Welcome. I think your attitude is going to make this pretty doable for you. When I made the choice to stop I did some serious reading and haven’t stopped. An open mind is a great tool. Keep learning. The more you can see into yourself the healthier you will become.

Hi Jackie! Welcome to the group! 10 days sobriety is an excellent start!

If you would like to share your story, of how you got sober, it could potentially help someone else. Many people read these but don't respond.

I remember, I tried to quit hundreds of times. Eventually, I realized I needed help. I just couldn't do it alone. I started going to AA meetings and although I got a sponsor, I wasn't doing the steps. After about a month of attending regular meetings, I relapsed after losing my job and then I went on one long binge. I ended up in detox. From there, I went through outpatient treatment which treated my underlying conditions that were triggering my drinking such as depression and ptsd. When I left outpatient treatment, it made sobriety alot easier. I continued with AA but this time I did the steps which helped me tremendously and then I was sober for about 5 years.

After 5 years, I went through a divorce and a severe accident at home and I had a slip. The difference between a slip and a full blown relapse is with a relapse, you continue to drink when the craving hits you without thinking about it but with a slip, you know why you had just a few drinks and you make a plan to avoid that from happening again.

From that point, I have enjoyed another 6 years of sobriety.

There are alot of great people in this group who will love sharing their stories with you. Don't be afraid to make friends with all of them.

Good luck on your road to recovery. May you find happiness along the way.

God Bless

Welcome. I echo Bob’s comments. There’s nothing better than an AA meeting.

Hey OTG !
Welcome to the group. I’m glad you hav3 10 days that is quite an accomplishment. My story has me quitting about 502,681 times. Actually quitting was what I was good at, staying quit was the difficult part. I would go for a week, a month, heck once I went for 2 years after a bad incident.... but eventually a drink would be in my hand and I would drink it.

This time I found a plan, a replacement. I drop by an aa meeting a few times a week, check in and 1) see how ppl ahead of me do it and 2) see how the relapses are so painful from the ppl behind me. Also I have learned that putting down the drink is just the beginning, I needed to relearn how to cope and be happy without booze. It is soooo possible

I haven’t had a drink in over 6 years. I do it just one day at a time and don’t get too worried about tommorow or yesterday.

Best of life to you! Sober IS good.

1is2many

TY everyone for you kind words. Yes I will share my story - though I feel corny doing it. I will think about it and get back to you on that.
today is 11 days, and I squeaked by...really wanted to stop at a bar after my hair appointment. I high tailed it home instead with a blueberry club soda to look forward to! Whew.

That’s what meetings are for. One day, those situations will never happen.

Welcome! There is so much to discover in sobriety. I have been sober for 10 months now and it has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have rediscovered who I am and the root cause of my drinking, aka hiding from my life and myself. There is pain and challenges for sure, but the result on the other-side is so worth it. I am learning healthy boundaries with others and reducing my interactions with people that are toxic and self absorbed. This group is positive and supportive, on your good and bad days. All the best to you in your journey.

No need to feel corny through sharing. It is very healing. Many will identify, I am sure. Don't be shy.

God Bless

Welcome! I got that book for Christmas and I agree it was wonderful! Taken a break here recently but I am back.