A few years ago I tried moderating my drinking for the purpose of losing weight. I wrote down everyday what I ate and drank. I’d measure the wine on my scales. I remember finding a ‘sweet spot’ where I could still lose weight if I drank 3/4 or less of a bottle each night. Also I didn’t feel very hungover with that amount. Then I thought maybe I’d try taking a few days off drinking per week as I could feel the daily 1/2 or 3/4 bottle wearing me down but the problem then is that the thirst would build and I would drink a lot more after my day or two off. And then feel dreadful. So ultimately I found that by drinking every night, I would hopefully avoid getting blackout drunk.

So my addict logic was to drink everyday, to avoid drinking too much in one sitting.

Hmmm.

I remember about a year ago telling my therapist that I was drinking too much and her response was that because life was throwing a lot at me, I might just need to accept that ‘for right now’ I’m drinking more than I’d like.

We discussed reasons for wanting to numb out. To me, it worked wonders and justified my drinking. But something wasn’t right. I clung a little too tightly to what I received as her permission to drink. It was my top tool.

In my last year drinking (so not long ago!) I’d decant wine into jugs that were much bigger than a bottle and therefore I couldn’t see exactly how much.

Then I started to crave change.

The numbing out every night got so so tiring. I was as tired as you might be feeling right now. I felt so uninspired, like I was slowly disappearing like a character in Back to the Future.  I quietly started to look on-line. Am I an alcoholic? being typed into my browser. But no way was I going to live without wine. Change my relationship with booze yes, become a mindful drinker sure, but that was as far as I willing to let my thoughts go. And besides, I know what an addict looks like and she doesn’t look me.

Hell no.

Now I look back I can see that I was protecting my habit like I would one of my children. Nurturing my addiction.

But I read more and more. And I craved change more and more. I thought maybe, just maybe, there is something more for me. I asked myself, ‘what is the one change I could make that might revolutionise my life, revitalise me, give me a fresh perspective, help me get a better handle on things’? All roads led to STOP DRINKING. Go sober.

Are you drinking more than you are comfortable with. Maybe you are sick of the hangovers. And maybe the questions you are asking yourself are pointing to the same place.

Sobriety. It feels so scary at first, the word itself.

Sober…

What Frightens you about it?

Do these things sound familiar?

That I wouldn’t be myself…that there was no me without alcohol

That I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep without drinking myself to sleep

I’m in an industry that is synonymous with drinks at the end of the event. I set up events that involve wine as part of the package.  I love every fun, social minute of it.  I am very fearful of losing the fun.  It keeps me on the fence about the future, I must admit.  

Honestly, I have a huge fear of being simple and boring.

There wasn’t one thing that didn’t scare me, every part was equally terrifying at the beginning… now at 4 months sober it’s only 75% terror and 25% I got this!

Sober is not scary. I promise you.

I was afraid that I’d lose all my friends.  I lost some but made more – and more genuine, too!

I was afraid of losing “myself.” Which is totally backwards. I actually lost myself drinking. Sober I’m choosing to invest in life-affirming behaviors: training for a 5K, practicing Yoga, and eating a balanced diet without a nary sight of alcohol. And finding acceptance in this tiny moment of time, over and over again. 

I was afraid of Failure. Because if there was failure then I would have had to admit there was a real problem. Funny isn’t it. One of the things that kept me from diving in for so long was fear of failing. Now I just see sobriety as this incredible journey. I won’t fail because one doesn’t fail on ones journey to be their best self unless one gives up. I’m not doing that. Having too much fun.

You are gonna have so much more fun sober. Trust this! Seriously. It just takes time. I enjoy the social moments so much more now and also feel totally comfortable when its time to go. 

If you are starting out today, this week, this month, and make not drinking your number 1 priority, take a leap of faith, give yourself a chance, even if it feels like overkill, I promise you it gets easier. Your mind clears, and your seas calm. You can think rationally and you are present in your life, for yourself, for your loved ones. Life around you becomes vivid.

You have more love to give. To yourself, too. And sometimes its boring, and sometimes sad. You might have a little growing up to do. But even on the worst days, I still feel like a lost parcel that has happily been ‘returned to sender’ and I am grateful to be home.

I really wish the best for you. We are here to help. I am here and present and want to help. And I’ll need you to help me! I’m still only just starting out too. But I’ve had a few months under my belt and it has become a little easier. I don’t want to let go now. It feels too precious.

Now I look before me I see that I am protecting my sobriety like I would one of my children.

Nurturing my soul.

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For those going through an initial detox phase:

The body breaths
A sigh of relief
However brief
Let the detox begin
Within your skin
Sweat through sheets
Rivers run deep
While we try to
Play for keeps
Sleep is bad
Am I mad?
Trips to the loo
More than a few
Dull throbbing head
In need of a bed
So tired and spent
Bones are cement
So rest your soul
Let yourself become whole
You deserve another chance
A sober dance

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If you’re “sober curious” … If you are drinking too much too often and want to stop or take a break…or if you have stopped drinking and are trying to stick to sober! Talk to Us. 

We are an independent, anonymous and private community who share resources, support and talk it through every day. It helps to have a community behind you in a world where alcohol is the only addictive drug that people will question you for NOT using

You can read more about us Here And join  Here

community support 24-7 or sign up and sign in here

Don’t let the shame of the stigma keep you from saying

“I think I have a problem with drinking”

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How do you go Sober? ( more reading in blue titles)

B Be accountable Talk to Us We Understand
A Avoid alcohol like the plague  Ideas Here
L Let yourself enjoy regular sober treats  Ideas Here
A Allow yourself to cry when needed  Ideas Here
N Nourish your body with good food  Ideas Here
C Create happy & fun memories  Ideas Here
E Enjoy the precious moments in your day Ideas Here

W Work hard to get what you want Ideas Here
O Organise things for less stress  Ideas Here
R Realise you can’t control it all Ideas Here
K Keep going & prepare for success Ideas Here
S Sleep enough for body & mind rest Sleep Solutions