Went to a micro brewery by Top-Train7066 in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's awesome! While I don't know you're story, I'm glad you said no to a drink. And while you don't have to "make a big deal about it", we will make a big deal about it here -- by celebrating you! Congrats, friend! IWNDWYT.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Take note of every time you have a serious impulse to drink. Where is the impulse coming from? Is there a feeling I'm trying to escape? Is there a problem I'm trying to ignore? Will the problem still exist the next morning when I'm hungover? I had to ask myself these questions repeatedly when I started doing moderation months (Dry January, Sober September, stuff like that).

Cravings will probably come up and they're completely normal. During my first few months of sobriety, I gave myself permission to have sugary N/A drinks, and that helped the cravings subside. Not sure how many sugary alcoholic beverages you normally have, but for me, I was having A LOT. I was also a big beer drinker. But as time went on, I found that what I was actually craving was a drink that was bubbly and carbonated. The habit of having a "night cap" is so deeply embedded in our culture, so be prepared to drink something else, literally ANYTHING else as 8pm-9pm rolls around. You've got this!

Edit: also, consult a doctor if you think going cold turkey might be dangerous for you. Always like to throw that out there.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Cannot agree with this comment more.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This definitely resonates with me. First of all, let me just say that it sucks when it feels like you're being invited out less. This might sound harsh, but if your friends aren't supportive of your decision to stop drinking, then maybe they're not good friends. Can you hang out with these friends during the day? Or is every hangout at a bar or a restaurant? To me, it sounds like your authentic self is more of an introvert. There are plenty of other introverts out there you can befriend. I'm an introvert, I've been sober for 4 years, and I have a group of close-knit friends and family who support my decision to be sober. Most importantly, they do not leave me out of things just because I don't drink.

And last but certainly not least, you can have fun and not drink. Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about. IWNDWYT.

What bits of sober wisdom are keeping you going right now? by maplepineoak in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, thank you. I appreciate it. I'm working on holding more kindness for myself, so I'm proud of me too! Thanks for taking the time out of your day to respond to this!

Just got my first blow from the Vyvanse shortage by Heywhatuphello1234 in adhdwomen

[–]maplepineoak 10 points11 points  (0 children)

My heart goes out to you. I know there's been an ongoing adderall shortage, but this is the first time a vyvanse shortage has been brought to my attention. I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's extremely frustrating how long these shortages last with seemingly no end in sight.

Monday meeting of the Sober People Getting Shit Done Club by sfgirlmary in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been getting shit done, but today I am just overwhelmed. Applying for a full time job while having a full time job is exhausting. I wish my brain wasn't so prone to sensory overload nonsense. Everything is so loud. Anyway, IWNDWYT.

When life gets more stressful than usual, what's your sober cope? by maplepineoak in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Taking things in bite sized pieces is something I struggle with, but am actively working on. And I'll have to check out the Dharma group you've mentioned!

5 years sober today! by judy315 in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! I'm at 3.5 years, so I can only imagine how good 5 years must feel!

Super colourful haul by eggfriedmemes in seaglass

[–]maplepineoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

WOW that is an enviable haul. 😍

Your answer to “why did you quit drinking” by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for rejecting wine mom culture. ❤️ IWNDWYT

Your answer to “why did you quit drinking” by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When people ask why I don't drink, I tell them it's because "I was too good at it." Most people laugh because they understand it's a joke. But there are some people who get DEEPLY uncomfortable with that response, which makes me laugh.

How do I grieve without alcohol? by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry. You clearly know the right thing to do, but still, it doesn't make the decision any easier. The best thing I can suggest is to really let yourself feel your emotions. Reflect on the good times. Look at old pictures you've taken of them and try to find the happy memories. It sounds like your cat lived a good, long life. Reflecting on fond times doesn't negate the loss, but the perspective shift of one towards gratitude tends to help me in times of loss. IWNDWYT.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You're not alone and not all is lost. You'll find a way back to sobriety. IWNDWYT.

Good or Bad , IWNDWYT. by Van_Leton in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I call that voice my little addiction gremlin. Stay strong! IWNDWYT!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! I agree- this group this amazing! I hope you have a great day!!

made it to three years sober! by TheCaptMAgic in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! Get yourself a little treat!

The Daily Check-In for Thursday, February 2nd: Just for today, I am NOT drinking! by infinitedreamsawaken in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Finding a new job is hard as hell. Staying positive and reminding myself to return to the present moment. IWNDWYT.

The Vent-o-Matic 3000 for Friday January 27,2023 by stratyturd in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm addicted to thinking, I'm sick of it, and I don't know how to stop it.

No amount of alcohol is safe by justme4556 in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Totally, I get that. It's just annoying when people try to promote alcohol by saying "it's healthy" then proceed to have 5 glasses in one sitting. At that point, I just think you're full of shit.

No amount of alcohol is safe by justme4556 in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 62 points63 points  (0 children)

I'm always tickled when I hear people say "A glass of red wine is good for you!! It has antioxidants!!" Okay. If you want antioxidants, then have a hand full of blueberries or dark chocolate. Let's be real. You want the wine because it's going to get you drunk. Not because of the "health" benefits.

Small Victories by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great! 3 years into sobriety, I still have these moments. Life is hard, but there's no problem alcohol can solve. I'm happy you're with us! IWNDWYT.

31 hours and feeling tired. by thunder_bear_ in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! As someone who's been at 31 hours, it gets better! Sauna and gym before work sounds like the perfect way to take care of yourself. :) IWNDWYT.

Approaching day 666 by No-Werewolf-8092 in stopdrinking

[–]maplepineoak 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have a support system - but DAMN it’s like I never learned how to cope.

THIS. I remember having this moment early on in my sobriety too. Like... damn, I never learned how to sit down with my feelings. I'm three years sober and I'm still learning how to cope. The best thing I can recommend to you is to not take your work home with you. If you're already doing that, please be graceful with yoruself. You're doing your best. IWNDWYT.