silvr123

I have not had a drink in 13 days, but I eat like it’s my job! I heard this might happen—giving up one addiction for another. And so far the half inch I’ve put on isn’t bothering me half as much as those hangover afternoons, piecing together the people I offended and the stupid things I said and the embarrassing things I did. The trade-off is well worth it.

One of the weird things I worry about—telling people that “I don’t drink” still sounds like a lie. But I have to lie myself into believing it. That’s the only way it will become true. I haven’t hit a snag yet where I feel really, really depressed, which I guess makes me lucky. I’ve heard that’s when it’s hard to not drink. I have had moments where I’m lonely. I still take it really personally, too, when people aren’t around when I feel lonely. Which is totally irrational, but still how I feel. Anyway, these are the little struggles, I guess. I need to remember to be thankful for what I do have. Which is a lot.

Hi all,

I just wanted to share a coping tactic I used tonight. I don’t want to totally isolate myself from social situations, so I organized a little get together with four friends at a coffee shop/bar. Yes, it has beer and tea and coffee and food. I found this to be a really good environment for me. I was able to order tea, and still socialize with my friends, without feeling like I was “the only one not drinking.” And one of my friends ordered tea, too. I think she was almost relieved to have an option other than beer!

I would say this could be dangerous if you are worried about temptation, but for me, as long as I have the option to have something else that I like drinking, tea, and am not in a high pressure or high stress situation, it works.

Also, how nice was it to come home and REMEMBER every single thing I said and did tonight!! NO REGRETS IN THE MORNING! :)

6 days sober and life already seems just a little bit more sane and peaceful.

Good luck, and stay strong!

7. The beautiful sunset I can see from my apartment.
8. Finding support from people who owe me nothing.