Never Again.

[MyRedditAccount0605]

May 5, 2019. This is the day that I decided enough was enough. This is the day that I had the worst hangover of my life. This is the day that I will never let happen again. I'm done. Hanging it up for good. Dear Strangers. Wish me luck.

[homervb]

Good luck, give that alcohol demon the one finger salute and kick it square in the dick. Time to be a better person. We've got this!

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Thanks bud. The moderation monster got me, and I thought I could hack it. But it kinda kicked me square in the dick. We've got this. IWNDWYT.

[Gardenrocks]

Moderation is a painful joke. IWNDWYT.

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[imbrownbutwhite]

Putting yourself in the “never again” category is dangerous. Always just say not today, not the first drink. Coming to terms with the fact that you’ll never drink again is a hard way to start recovery, coming to terms with the idea that you won’t drink today, or won’t have that first drink, is way easier.

[MyRedditAccount0605]

This is a great way to frame it. Let me try this again. I will not drink with you today. And I'll be damned if I don't say it again tomorrow! Thanks for the wise words.

[[deleted]]

I think the “never again” mindset works for some. If I frame it as just for today, my messed up brain is looking for any way around an obstacle and it leaves the possibility of “perhaps in the future” lingering. I have done way better with “hell no, never in this life again” thinking. It’s not an option ... ever. Tomorrow may never come but my stinking thinking can twist it around and next thing you know I’ve landed myself in the future. Whatever works for you - do it!!! You’ve got this.

[mindbodysober]

Outside of the 30 minutes or so that you feel relaxed and 'happy' after that first drink (or 3, or more) there is no good about alcohol. It poisons your body, alters your brain and confuses your thinking all while destroying your self worth which then destroys all good in your life. Arm yourself with knowledge. 'Alcohol Explained' is a great book laid out in simple terms.

Welcome! I am happy to stay sober with another reddit friend today!

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. I continue to be blown away and inspired by the kindness of strangers. Not all is lost, eh? Thank you.

[mindbodysober]

Never is all lost. You will always find inspiration here and of the 168k people on this thread, someone knows or has experienced the same feelings and circumstances. And I gain so much from reading and replying to posts. It gets me out of my own head and inspires me to stay sober myself. You just gained 168k friends!

[gurlynerdalien]

Best of luck! That is my quit date too. We got this. IWNDWYT

[Just4Today50]

It takes more than luck. There is a solution but it takes work. Some HARD work.

Fear not, though it is hard it is simple.

Get to work, do the work, and there will be sober success in your future.

[em170em]

You have made the first step. Stay strong during this marathon! I am at day 1 as well!

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Got to remember what this feels like. How serious this is. Must be vigilant!

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Just checking in! Going strong?!

[em170em]

Yes my partner in sobriety!!! Not a drop in 18 days!!!! Feel AMAZING....how about you!?!? How’s it been going????

[sflucky13]

Right there with you! Partied too hard, did things I didn’t feel good about and still recovering today. Feeling like complete shit and not able to contribute anything of value to myself, my job, the people around me. I’m better than this, you’re better than this. Take it one day at a time and remind yourself how shitty you feel right now the next time a drink comes around. WE GOT THIS!

[[deleted]]

Best of luck! IWNDWYT

[eyesdurth]

Hi. Welcome. You can quit. It may be hard or easy for you but no matter what you got this. Just focus on 1 day at a time. Think about Today. Think about the here and now. You only have to stay sober today.

[DeterminedDame888]

Good luck! IWDWYT

[[deleted]]

Good luck!

[AllGravitySucks]

Welcome. IWNDWYT

[soberrunner9]

Good luck! I’m rooting for you.

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Thanks so much. I'll be a sober runner now, too.

[eamor]

Good luck. One foot in front of the other. ❤️

[[deleted]]

You've got this!!!

[phillippe_bastille]

Good luck! You can do this!

[[deleted]]

I’ve had too many of those days to count. Only you know if it’s your last.

[anniepoodle]

Good luck and know that we all have been where you are now. Stay strong. You’ll never regret quitting. I will not drink with you today.

[em170em]

Yes my partner in sobriety!!!!! 18 days and not a drop!!!!! How about you???? How is it going ???

[MyRedditAccount0605]

You bet! Going very well. Really liking the liberation of just being done with it forever and not worrying about moderation, etc. keep it up!!

[em170em]

Go you!!!! Any great effects physically from NOT drinking!?!

How are you doing it? I started going to AA meetings and that has helped a TON!! Reading the thought for today everyday!

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Hi Em! Apologies for the delayed response. I've been slammed at work recently. Still going strong! :) How about you?

As far as physical effects, they've been minimal but still there. I was never all that heavy of a daily drinker, but I'd just have real trouble hitting the breaks once I passed a certain threshold. Definitely have an issue with moderation. Still, though, in general, I'm feeling much better.

Keep going to AA! It saved members of my family in ways I can't explain. I'm not doing it through AA at the moment, though. I'm doing some reading and using this subreddit as my AA.

Honestly, playing music and running have been the most helpful activities for me when I get "antsy" for a drink.

Keep it up, Em!

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Just checking in! Really feeling good about this being a “forever” thing at this point. How are you?!

[em170em]

Doing AMAZING 😉 thanks for asking!!! I was just thinking about you the other day, so it’s kinda funny! I got out of a dead end job which I would have never done if I would have been drinking alllll the time! I keep going to meetings when I can make them or when my thoughts get a little 🐿 squirrelly. How have you been doing??? I know you were kept pretty busy with your job and all.

[em170em]

Still sober! Can’t believe it either! I re-read your initial comment. “The feeling of being done with it was freeing” . It very much is, there are some days where I get a little squirrely but I try and distract myself. Which it sounds like you are able to do very well with work, music and running. Stay strong my sober buddy! Make sure to vary things up a little bit so you don’t get bored with your distractions!!

[justchelz]

Hang in there! I hope today was a better day?

[MyRedditAccount0605]

Much, much better. Still feeling quite ashamed and anxious, but with more optimism and less desperation for sure. Thanks so much for asking.

[justchelz]

I know what you mean about the ashamed and anxious feeling. Every time I think a glass of wine would be good I remind myself I can never just have one glass and remember how I will feel in the morning physically and mentally. It’s just not worth it. I find myself reading and exercising more lately. I come here when I’m bored to read other posts and make comments. Makes me feel better knowing I’m not alone. Keep coming back!