Hello smallwonder,

Good to have you back. I dont wish to rain on your party but do you have any plans for doing something different this time so that you dont find yourself repeating the recent drinking experience?

Welcome back!

It's true that people can relapse quite a lot at the start of sobriety - I was one who did - but it does not have to be that way. I know quite a number of people who fared better than me in the early days.

For me staying sober long term was made possible by addressing all the underlying issues that had me thinking a drink was a good idea in the face of evidence that, for me, it really was not. It wasn't just me that was affected by my on and off the wagon behaviour, it hurt the people I really cared about too.

Any plans?

Glad you are here.
I certainly relapsed when I thought of it as a ride. It wasnt until I realized I was almost crazier when I quit drinking, than when I drank, that I knew I needed help. For me stopping wasnt the issue. it was that when I stopped, and I did often for years, I'd obsess about drinking. Just as long as I was obsessing, it was a matter of time.
Anyway, once I was beaten down by alcoholism and could admit that it was alcoholism, not just a little drinking issue...I was able to give up and get help.
I have not had that first drink since my first AA meeting on March 27th, 2011.

yeah I too was able to quit for Time periods once Up to 2 years but I would drink again this time I just take it a day at a time. when I was dry I was so miserable all I did was wonder why i was different. Now I just live sober and enjoy life. chat with a few other Alchys everyday and help other people I'm actually happy

For the short time that I was not drinking-I felt so much better on so many levels. One thing I need to change this time is to plan at least 60 minutes a day for exercise, and 30 to 60 minutes of one or more of the following activities for my active recovery: reading/journal writing/SMART recovery exercises/online support groups like this one here. I am also going to have a few follow up counseling appointments to regroup. I am fortunate that I have the time to do this work. Onwards and Upwards.

Welcome back Smallworld. One thing that keeps me on track is I just remind myself how good I feel and how awful I felt when I drank. I made a list of all the awful tings about drinking and read them often and I don't want to feel like that again. Good luck to you. Stay strong stay healthy.

welcome back. Sounds like you've got a good plan of action there. And - keep an open mind, see what you can learn from going back out. I've relapsed a number of times in the last 32 years - 2 main times - and it's been part of my process of letting go of alcohol for the rest of my life. I wish you a sober future.

I'm back also, small wonder. I also joined this group when you did. I relapsed bad last night. Time to beat it . Your not alone and wish you luck.