September 16 I had my last glass of alcohol. I was a weekend binger, always with groups of friends. I’ve been frustrated with so many things lately, my weight gain and aches and pains, wasted days from hangovers, just generally feeling unwell. We had our anniversary on the 16th and went to a club that had a Latin band playing and salsa dancing. I wanted to dance but my feet hurt because I have bad plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, and I’m very overweight. So instead we sat and ate and drank and enjoyed the music. I was feeling kind of crappy and sad that I’ve let myself get to this point.
Then we ran into a friend we haven’t seen in 12 years or so, he was on the dance floor and dancing like professional salsa dancer. The last time I saw him he was struggling with drugs and alcohol. Once I got talking to him, he told me he has been sober for 6 years and learned salsa and bachata and is loving life. I finished my glass of wine and told myself that was the last.
So here I am 3 weeks later and now the initial struggle is finally hitting. I feel like I’m not ready to announce my sobriety yet, but now people are inviting me for drinks and stuff. My neighbor just asked me to come over for a fire and have some whiskey. I’m having a hard time navigating that. We also have year 10 of our Halloween party coming up at the end of the month. Usually an absolute drinking fest. I’m excited to go and have been working on my costume for a couple weeks already but having the conversations with people about not drinking just seems infinitely difficult.
Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.
That's awesome, good work mate. There will be occasions where temptations are there. Just stay strong and remember the big picture and what you're aiming for. You'll look back on yourself in 5 years time so thankful for the decisions you made now.
If you ever slip up and have a drink, just remember that doesn't mean it's all over, and it was all for nothing - your progress doesn't reset to zero, it just takes one step backwards, all those steps forward you've taken are still there. Be kind to yourself, accept it happened, then get back on track, and you'll get there.
The good news is that these situations will be less and less likely to result in remission as you and your friends get more used to your sobriety. Sounds like your friends don't know yet, so they are continuing old patterns. I'm sure once you inform them of your plans, they'll be supportive, and if not, then they're making the decision to not be a part of your journey any more, and that's on them.
You might find engaging in new activities that don't centre around alcohol would help. I find if I exercise, I can't stand the thought of drinking afterwards, and only want to eat healthy food and drink water. Anything else feels a bit disgusting. You'll find what works for you.
Keep it up, you're making good progress!
Thank you! I think the weird part for me is that I’m so emotional over telling people. I told my neighbor I’m not drinking and said I’d still like to come over to visit. She didn’t reply for a while and I got really upset, because it almost feels like I’m going through a breakup. It’s isolating. But then she replied and said no worries, she’s gonna make us hot chocolate instead! So yeah, you’re right that my friends will likely be supportive. It’s just this time I’m not lying to myself and telling people feels like a really big deal because I really mean it.
I really hope I pick up some new hobbies and activities, and get my health back on track too.
It sounds like you've cultivated a pretty awesome friend right there. If the rest of your friends are like her, then I think you're in good shape.
Best of luck.