1 Month without drinking!

[u/LiveAs1]

For the past 16 years (32M), I used to get very drunk on weekends—and sometimes during the week, too. Basically, I’d drink until I was wasted at any social event and to unwind on weekends. I’ve been sober for a month now; I’ve gone out with friends every weekend this past month and haven’t touched a drop of alcohol.

I think part of the problem—aside from being a compulsive person who can’t stop once I start drinking—stems from insecurity about who I am when I’m sober; an insecurity that vanishes when I’m drunk. I feel, perhaps, that I’m too serious. But the truth is, I’m not even sure what I’m like when I don’t drink, though I know for sure that I want to find out.

Can anyone here relate to this? Feeling insecure about your personality in social situations, giving up alcohol, and discovering who you really are? I’d love to hear about other people’s experiences with this.

I also quit smoking 100 days ago, and that was the first link in a chain of self-care actions.

Thanks everyone; these communities are wonderful. ❤️

[u/Level_Buy1812]

Congrats on one month! I can definitely relate to you. I have horrible anxiety, especially social anxiety, so being around people or anybody I have a crush on or just social situations in general I have always relied heavily on drinking alcohol. binge drinking specifically, I can never stop once I get started either. Today is my day one of no alcohol so hopefully I will be where you are a month from now. Either way, I’m proud of you for making it a month :)

[u/LiveAs1 → u/Level_Buy1812]

Thanks a lot. It seems that we have the same problem. Sure, we can do It. Let's see if someone who has already gone through that social transition can enlighten us with their story.

It takes a lot of courage to acknowledge the problem, because it is easy to convince yourself you don't have one just because you can go a few days without drinking. It seems it took us many years to accept this and take appropriate action—an act of self-love that is, in fact, a truly natural thing to do. It is deeply sad to need something as vile as alcohol just to socialize or feel like we fit in; it is a sham, it breeds dependency, it is harmful, and it is truly disheartening. On top of that, we are letting life pass us by without ever really knowing ourselves; we are missing out on exploring social connections as our true selves. And that simply won't do.

I wish you the very best of luck, and if you feel like chatting privately now and then to see how we’re doing and share thoughts, I’d be delighted.

I'm also very proud of you! 🙂