Hi Xavier: Early on, I thought that I would have to get a new job. My using with working on music were so entwined together. But my addiction was lying to me; I love making music more! I don't need to get loaded. In fact, my hearing and attention to detail are better. Thanks for the question!
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I think it varies with each individual. I earned my livelihood as a professional musician. I was very uncomfortable and scared playing after recently becoming sober. Fortunately, my bandmates were supportive and while I was playing they were my sober network.
I have a cool story about that. We were playing a convention at Walt Disney world in Orlando and I was kind of freaking out.
Just before we went on break I said over the PA, if there are any Friends of Bill out there could you please come and see me at the side of the stage? Three people came up and we had a short mini - meeting. It was then that I realized that help is always available if we just ask for it.
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When all of the other parts of life full back in with the color they had before booze, as they’re doing for me slowly but surely
I don’t know when it really clicked for me. I had maybe 15 years of using. I have been sober of all substances (except smoking 
) for two years now. I was doing great for almost two of those years until a memory came up in Facebook from two years ago that made me reel because it brought it all back in full color for me. Luckily I had all my stuff in place to deal with it. So you can feel fabulous for a long time and then just a single picture can make you go back again. I am blessed that I didn’t start using again. But that monster in the back of my brain was on high alert.
The idea of feeling normal is misleading. When actually you will be creating a new normal. Time tables are different for everyone and if you’re saying to yourself “when can I go to a bar or restaurant and not drink”, maybe you’re still romancing the thought. IMO
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Hmm...depends what it is and what normal was for you before. For me, I primarily drank by myself so it was more of creating new hobbies and habits to replace the time I spent drinking. I would sometimes drink at restaurants, but I've found most restaurants that have a good alcohol selection will also have a decent non alcoholic beverage section, so for me my new normal was picking something from those menus. It's still something new and exciting that I couldn't make at home, but that doesn't fill me with guilt and cravings. I would suggest doing the same. Replace what you did before with something else that you like that doesn't make you feel like you're missing out. Everything is a matter of habit and routine. Humans are resilient and adapt quickly. Give yourself time and it'll start to feel more natural.
That makes a lot of sense! I just enjoyed the feeling and focus i guess is what was the best part but you have a great point. I created a lot but the percentage of anything I actually completed has a vast difference in the percentage rate of completion lol I was too wasted to finish everything. So I have 100 ideas and basics of the track and 95 percent not completed lol That’s a fact haha
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Man, you hit the nail right on the head! I cannot stress enough how the quality of the work is much better now. I'm hearing music differently. At first, I couldn’t believe it myself. And sure, years ago being loaded and working on music was a rush. But that was years ago, not now. Today, a veil has been lifted! I’m doing some of my best work! The longer I stay clean and work the program the better it’s going to get. That’s what keeps me interested. On a side note, the love I feel for my fiancé is a feeling unlike anything I ever felt. This is “uncharted territory “ for me. Instead of fear, I feel exhilaration! I feel my Higher Power working in my life. I’m so grateful to be in recovery today. God bless.
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Thanks for the concern. I’ve been sober for 13 years now. I like the taste of beer. Sparkling water is ok, but no flavor. I’ve been drinking the NA beers the whole 13 years so I’m okay. I just have one now and then with certain foods like pizza, or if I go to a restaurant or bar with friends.
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I’m not sure it ever feels “normal”. I’m more aware of things now. They just don’t bother me as much as they used to. I used to be hyper aware of alcohol advertisements or if a tray of drinks went past me. Every so often I’ll linger a look at someone’s drink, but that need is not there any more. Well actually. That desire is not that. Not sure the need will ever pass because I wish I could just have 1 or 2 with my friends, but I know I never can. The easy part is I can say no now and that took awhile.
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I totally agree. Would love to have just one or two but we all know where that's going to end up, don't we? LOL
That’s awesome, I’m truly happy for you John, congrats! Just out of curiosity, what kind of music?
I'm a full-time audio engineer. I work for other people and projects that hire me. I mainly specialize in rock and acoustic music. Thanks!
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