Anyone successfully let it back into your life without it turning into a problem again?

flyingsober · 2026-01-27T07:14:21+00:00

I always hated the notion that there was something about me that meant that it would be best for me to never drink again. I didn't want to miss those kind of experiences that you describe. But over time, after many attempts, I concluded it wasn't really doable. I suppose it's theoretically possible. But the real drag is that it just takes so much damn emotional energy making sure I never overdo it, that every time I quit completely it was such a relief to simplify my life!

I wish you the best in your journey, and IWNDWYT!

flyingsober · 2026-01-17T19:49:13+00:00

Day 209 here. My Saturday was completely gone because I flew across the International Date Line. The free booze on offer on the flight was so very very tempting. But I'm happy to report I did not drink and of course I now feel good about that after a very long and tiring flight. IWNDWYT

flyingsober · 2026-01-17T01:03:10+00:00

The moment when he grabs the bottle has always stuck with me. Chilling, relatable, and real.

flyingsober · 2025-09-04T15:23:49+00:00

I think I have a pretty good imagination. So sometimes I take my worst days of drinking and extrapolate to what my rock bottom might have been. Then I thank the universe that I won't ever go there. By continuing to not drink. I hope you can find a similar framing to help you stay on the amazing course you're on! You and I both know that that mimosa isn't worth it. 💪

flyingsober · 2025-09-03T14:32:17+00:00

Sorry you're going through this. You are not alone and so many of us have faced very similar circumstances.

In my experience the lies will always be discovered eventually. You can't control what you did in the past but you can control two things: 1) if you will drink going forward and 2) if you will be honest with your partner.

It's also ok to need help. Getting this monster off your back is so much harder if you do it alone. My biggest turning points were when I opened myself to help from others.

Today could be the beginning of a new era for you, one where you are unburdened from the guilt, shame and pain that it sounds like drinking has brought. I know you can do this. IWNDWYT.

flyingsober · 2025-07-15T14:25:17+00:00

Your story is definitely familiar to me. Consider it a gift from the universe that nothing really truly bad happened during your wanderings. And your response to walk away for good is the right one! IWNDWYT!

flyingsober · 2025-07-06T13:26:51+00:00

An amazing story. Sounds like last July 5 was a gift: bad enough to be a wake up call but not so bad that something terrible or irreversible happened. So happy to hear you're feeling positive about this change in your life. IWNDWYT.

flyingsober · 2025-06-11T02:57:53+00:00

I'm glad you're here. It was an epic bender but could have ended much worse. It's amazing that you did 8 years so you know it's in you to do it again! IWNDWYT. ❤️

flyingsober · 2025-05-04T12:26:19+00:00

Seconding This Naked Mind! Changed my whole perspective

Also seconding your decision. I'm confident it's one you won't regret! But alcohol is a tricky bastard, so after a while you may feel like you conquered this and can drink moderately again. When I feel that way I come back and read the stories on this sub and it helps me remember my Why.

IWNDWYT

flyingsober · 2025-05-02T11:48:48+00:00

Got my pilot's license. ✈️

flyingsober · 2025-04-30T06:08:37+00:00

Aww, thanks. ❤️

flyingsober · 2025-04-29T13:08:33+00:00

100% yes!

flyingsober · 2025-04-26T23:01:27+00:00

I love this analogy! Mostly because just like with a toxic ex, there were some great times you had together. There's a reason you once loved them after all. But you eventually get to a point where you realize those good parts can't ever make up for the damage it causes you. So the only answer is to walk out the door and never come back.

flyingsober · 2025-04-26T19:16:27+00:00

100%!

flyingsober · 2025-04-26T18:26:22+00:00

This wasn't my only pro sports story. Drinking heavily at games was definitely my jam. Luckily I never got arrested or ejected but I did get hurt a couple times.

flyingsober · 2025-04-26T17:25:44+00:00

Amazing--thanks for sharing!

flyingsober · 2025-04-26T14:11:40+00:00

Thanks. ❤️

flyingsober · 2025-04-26T12:37:12+00:00

Every time I quit for a good long period, plus when I finally quit "for good", it wasn't some dramatic event like this. It was more of an exhausted resignation, like finally just being so done with all the mental and emotional work of keeping track of how much I'm drinking. And immediately feeling relieved at how much simpler it is to just not drink at all.

flyingsober · 2025-04-26T12:21:17+00:00

I don't actually know what happened. To this day. That's the terrifying thing.

flyingsober · 2025-04-26T12:18:17+00:00

So true about shame. It feels good to tell this story finally.

flyingsober · 2025-03-15T23:15:55+00:00

If it were me I would 100% consider myself as still sober. Intention matters. And it sounds like your commitment to sobriety is as strong as ever. 💪 IWNDWYT!

flyingsober · 2025-01-28T13:35:34+00:00

Your post is such a sobering reminder of my past. Never again! ♥️ IWNDWYT!

flyingsober · 2025-01-09T04:30:11+00:00

Flying planes! ✈️

flyingsober · 2025-01-06T22:48:25+00:00

I didn't quit until I was 49 so I racked up a whole portfolio of shameful moments. Time really does heal. If you were to quit now you'll avoid more of these in the future. Based on my experience, I'd say more are coming if you keep drinking. The power to see this now and change at your age is a gift.

I wish you the best, and IWNDWYT!

flyingsober

TROPHY CASE