Haven't touched a drop in...

I had my last drink Feb.7th 2002, making today 12 years sober.

Am very grateful and also really appreciate this forum. Chatting with newcomers and others here has really helped me in my own sobriety. So thanks all

Markoneill27 wrote: »

Hi guys!

Just new to the site, have up drinking 20 days ago! Only used to be a weekend drinker though! Unless a special occasion! Partly because I was sick of it and partly medical reasons!

I've noticed that my social life has taken an extreme dip! People don't seem to want to know you if you don't drink while socialising. Just started college though so hope there's some like minded people there !

Noticed a massive increase in my positivity and general wellbeing whereas when I used to drink I felt sad, anxious, panicky etc etc..

Just turned 22 so obviously there's still massive pressure to go out and drink but hoping I can stay strong through it !

I'm pretty much the same age as you and I noticed the same about social life... you may find that many of your friends were only "drinking buddies" and you'll drift apart

I'll be honest and say that I haven't sorted out my social life yet, its really suffered. I've tried doing some other stuff, sport etc but the "next stage" o that activity always seems to be the pub. I gave up drink back in October (except for a blip :rolleyes: ), this was after I finished college, but you should be able to find stuff to do with college, join lots of clubs and socs. But it is hard at our age because as you say there is massive pressure

Best of luck

realies wrote: »

The Ladder
No one who drank as I did wakes up on the edge of the abyss one morning and says:
Things look pretty scary; I think I'd better stop drinking before I fall in.
I was convinced I could go as far as I wanted,
and then climb back out when it wasn't fun anymore. What happened was,
I found myself at the bottom of the canyon thinking I'd never see the sun again.

Got this from a friend, Just a thought.
__________________

Very true, Allen Carr makes a similar analogy in his book. I'm on day 14 now, lots of temptation but reading this thread is helping me. I've found eating dark organic chocolate with high cocoa content helps too, been eating a bit(too much) every night . Otherwise I feel great, haven't slept this well in years.

jakeinthebox wrote: »

I'd just like to say a huge well done to everyone in this thread for kicking the habit. Being 22 myself and my girlfriend being 19, we often find ourselves drinking at least once a week and often find ourselves saying 'we should stop drinking'. This thread has given me huge inspiration to stop. I have only read back 10 pages at the most, and the stories I have read are great. I think after reading this, we are really going to try and stop the habit. We may be young and the peer pressure is of course still there, but with the right dedication it can still be done! Once again, huge congratulations to all of you who have been able to pass the demon that is alcohol!

See, that's what makes it all worthwhile. Seeing a young person like you not getting sucked into the madness. Fair play to your wisdom and maturity and it's great to see this group helped. There is a very rich life out there if you are open to it. I wish you and your gf a long and fulfilled life of adventure and learning!

Just passed the 3 year mark a week or so ago. So I suppose this is a good time as any to reflect on how life has changed.

I was not addicted to alcohol but had reached a stage in my life where it just didn't agree with me any more. A few pints on a Friday after work and I was useless for the rest of the weekend, any big sessions and I was shagged for a few days and mentally it left me feeling very fragile. This was nearly worse than the physical hangovers.

So fast forward three years and what has changed?
Family life is great, Mrs Cushtie loves it that she can rely on me to do the driving if we head out, no more hangovers mean I can be up early at the weekend to mind the young fella and give her a break.
My head is "clear", hard to explain that really.

Have lost about 2 stone and much fitter and healthier, am halfway through a degree studying part time by night, and work/career is going really well. Have saved a lot of money which has gone into finishing off our house etc,".

Only small downside is social life has definitely taken a hit, I never had much interests outside of the pub so find it can get a bit boring not having much to do, don't get me wrong I know there is tons of stuff I could have taken up but sadly not very motivated to try new things.

This can be my goal for the coming year. I have signed up for some voluntary work so maybe something positive will come from that.

To anyone thinking of going off it for a while, all I can say is give it a shot, you have nothing to lose really and potentially so so much to gain.

Cushtie

15 days here!

This only happened by accident, was quitting smoking and had a relapse while drinking so decided to knock the drink on the head temporarily.

15 days later and I think I could do this long term, don't miss the hangovers, the depression, the fear...

Even though its only been a short time, I've noticed I'm so much more productive since. I remember the days when I was partying heavily and the flat was a state and I'd no clothes to wear as laundry and tidying etc all built up while I was too hungover to get out of bed. I couldn't read a book or watch anything too taxing while hungover. Now I've gotten back into reading and watching good boxsets.

Whether this will be a long term measure or not remains to be seen but for now I feel great!

xzanti wrote: »

Year and a half today

That's deadly well done!