Hello, I'm new - 9 days sober

@Clumsyannie

congratulations on your streak

it is really one day at a time.....i wish you strength on the days you feel are harder then others...

Good day to you,

Firstly congratulations on taking back control of your life and we'll being. I personally quit drinking 3 years ago for the same reasons. I will tell you it's not easy, the temptation will always be there which is a never ending test of how committed you are to your self.

The key to success is distracting your mind, I know reading books has become irrelevant in today's society but challenging your self to finish just one is the best course of action. Make a cup of tea, coffee or whatever you find comfort in that is not alcohol, and devote 1 hour a day to reading. You can do audio books as well, my advice is to read it your self fully one time and then allow an audiobook to read it for you.

This have me a new perspective on how I see things. I read a book in my own mental voice and once it was read by another person through audio to me it changed everything that I imagined it to be. As long as you grant your self the distraction when you find your self thinking about a drink, you will find within a weeks time you can do it.

Remember, it takes about a month to create a habit/addiction and only takes 3 to 4 days to break the chains. Lastly as I tell all, a hobby is the best course of action. If you ever had an interest in something that seemed to be impossible to do, give your self the opportunity to create original pieces. Let it flow from your environment so you don't overwhelm your self into believing it's not something for you, because the things you least expect will have the biggest impact on life.

I think your story is very inspiring and I relate to a lot of the things you mentioned. You actually remind me of my grandma named Ann, who also had a hard time staying away from alcohol. I'm so proud of you for your effort to maintain your sobriety. I wish you the best of luck in your journey for your mental health.

@Clumsyannie Congratulations! Keep going. You are not alone. 

Thank you guys so much, day 15! Connection/support is so important. Feeling so much more clarity and continuing to process emotions. It's not easy at all-- it's very very hard. But I feel like I'm recognizing a lot of patterns/stressors and allowing myself to explore trauma repression knowing that I will be safe. Despair is lessening.

Much love,

Ann

So proud of you

@Clumsyannie

It's so great that you opened up about this. Hope everything is going great. Proud of you!

You can do this, I'm a year and and seven months sober this app helps

I slipped on day 26. I had a sip of Vodka and felt immediate regret. I tried to spit out most of it but did feel some effect for about an hour.

Retrospectively, I think I started having increased cravings/anxiety again on Day 21. I tried to ignore it, pushed all feelings down and avoided even meditating/got stuck in my head a bit. This didn't work and I caved. (Worth noting I live in a household where someone else drinks nightly so I have to be pretty disciplined in following through in my own sobriety. My drink of choice is literally within arms reach every day but I have to take full responsibility for every choice I make.)

I'm back on track now.

Some may not agree but I am not starting over my count right now. I afforded myself "day 26 sober" after I made it another 24 hrs following my slip. I think I need to see the numbers continue to grow for my confidence.

I need to reach out when I feel despair and anxiety. I need to admit I do have cravings and that this is hard. I need to not fear failing and feel joy in my accomplishments.

And so, today is day 28.

Humbly,

Ann

@Clumsyannie

Much love.... 💗💗💗. So very proud of you. Be sure to come here and scream your brains out if you you get tempted close to a bad place! Remember the N.O.S.E. Not One Sip Ever!

You are beautiful, You are strong, You so Got This!