21 years sober this month

Bretrick said:
I was an extreme alcoholic in as much as I started drinking at age 12 to dull the events occurring at that time and previous.
By age 15, when I started working - earning an income - I was what is now classed as an alcoholic, drinking daily.
Small town Tasmania in the 70's allowed this to occur.
As the years progressed my drinking became heavier and by age 30 I was diagnosed with cirrhosis.
It took me another 8 years to completely stop drinking having made two previous attempts during those 8 years.
I think the only reason I finally stopped was that my last hangover lasted a whole week and I was totally sick of being sick.
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Congratulations, Bretrick! I bet you can recall a time when life without drinking seemed impossible. I know I can. The first time I got drunk, I was 12. I felt green for 5 days. Blacked out and puked all over a cop car. Some of us can drink. Some of us can't. ;)
 
Forerunner said:
Congratulations, Bretrick! I bet you can recall a time when life without drinking seemed impossible. I know I do. The first time I got drunk, I was 12. I felt green for 5 days. Blacked out and puked all over a cop car. Some of us can drink. Some of us can't. ;)
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Honestly I never thought I could live without having a drink.
Look at me now. The thought of drinking never comes into my life. Amazed.
 

feywon said:
Congratulations, Bretrick and every one else who has also conquered an addiction. Happy for all of you.
For some people it is harder because in some cases the addictions have physical components as well as emotional, tho emotional triggers can be very powerful. In any case it is an accomplishment and you should be proud of yourselves.
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Thank you, feywon.
In my case, I stopped twice, restarted when I thought I was strong enough to have a "social drink" only.
So wrong. Within 6 months of restarting I was back in the gutter - literally - then homeless.
So the third time I stopped I knew that it had to be forever.
I was unable to stop at one - two or three drinks.
It was - get pissed everytime.
 
Bretrick said:
Thank you, feywon.
In my case, I stopped twice, restarted when I thought I was strong enough to have a "social drink" only.
So wrong. Within 6 months of restarting I was back in the gutter - literally - then homeless.
So the third time I stopped I knew that it had to be forever.
I was unable to stop at one - two or three drinks.
It was - get pissed everytime.
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At least you recognised that for you moderation isn't an option; some, never accept that. They're on/off the wagon their whole lives---often dragging their loved ones thru hell in the process.
 
Congratulations, Bretrick! That's a major accomplishment!

I was a drunkard throughout my 20s to the point where I lost my car on occasion as well as woke up not knowing where I was more times than I care to remember. I also wrecked a few cars and spent a few days in jail for various alcohol-related offenses.

Quitting was one of the toughest things I ever did. I still drink now occasionally during social events, but it's pretty rare. There's no thrill to it anymore. And I refuse to get behind the wheel even after one drink.
 
SeniorBen said:
Congratulations, Bretrick! That's a major accomplishment!

I was a drunkard throughout my 20s to the point where I lost my car on occasion as well as woke up not knowing where I was more times than I care to remember. I also wrecked a few cars and spent a few days in jail for various alcohol-related offenses.

Quitting was one of the toughest things I ever did. I still drink now occasionally during social events, but it's pretty rare. There's no thrill to it anymore. And I refuse to get behind the wheel even after one drink.
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Thank you. :)
Once I completely stopped I never wanted to drink again. It gave me too much misery and I was unable to stop drinking once I started. I would drink myself into a coma so often.
Also not knowing what I had done the previous night or how I got home. Wake up in a strange house, et al.
 
Geezer Garage said:
Good on you Bretrick. Not an easy thing. I've seen so many lives destroyed by alcoholism, and other addictions. I've been lucky, in that I have always been able to walk away from the edge. Not that I haven't visited it more than a few times.
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Thank you.
Alcohol took my father when I was 25, alcohol took my brother when he was 32.
Dead end addiction of which I was able to pull away from, without help.
 
Congrats to you Bretrick and all the others here who have quit the drinking. Its very hard to do and so many do not make it. I had a very close friend who was active in AA and I admired him for his efforts to stay sober. His life changed for the better when he stopped and I am so proud of him!
 
Have had many friends in AA (NA too). Because of allergy problems with all drugs, could never take...just would get sick, not high.
Lost 5 friends to heroin. Not fun.

I respect the hard work it takes to overcome substance abuse issues.

Wishing everyone well in their recovery!
 
Bretrick said:
I was an extreme alcoholic in as much as I started drinking at age 12 to dull the events occurring at that time and previous.
By age 15, when I started working - earning an income - I was what is now classed as an alcoholic, drinking daily.
Small town Tasmania in the 70's allowed this to occur.
As the years progressed my drinking became heavier and by age 30 I was diagnosed with cirrhosis.
It took me another 8 years to completely stop drinking having made two previous attempts during those 8 years.
I think the only reason I finally stopped was that my last hangover lasted a whole week and I was totally sick of being sick.
Click to expand...

Congratulations !!! Sorry you had to go through what you did ....... But at the same time you are to be admired .... for what you accomplished !
 
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Congratulations on your journey of freedom
 
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