Sober & sober-curious

[Macqua]

I haven’t been able to find a whole lot in the forums regarding sobriety.

It’s probably my biggest issue at the moment and would love to know some things like gratitudes and struggles from those sober.

In saying that, I know this can be a sensitive topic so please refrain from naming anything particular.

I’ll go ahead with a struggle and gratitude; I’m not loving feeling all my emotions in the sense that all I want is a bandaid but also loving it because it’s allowing me to learn more about myself and how to healthily process them.

If this is too hard to navigate, please feel free to delete, I won’t be offended!

[Shaz51]

morning @Macqua 

 there are a few older threads about sobriety and sober 

not sure if you were a big drinker or not 

we were only drinking a couple of beers a day which would seem like nothing to other people 

but we have not had a drink in ages , we are feeling a lot better without it 

but some days I really miss having one after a big day 

my husband said the drink was affecting his meds and MH 

@balance37 , @florencefifty , @MissA , @tyme , @Ru-bee , @Jynx 

[Macqua]

Hey @Shaz51, thanks for responding!

I was quite a big drinker, but it then got down to not so much but still daily.

Good on you and the hubby!

It affects my MH and meds as well so totally relate there. So many of my meds say no to that but it didn’t stop me.

I did see some older threads but not a new one but I saw “sober” mentioned in newer posts without one in particular. Just thought I’d see what happened and if it could help anyone perhaps reach out if needed ☺️

[Shaz51]

great idea @Macqua 

I will keep my eye open and tag others here 😎

[RachSANECEO]

This thread is a great suggestion for a future Recovery Webinar! @tyme  can you feed that into the mix? Our partners at Turning Point could help us deliver something. 

@Macqua and @Shaz51 any particular themes that would be good to cover in a live event?

[tyme]

I have passed on this feedback @RachSANECEO @Macqua @Shaz51 ,

Definitely a worth-while topic.

[balance37]

@Macqua 

The gratitude is that I have a strong support base and friends who don't judge me

The main struggle now is finding events that don't focus so heavily on alcohol consumption and still feeling the need to explain myself when people ask me why I'm not drinking

[tyme]

That's so great to hear @balance37 . Well done.

I hear what you mean by events that focus on drinking... I'm not a drinker, but I totally know what you mean. People look at my like I've got two heads when I say I don't drink.

I an only imagine how hard it must be for those struggling with sobriety.

[balance37]

@tymeIt's very interesting (not sure that's the right word?) that there is such a pressure to drink, and that anyone is asking why you don't in the first place.

With most people now, especially those that don't know me well, I have been able to find a go to line which is also honest, something like "I use to drink a lot and it was a major issue for me, so I decided it wasn't for me". Surprisingly, people actually take this very well, and it makes them also think about their relationship with alcohol and at times opens up a conversation about it (people have even said they think they might have a problem, but how did I know, what help did I get etc). I've found honesty difficult to begin with, but now see the power of it.

[tyme]

That's so powerful @balance37 . Thanks for sharing. Who knows? What you say may even support others to do the same. I recognise it's not easy to give up drinking.

@Macqua , How are you?