respect your sobriety and your boundaries . I know itās hard , but you have to put YOU first 
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Nothing changes if nothing changes. I learned the hard way removing the substance wasnāt going to fix my life. It takes a lot of work and a daily commitment to yourself. I was addicted to the lifestyle just as much as the substances I was on. For me, treatment gave me the space and clarity to finally make some changes. Not everyone needs that but I didnāt know how to live. I didnāt take any responsibility for my own life. I threw myself into working towards what I wanted, I went through my phone and blocked every single person I had ever used with. I deleted all social media. It was extreme, but itās what I needed to do. I got out of the job I was in. I changed every aspect of my life. Thatās what it took for me. I decided to put my sobriety before anything else. It gets better
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If youāre looking for friends that do not drink meetings are where you need to be meetings are vital to your recovery youāll find friendships fellowship and may be a sponsor. Meeting are my social outlet. I have made wonderful friends there who do all kinds of things in and outside of the program if you want to stay sober you need sober friends donāt quit five minutes before the miracle happens
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ThNks Tim. I really appreciate that. Best of luck to you as well
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Hi Katie! I am actually only 20 minutes from Bellevue. Thatās crazyā¦ never expected anyone to know about iowa on here! Thanks for the advice. Camping is a great way to get out, be in nature (which I love), and avoid alcohol. I may have to do this alone to start out, since all my friends drink and I donāt think that will change. Reaching out to you and my new virtual friends though, is amazing, and I plan to do that more as I am beginning this journey.
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Thank you Emily. Wow that is such a great insight. The lifestyle to me may be harder to give up than the actual substance. It has been my lifestyle for the past 10+ years to go out and get f***ed up. This is all new to me. I appreciate your advice. It is time for me to start putting it into action, and being in touch with people like yourself i am sure will help me get there. All im focusing on right now is one day at a time
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Absolutely! I was the same way, I didnāt know another way of life, but just know there is one, and itās a beautiful life. Over time you will get to know yourself like you never have before and it will be worth the hard days, stay connected to people who have what you want, thatās what gets me through the tough times
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For me, I didnāt need to cut out everyone but I realized my disease was more about escaping myself than anything else. I have used the opportunity to try to really get to know me first, to fall in love with myself for the first time. If I donāt love myself and I canāt be honest with myself then I am no good to anyone else. It can feel like a lonely journey, at first, and I agree with others that meetings are a great way to connect on our common struggle. I always since thrown myself into reading books about why I have drowned out the ability to feel for so long. I decided to start doing yoga to help with meditation. I spend more time with my dog. It is ālonelyā but that time gives you a chance to work on yourself and reflect on what makes you tick. I colored a lot of pictures in detox and rehab for my daughter. And when the urges kick in hard or you start having feelings of loneliness, come on here and share. Reply to others posts. It has really helped me as well. Stay strong, brother. No one said this was going to be easy but you will start finding joy in things you neglected for so longā¦ and eventually, you will find that you will develop real friendships with people who care about you and your journeyā¦ then I think we can really start to give back and help others who need it 
God is great and so are you!
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Here is a list of books that helped me āThe Truthā by Neil Strauss, āCodependent No Moreā by Melody Beattie, āBeing Mortalā by Atul Gawande and āYour Brain is Always Listeningā by Dr Daniel Amen. Dr Amen has spent his career doing brain related research and has really helped me get in tune with why I have always acted the way I have. Iām hoping that awareness can slowly drive change in my behaviors
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Bellevue wa?
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How you doing bud?
All the advice in the world canāt help you. It is about your own free will. If you decide to go to the store get on here and speak with one of us instead.
Iāll give you my number. This is not for the rest of you but I donāt know how to give it out privately. 209-747-9048
Dang dude you have all the girls and boys falling all over you! I think you are hot but I am committed to my Pakistani Muslim wife and I am a Christian! We make it work. She bought Pedialyte for me when I was throwing up and going through withdrawals. Some here have never experienced withdrawals but I have done it many times. Sucks! Will likely do it again but for today I am doing well. Call on me. I have the liberty of being able to jump on a flight and going anywhere where I am needed. 209-747-9048
We got out that was pretty often! Itās only about an hour and a half west of me. Gets ya in a different state without having to try too hard. lol Plus I heard gas is cheaper over there any ways! 
Do what youāre doing. I know youāll get there. Just takes one day. Keep that mind clear and keep going. Itās worth it! Only time the grass is greener is when your sober. Or something like that.. Lol Take care!
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Iowa 
The best thing about your post-you asked for help! You surrendered! Watch what gifts unfold from this (Step 12!!). Hereās how Iāve learned the program has worked for me: HP loves you, we love you unconditionally, you learn to trust us and finally love yourself and love being alone! I can take or leave people now, because I finally have self-esteem, self-confidence, and a voice.
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