The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living

RubyRed427

None of us are perfect- what you did was normal. That's why it's called relapse- it happens to the best of us. The positive from your experience Sunday is that it will push you to call and get help. You know the famous quote: "Sometimes you have to get knocked down to see the stars." Probably much more good will come from this experience. I agree with Jen. It is so difficult to have people around you who drink. You may need to set boundaries - it is your place too after all.

I think one of the main reasons I am going on vacation alone is because if my girlfriends go with me, they will drink all through the vacation, and I would be so tempted--- I know I'd drink.

Thank you for sharing your experience, because it really truly helps us all.

RubyRed427

In NYtimes, there is a big article about the connection between alcohol and cancer. They are thinking of labeling alcohol with the same label that they put on cigarettes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/well/alcohol-cancer-risk.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=305805471&algo=identity&variant=no-exp&imp_id=22670579&action=click&module=Science Technology&pgtype=Homepage

no44s4me

The only day that matters is today. Good for you on speaking to your Dr., no sense trying to white knuckle your way through it if professional help is needed and available...very brave

mtngrl3

Hi, I'm back. @Up_n_Running good for you! that was actually the reason for my hiatus. I had to have help from my doctor to detox from alcohol actually beginning of last month as well as a counselor. I went back and forth on quitting the last time I was on this message board and I was in denial how physically hooked I was. Took me 3 weeks off work to taper down and I had to start seeing a therapist/psychologist again. My Dr says for a 29 year old I have some pretty bad liver damage and in a month we'll do more tests. I was drinking a Fifth + a half pint of either Vodka or Whisky everyday, starting in the morning. Today marks 8 days for me. I started going to AA locally for accountability as well as some other groups and so far I've found a really amazing in person support system as well as you guys. I've been reading "Quit Like a Woman" by Holly Whitaker as well. It's a pretty awesome book. Anyways, I haven't been sober for this long in 2 years. That's my rant for today, but I'm back, one day at a time.

RubyRed427

@mtngrl3 Welcome back! You are really brave! I know your post will benefit many people; thank you for your honesty. I wish you the BEST! I also pray you can heal your liver. That is so scary- I'm sorry you are going through this. One day at a time is right! That's all we have.

SunnyDays930

Congratulations on 8 days sober @mtngrl3. We are here for you. You are very brave and honest to bare your soul like this. Surely your story will help other people.

wmichben

I'm glad this thread exists! I quit drinking entirely in December and I am surprised by the amount of pushback I get. People either don't believe I'll stick with it or they actually try to get me to drink. I don't get it!

I just knew that quitting entirely was what I needed because I could lie to myself about moderation all I wanted but it was always too easy for me to just keep drinking in excess. Quitting alcohol was the catalyst that has enabled me to alter other habits, get better sleep, wake up early to enjoy some coffee/reading time, stick to my 4-day per week gym schedule, and more...

I don't miss drinking at all. I don't know what suddenly made it easy for me to quit. I had backed off of it a few times in the past but always started increasing how much and how often I was drinking over time. But this time, I just said "I'm done" and I was done. After two weeks, I was like, "Whoa, I can actually do this."

wiigelec

Darn straight you can do this and flock anyone who tells you different!

RubyRed427

wmichben wrote: »

I'm glad this thread exists! I quit drinking entirely in December and I am surprised by the amount of pushback I get. People either don't believe I'll stick with it or they actually try to get me to drink. I don't get it!

I just knew that quitting entirely was what I needed because I could lie to myself about moderation all I wanted but it was always too easy for me to just keep drinking in excess. Quitting alcohol was the catalyst that has enabled me to alter other habits, get better sleep, wake up early to enjoy some coffee/reading time, stick to my 4-day per week gym schedule, and more...

I don't miss drinking at all. I don't know what suddenly made it easy for me to quit. I had backed off of it a few times in the past but always started increasing how much and how often I was drinking over time. But this time, I just said "I'm done" and I was done. After two weeks, I was like, "Whoa, I can actually do this."

Thanks for posting! I am in the same boat- every time I thought I could moderate, it was not always possible. Sounds like the benefits of quitting are numerous! So happy for you!

billyfallon1

@wmichben I tried to send a friend request, but it didn't go through. I could use a friend like you here on MFP.

Actually, I've tried to reach out to a few people on this thread, but have been unsuccessful. Maybe I'm going about it the wrong way.

I need support, and I am here to support others who share my goal to be healthy and alcohol free.

mtngrl3

Thanks everyone today is day 10! Double digits! I took some before pictures and each week I will do another to see the difference and remind myself what it does to the body. BUT, I've actually GAINED weight I've been working out, eating healthy, the chocolate/sugar cravings are killing me though (body trying to replace the absence of sugar from alcohol) but I am finding it so hard to find good healthy alternatives and self control. I nearly ate a whole thing of girl scout cookies last night + M&M's. Someone had told me once I quit drinking the empty calories weight will naturally come off (as long as I'm not overeating) but I think they lied lol @Up_n_Running I keep reminding myself of that too. How much I needed to drink and how it doesn't feel as good as being sober. I was to the point I wouldn't get hangovers anymore, I remind myself how it made my anxiety/panic attacks 100x worse and how it was ground hog day every day.

donimfp

I've been quiet for a while but following. After getting right back to it after my Jan. 6 hellish relapse, I haven't been very successful or, frankly, very motivated. But I know all the wonderful gains of sobriety beat the heck out of all the downsides of drinking. @Up_n_Running, I like your new picture. It represents your positive outlook and attitude.

I have to admit that the vanity factor is a big motivator for me. My appearance changed very much for the better during my 6 months' straight of no drinking. I had my final audition for Jeopardy this past Monday and am now in the contestant pool--just waiting for a call, which could come any time in the next 18 months (although they don't guarantee that everyone who makes it will be called). If and when I do get called, I want it to me non-drinking me who shows up--both in terms of energy level and appearance, so I'm determined to work on sobriety once again with complete seriousness. You guys are my inspiration for sure.

RubyRed427

Good morning friends! I was praying today for God to take away the desire to drink. I dont want to romanticize it in my head; I want to keep remember the pain, regret, suffering, head in the toilet kind of nights to keep me on track.
Thanks to everyone for popping on this thread! It helps so much to know Im not alone on this journey. Have a great weekend! It's sunny but cold here. Going for a long walk soon. Having no hangover in 6.5 months is a GREAT perk.

donimfp

Hooray for 6.5 months @RubyRed427. Are you on spring break? Ours starts today. It's so weird to realize it's been a year since we went on SB and never went back to school. I'm proud of all of us for working so hard on sobriety during such a difficult year.

RubyRed427

donimfp wrote: »

Hooray for 6.5 months @RubyRed427. Are you on spring break? Ours starts today. It's so weird to realize it's been a year since we went on SB and never went back to school. I'm proud of all of us for working so hard on sobriety during such a difficult year.

I'm very proud of US! Yes, it is so hard sometimes but so worth it. I hope you are well! No spring break until March 26- and then I'm taking myself to Florida! What are your plans?

adamyovanovich

929 days sober. Lost 80 lbs just by quiting alcohol. With all the calories and binge eating while drunk. Still have about 100 more to lose. But I'm working towards it still.

No reason to ever start drinking again. It's useless. Calories. Bad health. Bad habits. Just bad.

walterm852

RubyRed427 wrote: »

In NYtimes, there is a big article about the connection between alcohol and cancer. They are thinking of labeling alcohol with the same label that they put on cigarettes.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/well/alcohol-cancer-risk.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=305805471&algo=identity&variant=no-exp&imp_id=22670579&action=click&module=Science Technology&pgtype=Homepage

Thanks for posting - great article

walterm852

Beka3695 wrote: »

Hi guys! I made it a year!!! Now for the next hurdle!!!

@beka3695 Congrats, that is awesome !

RubyRed427

Good morning! It's sunny here and I'm heading for a massage. I sure remember last year having a massage on a day I was severely hungover. That was brutal; I was hoping I wouldn't throw up on the lady.

I have really isolated myself due to quitting drinking. I know that's not a good thing. I am going to have to find some sober friends who do different things. Like maybe join a hiking club? or join a paint class (AF)?

donimfp

@adamyovanovich, that is awesome! I so agree with your post. What keeps me going in sobriety is my "What I Hated About Drinking" list. You said it best. Just bad!
@RubyRed427, a trip to the sun sounds fun. I'm just thankful that this spring break isn't about if and where we can find toilet paper! I'm sure you've heard Texas has opened up wide. I'm getting my second vaccine dose Thursday, but I'm still being cautious--masking, distancing as much as possible, etc. But I may venture out to some interesting little, uncrowded shops during this next week. That will feel liberating after a year! I've been teaching in person since August (in locked-up juvie), but haven't been anywhere just for fun for a long time. Sober treats are calling my name.