The Sober Squad- Alcohol Free Living
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I second the skincare routine. I have also been paying more attention to my face and it really yields results. I bought this stuff called Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay on Amazon. This big 1 lb jar for 12 bucks. You mix equal parts clay powder and apple cider vinegar then slap it all over your face and let it get hard then rinse it off. It is seriously like a professional facial. It has 12,000 reviews so I guess I am not the only one that loves it! It stinks to high heaven due to the vinegar but it is a GREAT product! I use it a couple times a week. Highly recommend.4
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5 month sober anniversary today! It is not easy and I crave wine sometimes, but the journey is making me stronger and wiser. I just cannot have a hangover again; it's still raw in my memory. Wasted time and wasted weekends.
Positive aspects of sobriety : feeling good all the time; having to deal with my feelings in a more positive way, finding other interests and hobbies I never ever thought about, being able to drive any time I need to, saving money by not buying alcohol, hanging out with friends and still having fun sober.....
Keep a list of why you want and need to stay sober. Read it when you feel like caving in; watch inspiring youtube videos of people who are sober; and have a mantra "No matter what- I will not drink."
I may not be sober tomorrow, but for today I will be.
Last evening, I met my cousin for appetizers. He drank 2.5 glasses of wine; I watched every sip of that glass. I wanted to reach over and chug it. But I had non-alcoholic beer instead. I tried to tell him how there is more to life than hours sitting in a bar with people who are not really your friends and so on. He told me how he has it under control most of the time; sadly, I hear differently from his wife. But maybe one day, he will try to quit.
He even said "I am more and more like my father....."
**His dad was a raging alcoholic who went bar to bar to bar...
I felt kinda sad for him when he said that. But he added he's not as bad as his dad. (His dad was violent and quite an awful human being). My cousin on the other hand is a lovely soul- talented artist and wonderful man.
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Congrats! Stay the course!RubyRed427 wrote: »5 month sober anniversary today! It is not easy and I crave wine sometimes, but the journey is making me stronger and wiser.
Love this, and couldn’t agree more.RubyRed427 wrote: »...being able to drive any time I need to...
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Congratulations to all of your milestones. I haven't been too active on here. The 20th of Jan I suffered a family crisis and without giving it one single thought threw my coat on and headed to the package store after almost 2 yrs sobriety. So I wont be celebrating 2 yrs on March 5th like I had planned. I drank again the day after that and that was it.
The cravings are back. Its hard to rebound but Im doing it.
Happens to the best of is. Im disappointed. Family crisis has heeled. And thats my story.
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@aroze0928, I feel your pain (which seems to be healing--so that's good!). I am amazed at how much one "little" relapse can set us back and set cravings in motion after so long--for me 6 months, for you 2 years! I don't think I really believed it. In fact, I had fantasies of having a "yearly" martini and then getting right back to the sobriety. Of course, I haven't made it to a year yet, but I now know that when I do, a "one-time" martini is absolutely a horrible idea.
It's actually been kind of good for me to have lost that 6-month celebration. I had January 6 circled on my calendar, decorated in my planner, etc. Fitting that that day, Epiphany, was the day of my own epiphany that I'd better never be over-confident about sobriety.
Anyway, I'm happy you're rebounding. Me, too. I agree that it's hard, but we're doing it.
@RubyRed427, Congratulations!!! I agree with the idea of the list. I keep a list of benefits and also my "What I Hated About Drinking" list. And the ability to drive at a moment's notice can be a huge bonus. When we had to take our precious cat to the vet at 9 p.m. on a Sunday, I was able to hop in the car and drive 20 miles without having to worry about it. My husband had had a few bourbons, so I don't know what we would have done if I'd been drinking, too.
Have a great weekend, everyone!6 -
Congratulations RubyRed!!! Waves to the gang and hope everyone has a wonderful AF weekend, gonna check Amazon for the face stuff mentioned earlier😁7
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Congratulations to all of your milestones. I haven't been too active on here. The 20th of Jan I suffered a family crisis and without giving it one single thought threw my coat on and headed to the package store after almost 2 yrs sobriety. So I wont be celebrating 2 yrs on March 5th like I had planned. I drank again the day after that and that was it.
The cravings are back. Its hard to rebound but Im doing it.
Happens to the best of is. Im disappointed. Family crisis has heeled. And thats my story.
So many of my dumb drinking sessions have been spur of the moment exactly as you described! Hope the family crises is OK now and glad you stopped drinking,sometimes it's soooooo hard to stop once we've started7 -
Those of you who are into skin care as a hobby, I really like Caroline Hirons’ blog. She’s got little “cheat sheets “ on all kinds of topics. She has a bestselling book called “Skin Care” which I bought but I think pretty much everything in it can be found on her blog for free. It’s fun and informative and inspiring.6
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Thank you for the encouraging comments. I appreciate every one of you here.5
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Congratulations to all of your milestones. I haven't been too active on here. The 20th of Jan I suffered a family crisis and without giving it one single thought threw my coat on and headed to the package store after almost 2 yrs sobriety. So I wont be celebrating 2 yrs on March 5th like I had planned. I drank again the day after that and that was it.
The cravings are back. Its hard to rebound but Im doing it.
Happens to the best of is. Im disappointed. Family crisis has heeled. And thats my story.
Aroze, you are not alone, ever. We totally understand. At my AA meetings, there are very similar stories. People relapse after 6 months, 4 years and even 11 years. Addiction is so powerful but you are stronger. Forgive yourself and look forward. Don't lament over the 2 year anniversary you would have had. Just keep saying today I will be sober.
I'm proud of you that you got back on the sober journey and will keep trying. The tragedy comes when people just give up because of a slip and think all is lost. As we know in our hearts, we are worth fighting for. We will never stop trying to stay sober.
I remember one actor said "Sobriety is my job. Acting is my hobby."6 -
Those of you who are into skin care as a hobby, I really like Caroline Hirons’ blog. She’s got little “cheat sheets “ on all kinds of topics. She has a bestselling book called “Skin Care” which I bought but I think pretty much everything in it can be found on her blog for free. It’s fun and informative and inspiring.
Love all of your skincare notes. We have an advantage already because our skin is not being dehydrated after drinking.
My cousin (who does drink) has nice skin. He said he washes his face with rice water. He takes rice and mixes it with water and puts it in his refrigerator; he rinses his face with the rice water and it tightens your skin.
Not sure if it works but...3 -
Congratulations to all of your milestones. I haven't been too active on here. The 20th of Jan I suffered a family crisis and without giving it one single thought threw my coat on and headed to the package store after almost 2 yrs sobriety. So I wont be celebrating 2 yrs on March 5th like I had planned. I drank again the day after that and that was it.
The cravings are back. Its hard to rebound but Im doing it.
Happens to the best of is. Im disappointed. Family crisis has heeled. And thats my story.
So many of my dumb drinking sessions have been spur of the moment exactly as you described! Hope the family crises is OK now and glad you stopped drinking,sometimes it's soooooo hard to stop once we've started
For sure! We have all dived head first into a bottle when life gets unbearable. The trick is to get back out of that bottle and keep trying.
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@RubyRed427, Ms. Hirons lists smoking, sun, and sugar as the three big culprits as far as skin ageing, but she puts alcohol right up there with them, and would certainly put excessive alcohol even higher on the list. I remember hearing Jennifer Lopez give the reason she doesn't drink--that it's disastrous for your skin. She's a pretty good advertisement for sobriety as far as the skin goes.6
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WOW. I just read something on the Sober School blog that stopped me in my tracks. A person was lamenting drinking during her kid's childhoods and setting a poor example etc. She had gotten sober but still felt badly. Kate said, "The best apology for the past is in changed behavior". I LOVE and I need to remember this. How many times I had said or done something while drunk that I regretted terribly the next day? Way too many. But when we change our behavior (by living sober in this case) we show others that we are sincere in our desire to be better people (and spouse, friend, parent etc.)7
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I had a craving today and popped one of the granddaughters' lollipops in my mouth and ate it slowly. By the time I was done, the craving had passed. I will definitely keep these on hand. Just a few calories as well.5
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@FeelinFooFoo I like when you said alcohol is a drug. That does hit home.
@JenT304 Whatever it takes to sober is a good plan.5 -
@FeelinFooFoo I am reading the Alan Carr book to reinforce my desire to be sober. You are absolutely right about "alcohol just happens to be a legal drug". If it were brought to the market today as a new product, there is no way it would be allowed to be legally sold. It kills more than 3 million people a year. This is an interesting and alarming article.
https://www.who.int/news/item/21-09-2018-harmful-use-of-alcohol-kills-more-than-3-million-people-each-year--most-of-them-men
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@FeelinFooFoo Isn't it delightful to know that in the morning we will feel great? That makes the AF life most worth it- in the mornings. Face not puffy, skin clear, no mindless snacking the night before, etc.
I'm looking forward to six months sober. It has opened my eyes to a new business that I have been working on that gives me a new purpose (besides teaching). I am in charge of what I put in my body, so I choose an AF life. No more negotiating with myself about how many I'll drink, etc. That was so exhausting. I like this way of life better. I have to deal with my problems and bad days in different ways than I used to- I cannot jump headfirst into a bottle like I use to. **Sometimes, I really wish I could, but I tried that and drinking never improved my life.
Next week, I'm inviting my sister over for her 1 year sober anniversary. I'll make her a lovely dinner and we will toast with Perrier. Have a great weekend friends! I'm rooting for you!!6 -
@FeelinFooFoo, you have such an interesting life living with your partner and brother! Good for you for maintaining sobriety while dealing with “the boys”!5
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Good morning friends! I woke up early around 5:30 and thought it was 6:30 because I can't see my watch numbers - they're too small! And I cant change the setting. Anyway, I feel like I gained an hour!!
I was lying in bed thinking right now last year, I would have slept on and off til 10:00 am and dragged myself to the couch to nurse a hangover, gotten fries and a burger at noon. I would finally feel human around 5:00 p.m. Hangovers suck!!! So not worth the few hours of perceived "fun.".
I pray I never ever forget what a hangover feels like, but @FeelinFooFoo I agree with you- throwing up and feeling like crap for days was an awful price to pay.4 -
Happy Valentine's Day! It's snowing slightly - pretty little snowflakes. I made myself a Valentine dinner last night: lobster tails, cauliflower pan fried, and sparkling water. Today I'll work on my business. Sending love to those who are struggling and a high five to those who are staying sober.
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Love the new photo, RubyRed!
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Up_n_Running wrote: »Hi @RubyRed427
I wonder, would you recommend the sparkle project, Rebecca Wellers Wellness Academy course. I'm sure you said that you were either thinking of doing it, or had signed up.
Maybe part of me is scared to have Rebecca Weller completely out my life hahaha I'm trying to delve into another of her courses as a *reminder* of the sexy sobriety course lol
Nah, I think the sparkle project looks very interesting for the food and recipe side of things. But, I will keep looking as there was other courses that caught my eye too.
I'm embarrassed- I totally forgot about the Sparkle Club!!! I have to find that info again and the ebook and get busy. I have a terrible habit of signing up for something , paying upfront and then moving on to something else.
Thanks for the reminder! I accepted your friend request.
I'm happy you are nearing 4 months; it's not easy but it is worth the effort.
I am learning from our friends on here that it is difficult to get back on the sober wagon once you fall off. And then you get cravings (my cravings are basically gone).
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I look forward to seeing your tattoo!! I may do that in the future, too.
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Hello Friends. I hope all is well. Even if I wanted to drink, it's colonoscopy prep day so that's out! Actually, I haven't had a craving in a while. The more I know, the more I want to stay sober. I was out with my husband for lunch yesterday, me with my seltzer and he had 2 beers. I was so happy to be able to drive us safely. He seemed surprisingly buzzed to me. Then I thought, maybe 2 beers ALWAYS made him buzzed and I was always so equally buzzed that I never noticed. I am enjoying being so aware of everything.
Speaking of Bex Weller, on her instagram there is a saying, "Because I was sober today I______________" then you fill in the blank. Here is mine: Because I was sober today I was able to have a very serious talk with my niece about her gravely ill father". This is my husband's brother. I KNOW drinking will never make that situation better.
Alright, back to my disgusting prep drink. Wish me luck tomorrow!5 -
Hello Friends. I hope all is well. Even if I wanted to drink, it's colonoscopy prep day so that's out! Actually, I haven't had a craving in a while. The more I know, the more I want to stay sober. I was out with my husband for lunch yesterday, me with my seltzer and he had 2 beers. I was so happy to be able to drive us safely. He seemed surprisingly buzzed to me. Then I thought, maybe 2 beers ALWAYS made him buzzed and I was always so equally buzzed that I never noticed. I am enjoying being so aware of everything.
Speaking of Bex Weller, on her instagram there is a saying, "Because I was sober today I______________" then you fill in the blank. Here is mine: Because I was sober today I was able to have a very serious talk with my niece about her gravely ill father". This is my husband's brother. I KNOW drinking will never make that situation better.
Alright, back to my disgusting prep drink. Wish me luck tomorrow!
Good luck Jen! You will sleep so well tomorrow night but maybe not tonight.
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Hi everyone. Its day 1 of no drinking for me. Its about time I came to terms with the fact that alcohol, besides providing some temporary escape from life, hasn't really had any positive affect on my life. I still have a lot that scares me about this (dealing with my feelings, insomnia, etc.) but I think its time I let this thing go and start something new. Anyways, thanks for the group.9
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I weathered the procedure. All looked good. I don't need to go back for 7 years. yay!5
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Welcome @ryfit626! You will find support here.4
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Hi everyone. Its day 1 of no drinking for me. Its about time I came to terms with the fact that alcohol, besides providing some temporary escape from life, hasn't really had any positive affect on my life. I still have a lot that scares me about this (dealing with my feelings, insomnia, etc.) but I think its time I let this thing go and start something new. Anyways, thanks for the group.
Welcome! In the beginning , I was bare knuckling it! Just hanging in there through cravings and habits. Cooking was hard to do because I drank wine during cooking. After work was hard to deal with , because I stopped for happy hours. BUT it is doable. And that's why people say just take one day at a time. Don't worry about tomorrow. Just stay sober today.
You may experience sugar cravings because you're used to the dopamine kick from alcohol, so maybe hard candy nearby could help.
For some of us, alcohol use has become troublesome and not worth the consequences.
Check out this thread's earlier book recommendations and youtube videos. You'll learn a lot and it is motivating to know you are not alone!4
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