I think the timing of Sober October is perfect, it comes right before the holidays and there is plenty of alcohol flowing at that time of year. Being or getting sober is damn hard any time of the year but during the holidays your endurance can get tested. For me to remain sober, I made it known that I had stopped drinking, that didn’t mean that others needed to stop but I wanted it known that this was a commitment to me and it was serious. I stopped drinking close to 20 years ago, went cold turkey, and never attended a meeting and my husband still drinks. Actually, he’s an alcoholic but that’s his choice. I had the strength to do it so quickly because it was affecting the medications for my mental illness and it’s hard to live without stability of the mind.
Don’t convince yourself that you can only have fun while drinking and stand firm that you can hang out with family or friends without drinking. One line to draw is that no one badgers you or says something negative because you’re not drinking. Give them one chance, stop the conversation, and set a boundary. If they can’t respect that, they are not your friend nor do they care about you. Parents and family can be the worst, hold the line clearly and if they break your boundary again don’t be around them. The psychology behind what they are doing quite frankly is disrespecting you.
Alcohol is like a drug, and you become addicted to it, it’s also easy to see alcohol as a comfort that makes the day easier. I get that, I understand that and I know that when you are ready to quit drinking YOU CAN. Seek out all the support you need, just don’t turn to a replacement addiction. Everyone is different and how we move past an addiction is different, don’t compare yourself to others, or buy into that you have to recover a certain way. There is no certain way, you have to make your own, just don’t do it alone.
Melinda
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I agree, let’s stay away from alcohol
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I enjoyed alcohol for way too many years but in reality, I used it as an escape. That’s not why I quit but I see that now. :)
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well done Melinda, my dad is an alcoholic, it is tough to be around him but he’s stopped drinking now, he can’t drink due to his medical conditions, but I always hated when he’d drink, I do drink but only occasionally. Xx
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Being around a druck is no fun and sometimes they have anger issues which is no fun at all.
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wow!! 36Sober October
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What a great accomplishment you’ve made! Your strong and no doubt you see life differently. :)
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I’m so proud of your 20 years. G
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Thank you, so glad that obsession is no longer a part of my life. I get to see it in my husband but I’m not having that conversation with him again. He makes his own choses and he will pay the price.
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Well-done making choices that created a healthy, stable life that blesses you🤍!
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God was behind the scenes holding my hand the entire time.
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Learning how to celebrate without alcohol is a challenge in our culture, but certainly a great option! Thanks for sharing your story!
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It was a chalenge at first, I had to retrain my brain and remember how to enjoy my friends just as they are. It is a big hurdle. :)
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Any addiction is harmful, and you are correct about the holidays offering so much more drinking opportunities, Melinda.
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That’s a time many will relaps in the beginning. I’m so glad that’s not a part of my life anymore. I can know see clearly and not make an assumption out of myself on a regular basis. :)
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Great post at a timely time, Melinda and good for you❣️
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Getting off cigarettes, drugs and alcohol is the best thing I did for myself.
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Excellent and Much needed to address post.
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Thank you Willie.
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