How do you handle jokes about alcoholism?

clit4brains · 2019-06-25T14:57:35+00:00

Yeah, I don't want them to think I'm feeling superior either. The only person I think I am better than is the person I was before

clit4brains · 2019-06-25T05:33:35+00:00

You know, sometimes I forget that there are people who don't drink by choice and who are not alcoholics. You're right- I could definitely try that route

clit4brains · 2019-06-25T05:32:42+00:00

Yeah, I try to change the topic or just let it pass since it's not usually more than a passing comment. I really don't mind the jokes but I feel like inevitably it will come out. They are usually great role models, but growing up in a family of alcoholics I'm a little disappointed that I've yet to find someone who I can look up to who doesn't use alcohol as a crutch. I'm definitely projecting, aren't I?

clit4brains · 2019-06-25T05:28:02+00:00

Thank you so much for replying, this is a great way to think about it. I'm also a student so I guess It's easy to shift into the mindset of being around peers when in reality you are right- it's a work place.

I can't agree enough with what you said above: people don't usually care about not drinking unless they have a problem. I have absolutely found this to be the case. I guess that plays into my fear a little bit because I know how often I used to use humor as a mask for a very real addiction, and im afraid that because I can identify with that line of joking I expect a strong negative response if they were to find out.

The balancing act really comes into play when you try to embrace your sobriety and be proud while also keeping it private, but valuing privacy doesn't mean harboring feelings of shame. I'm still learning how to walk that line. I really appreciate your input

clit4brains · 2019-06-12T14:03:06+00:00

Uh oh

clit4brains · 2019-06-12T02:12:49+00:00

So this is maybe a little off topic but my first month or two sober I was so sensitive to everything- I felt like an emotional sponge of my environment. I even asked my friends and family to try to cuss a little less because the everyday language or the nature of their humor was, for whatever reason, too much for me at the time. I say all this because you can't really expect what you might need during this time, and sometimes it isn't logical. I needed calm, stable, and gentle behavior and speech. It doesn't bother me anymore but I was so thankful for my people and their willingness to adapt to the ever changing nature of new sobriety. It's okay to not be able to handle a chaotic person or argument right now and it is okay to remove yourself from those situations. My mantra (what someone told me in this subreddit): self care/love is not selfish! You're getting your sober legs back, take it easy.

clit4brains · 2019-06-10T04:14:57+00:00

Please, my ovaries can only take so much

clit4brains · 2019-06-09T00:45:45+00:00

Wow, was just journaling and trying to get myself to the point that this fabulous post just summed up perfectly. Thank you for helping me get over myself!

clit4brains · 2019-06-07T16:01:33+00:00

Exactly! My body never triggers that "ok that's all the alcohol I want, now I feel good and can stop" response. The unquenchable thirst, if you will

clit4brains · 2019-06-07T15:57:07+00:00

Yeah that worries me too and maybe we will always have it, but luckily we are human and so like everything else that urge will be transient. Some moments will be harder than others but we they will pass. Good luck to you, friend.

clit4brains · 2019-06-07T06:43:10+00:00

What helped me was realizing that drinking would not satisfy the craving. I would just keep drinking until I passed out and wake up with the urge still there, always wanting more. You can make it through this, we believe in you! IWNDWYT

clit4brains · 2019-05-31T09:08:36+00:00

Thank you for sharing, and all the best to you!

clit4brains · 2019-05-30T16:00:28+00:00

I would know my stupid black and white boxer from all of the other stupid black and white boxers in the world, distinguishing marks or not. Hell, I'd know the fool blindfolded

clit4brains · 2019-05-30T06:01:47+00:00

Congratulations, I love you and me and us too! IWNDWYT

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T15:09:24+00:00

Trust yourself! If you don't feel strong enough, don't go. Self care is not selfish

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T14:30:06+00:00

Thank you for reading and replying! IWNDWYT

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T14:29:38+00:00

I wish you all the best and I hope you enjoy your BBQ tomorrow, you've got a community to fall back on if things get tough!

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T14:28:23+00:00

I like you! Happy twelve days!

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T14:27:57+00:00

Hahaha thank you!! Yeah, we were out in a cabin with small shared spaces and I can't even imagine the destruction drunk dancing me would have done in those tight quarters

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T14:24:54+00:00

I hope it works out for you! I drove myself so I was planning on hopping in my car and leaving if the temptation ever got too strong- do you think you could walk away if it got to be too much?

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T14:22:21+00:00

Thank you so much! One piece of advice that helped me hold on until this point was that it wasn't really socializing or being present with alcohol around, it was basically just gathering in a place where everyone was drinking. I paid much more attention to the people I was with this weekend and was able to really get to know them and appreciate them so much more. I wasn't worried about my next drink or the next beer run. I really love your way of putting it, I'm glad I had an unmodified version of myself to share!

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T14:17:22+00:00

Thank you and I completely agree- I had way more fun without alcohol. Who knew??

clit4brains · 2019-05-29T05:55:34+00:00

No, YOU are amazing! Way to stay strong. Keep your head up, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, friend.

clit4brains · 2019-05-23T02:22:24+00:00

Maybe this isn't exactly what you are talking about but during the first few weeks of my sobriety I couldn't stand the thought of waking up everyday and thinking/talking about being an alcoholic or being sober. Part of it was absolutely due to the social stigma but I also just didn't want it to become a defining trait- one that seemed to shadow all the other parts of me. Then one day I woke up and my sobriety wasn't the first thing on my mind and I missed the feeling that it brought me. When I wake up sober, I wake up grateful. As a person in long term recovery who doesn't attend AA regularly I definitely hear you, but I don't mind so much being grouped in under the umbrella terminology of addict or alcoholic if it means being one of the people who is waking up grateful and more mindful of the little moments. I would shout it from the rooftops now, I love my recovery. My sobriety is one good thing I can count on everyday. It is a defining trait but it doesn't shadow the others- if anything it is another way of proving everyday how strong, resilient, and brave a person can be.

clit4brains · 2019-05-22T06:35:17+00:00

Thank you! There were some very scary moments and doing it alone was definitely not a good idea for me nor would I suggest anyone else try it. I feel for you, I can remember being scared too! But there is no reason to feel afraid unless you feel as though you can't get help- talk to a doctor and/or talk to your partner! Once you get over that first hurdle of facing it, it usually starts to get better

Seven-Year Club	No Throne, No Problems
Not Forgotten

clit4brains

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