A sober reminder

[Cb1963]

So in February I'll be coming up to 12 years free from alcohol, not even been tempted I hasten to add, but the legacy from drinking has left me with nerve damage, its a reminder to those of you who think that drinking doesn't impact your lives. I honestly thought when I stopped drinking my life would return to normal, but after around 3 months my arms and legs would go into muscle spasms, and then a few weeks later the terrible burning sensations in my feet or pins and needles appeared,yes neuropathy, it's not really discussed a lot, and unfortunately once you've got this condition it's normally with you for life, my drinking habits were caused through ptsd, and took my poison drinking to places I'd rather not be , however I had counselling, and managed to sort my life out, everyone drinks for different reasons, but the painful legacy of neuropathy still continues to this day, so , the neuropathy isn't something I'd wish on anyone, and obviously it's not something discussed enough, it's caused by lack of vitamins while going on drinking sessions and denying the body vital nutrition, take care everyone and stay safe over Christmas, sparkling water for me or Coca-Cola, yes, it sounds boring, but your body will thank you for it😇

[secrets22]

Congratulations and well done you, i used to be a heavy drinker but rarely touch it now, in fact i poured myself a sherry 4 days ago and its still in the glass as i left it, I had been feeling really down and thought a drink might perk me up but of course it never does, its a depressive.

[Cb1963 in reply to secrets22]

Yes, it may seem like a good idea at the time, even the word's we use to celebrate drinking is a bit of a falsehood, " Cheers " "Bottoms up " one to Wet the babies head, what excuses do we need eh, its true its a depressant alcohol, maybe the first one gives that euphoric moment, and then it's the slippery Road to another one, I dunno, maybe it's down to the individual or even the company we keep how alcohol makes us feel, or even the type of alcoholic drink perhaps can affect our mood, or maybe the mindset changes as we get older, perhaps because I was a heavy drinker I'm more aware and look at life more differently.And of course we all have our own " favourite " tipple, but was it something that was passed down through the family or maybe it's because there's a taste factor, myself personally I drank vodka, it hit the spot quickly, and had the " desired " effect, I understand the errors of my ways through counselling, but never knew that drinking would damage my nerves, I've learnt the hard way, and no I'm depressed with the pain from the nerve damage, how ironic, I drank to get rid of my ptsd, and now I'm constantly in pain with neuropathy, a sharp reminder to those who think it's okay to drink heavily.

[FatOldMan]

I have neuropathy which I take vitamin supplements for, I get the pins and needles and burning sensation in my feet but thankfully not the muscle spasms. It is one of the few helpful things that my GP advised me to do when I went to her for help years ago. Well done on staying AF for 12 years.

[Sandpiper14]

Well done! Your sobriety is inspiring to me.

I’ve been going quite strong for 6 months but did fall back having one Christmas night out which I regret. Hey there’s always next Christmas and aren’t I lucky to say that at least!

I’m sorry to hear about your condition, but I’m sure many are grateful to you for sharing and raising awareness. I wish you well and a happy new year.

[Cb1963 in reply to Sandpiper14]

Yes its that time of the year where people can let their hair down and get caught up " celebrating " a few good moments perhaps and everyone jumps on the idea of saying just one won't do any harm, as for me I decided I didn't want to drink anymore and I'm not here to lecture you, I'm sure you'll do just fine 😊, don't beat yourself up, I wish you the very best and all hopefully the new year will give you a boost to start a fresh, I'm sure you'll succeed 👍

[chrisbuy63]

Thanks for the warning! Have you tried Benfotiamine vitamin b1? I read that some are helped by taking it for nerve damage.

Happy New Year!

[Cb1963 in reply to chrisbuy63]

No, but I'll look into it, thanks for your reply, all the best for 2024🤗