starting sober

[Scrubs]

Hello all. I realised I had developed a habit of drinking most evenings after work to unwind. What started as a glass of wine on a Friday and Saturday became 2 large glasses almost every night of the week. Having felt uncomfortable with this for a while it is only recently that I have decided things need to change. A recent blood test for something else picked up that my liver was just starting to show signs it wasn’t happy. This has had quite a sobering effect on me. Although I am really scared about how I will cope I really want to be healthy. Today is day 1. Wish me luck!

[SoberDrunk1]

Congratulations on starting the journey. If this is your first attempt, watch for your emotions. See how you are handling day to day activities. If you feel distressed it may be temporary because of your detoxification. But if you continue to be in that state of mind and are unable to stay stopped, then you may want to look into some support groups. It took several attempts for me to realize I am an alcoholic and that too after visiting a few AA meetings and taking a deep dive into the book called Alcoholics Anonymous I came to know that there is something called Alcoholism. The mind of the alcoholic is very vulnerable, it always seeks to quieten itself using alcohol. And the body is diseased as well. Once we put a drink or two, it wants more. The combined attribute plays a crucial part in the person going back to alcohol over and over again. People with the luxury of good medical insurance get detoxed in a nice facility but once they come out, if they dont take action, they invariably go out. I have seen many in my 18 year stint in AA go through that vicious cycle of alcoholism and drug addiction. Please keep us posted about your progress. Being honest and accountable is a key attribute to develop so others can help each other.

[Jampacked]

I was in a very similar situation, it's what the sober community calls a grey area drinker. I moderated for a year but the shall have a drink or not, counting units and feeling that all I was doing was looking forward to Friday for a drink was a bit all consuming. I am 45 days sober today. Life is better, I am developing interests and fun days out, life is busier and sooo much healthier my anxiety is ( on the whole) better. The first few weekends are tough but enlightening. Plan lots of non drinking related things to do. Listen to Sober podcasts and think about reading or listening on audio to Claire Pooley ' Sober Diaries' or Catherine Grey ' Tge unexpected joy of being sober'. Listen to your liver.

[FatOldMan]

Well done for admitting to yourself that there is a problem. The liver is an amazing organ and given the chance it will heal itself which is a great motivation in itself. As you get older your body is less able to cope with the abuse that you pile on it with alcohol. I am talking from personal experience, I ignored the warning signs until it was too late now I have multiple medical conditions which have all been brought on by drinking.

Please stick with it and good luck.

ps, come back here and let us know how you are doing from time to time.