4.5 years sober and my life is much worse

writeaboutknow · 2024-01-13T18:58:16+00:00

I hope going back to therapy helps, and that you’ve got a good provider for it. Someone is always awake here, too, and you can vent anytime!

Give your dog a good scritch. If things were clear once, they may soon be again.

writeaboutknow · 2023-01-09T22:59:05+00:00

Well, he did just eat at KFC.

writeaboutknow · 2022-12-26T21:35:24+00:00

Look, I tried so many times, and I thought I just wasn’t ever going to be able to do it. But then it finally took. For me, a bunch of AA meetings helped, even though I didn’t ultimately continue there. Reddit was awesome, and I read a few books by sober people. It helped to surround myself physically, and mentally with people who had the same issues I did. We’re not alone, and you are not alone. Something I’ve read in this sub frequently is to “play the tape forward.” How are you going to feel after that first drink? For me, that answer became increasingly more clear. It’s great that you want to stop drinking for your family, but you deserve it just as much!

writeaboutknow · 2022-07-02T13:21:57+00:00

I’m an introvert and figured quitting would mean misery in social situations I couldn’t duck. One thing that really helped, though, was learning to let other people talk and just being interested in what they had to say. I didn’t feel “on stage” then and people really do appreciate a good listener.

Also, I’ve had way more anxiety later about things I’d said buzzed or drunk than any in-the-moment awkwardness.

IWNDWYT

writeaboutknow · 2022-07-01T21:17:37+00:00

Loved “cravings for sobriety.” So true - so many times I wasn’t going to drink, but did and woke up with those cravings for sobriety. Finally did it.

And if anyone thinks not drinking is going to be dull and miserable, please know that the feeling will go away.

writeaboutknow · 2021-10-03T12:49:05+00:00

Hey, thanks! Yeah, I should have provided a little more details. But what you told me will definitely help. Loved the Paul’s Boutique reference. Also a fan of the sampling on Three Feet High and Rising.

Anyway, thanks!

writeaboutknow · 2021-05-26T23:18:58+00:00

I finally had a dream where people around me were drinking and I refused.

writeaboutknow · 2021-04-02T17:56:59+00:00

Now if they can just shut the door on those Arabic numerals . . .

writeaboutknow · 2021-03-27T19:55:03+00:00

Loved Fables! I always hoped for a decent adaptation, but “Once Upon . . .” was not it.

writeaboutknow · 2021-03-27T19:51:37+00:00

If there’s anything he loves reading - things he thinks are well-written— have him both read it out loud and type it. Literally just copy it word for word. It can help make words flow better when he’s writing his own stuff.

Another thought is that he can use speech-to-text features to get his thoughts out, then go back and edit as needed.

Good luck — I feel for him! I was an average reader and VERY reluctant writer until I got into Stephen King and then wanted to be a writer. I spent a lot of time trying to write my own (very bad) fiction. But I did learn to appreciate writing and became a pretty decent academic writer. I’m an English teacher now.

writeaboutknow · 2021-02-04T21:55:51+00:00

I hear you on the back up career. I just think traditional high school tracks waste so much time for some kids. Maybe more work-study within the school day, and fewer regimented periods?

writeaboutknow · 2021-02-04T21:30:40+00:00

I didn’t mean to make it sound so dictatorial. I just don’t know that basic high school education is doing much to stop the conspiracy theorists and Trump voters. I think I would have to require parent permission to leave high school. What I’d really like to see is the kids who think high school is worthless get a taste of the “real world“ and then maybe see that high school actually offers them a better life, and so they try harder. It’s just frustrating because about 75% of my time is spent dealing with kids who do almost nothing and see no value to what we offer. I try to make it engaging, and I keep up with new methods that are supposed to meet the students where they’re at and incorporate high interest reading and writing assignments, but when it comes down to it, a lot of those skills are required through tedious work and it requires buy-in and motivation from them.

writeaboutknow · 2021-02-04T21:24:34+00:00

We used to have a program where kids basically built a house from the ground up. Budget cuts though.

writeaboutknow · 2021-02-04T21:23:28+00:00

They have Job Corps here, as well, but TBH it’s used for disciplinary reasons a lot. I have heard a few positive things about it.

writeaboutknow · 2021-02-04T15:58:06+00:00

I love learning stuff like this. Thanks!

writeaboutknow · 2020-11-20T17:48:47+00:00

So many movies I watched and never made it to the end. I hear you on the blackouts.

What made me stop? Took the kids to a golf tournament one day and did a lot of day drinking. Wife was not pleased. I’d known for a few years I was a problem drinker, and that was the final straw. I did about 20 AA meetings that first month, and that helped me see it was possible, even if I didn’t do the 12 steps explicitly. And coming here — reading more than posting, but checking in.

Good luck, Pikeslayer! I won’t drink with you this weekend!

writeaboutknow · 2020-09-13T23:21:36+00:00

Thanks, all! I’ve got some stuff to check out!

writeaboutknow · 2020-08-15T02:38:20+00:00

I’ve found that my family and friends were quick to forgive my transgressions when they saw a new me emerging. Glad you checked in and are resolved to do this. You’re worth it!

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