Sober Era? Let's Stay Sober

[Jeremiah]

**October 2019 Update**

I want to stop drinking/smoking/using

You've already taken the first step. Below are some resources that can help you along your journey.

The Sinclair Method - re-engineer how your brain reacts to alcohol
The AA Program - community based 12 step program

Please do post post in this thread -- use it. Let us know how you are doing.
Focus on today. One day at a time... one decision at a time.

I'm trying to drink less

The Sinclair Method - re-engineer how your brain reacts to alcohol

**End of Update**

Hi guys, wasn't able to find an active sober era community through search, so here I am.

I've been sober for 20 months now, August 14th will be two years. Without going into too much detail with a very long OP, alcohol consumption was negatively impacting my life. Did a bunch of regrettable and hurtful shit to myself and loved ones. The train had derailed before, and it was going to again, just much worse. It's been one hell of a journey.

The reason I am here is that I stopped drinking without committing to the AA program. Though it has a lot of good, like admitting I am powerless over alcohol, the lifestyle isn't for me. My dad is in the program and has been sober for 30+ years, I grew up around it etc. Just curious for different perspectives.

Anyone care to share what's helped them in sobriety? Even if it's committing to AA itself, or something entirely?

I'll start with the mantra "one day at a time", seems simply enough but really works. When I initially stopped, I struggled with the thought of not drinking during certain occasions/milestones in my life. Focusing on today completely alleviates the pressure -- not drinking in the moment.

I also noticed part of my desire to drink came about from not wanting to face my feelings or emotions, alcohol was an escape. Through time I began deconstructing those feeling and emotions, facing them head on. Keeping a record and writing down when this occurred helped.

 

[FiXalaS]

Sober my whole life.

I face my struggles head on, but if they're too much, gaming is best the way to escape!

 

[RabidDwarf76]

I've recently started. I've finally accepted that it's become a problem for me. So it's nice to see a thread like this. Thanks for making it.

 

[Funky Dude Sparks]

I've been sober for about 60+ days

The urge to drink never leaves but keeping yourself busy always helps

 

[Addie]

I don't know if this is quite germane to the question, and if it's not, I'll bow out of this thread, but: I've recently made an effort to be sober more often.

The biggest red flag wasn't the desire to drink, but rather having trouble with portions. Basically, I usually end up having more than I'd intended to. I tried to address it in the exact way I improved my eating habits, which amounted to simply not buying snacks.

Obviously, this advice doesn't apply to everyone (or perhaps many people), but I rely on 10% self-awareness and 90% laziness: I realize that having a drink to unwind isn't a great coping mechanism, even if sometimes I succumb anyway; and if I don't have alcohol (or ice cream, or whatever) in the house, then I'm not going to consume it.

 

[RabidDwarf76]

I don't know if this is quite germane to the question, and if it's not, I'll bow out of this thread, but: I've recently made an effort to be sober more often.

The biggest red flag wasn't the desire to drink, but rather having trouble with portions. Basically, I usually end up having more than I'd intended to; it's the exact way I improved my eating habits, which amounted to simply not buying snacks.

Obviously, this advice doesn't apply to everyone (or perhaps many people), but I rely on 10% self-awareness and 90% laziness: I realize that having a drink to unwind isn't a great coping mechanism, even if sometimes I succumb anyway; and if I don't have alcohol (or ice cream, or whatever) in the house, then I'm not going to consume it.

Click to shrink...

This is where I'm at. It's not a desire to drink but when I find myself having one I have a trouble setting limits and drink more than I intended to.

 

[SpecX]

I may join this community one day, but I'm not ready to give up the drink yet.

For me, drinking was just at social gatherings and trying to find what I enjoyed. Fast forward to now, drinking has helped with emotional pain and has become a "fun" hobby. I don't crave drinking, but I admit when I drink the goal is to get drunk and have a more enjoyable time than I would sober.

I do want to get off this wagon before it gets really bad for me. I've grown up seeing how drinking has destroyed 2 of my uncles and how bad it is for my parents relationship at this point in their life. Definitely tracking this thread and good work to you guys that have been able to stay on the road to recovery.

 

[It’s Time To Go]

I'm a tee totaller, always have been. I sometimes think of drinking, mainly as a social thing because not drinking is such a barrier to effective socialisation, but my dad was a violent abusive bitter alcoholic and his mum was so I think this sort of thing just travels in the family, so I'm not risking it.

 

[Rackham]

Been weed sober for about ten months. First couple of weeks were the toughest in terms of boredom and sleeping. Easy after that.

Escapism definitely does help. Getting hyped for movies and shows is something gets my mind off smoking pot.

Never really been a drinker

 

[Deleted member 17092]

Been weed sober for about ten months. First couple of weeks were the toughest in terms of boredom and sleeping. Easy after that.

Escapism definitely does help. Getting hyped for movies and shows is something gets my mind off smoking pot.

Never really been a drinker

Click to shrink...

Potheads going to an AA meeting is like the worst thing ever lol.

 

[Addie]

This is where I'm at. It's not a desire to drink but when I find myself having one I have a trouble setting limits and drink more than I intended to.

Click to shrink...

What really hammered home the point for me was looking at the calorie counts on cocktails. I don't want just one -- if I'm going to indulge, I need two to feel anything, but that's literally 1000 calories, so I'll pass. Again, it's laziness here: do I want to deal with the equivalent of a liquid lunch when I'm already eating out for dinner? Probably not.

I think I'm going to stick with "mostly abstention, vodka sodas when I indulge." It admittedly helps that I don't like most beers and can't stand wine, which is the only alcoholic beverage that actually gives me hangovers.

I've gotten used to ordering diet cokes when I'm out with friends.

 

[Branu]

Used to be a heavy drinker. Never the kind who wakes up and needs or drink, or even someone that drank alcohol during the day. I was a binge drinker on the weekends and it was a problem, the kind that divided me from people I loved. Still drink on the weekends, but not regularly, and I make it a point of not answering calls from my friends when they want me to join them for a night of bar hopping. I no longer trust myself under the influence.

 

[Powdered Egg]

OP question. Did you suffer any withdrawal symptoms, and if so how long did they last?

And how long did it take your brain to function properly after going dry? Quincy Jones, in his latest interviews, said he quit drinking two years ago and wishes he had done so sooner since his thinking has been clearer while sober.

 

[robosllim]

I'm not trying to go cold turkey myself, but I'm definitely cutting back. I'm starting to get a beer belly, which sucks, and I've started noticing withdrawal symptoms after weekend binges. So far cutting alcohol out during the week isn't so bad, but if I don't have weekend plans I get bored, and when I get bored I want to drink. I really just need to find more engaging hobbies, which is a different problem but one that I can work on hand in hand with the drinking.

 

[Nappuccino]

Love the thread. Stay strong :)

 

[Chittagong]

Great thread. Can't say I am ready to join yet, but I have been thinking recently more about my relationship to alcohol.

Since I moved to London 10 years ago, alcohol has become a bigger part of life, it's so ingrained into London's social fabric. People don't drink a huge amount, but they drink often, usually in positive contexts like cocktail parties, fine dining dinners, after work drinks, drinks trolley in the office, picnics at Hampstead etc.

That has gradually built a habit, establising a connection of alcohol = good time / reward. When I come home after a long day / week, I will chill in our snug, pop a cold beer or pour a glass of wine. When staying up late listening to my endgame headphone setup, I will pour a whisky and enjoy. When we go for a Saturday picnic with friends, we bring a bottle or rose wine. And so on. I normally don't drink huge amounts on one go (exceptions being 2-3 big nights out a year), and I have no problem of stopping. But I have recognised the habit, and am aware that my weekly consumption is way (way) above the recommended 20 units.

Being without alcohol doesn't seem to be a problem for me either. I am currently 5 days into a fitness bootcamp, and obviously I don't drink here. I don't crave alcohol. But then again, I am thinking of having a glass of champagne on my flight back - a reward for the hard work.

The biggest issue I have with alcohol is weight gain. I rarely eat more than 2,000 calories, but alcohol easily contributes another 500 to 1,000 on top. If I'd drop alcohol I'd lose weight super fast.

 

[GamerJM]

Never had a sip of alcohol in my life. I don't trust myself to not get addicted, plus the idea of chemically altering my brain in some way is inherently scary to me.

In a way I respect people who are able to regularly socially drink because they probably have more self control than me.

 

[aerie]

October will be my two years of sobriety. I don't know if my intent is to stay sober my whole life or not, its strange to think about, thats certainly my goal for the foreseeable future at least.

 

[TheIdiot]

Here ya go!

https://www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/

This could be an additional community for you and anyone else here to participate in, and it's quite active.

 

[Jeremiah]

Congrats to everyone who has taken the plunge, be it for weed or alcohol, I applaud you. Truly.

I don't know if this is quite germane to the question, and if it's not, I'll bow out of this thread, but: I've recently made an effort to be sober more often.

The biggest red flag wasn't the desire to drink, but rather having trouble with portions. Basically, I usually end up having more than I'd intended to. I tried to address it in the exact way I improved my eating habits, which amounted to simply not buying snacks.

Obviously, this advice doesn't apply to everyone (or perhaps many people), but I rely on 10% self-awareness and 90% laziness: I realize that having a drink to unwind isn't a great coping mechanism, even if sometimes I succumb anyway; and if I don't have alcohol (or ice cream, or whatever) in the house, then I'm not going to consume it.

Click to shrink...

Do your portions feel really out of line? I am still like this with ice cream lol. For example, I might intend to only eat half a pint of Halo Top ice cream, but still occasionally end up finishing the whole thing :P

With alcohol, it was a different beast entirely for me. Drinking to the point that you promise yourself you would never go that far again... only to repeat it or worse 2-3 weeks after. This is all with portion amounts in mind before hand.

OP question. Did you suffer any withdrawal symptoms, and if so how long did they last?

And how long did it take your brain to function properly after going dry? Quincy Jones, in his latest interviews, said he quit drinking two years ago and wishes he had done so sooner since his thinking has been clearer while sober.

Click to shrink...

I did not suffer any physical withdrawal symptoms, but experienced tremendous struggle mentally. I faced different mental facets of my fear and addiction. It lasted about 8 months.

1st month was filled with anxiety that I would never drink in my life again. "one day at a time" saved my ass there. Brain/thought felt functional after this hurdle.
2nd-6th month was a battle with my mental obsession that the next drink would be different. I began exploring when and why I wanted to drink. Reading Einstein's quote on insanity help me persevere through my irrationality: "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

I can positively say that yes, not only has my thinking been clearer, but my life has never been better. I am a better and more loving husband and father. My drive to succeed shot up as well. I 100% concur with this Quincy Jones, I wish I did it sooner.

I'm not trying to go cold turkey myself, but I'm definitely cutting back. I'm starting to get a beer belly, which sucks, and I've started noticing withdrawal symptoms after weekend binges. So far cutting alcohol out during the week isn't so bad, but if I don't have weekend plans I get bored, and when I get bored I want to drink. I really just need to find more engaging hobbies, which is a different problem but one that I can work on hand in hand with the drinking.

Click to shrink...

You know, I did not touch on this in the OP, but I relate 100%. I struggled with boredom, really did. The kind of boredom that strikes at 4-5pm while attending a trade show, gnawing at your gut. Or in a transatlantic flight, thinking 'what the fuck am I going to do the rest of the flight'. But in my boredom, and this could just be in my case, I discovered and explored why I did not enjoy being in my own company.

Here ya go!

https://www.reddit.com/r/stopdrinking/

This could be an additional community for you and anyone else here to participate in, and it's quite active.

Click to shrink...

Wow, thanks for the resource mate!

 

[Servbot24]

I don't have a terrible history with alcohol or anything, though I did used to get plastered on a nightly basis which I attribute simply to being 21. I don't drink now simply because it feels good to be sober and have full control over my mind. Getting drunk feels like a disturbing sensation. I'm not sure what changed with me since I used to enjoy it, but it's certainly a change I'm perfectly okay with.

 

[Tetra-Grammaton-Cleric]

Never had a sip of alcohol in my life. I don't trust myself to not get addicted, plus the idea of chemically altering my brain in some way is inherently scary to me.

In a way I respect people who are able to regularly socially drink because they probably have more self control than me.

Click to shrink...

Don't sell yourself short.

You'd be flabbergasted at how many functioning alcoholics there are and how easily they can devolve into non-functioning drinkers.

I've had almost no alcohol my entire life and I respect that each of us has to make that call but I can also speak from experience that even functional alcoholism can wreck havoc, as evidenced by my sister, whose proclivity to drink coupled with her drunken nastiness effectively destroyed our relationship.

Also, don't forget that some people are simply hardwired to be more prone to addiction.

 

[Jerm]

I'm on the verge of quitting smoking marijuana but every time I make the attempt I start to feel so angry that I stop eating, don't leave the bed for days, become completely unproductive and find it hard to communicate with people without being almost silent or the opposite, exploding.

I don't really know where to go for help because I always get the response that "weed isn't addictive" and I need to get over it, but the reality is that no amount of time that passes ever gets me out of that place. As soon as I think that it's a good answer to that misery and I can handle it without personally going overboard, I'm smoking all day again and spending $150 weekly on a half ounce. Anyone have any resources to turn to?

I'm currently out of work and essentially sold all my shit to keep my habit up. I don't really have much left yet I'm still searching my place for more to sell because I know it would mentally pull me out of this shit hole.

 

[Astral]

Cool idea. I don't have a drinking problem or anything but I was an internet a rehab center. It really pushed the 12 steps but I found that one of the biggest contributors to staying sober was building support. Just talking to someone whenever you have the urge to drink or use is huge and can make all the difference. Even just posting here when you have a craving might help. Another one is of course taking action. From what I saw, you can't just passively stay sober. You gotta find positive things to take up your time. New hobbies and stuff or picking back up old hobbies that you stopped doing because you preferred being drunk or high.

Last was taking it one day at a time like OP said. I remember when we got a young heroin addict, his first time in treatment. He kept thinking about the future. He had no idea how he could possibly stay clean his entire life. By doing that he was already taking his focus away from the present and away from his recovery. That's why it's so important to take it one day or even one hour at a time. Thinking about the long term might be absolutely daunting but thinking about staying sober for today makes it a bit easier. Then tomorrow you'll just think about staying sober tomorrow. And so on.

 

[Deleted member 7430]

Been weed sober for about ten months. First couple of weeks were the toughest in terms of boredom and sleeping. Easy after that.

Escapism definitely does help. Getting hyped for movies and shows is something gets my mind off smoking pot.

Never really been a drinker

Click to shrink...

This is what I'm working on. Haven't had a drink in 15+ years because my stomach rejected alcohol. Haven't had a cigarette in 7+ years because it was impacting my breathing. Currently two weeks into not smoking weed or eating edibles. I lapse on the weed thing every once in a while and of the three vices, it's the hardest for me to quit. It just leaves me feeling dehydrated, and I hate that feeling. Been drinking more water, also trying to reduce my soda intake because of dehydration. I feel that I lapse on the weed because sometimes, I just need something to cloudy the mind. I suffer from CP, and it does help with my spasms, but again, hate the chest feeling of dehydration.

Alcohol took about three years to quit. My stomach would painfully bloat from beer. Switched to hard alcohol, which in turn gave me really bad heatburn. Tried wine, only to get the same effect and just got tired of it.

Cigarettes were tough to quit. That took about 5 years to quit. I found lots of water, orange juice, and just trying to eat or sleep through the cravings really killed that habit. Eventually, sneaking in smokes also stopped. Also, smoking more weed helped.

Now, I've reduced my weed intake greatly. Before I lapsed two weeks ago, I went two months with no weed, but I went about three weeks where I did a little smoking, but tried to focus on edibles. Now, I'm trying to stop both because of dehydration, and that the edibles are sometimes just way too strong. I still hang out with my weed smoking friends, but they are totally cool with me not smoking. In fact, now I'm everybody's sober driver everywhere we go for dinner. I'm trying, but that's where I'm at.

Currently, I'm working on a comedy, and keep telling myself, yes it's funny when you're high, but is it funny when you're sober? Staying sober in order to improve this comedy is currently what's driving me from smoking weed or eating edibles.

I wish the best to the rest of you.

 

[StaticInTheCity]

Haven't drank in a couple of years. Stopped as a result of seeing a family member doing something really daft as a result of drink that just put me off it forever.

Generally my family has/had a poor relationship with drink. Scottish so not unusual.

I'm not some evangelical anti-alcohol basher now but I do think that society as a whole would be much better without alcohol in it. Physically and mentally I've never felt better personally.

Good luck to those trying to or well on the road to stopping or cutting down.

 

[Rackham]

Potheads going to an AA meeting is like the worst thing ever lol.

Click to shrink...

Addiction comes in all forms. Never been to AA but you shouldn't be annoyed at an addict at AA. I've spoken to other types of drug addicts who go to AA and they hate it there.

 

[deftones r cool]

Sobriety sure has made dating a lot more difficult. I feel very boring, and don't really feel the need to hit up bars, etc.

 

[Deleted member 9486]

I doubt I'll ever want to get totally sober, barring health problems as I've never been a super heavy drinker or had any social problems from drinking. But I was at a point I wanted to cut back as I'd started to get a beer gut as I got older and my metabolisms slowed.

We did a whole 30 diet in April which mean no drinking and got us in the habit of eating even healthier that we already where. Now my drinking limit is generally no more than 10 drinks a week, no more than in 4 a day (to avoid binges). I love craft beer and good wine too much to give it up, just want to keep the weight etc. in check and that seems to be working for me so far.

There's also some science behind it as that's below the NIH's guidelines for low risk drinking for a male (14 a week, 4 a day maxes).

https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaa...ng-pattern-risky/Whats-Low-Risk-Drinking.aspx

 

[TickleMeElbow]

I quit drinking 5 years ago when I was diagnosed with permanent liver damage at 26, even though I had been trying to stop for awhile before that.

Detoxed in a hospital for 5 days.

I really can't say much about how to stay sober, because for me it's either drink and die, or stay sober and live.

 

[Deleted member 17092]

Addiction comes in all forms. Never been to AA but you shouldn't be annoyed at an addict at AA. I've spoken to other types of drug addicts who go to AA and they hate it there.

Click to shrink...

I mean, it's physically impossible to be addicted to weed though and it has zero real health effects. It makes sense people kind of roll there eyes at a "weed addict."

If quitting weed is an actual problem for someone I can't even imagine how fucked up they would be if there were addicted to, you know, an actual addictive substance.

 

[Rackham]

I mean, it's physically impossible to be addicted to weed though and it has zero real health effects. It makes sense people kind of roll there eyes at a "weed addict."

If quitting weed is an actual problem for someone I can't even imagine how fucked up they would be if there were addicted to, you know, an actual addictive substance.

Click to shrink...

addiction is mostly mental. There's physical addiction that comes with weed, especially if you smoke blunts, so I roll my eyes at people that really don't know shit about the matter. I couldn't sleep for the first week and had nightmares for about a month.

It's like if I said alcohol isn't addicting cause you feel like shit after so how could you get addicted? It's dumb.

 

[infinitebento]

The most difficult part of maintaining sobriety at the age of 24 is constantly dealing with the guilt/pressure people my age put on me for not wanting to go out and get fucked up or they'll try to bargain with me to drink because they don't want to drink solo (which is ridiculous). It's led to me completely avoiding activities that revolve around alcohol since I always end up irritated by the constant questions, or subtle guilt-tripping, because no matter how much people say they won't make you feel bad for not drinking they almost always do.

Its annoying as fuck.

 

[Cybersai]

I haven't drunk alcohol in 20 years.

 

[MrMephistoX]

addiction is mostly mental. There's physical addiction that comes with weed, especially if you smoke blunts, so I roll my eyes at people that really don't know shit about the matter. I couldn't sleep for the first week and had nightmares for about a month.

It's like if I said alcohol isn't addicting cause you feel like shit after so how could you get addicted? It's dumb.

Click to shrink...

There's no physical dependance with weed although some strains will completely knock you on your ass. And the withdrawl symptoms are NOT fatal like alcohol can be if you start having tremors etc. CBD oil probably saved my life and got me through the worst of alcohol withdrawl.

My advice is get help from an educated repository if you're going to take up weed as a way to detox and quit alcohol if its legal in your state. Typically they don't sell the super high THC hallucinatory strains and, in my case, it was suggested I go on CBD oil with low to no THC. It worked like a charm and I feel so much better each day not drinking. I was averaging 4 drinks a day that were probably more like 2-3 shots in a cup and this perscribed CBD routine really got me through the withdrawl symptoms despite a few headaches the first few days. Going on 3 weeks almost without a binge. Vaping/smoking is not for me but the CBD oil has been great. I haven't even needed my anxiety meds because they tailored the strains to meet my needs.

 

[Rackham]

There's no physical dependance with weed although some strains will completely knock you on your ass. And the withdrawl symptoms are NOT fatal like alcohol can be if you start having tremors etc. CBD oil probably saved my life and got me through the worst of alcohol withdrawl.

Click to shrink...

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive

Read the dependency area. Addiction isn't about what kills you.

Also, CBD oil is nothing like smoking high quality strains

 

[MrMephistoX]

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/marijuana-addictive

Read the dependency area. Addiction isn't about what kills you.

Also, CBD oil is nothing like smoking high quality strains

Click to shrink...

I mean any behavior can become addictive but I'd rather take my chances with something that won't kill me that you really can't OD on etc. I'm totally not recommending smoking high quality strain blunts (or even smoking) but there are lot of medical benefits to the low THC varieties without the psychoactive effects. Like any medicine you should take the recommended dosage.

 

[HardTimesFamilyPride]

Really glad you made this thread. I am having a lot of trouble staying sober and it's definitely affecting my life at this point. I really hate how my brain says it wants change but I still compulsively continue the same habits over and over again.

 

[Pwnz]

I quit drinking because I developed an alcoholic level addiction. Doing AA for a while, but I don't intend to be one of those lifers that spends all of their time at meetings. Some AA groups are cult like, so anyone looking to going use the meeting guide app and bail if a group tries to rope you into some social group with a hierarchy. The big book even says that the 12 steps are merely suggestions.

I'm all for weed though. I don't have the binge reaction to it.

 

[Pwnz]

I mean, it's physically impossible to be addicted to weed though and it has zero real health effects. It makes sense people kind of roll there eyes at a "weed addict."

If quitting weed is an actual problem for someone I can't even imagine how fucked up they would be if there were addicted to, you know, an actual addictive substance.

Click to shrink...

There's lots of alcoholics in AA that are irrationally purists. I had one guy go on a clear bipolar spell while telling me to get off ADD meds.

If it happens, just find a different group. Most major cities have dozens.

 

[Hecht]

Subbed. Been an issue for a while now for me - never to the point where it interferes with important things like work or family, but to the point where I'm just concerned about my health. Tried AA but was not a fan at all - tried many different meetings but all of them really seemed like people who would speak like they were wistful for the days of drinking. That and there were quite a few cult-like people at a good chunk of those meetings and it really turned me off. Tried SMART too, but the meetings were too sparse and difficult to get to from where I lived. Basically would have to take out four hours out of my day just to attend.

Got a new counselor in my new city, just started a few weeks ago but shows some promise. I've managed to slow it down over the past few years but still not sober yet.

The most difficult part of maintaining sobriety at the age of 24 is constantly dealing with the guilt/pressure people my age put on me for not wanting to go out and get fucked up or they'll try to bargain with me to drink because they don't want to drink solo (which is ridiculous). It's led to me completely avoiding activities that revolve around alcohol since I always end up irritated by the constant questions, or subtle guilt-tripping, because no matter how much people say they won't make you feel bad for not drinking they almost always do.

Its annoying as fuck.

Click to shrink...

That was annoying, yeah. Dealt with that a lot in the military.

My main issue is sitting at home with drinking rather than with friends - I get to the point when I'm out with friends where I can tell myself "Hey, don't drink too much or you'll make an ass out of yourself," whereas at home there's none of that social pressure around. At first I'd drink with friends, but if we went out drinking could be expensive, and then if it was just with friends I'd worry about making a fool out of myself. Drinking at home fixed both of those issues, but of course isn't all that healthy either, heh.

 

[Aaronrules380]

I've never really drunk alcohol at all in my life, but I'm not sure I could give advice since it's ultimately come down to me not seeing the appeal of alcohol. Can't even give advice on peer pressure since I haven't really had any close friends since high school, so nobody has really existed who would pressure me to drink

 

[Pwnz]

Subbed. Been an issue for a while now for me - never to the point where it interferes with important things like work or family, but to the point where I'm just concerned about my health. Tried AA but was not a fan at all - tried many different meetings but all of them really seemed like people who would speak like they were wistful for the days of drinking. That and there were quite a few cult-like people at a good chunk of those meetings and it really turned me off. Tried SMART too, but the meetings were too sparse and difficult to get to from where I lived. Basically would have to take out four hours out of my day just to attend.

Got a new counselor in my new city, just started a few weeks ago but shows some promise. I've managed to slow it down over the past few years but still not sober yet.

Click to shrink...

There are some horrible AA groups for sure. If you don't go back, I recommend at least filling out step 4 inventory and cautiously making amends to major harms that won't cause issues. Step 4 and 9 are really the meat of AA, especially if you aren't spiritual. That combined knowing that you can never have the 1st drink for the rest of your life because if you're a true alcoholic, that 1st drink always results in a dozen more.

 

[Goney]

Never considered myself a heavy drinker or alcoholic, but I'm making a heavy effort to cut way back. Mostly due to the caloric density of my chosen drinks. Haven't had liquor in over a week now (I know, nothing major), and I don't see myself going back any time soon.

I'm a little worried because I'm attending a friend's graduation party this weekend and alcohol will definitely be involved. I'm going to make a concerted effort to stick to diet soda/light beers.

 

[MrMephistoX]

Never considered myself a heavy drinker or alcoholic, but I'm making a heavy effort to cut way back. Mostly due to the caloric density of my chosen drinks. Haven't had liquor in over a week now (I know, nothing major), and I don't see myself going back any time soon.

I'm a little worried because I'm attending a friend's graduation party this weekend and alcohol will definitely be involved. I'm going to make a concerted effort to stick to diet soda/light beers.

Click to shrink...

Good on you seriously try CBD oil if it's legal in your state. It totally curbed my desire to drink and improved my mood without the psychedelic effects of high THC weed. I quit drinking for similar reasons it was sabotaging my workout efforts and increased my food appetite.

 

[Goney]

Good on you seriously try CBD oil if it's legal in your state. It totally curbed my desire to drink and improved my mood without the psychedelic effects of high THC weed. I quit drinking for similar reasons it was sabotaging my workout efforts and increased my food appetite.

Click to shrink...

Ah yes that's one thing I forgot to mention. Whenever I drank, my food cravings went crazy. Junk food of course: DQ blizzards, pretzels and cheese, etc. And whenever these cravings came up, my drunk self was all "hell yes I'm eating this stuff."

So cutting back on the alcohol has curbed those cravings for sure.

 

[MrMephistoX]

Ah yes that's one thing I forgot to mention. Whenever I drank, my food cravings went crazy. Junk food of course: DQ blizzards, pretzels and cheese, etc. And whenever these cravings came up, my drunk self was all "hell yes I'm eating this stuff."

So cutting back on the alcohol has curbed those cravings for sure.

Click to shrink...

I know right? Despite the hype over cannabis and getting the munchies not true in my case I've lost 6 pounds in a two week period

 

[Pwnz]

For those struggling, something also worth looking into is the Sinclair Method.

I haven't done it myself, but basically the Sinclair Method involves taking an anti-opioid naltrexone 1 hour prior to planned drinking. The idea is like nicotine gum - to deassociate the addiction (sensory/effect) in the brain. However, I imagine anyone already biologically predisposed to alcoholism will swiftly redevelop alcoholism after a few months of repeated drinking.

 

[Awesome Kev]

I've fallen back into it over the last month. Drinking has been a huge struggle in my life for 7 or 8 years now.

I got up to a bottle (750ml) of 80 proof vodka a day at my absolute worst and have since pulled myself away from it. I still go into 3 to 4 week long binges and I'm currently in the middle of one going on week 5. I really need to put this shit down, every day I don't stay sober it gets harder to quit. I'll go a few days and think I'm good and next thing I know I'm waking up not remembering what happened for a few seconds before I come to and realize i did it again.

Thanks for this thread OP, maybe we can all support each other here by checking in with our sobriety progress. I'm going to try and go tonight without drinking. I work the next four days so I want to shoot for that but right now I'm just thinking one day at a time. Wish me luck!

 

[Omegasquash]

Subbed. I feel like I stay up later when I drink, and I don't like it. I also don't like that I'll tell myself "not tonight", and then have a drink or two. Or kill the bottle of wine.

I'm pretty good about eating and exercising (admittedly I could do more), but I feel like the frequency that I have a few (most nights) is holding me back, and certainly makes the day more tedious. And let's not forget: this shit'll kill you.

I'm all for checking in and helping out. More people can do more together than apart.