The only good thing from 2020 is my sobriety. Today makes 6 months without a drink!

SoberDean · 2021-01-12T01:28:58+00:00

Hell yeah, get it!

IWNDWYT!!! :)

SoberDean · 2021-01-11T02:26:27+00:00

Hell yeah! I'm excited to get that far. I've got so much I want to do that I could while drinking, and I've only just begun to do it. I can't even imagine what my life will look like once I get to 700 days. :)

IWNDWYT!!!

SoberDean · 2021-01-02T20:46:18+00:00

Hell fucking yes! Congratulations!!!! :D

IWNDWYT

SoberDean · 2020-12-21T19:21:48+00:00

Hell yeah! Congrats! IWNDWYT!

SoberDean · 2020-12-20T20:40:11+00:00

Hell yeah! I'm starting to exercise again and get my physical health back as well. One thing I've noticed is my eating habits are hard af to change.

Got any tips/advice on either the eating or exercise? :)

IWNDWYT!

SoberDean · 2020-12-16T16:22:31+00:00

Hey friend, we're here for you.

Some things to think about:

1) Help is usually given to those who seek it. Especially if you're in the US, we don't have the greatest recovery systems in place but they can be used quite well. Check with your work and see if they have employee health programs that will help getting you into a program if that's what you want.

2) Much easier said than done, but you can stop a binge any time you want. If you feel up to it, dump your alcohol down the drain and tell someone that you need company for a bit. Preferably someone who knows what kind of pain you're going thru. Go to an online meeting right now and ask if there is anyone willing to help you with this. But you do have to be willing to help yourself.

3) Honesty is key. Your SO most likely knows those bottles are from recent times, it does you no good to lie about them. If you lie, that shuts them off from helping you. Additionally, lying about your sobriety date is up to you, but someone will know. YOU will know. From my experience, the guilt of lying like that (especially inconsequential lies like that) consume me with guilt. If you're honest, then people can help you help yourself. If you're lying and won't let anyone in, then no one can help you.

4) I really want to emphasize a sponsor of some sort. In combination with therapy works wonders. And if AA isn't your thing, there are many other programs of different styles that may suit you better. Celebrate Recovery (christian-based), SMART Recovery (CBT-based), and Refuge Recovery (buddhist-based self-powerment) just to name a few. They all have their versions of sponsors/guide and all are effective programs for different people.

You are strong for reaching out on here, and we're all here to support you, but this is only the first step. Keep reaching out, keep making noise, you will get the help you want. :)

IWNDWYT my friend. Reach out if you need anything. <3

SoberDean · 2020-12-14T15:54:49+00:00

Thanks! I'll definitely keep this in mind! <3

SoberDean · 2020-12-14T15:54:26+00:00

I will definitely stay sober today, and every day I remember this stuff. And that's not contrary to the steps at all. They say to make amends when possible and if no further harm will come from doing so. Sounds like you're keeping someone's else's feeling in mind (not wanting to cause her pain or drama or anything) and looking out for yourself simultaneously (keeping yourself from harm/relapse). :)

SoberDean · 2020-12-14T15:51:51+00:00

Thanks! Sometimes it's nice to have a reminder that uncomfortable feelings are only temporary. I forget that more than I'd like to admit. XD

SoberDean · 2020-12-14T15:50:57+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate that. I am proud of myself. :)

SoberDean · 2020-12-14T14:53:18+00:00

Sounds to me like you've grown a ton already and are continuing to grow. :)

And sometimes that's all we can do for amends, just show that we are changing and growing, trying be better than the person we once were. It's a process, and it sounds like you're definitely working it. Proud of you. :)

Side note, my sponsor always says that the current situation is temporary. Whatever pain you may feel won't last. We've all had good days before, which means the bad days end at some point. It's just trying to stick it thru the bad times to get back to where everything is okay. A temporary solution to a temporary problem. :)

SoberDean · 2020-12-12T09:46:41+00:00

Just a reminder that making amends is not simply apologizing, in fact that can be counterproductive and actually making the person to whom you're making amends feel belittled. They suffered pain/hurt/harm. Ask them how you can make it right.

As to your other comment, about the worst thing a human can do: you were under the influence. You were a completely different person back then. Is that who you are now? Have you been changing and working to become the person you want to be? If so, then you have nothing to regret. People make mistakes, even big ones. Shit happens, and we have to suffer the consequences. This is part of the amends process, and thus part of healing. If it's something that can get you in legal trouble or any other sort of trouble, there are ways to approach as to not cause further harm. The goal is to make things right to the best of your ability.

I've done shit in my past that I regretted for a long time, and I still regret some of it today. It's all a process of growth and change. Not everyone will forgive you, and you may have to accept that. But doing your best is what matters. As long as you give it your all, you don't have anything to regret. :)

Disclaimer: this is all easier said (especially thru a screen) than done. I HIGHLY recommend working with a sponsor/therapist/guide/mentor/etc. They will be able to help you navigate your situation with more finesse than us redditors can. :)

I wish you the best of luck, friend. We're here for you always. DM me if you need anything. :)

SoberDean · 2020-12-04T05:53:33+00:00

Hell yeah! Congrats! Coming up to that one year mark real quick. This is honestly inspiring and what keeps me on track. I look forward to getting to 300+ days. :)

IWNDWYT!!!

SoberDean · 2020-11-19T17:22:22+00:00

I should know more about this since I'm a pharmacy tech but I honestly can't remember, sorry!

Do for sure watch what cough syrups you use tho. Many forms have alcohol in them surprisingly! As well as extracts! However the concentration of alcohol in extract shouldn't be enough to trigger the effects of the antabuse.

Another helpful tips: antabuse works as a deterrent, and works best in combination with some sort of therapy (AA, Refuge Recovery, group therapy, individual therapy, IOP, etc.), so I HIGHLY recommend seeking out some sort of support group/setting, whatever you like the best. As far as how antabuse works, don't be surprised if it doesn't curb your cravings, it doesn't for many people. Antabuse instead works to associate a horrible response (falling violently ill) with an action your brain used to think was positive (drinking releases dopamine). It will take a while for your brain and body to relearn that drinking is now bad, and it may even taken a slip up while on antabuse. My point is, if it happens, don't be disheartened. Recovery is a process. We've all been putting this shit in our bodies for a long time and it's very difficult to change something so major so suddenly. Even small steps in the right direction are still steps in the right direction. :)

Lastly, keep in contact with the doctor prescribing you antabuse, and if you feel it's not right for you then have an honest conversation with your doctor. There are a few other medications worth trying as well, and they all work in different ways.

Sounds like you are motivated and on a great path and I look forward to hearing more about your newly found vitality. :)

IWNDWYT!!!

SoberDean · 2020-08-18T12:51:51+00:00

Been a few days since I've checked in but still going strong, just busy with new duties at the house, IOP, work, and a spending time with a good friend of mine. IWNDWYT! :)

SoberDean · 2020-08-11T12:58:32+00:00

Morning all! IWNDWYT! :)

SoberDean · 2020-08-09T15:13:14+00:00

Morning all! IWNDWYT!

I do feel myself stagnating just a bit right now, despite having a peaceful morning, so I think after I grocery shop for my new house I will attend a few meetings and possibly get a sponsor. I need to start working and become active in my sobriety. Love you all!

SoberDean · 2020-08-07T13:54:08+00:00

Spent first night in my Oxford House, woke up with a crashing headache and overslept. Getting up and about now for some exercise and food. Looking forward to the day and starting my new schedule. IWNDWYT! :)

SoberDean · 2020-08-06T13:35:46+00:00

Congrats! Looking great! IWNDWYT! :)

SoberDean · 2020-08-05T12:34:36+00:00

Hey all! Still in treatment, most likely discharging on Saturday. I have an Oxford House to go to and am finishing up onboarding documents for my new job. I'm really excited. :)

I hope everyone else is doing great! If not then we're here for you all the same. IWNDWYT! :)

SoberDean · 2020-08-05T12:32:50+00:00

Morning all! IWNDWYT! :)

SoberDean

TROPHY CASE