Dry Jan update

[Jimbo92]

24 days AF. Doesn’t seem like a major milestone but for me, it is. Last time I went this long was October, the other year.

Like the rest, I wouldn’t consider myself the archetypal alcoholic.Though I am definitely a problem drinker. My weekends normally start with a bang and then all day Sunday I’m in bed regretting my choices, only to repeat the cycle every other weekend. We all know the slog.

How’s everyone else doing?? Noticed I’ve not seen as many posts as usual, lately. I’m sure you’re all busy with other commitments but it’d be nice to hear how everyone is getting on!

[SoberDrunk1]

So, question to you is, are you waiting for Jan to be over? So you can indulge in drinking?

[Jimbo92 in reply to SoberDrunk1]

No. Not this time. I’ve wanted to reduce my drinking for a long time. Last time I did the sober October, yeah it was basically just a challenge. Whereas now I actually want to pursue it and keep up the progress. Always been quite health conscious and over the past years my hangovers and feelings after nights out have just got worse.

[SoberDrunk1 in reply to Jimbo92]

I dont want to be discouraging but I want to layout some experience of mine. I too was challenged by my counselor to stay off booze for a month. And I successfully did it. But then I drank on the completion of the stint. I had to suffer for another year of so before I myself realized I probably have an issue with alcohol. At that point I was led to a therapist who at that point didnt share that he was an alcoholic himself but suggested a spiritual solution. Seek out fellowshops like AA. Which I did. Now the issue is the meetings are great but very few understand the magnitude of this situation. They kind off share what they hear from others and very little from this basic text of Alcoholics Anonymous book. Now, if you really want to understand how the alcoholic functions the best bet is read a book written by themselves right? If you are honest and read the chapters More About Alcoholism and There is a Solution chapter, you can have a clear understanding of how the alcholic mind operates. There is very little ambiguity its all experience laid out. Again if your honest and want to do something about it, you will readily accept the concepts. Thats why in the preface you will see the following:

If you have a drinking problem, we hope that you may pause in reading one of the forty-two personal stories and think: “Yes, that happened to me”; or, more important, “Yes, I’ve felt like that”; or, most important, “Yes, I believe this program can work for me too.”

The best story is that of Bills Story the co-founder of AA: aa.org/sites/default/files/...

[Xanderfields]

small steps forward are all positive and are leading to an healthier you. I entered into a detox unit early December.since then I’m 48 days sober,I still think about drink now and then,but it’s measured by the reminder of the negative effects caused by alcohol, health and relationship wise. I’ll always be a recovering alcoholic. Small steps or slow but sure you are doing the best you can,as are us all, good luck and best wishes !

[Jimbo92 in reply to Xanderfields]

Both my parents succumbed to the illness, sadly. I’ve seen it firsthand so I applaud anyone who can get back on track. It takes over everything in your life. Well done, mate. I hope you stay sober and wish you further success.

[Jampacked]

Yes 24 days sober too. Many many years since I was AF this long. I have enjoyed it and feel better. I am going to try and keep going. Starting to plan. Thinking of setting 90 days as next goal point. A few pre booked events with booze to navigate in February.

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador]

Congratulations on your sober January. Remember it’s a day at a time. I found when I was counting days, they got heavy after awhile. Keep that in mind if you begin to feel pressured.

[Jimbo92 in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

I appreciate the encouragement. How is your husband doing? Hope all is well

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador in reply to Jimbo92]

He’s very weak. And can only do basic things. Get in and out of bed. Go to dialysis three times a week (for four hours each time). Basic hygiene. Feed himself. Very occasionally, take few minutes in kitchen (his favorite place).

He’s on oxygen all the time now and sleeps a lot. There’s more, but I won’t bore you. Thanks for asking.

[HeavyFoot]

Well done Jimbo92 on your success so far. Let’s see how long you can keep it going.

[DicCarlson]

Good job Jimbo92! I'm a year +, and it gets better and better. Most friends I know who drink really don't like who they would be without booze! They have no "act" for a non-drinking person. Years ago when cataract surgery became widespread, teams of surgeons spread out in Africa to give eyesight to people who had been blind since birth. Aside from the traumatic effect of perceptions and learning what they were seeing - they had no "act" as a sighted person. Some even wanted to scratch their eyes out to become blind again - to regain the comfort of the only life they had known! Just picture yourself as a non-drinker. You will think more clearly, speak more clearly and write better. Be the person of your dreams!

[Jimbo92 in reply to DicCarlson]

Good analogy. Imagining a world without booze is the hardest part of it for a drinker. If you’ve never drank before then like you’ve said, you don’t know any different. I think that’s why people struggle so much to quit

[catsrock]

Congrats! I'm also sober for 24 days. Had a happy hour meet up with friends on Tuesday, which definitely was a challenge to not drink, but I did it and only had a lemonade. Glad to hear you're doing well.

[Jampacked in reply to catsrock]

Amazing, well done 👏