I Haven't had a drink for 4 months now

And your grandkids’ heart, too.

The longer you go the easier it gets.

I couldn't do that twice. I'm in your corner, sir.

if you ever feel the overwhelming urge to drink, post your intentions here on DU first. We will help steer you away! yes indeed

(Navy for well done!)

I stopped, too, after drinking enough to float a frigate.

Glad you're feeling healthier. Thanks for taking care of yourself and your family!

for over 25 years now, and it still gets better every day. Congratulations for taking the first step.

and thanks...

It is a daily struggle, but you are stronger.

Very happy for you!

Congrats!

It only gets better, keep it up!

Life's problems will always be there, but it's a lot easier to handle them when you have a clear mind and real friends.

Keep us posted!

..by Santana and friends. Enjoy!


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If it works for you as it did for me - and with smoking tobacco, as well - you will lose track of just when the change came. I made ZERO effort to memorialize a specific date, so it has absolutely no power.

Once again...congratulations!

good health, freedom, family and life.

Great. Just be patient with yourself as you readjust to better ways of coping with stress. I simply grew out of drinking. Now when I attend a social gathering I usually bring some NA beer, anything but o'douls. I find it easier to deflect if I'm still drinking something. I emphasise driving, unless I'm obviously not driving and then I mention wanting to be sharp the next day. There is a growing lineup of near beer varieties.

I just went to an AA meeting tonight, tried everything else, but that's what finally worked for me - though it did take awhile. I remember the days when I couldn't put a week together, but with the support of and what I learned from those who came before me, I have 12 years as of last month (yesterday, actually).

I order the coins to commemorate sobriety for two different groups now, though both have been on hiatus due to the pandemic, so I'm very happy to present this one to you. Hang in there, it really does get better!

That is really something to be proud of!

This past year has been tough since so many groups have shut down for the duration. I worry about people. My "home group," the one I advocate for at the district level, had its last meeting on March 16, 2020 - and we figured it would be weeks - which turned into months - and now it's been over a year. So I totally missed year #11. And we met at a residential treatment center, so I'm not sure if we have a future at that convenient location.

And it wasn't at all easy for me in the beginning, but I found a wonderful mentor who showed me what to do. But she wasn't well and has been gone for over 2 years now. But I don't dare slip up since that would be letting her down, so I just try to pay it forward. Met a new girl tonight who's struggling, just got out of detox, so I reached out to her, it's all about carrying the message - If I can do it, she can.

I'm so proud of you my friend.

I'm having a serious discussion in my head about drinking alcohol. My body wants to reject it all and I really enjoy having a cocktail. I'm not a daily drinker but someone that wants to be able to drink a drink without my body having fits. I think it's a sign that I should let it go but it's so hard to give it up. Thankfully, spouse gave up a long time ago just because his body doesn't tolerate it either. He's never had a problem with it though.

I'm going to try to get through this next month and see how it goes. My Mother is in hospice care and I don't know how it's going to go for me. The damage she's done to my mental health since I've lived in Europe has made this situation very hard. I've been indulging too much lately and my body is fighting back. I hope she goes quickly so I can get on with my life and get my shit together. without alcohol.

I've done that countless times - saying "just this once" - but I've learned that's all it takes. And the thing is, not everyone is an alcoholic. Nor is it a "character flaw," which is still how it's regarded in some quarters even at this late date, despite all we've learned over the past 86 years.

One Day at a Time worked for me to begin with - and even that took awhile to sink in. But I had an amazing AA sponsor who was there to support me through some rough times and she had such an excellent understanding of people. I belong to AA and still go to meetings - mostly those where we read out of the literature. "Living Sober" is an excellent book - it's very popular in my beginners' group. And it really does help to share experiences, both for support from others who've been there and learning from others who have faced the same issues.

I quit once before - years ago after I had a bad experience, got really sick - and that lasted for a pretty long time, but I hadn't learned anything and I eventually forgot. That's why I keep in touch with others, both to learn and so I don't forget again - and to pay forward the with the support that I got.

I lost my own mother when I was a little over 2 years in. She wasn't sick, it was an accident. That's where my sponsor came in, she stuck with me, but I also knew that I had to take responsibility and I focused on that - I couldn't afford to be distracted.

Of course, everyone's experiences are different, and it has been especially tough during this pandemic, the enforced isolation. I know that a lot of people have had a rough time. And another thing I've noticed in my years on DU is whenever the subject comes up, how many people here weigh in. There are a whole lot of us, so you're sure not alone. And if I can make it, anybody can. Please let me know how it's going...

I got a 12 pack of beer last week and finished it over the weekend. I will not buy anymore. I don’t have any desire to drink daily but I love a cocktail on Friday and Saturday nights. I’m going to go alcohol free for awhile (again) and see how it goes.

I wished that there was an AA program without the use of a higher power or god figure because I think that a lot of us that abuse alcohol on occasion would join these support groups otherwise. I don’t tolerate religion even though my wonderful dear spouse is a Christian. I just don’t believe.

Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs and appreciation!

I had a lot of help on my journey, so I try to pay it forward. I reach out to beginners, just met another new girl yesterday. And my friend who I reached out to back in 2015 now has six years. That's how it works...

Good going! I've been a friend of Bills since 1990. It's hard to believe it's been that long but I still go to AA meetings and I still say "one day at a time."

I hope you're able to attend AA meetings frequently especially in the beginning and (by in the beginning for me I mean several years). AA saved my life.

Good for you!

Every day, decide to be the person you want to be.

Every day, day after day.

I am the buzzed drinker every evening to wind down. I am the 6PM to 8PM drinker.

It could turn to more if not careful, plus saving the money would be excellent

Who'd been there and told me what to do. There really is an entire community that I was never aware of before. Now these sober people are among my best friends and we support each other. It took me awhile, but I've been sober since April 30, 2009.

That’s why it’s the first step. It’s different for everyone. I stopped using 35 years ago. My attitude towards substances, alcohol being one, is like my attitude towards religion. I’m all in favor of people doing what works in their lives. It’s very easy to see other people who drink just like you do and use that to justify where you’re at. But when it stops working, ask for help. My decision was easy I was an 8AM to 6AM user.

liver disease. She was odd in the way her disease affected her.

She would/could clean up to meet a potential someone. She was Cherokee, and a beauty! She was working at two horse farms and teaching dressage. Tan, in great shape with a healthy outlook on life. My knees melted when I first met her! That soon turned into hell when she started drinking.

Her mother told me after her passing that she would do this after getting comfortable in a relationship. I felt like a heel when all this happened, but I FEEL like I keep it between the ditches.

It fucks with me still!

Most of us have some living problems to go with our drinking problems. It’s all wrapped up together. Real life starts to drop little, subtle clues, like liver failure and repeating the same patterns in relationships to drive home what is not working in your life. It’s easier in most cases to acknowledge those things in others than yourself. Take away the drink and you’re left with the other shit. 12 step programs are a way to learn new ways to live. Some of us have more to deal with than others. I stopped drinking and doping 35 years ago. I use the the tools from the 12 steps all the time. Life has it’s up and downs, but I try not to fuck it up any more.

A whole new perspective. Stay with it. Blessings and Peace.

4800 a year.

I'm happy your grandchildren have been your motivation. You'll make wonderful memories with them.

Keep going! Look at all the benefits you are reaping just in a few short months! Keep us posted on your progress!

I know from experience that it isn't easy. Stick with it and with time you'll wonder where the craving went! I've been sober for 42 years. I don't even think about it now.

Keep it up. You never need to go back into that dead end. Good job!

you really need to drink water! Not good not having a drink in 4 months.


Congratulations

1 - One day more
2 - Goto 1

I am on that same journey. For much the same reasons. Only one month into it, though. It's tougher than I thought it would be.

.... alcohol-related diseases.

Keep up the good work.

It takes time to relearn life without.
You can do it.

You're through the hardest part, now.
I've got forty years, and can tell you that it does get better...even the "high-strung prick" part!

Couldn’t have been easy, good for you

Good for you!

don't be hard on yourself and "one day at a time". It's true.

That is a really big deal.
I watched my parents drink themselves to death and was on that road myself. One day I woke up and decided to take control of my life.

Big congratulations!

... I stopped drinking alcohol because my friends and activities no longer involved drinking! It's almost like smoking... it seems weird, now, and just makes me tired.

I have friends who celebrate their "birthday" in sober years. They have great lives and are happy to be done with alcohol. Enjoy watching your grandchildren grow!

It is a great feeling indeed.

It sounds like you're past the 5 minutes at a time and onto one day at a time.

It takes about 2 years for alcohol to completely clear from your central nervous system. You might find you're a lot less high strung than you think you are by the time that happens.

and you’re having a better life. Win-win!

Wishing you endurance for your goal.

I'm glad to hear that your weight and health have improved also.

Now you have extra money to spend on your grandkids or yourself for a nice treat.

Keep up the good work, my friend!

It'll be hard work. But you can do it. It'll be worth it.

And screw you. I think that I gained 20 lbs when I stopped using.