I've been out celebrating

[Cb1963]

Hi all, well today I've successfully achieved 10 years sobriety, it doesn't seem much of an achievement, and I had a low key evening meal out with a couple of friends 😊, I think they were more impressed,perhaps I'm being a bit negative, but each day is just a normal day for me, and I sometimes feel like I've wasted many years prior to that, and I still have pangs of guilt from the hurt I've caused from my drinking, its hard for me to explain, I had many difficulties, not just from drinking, but with PTSD, maybe I'm just confused, and perhaps anniversaries aren't for me, but for those who hit milestones, and are aiming towards them, well keep on going, it can be done, I never thought I would ever make this day, so take the positive days, weeks and months ahead of you, and then you'll be getting the years under your belts, I wish you all the very best , the forum has been a great inspiration, thanks to all old friends, Chris 😇

[ABD58]

Congratulations on your 10 years of sobriety. It is quite an accomplishment and you should be proud.

[Cb1963 in reply to ABD58]

Thanks for your reply greatly appreciated 😊

[muffins7]

Happy happy 10 years! You deserve to celebrate that amazing accomplishment and be proud!

[Cb1963 in reply to muffins7]

Thanks muffins, much appreciated 😊

[DavyGravy]

Hi Chris

I think it may be the sense of guilt you feel that may downplay what an achievement this is. This is you, this is the real Chris, the one who can feel remorse, a sense of right and wrong.

You are not responsible for your actions then because they were not actions, they were reactions.

PTSD is the real culprit here, alcohol was its ally and between them, they are the ones who are guilty. Those are the catalysts that controlled you back then.

PTSD, like liver disease does not have visible scars, but they are still there and incredibly damaging. The reason you feel guilt now is because you know people were hurt by what you were going through, but you too were hurting and no less a victim.

After 10 years (I personally think it is a wonderful achievement) if you feel that your sobriety does not need celebrating, then you should celebrate the fact that it is 10 years since you took back control of your life. PTSD and alcohol no longer control how you interact with others and THAT is definitely worth celebrating.

To err is human, to forgive divine.... perhaps it is time to forgive yourself Chris.

Well done

Dave

[Cb1963 in reply to DavyGravy]

Thank you for your reply, it means those who look in can gain power and strength from knowing that anything is possible 😇

[Richard-Allen]

Congratulations, this is a fantistic achievement. Over those 11-years, you've been able to understand what was driving your need to drink. This understand can become lost in some people, as they often fail to realise they have a problem in the first place.

Questioning your own history I suspect was the key in understanding where things went wrong. So, in your case, it would appear that PTSD was driving your need to self-medicate, and by questioning what was the reason behind the PTSD. This is most likely a very private and personal event in your life.

Many people don't make this connection, and try to blank out the cause rather than confront it. So, you have managed to conquer both the cause and the effect. The cause being the PTSD and the reason behind it, and the use of alcohol which becomes the effect.

You are an inspiration to others who can't imagine a life without alcohol. Tell your story to the world Chris. Having that will to want to stop drinking has to be there, having that strength and encouragement can be a strong incentive for others. "If Chris can do it, so can l".

Once again "Well Done".

[Cb1963 in reply to Richard-Allen]

Thank you for your wise words, always a man of such understanding and great knowledge.

[Positive001]

Very well done Chris. All power to you !

[Cb1963 in reply to Positive001]

Thanks so much 😊

[Oscar21]

10 years is a great achievement. Well done and all the best for your continued sobriety. I will be 10 years alcohol free this year too.

[Cb1963 in reply to Oscar21]

Well done you, keep on going 👏

[teletonetapper]

What an absolutely brilliant achievement. One should never under estimate how well they have done in various walks of life. You are really a remarkable guy Chris and an incredible inspiration to others on this Forum. One should never think they cannot reach their goals. You should be incredibly proud of yourself and do not think of the past - concentrate on your life ahead, it will bring joy and happiness as I am positive it is already doing. Fantastic news and many gold stars for you.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Cb1963 in reply to teletonetapper]

Thanks for your kind words 🙏

[Roy1955]

Well done on 3650 days.I am halfway there.

BUT for anyone just embarking on this sober journey there no need to aim for years because its only today that matters.

You only have to turn your back on drink for ONE day and that's today!

Anything else is a bonus😊

[Cb1963]

Thanks, and well done you, keep on going 👍

[Kji378]

Hi Chris 👋

TEN YEARS IS BRILLIANT! Well done 😃

I thought I was good with going into my 4th year...(so I'm just a wee baby) BIG 🥳woo hoos 🥳 for you!

That is Amaztastic.... how proud are you? 👏

I'm sure you are secretly very chuffed with yourself! You should be.

All the best,.. take good care 😊

[Cb1963 in reply to Kji378]

Hey Kji378, a big thanks, and well done so far on your journey , I don't think I've had chance to say hello to you before 🤗 I've not been on the liver forum since before Christmas I had a quick peek at your profile, and I noticed you also suffer with the awful legacy of neuropathy 😢, boy i know how you feel, what a horrible condition, pain 24/7!I could go on for ever why I started to drink, and it would take all night to explain 🤔, in fact I could probably write a book, I wished I never touched alcohol in the first place, but we are here where we are, sober, and that's all that matters, I hope to catch up again in the future, have a good weekend, kind regards Chris 😇

[Kji378 in reply to Cb1963]

Thank you...yes it is another added extra included in the ingredients of Cirrhosis. Upwards and onwards though!

I'm sure we have similar reasons, however no one can compare, just either empathise, or sympathise ? I think I have got that the right way round. We are all unique, and all different reasons for why "IT" (alcohol) entered our lives for the worse.

Look after yourself, congratulations again, stay strong, and take good care 😊

[Confused1972]

A great big congratulations that is absolutely brilliant. What an inspiration to all of us who suffer this awful illness. I will be you one day I can assure you. Well done you! Stay safe 😀

[Cb1963 in reply to Confused1972]

Thanks Audittgirl, go for it, I can assure you that life is far better than drowning our sorrows in the demon brew

[Foxdud]

Well done you should be proud of yourself fantastic achievement

[Cb1963 in reply to Foxdud]

Thanks Foxdud 👍

[Aotea2012]

10 years. Amazing. Really well done....definitely something to celebrate.

[Cb1963 in reply to Aotea2012]

Thanks Aotea 2012🙂

[A9KSY]

Well said

[Cb1963 in reply to A9KSY]

Thank you 😊