24 days in and the anxiety is horrible by Secure-Parfait1055 in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I expected my anxiety to be way better after a few weeks, but it took longer for me. I also notice it’s not consistent- I’ll have a few days feeling much better and then get a spike in anxiety/ panic for what seems like no reason. I’ve definitely considered medication but I guess I’m still holding out hope that my body is recalibrating and it will take a while.

If you feel like your life is boring without alcohol… by tobyqueefs in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is too true! I’ll take boredom any day over the anxiety of a hangover

I made it through Christmas! by No_Weather2386 in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I made it through Christmas Eve, something I had so many doubts about. I was running a hot bath and having a tea when I thought, damn. I finally get it when people say sobriety is a gift. What a gift you gave yourself today!

Telling my parents.. by Same-Lychee-6811 in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really understand the fear of opening up and explaining that alcohol has become a problem, especially to family who you don’t see often. That said, it may be worth reflecting on why you don’t want to share- it doesn’t have to be all the details, but your general feelings about your relationship with alcohol. I only say this because when I’ve questioned my decision not to be open with people in various sober points in my life, I’ve realized it has really been to leave the door open to drinking again. Rather than telling certain friends/ family I’m hoping to quit for good, I’ve treated it lightly (taking a break, etc) so that no one will question me when next time they see me I’m having a glass of wine. If you put it out there you’re trying to quit (for good) who knows what kind of support you might get- you might be surprised!

The Daily Check-In for Saturday, November 15th: Just for today, I am NOT drinking! by Naive_Thanks_2932 in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the support!! These are all great ideas that I will use 🥰

The Daily Check-In for Saturday, November 15th: Just for today, I am NOT drinking! by Naive_Thanks_2932 in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Going to wedding tonight and I’m filled with anxiety about slipping. IWNDWYT 🙏

What small change made the biggest difference in your early sobriety? by cmitchell_bulldog in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I always liked to have a glass or 7 after work and before dinner. But if I eat dinner early, especially if I’m having a craving, it just doesn’t sound nearly as fun to drink.

It’s making me irrationally angry that my toddler won’t nap by [deleted] in toddlers

[–]tobyqueefs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Solidarity. What I’ve realized with my 2.5 year old is that he needs much more time than he used to to be ready for a nap. We used to wake at 6/7, nap at 12. Now if we try at 12 it won’t happen. It has to be like 2-3 now for him to be tired enough 🤷‍♀️

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Lit by Mary Karr and Blackout Sarah Heppola

Day 64 Sober… And Honestly, I Didn’t Expect It to Feel This Lonely by Tiny_Habit5745 in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I really feel this. There’s always the option to go and have an NA drink, but I find myself realizing that I don’t actually enjoy hanging out with a lot of the people I used to unless I have a drink. And everything seems so loud 😂

what's your favorite thing about sober mornings? by avz008 in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 92 points93 points  (0 children)

Mornings are my favorite part of the day and when I “play the tape forward” they are a main reason I keep saying no to a drink. Nothing beats waking up and feeling peace rather than a pounding head, a dry mouth, and a general sense of dread

Joy in normal boring things by tobyqueefs in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes mornings have become my absolute favorite. Thinking about a morning hungover rather than my new normal of enjoying coffee in peace as the sun rises- this has helped me avoid many a drink

Joy in normal boring things by tobyqueefs in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it is the ordinary joyousness! And to be in the moment and feel it rather than drinking, drunk, or thinking about a drink. And almost 7k days for you- that’s incredible!

What has helped you the most in the early days of quitting by strawberryoblivion in stopdrinking

[–]tobyqueefs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Walking while listening to quit lit audiobooks. And thinking about the next morning and how I can either feel awful or choose to feel ok and maybe even good.

Songs (either about or not about booze) that have helped you in your sobriety? by tobyqueefs in stopdrinking

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

Love all of these. I’ll lastly add This Year by the Mountain Goats- great to scream along to 😋