Six months sober!

Six months ago today I posted this thread. I had had enough. I knew that a humble admission here on the boards was what I needed to help me get sober again, and hopefully stay that way.

I was really scared that day, but I made it to the meeting that night, took a beginner’s chip, and stuck with it. I had to. See, this was what I’ve come to know as the gift of desperation. That place beyond despair and regret and sadness - it had become primal, all about simple survival, and from there my resolve grew. It was defeat, and surrender. From that lowest of points, I knew what I had to do if I wanted to live.

I felt the change immediately, even before I got over the withdrawal. (When you’ve been pickling yourself to excess every day for three years - the length of my slip - you can expect some wicked DTs. Good thing I had the benzos.) Everyone around me noticed something. My work performance improved dramatically, so much so that at my review (around three months sober), my manager said - almost in disbelief - “I don’t know what you’ve done, but whatever it is, keep doing it!”

Sometimes I think back to the way it was. In movies you see depictions of alcoholics and addicts and the way they live, and maybe you think it’s an exaggeration - for dramatic purposes, let’s say. Let me tell you it’s not. I lived in squallor, and cleaning the place up (let alone myself) just seemed beyond possibility.

Today, six months later, I have sanity and happiness in my life. I don’t spend my days filled with paralyzing fear, shaking so hard that I don’t want anyone to see me. I can enjoy every moment for what it is. I have the unconditional love and support of a wonderful man (jeremy evil) who has been incredibly patient as I’ve been getting better. And I love him back, just as deeply. We’ve established a happy little home for ourselves, and even if we don’t have much, it’s more than we need.

When I posted my One month sober thread, DaToad said:

… so I’ve been waiting patiently for the past five months. Here’s my six month thread! :slight_smile:

I am grateful. I am vigilant. I am humbled. I am happy, joyous, and free. I am sober today. Thank you.

Congratulations, scott!

Robin

Scott, we’ve never met but I want you to know that I’m impressed.

Quite impressed.

Congrats.

Congrats! I always have the utmost respect for the men and women who take life one day at a time! Keep it up.

Right on, scott baby. Just keep doing the next right thing.

Signed, essvee (22 months)

Congratulations, Scott. I come from a long line of AA members. My dad’s coming up on his 14th birthday I believe and my aunt’s just behind. It’s a great thing you’ve done.
-Lil

That’s his fifteenth birthday actually.
-Lil

Big kudos to you. That’s not an easy thing to do, or to talk about. Congratulations, and keep it up.

Congratulations, Scott!

:slight_smile:

Doing good!

Congrats, Scott.

Congratulations! It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing. Keep it up!

Much love,
Cristi

Congrats! Keep coming back!

twicks (another Friend of Bill’s – Bill W., that is :wink: )

Thats great!

Don’t forget to go back and read that post from 6 months ago to remind yourself how bad it was then. Reading it helped me remember all the “fun” drinking brought to me.

Congratualtions!

Congrats Scott.
It’s nice to hear good news from dopers we care about.
Keep on, keeping on, we’re all rooting for you!

Oh, scott, I’m so proud of you.

You are an inspiration to other recovering alcoholics. Keep up the good work!!

Congrats!

By the way, how’s EvilBunny doing? Chewed the place to bits yet?

Many many congratulations! Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

Congrats, Scott! That’s fantastic. I just passed the one month mark, so I must confess I’m a bit envious. :wink: Hang in there, buddy!

Whoopie! Congrats, Scott!!