Starting over again

I did so good, sober for 7 months and tripped up. Im struggling to find myself, anxiety and depression are overwhelming me, especially in the morning. I wake up and my mind is bombarded with thoughts - why am I doing this to myself again, putting myself through this mental and physical chaos when I know I can quit yet haven’t. It’s very disheartening and I’m so disappointed in myself. I just want to get back to where I was - sober.

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I will tell you something it’s hard to stay sober. But if you have someone to talk to to get out of your mind. It’s very helpful someone who has been in your shoes. Find that person and keep them close cause they can help you more than you know.

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I would seek a mental health counselor.

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I remember that feeling of waking up and needing to “run away” from “life”. I was just so overwhelmed with everything. Myself, my wife, my business, the bills, etc. Everywhere I looked I saw chaos and powerlessness. The only solution I had was to “run away”, and even that wasn’t working anymore.

I had a traumatic event which led me back to AA. I became more willing/capable to the suggestions. This time I got a sponsor, and worked the steps to the best of my ability. 4 years later my life is not that much different…same wife, same business, more bills etc. The only thing that changed is now I have the ability (power) to change the way I think. I have tools to help me get out of my sick thinking.

I’m not usually this direct with people on this app, but you’ve been hear a while. Go back to AA Mindy. Pick up that white chip asap. Get a sponsor. Call that sponsor. There’s help out there for you. There is a solution. We all need help with this. Go build a sober life for yourself. If AA ain’t your thing, go to celebrate recovery or some other daily recovery program. Let’s gooo

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You just have to pick yourself up, forgive yourself, and get back into the walk of soberiety. Remember, it's easier to stay sober than to get sober. Don't keep beating yourself up or making yourself feel bad. We're all children of God, and we all have a right to be here. Good luck, and God bless you.

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I don't know if you are having depression and anxiety while still drinking, but it will be worse for awhile after you quit. Depending on the duration of your use the withdrawal symptoms will be mild or worse, i would see a an Addiction medicine specialist for this if you can.

I would try mindful techniques such as stretching or controlled breathing within the first hour of your mornings. Even before bed to help with anxiety. Reading or coloring can be a healthy distraction too. Also, try a meeting or two a week if not already and surround yourself with like-minded ppl to help with depression. Speaking for myself, isolation leads to depression or vise-verse. Continue reaching out. You are not alone🙏

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Mindy, you didn’t lose what you built, it’s still in you. 7 months sober means you know how to fight. We’ve all felt that storm in the mornings. You’re not alone in this fight. Keep going. We’ve got you. :heart:

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Please do, just one breath of gratefulness at a time. On breath not drinking at a time. Then, with all the grateful sober breaths you can and will be grateful for all of them. I know you can be sober and happy, it's for sure your inner self.

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Don't be discouraged. I had to go back out several times that don't mean you have to but it took me several times
Everybody's rock bottom is different. Do yourself a favor and give yourself a break.I know that when I have slipped in the past and was using or drinking.I beat myself up the most. Just remember, it's never too late.Just put it down and start just for today.And you can put them days together and next thing.You know, you'll have a month.Put months together and you'll have a year and it goes on and on you can do this.I believe in you

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You will.

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Mindy, I learned a lot from my relapsed. What I could have done better, what I shouldn’t have done etc.
After my last relapse I dig deeper and got way more involved in my sober program.
I’m here if you want to talk