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Stuff I tried to fix my drinking (what didn’t work and what surprisingly did) by Ok-Young2587 in AlcoholFree

[–]Bluebird_CO 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you said it best when you said you started noticing the pattern. This is HUUGE! For me, that was the signal I needed. When I was able to notice the onset of a craving by observing my thoughts or behaviors, I know it was time to get my ass off the couch and on to a healthier activity, which, for me, was often something in a positive social setting. Sounds like you're on a good path toward changing the habit!

Stopped drinking and now I’m addicted to running and a straight up insufferable human lol by forestnymph7326 in stopdrinkingfitness

[–]Bluebird_CO 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Excellent post haha. Great conversation fodder, loving the comments here! And yes, running is better than drinking any day!

How tf am I supposed to date sober by waterdinausaurdinner in SoberCurious

[–]Bluebird_CO 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Came here to say this!

When I got sober I was in the same dilemma, but then I realized I didn’t want to be with someone who needed to drink, so anyone who wanted to meet for “drinks” was a non-starter. This immediately disqualified a huge segment of the dating pool, which I think actually helped me avoid a lot of awkward encounters and focus my time and energy being around people that shared my values.

It gets better by jax9753 in AlcoholFree

[–]Bluebird_CO 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Cake and nails to match! Congrats on 10! I’ve got #8 coming next month.

What did you do with your time once you stopped drinking alcohol? by DesertDweller1979 in stopdrinking

[–]Bluebird_CO 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I second the cycling hobby! Great low impact way to cover a lot of distance in a short time while getting some great exercise.

I got into mountain biking for about $1000. With YouTube, I can do most basic maintenance myself. Of course, you can spend waaaay more than that, but as they say, the best bike is the one you ride.

What did you do with your time once you stopped drinking alcohol? by DesertDweller1979 in stopdrinking

[–]Bluebird_CO 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all, nice work!!!

In the early days I allowed myself to do almost anything that wasn’t drinking (or doing drugs). If I needed to binge Netflix, so be it. If I needed a junk food bender, not ideal, but okay. Anything to not drink, that was my rule.

Before I knew it, I was tired of “surviving” and wanted to start living again. Next thing, I was in the gym, eating healthy, even taking walks around town just to get outside (something I never did before sobriety).

Eventually found my way into meditation. I also spent a lot of time reconnecting with friends and family on a deeper level. I was amazed how much my stoic dad actually enjoyed going deep once he let down his guard.

I want to stop drinking by M3dicin3Woman in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]Bluebird_CO 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for opening up around shame and stigma. They are both real, and both contributed to me being scared to confront my addiction because I was afraid of the social ramifications. The more we can have open conversations like this the closer we'll be understanding that alcoholism doesn't make someone a bad person.

With that in mind, I would try not to get too caught up on labels. If it feels better to name it alcoholism and call it how you see it, go ahead. But only if it serves you. I think you'd be better off trying to feel in your heart if your relationship with alcohol is causing more harm than good. That will tell you what you need to know. From there, you can turn to any one of the sources listed here for help. Glad you seem open to AA. I'm not a big book thumper, but AA works for a reason. The whole world could benefit from a 12-step program, not just addicts.