So sorry to hear you're feeling like that. I can relate, though, to the fact that my social life TOTALLY revolved around alcohol. You have to learn a whole different way of socializing.

Just a couple of questions -- sorry if you've answered them before -- sometimes it's hard to keep everyone straight, and I admit I didn't check your profile before I started typing away. How long have you been sober? Are you working ANY type of program? Do you have support from your family and friends? Anyone?

Isolating is a big problem for people when they quit drinking, I think. I went a couple of months in the beginning without having much of a social life. I wasn't comfortable enough to be around alcohol, and most of my friends drink. Yeah, yeah, I've heard the whole "change your playgrounds" and all that, but without AA I've not found a whole lot of ways to meet sober people. If I ever did go to AA again, it would be mainly for that.

Don't you have passion about anything? You need to find some activities to replace the drinking time. No long lost hobbies you can resurrect? Do you work out, play any sports, go to a gym? Sometimes ya gotta force yourself to get up and get out there. Life is passing you by. GOYA!!! as they say on the main.

Ooh Jan, you speaka my language..GOYA. Mayday, I did check your profile and see you do have some interests listed. Hey, I used to procrastinate A LOT. The only way out of that for me was to change what was going on in my mind. Get all the negative shit out of my head, and start thinking positive. Rid myself of the don't, can't and won't and put in the do, can and will. Keep persevering Mayday, get a plan, seek help and guidance, but keep at it yeah. CM xxx

For some it doesn't take long and for others a while to discovery what life has to hold for the sober them. I know I still have a social life problem (not because of addiction only - but other factors too) BUT i am just now getting to where i can do things even those things that once involved using. For years I would not do anything I associated with alcohol and low and behold that was EVERYTHING!

life is what YOU make of it, Excitement is where YOU feel it - if you choose not to be excited about your life - then it's a choice you've made - you can find excitement in the fact of being alive, being sober and functioning - you can still do many things you've done before just not drink and are those people you watching truly having the best of time drinking or are they making asses of themselves - probably making asses of themselves -lol i've become the designated driver for many and each time I am with these people, I praise God for my sobriety and redirect my thinking into being joyful and excited about who I am and where I am in life.

Peace be with you -

Ouch, you sound really down. These suggestions are good. If you are suffering from a biologically based depression-along with getting back into life, perhaps visiting a psychiatrist would be in order. I have suffered from depression in the past-and it is a beast I can never explain to another who has not experienced it. I took anti-depressants and it helped lift that black cloud a bit. Don't know, just thought I would throw that out there. PM me if you want to talk anytime. Be well. xo marie

I do wonder if I'm depressed, but i didn't feel like this when i was drinking even when things were really bad but the thing is i don't feel depressed if that makes sense

Sorry you are feeling so down. Try to think of something you liked to do that did not invlolve alcohol and focus on that if possible.

Yes it does, mayday. Absolutely makes sense. Often, people drink as a form of self medicating-underlying mental issues including depression. Even though alcohol is a depressant-it can serve to "cover up" the depressive symptoms temporarily. Now, you are without your self prescribed booze medication-and perhaps your depression is showing itself moreso. I don't think this is bad mayday, it is a sign you need to fix what is broken-get back to a functioning level in your life without debilitating feelings of sadness, boredom, restlessness, hopelessness, etc. I would say it would be helpful to talk to your general practitioner and put it out on the table what has been occuring. He/she will guide you (give a referral) on what to do from there. I think counseling and perhaps meds (who knows) would be in order.

KK is right, get some psychological help, it will do you some good.

Why thanks wontquit!

mayday-hope you did not take it the wrong way about getting help-there is NO shame in it, I think it takes a brave person to reach out and get help when they are hurting psychologically.

I never suffered from depression (or didn't think I did, anyway) until I had a rough couple of years. It wasn't ALL drinking related, but a lot of it sure was. I'm now on an anti-depressant and it has helped me greatly. I hope I don't have to be on it for the rest of my life (mainly cuz I can't afford it), but it's been a lifesaver during the past year.

Definitely no shame in it. Maybe it could help to talk to someone anyway.