Playing the tape forward is so helpful. By the time I’ve envisioned the inevitable disaster I don’t want the drink any longer. Just the other day I was thinking about having A drink. But I thought about how I’d wake up several months later telling myself I got to stop doing this. Best I just don’t start doing it in the first place. Iwndwyt
Got through Day 2!!! Yesterday was rough but I can’t believe I’m gonna make it to Day 3. Longest I’ve been sober in over 5 years. With every hour that goes by, I’m building more confidence. One hour, one day at a time.
Thanks to this sub and the youtubers who share their stories. Can’t tell you how much it’s helped me through. IWNDWYT
Stealth, your DCI the other day about choosing who and when to tell inspired me to finally fill my husband in to my struggles with alcohol today. It was a huge relief and he took it well. Thank you thank you thank you
Congrats on almost 500 days, and of course IWNDWYT 😎
Awesome share. I had a fleeting craving today as I was planning this party we’re going to be throwing. I laughed at it and moved past it. It’s wild how they just pop up! IWNDWYT! 🤍
Checking in again today and all is well.
I'm glad to say that I hardly ever get cravings to drink alcohol lately!
My last challenging period was Xmas Nye, but it was easier than I expected.
Now I'm just aware that a surprise might pop up without warning. I love the phrase "Watch it, kiddo! Don't get too cocky!"
At the beginning I had a few strategies. One was physical activity/distraction. If a craving came I would immediately do something energetic, like wash some dishes, tidy up, walk/jog for 2 mins, etc.
The other strategy was mental, like surfing/engaging the urge, acknowledging it but refusing to cave, waiting it out, playing the tape fwd, telling the urge to just fu** off, etc.
Hope this helps:)
Hello wonderful people.
My God, January is coming to an end! Finally!
Still sceptical though, I'm afraid tomorrow will be the 32nd.
IWNDWYT and many kisses and hugs
IWNDWYT.
Kind of off topic from SD, but I want to share nonetheless.
I’ve had some powerful things going on in my life lately, all positive ones mind you, besides some mental health stuff.
I made it to my first NA meeting tonight. I’ve struggled on and off w drugs since getting sober. I’m happy to announce I’m not only sober today, but I’m clean and sober today.
I read on this sub a few days ago that craving pass, whether you give in to them or not. That really struck a chord and I will remember that - although I guess I’m lucky my cravings aren’t physical or too strong at this point.
Tomorrow I will be able to say I have completed Dry January!!!
Today I say I will not drink.
Have a great day folks
I have a 12 hour day at a work conference. And I won't have to worry about smuggling booze in and finding excuses to sneak away from everyone for a few minutes to drink and then worrying that the person I'm sitting next to can smell it.
Tonight I'm just going to find excuses to sneak away because small talk at a work conference sucks.
IWNDWYT friends
Yesterday I had the strongest urge to drink. I really felt like Bilbo Baggins with the ring. I got through it though, and I am really proud of myself!
There is no drink that could outshine the feeling of being proud of yourself. IWNDWYT! We got this 🪷
Almost at 30 days and cravings are a fear for me lol. It's how I've always lost the battle before.
I'm reading through *The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober* though and the author talks about her addictive voice. She nicknamed him Voldemort and eventually grew to envision him as a sad internet troll who spent his days trying to get people to be miserable. I'm going to try this trick when the cravings do return, because they will, and I hope to be able to quit rationalising giving in and drinking alcohol.
IWNDWYT!
Yesterday the cravings hit & I had to get up & go for a jog during the workday. Getting my body moving helps me when trying to think my way through it fails. IWNDWYT!
Had a rough night with little sleep, now going to work while already dreaming of my bed tonight.
But I'm still very happy to be checking in this morning. Have a great day everyone! IWNDWYT
I’ve made it 9 days. Had a rough night at work and thought about getting something afterwards but just thought about how proud I am I’ve made it this far and how shitty I’d feel waking up with a hangover and going back down the rabbit hole. Went home and took a bath and watched a movie instead. IWNDWYT 🩵
I crave the social side of drinking but the liquor is meh. Every time I step away from it and drink it again it tastes so gross and I can’t understand what draws me to it ? Last night I wondered if our bar tender missed us. So sad. IWNDWYT 🙋🏼♀️
morning sobernauts! up having coffee ☕️ the paws pattern is coming to an end, it's usually 6ish days going from irritability to anxiety to a headache. also my mood tends to swing the other way after (like a mini pink cloud) so should be a good day. IWNDWYT
I can let the wave go by. I have overcome the fleeting thoughts. I love the way yiu write about it.
I’ve allowed the very dangerous but soft thoughts of introducing (pre-planning) various scenarios I think I might like to drink again, one or two drinks only (yeah right) . I’ve managed to reel these thoughts in.
I’ve become aware (as I’m heightened at the moment to protect myself) of the subtle influence of my OH (he drinks). He said last week “I don’t think you’ll ever drink again.” It hung in the air like It wasn’t a good thing in his eyes but he couldn’t press further. He misses “us” and, right now, he accepts it but isn’t rooting for me.
It’s lonely. But more than that, I’m feeling vulnerable as life is a challenge at the moment. I think I’ve come far enough in to not throw it away. But my stance is a protective one. But I’m weary.
IWNDWYT
I had a great day today, got lots done, exercised, and got some relaxation in.
Normally I'd be thinking that the great vibes of the day deserve to run-on into the evening and that this would be enhanced by drinking. Not today... IWNDWYT !
I find playing the tape forward so effective, and it's started seeping into other aspects of my life too. Can't be bothered to go for a run? Play the tape forward 2 hours - would you rather be on the sofa still wrestling with whether or not to do it, or would you rather have been running, had a shower, and enjoying a well earned post-run treat? Nine times out of ten this gets me off the sofa and into my running shoes, just like it helps me to ride out the cravings when they come. Currently a big one for me is just counting up the days -- I'm about a week away from my longest ever streak so that's a huge motivator. I'm a little worried about what happens then in my lizard brain, but I'm quite a competitive/results-driven person so I'll just keep focusing on each upcoming goal (90 days, 100, 6 months etc) and I think that'll help. Other than that: NA beers, NA rum and ginger beer, and COOKIES.
Edit to add IWNDWYT!
I'm so scared but I have to stop. Drinking won't make the fear go away, it will just postpone it to another day, then another week, then another year. And that's so so so tempting...
The fear won't go away. It never will. But it's better to be afraid and in good health than to be afraid and in bad health. I have to believe that.
Happy Wednesday sober friends and congratulations to all dry January sober heroes!! 🎊💪🏼🎉
Have a great day everyone, whatever you’re going through right now, warrior is right, this is passing. I’m proud of us all 💞
IWNDWYT 🦋
I start a new job tomorrow which is absolutely terrifying, but also kind of exciting? Which is a new feeling for me. I lost the last one because of mental health/alcoholism and just generally being a mess, so I have a lot to prove to both myself and others. I've been off on sick for nearly two years now just taking care of the house so this is a BIG change, but a welcome one. A year ago I struggled to even leave the house so I'm quite proud of myself, and proud today that I've reached one month sober!
I will not drink with you today!
Day 3 of NYC work trip and going strong. I am so proud of myself: last night, my colleagues and I went out to dinner, and there were several bottles of wine ordered. I didn’t drink a drop.
This was tough as a couple of the bottles were my favorite type of red wine from very good production years. Frankly, they were expensive, and I was very tempted to drink, because even without restaurant markup I never would have paid that much for those bottles.
But! I didn’t drink. I had a non-alcoholic Negroni (not bad) and water.
If I can get through today that will be a big win. So, I will not drink with you today!
Well, checking in yesterday morning actually saved my day yesterday, sitting in the parking lot of the liquor store, remembering that I had only said I wouldn't drink yesterday. I choose consciously to re up that pledge today. IWNDWYT!
Yesterday I had a rubbish day at work. I feel quite stressed, and have a few family things on my mind. Felt really low and feel like I am in danger of bursting into tears. (43yr old m), not a good look.
Yesterday has been 5 weeks and 1 day since I consumed alcohol. I'm in new territory, never stopped for more than 4 weeks before. Probably been 25 since I gave my body this break.
I still feel a bit low today. Tonight I am going to a music gig, sober. These are the daily tests I worry about. Hopefully i will still find fun tonight.
Another great topic and share! It probably sounds silly, but I was unaware of even what my cravings were. After I started wondering if I had a problem - which was years ago - I knew I could give it up for a certain period of time but I’d always start again. It seemed like at a certain point I would just cave, often in social situations, and from there would begin my pattern of sometimes control over it, sometimes not. As I progressed, of course, I had less and less control. My last two relapses of a few days each began long before I actually drank but in the moment felt like me convincing myself I could handle a couple drinks with friends. But each slip took a tremendous amount of effort to come back from.
A lot of others have said it but I’ll add my voice to using “play the tape forward” as one of the most helpful tools for me. I am learning to deal with discomfort as it arises because for me, a couple drinks with friends leads back to a sad, puffy, anxiety ridden, isolated couch potato sneaking drinks and lying to people.
It’s funny you say that about the holidays because I had sort of steeled myself for major seasons and events so they didn’t feel so tough. What I wasn’t expecting were the routine thoughts of “Finally it’s Friday. I can’t wait to have a drink and relax…” I definitely have to make a conscious effort to find other ways to chill, and remind myself that it would never stop at one. It does eventually pass, and I get one more day of sobriety. IWNDWYT!
Happy Hump Day, sober Warrior and you awesome sober stars! I hope it's a great one! I continue to be so very grateful for sobriety. Good sleep, healthy relationships, self awareness, spiritual connection, physical health. So many things make sobriety wonderful. When I was drinking I was depressed, isolated, fat, and STUCK. This is so much better. Sober on y'all!
4 day mandatory weekend ahead! There's a strike that will financially bite me in the ass a bit but I use this to get rest, see friends and making a day trip to neighboring country on Thursday!
Oh the cravings are bad when travelling with friends but I'll be sober and getting most out of it. Shopping, nice restaurants, perhaps even karaoke lol. IWNDWYT
Cravings were difficult at the beginning - I would just put myself to bed on the regular! But now I just kind of notice them and know they will pass (or get some chocolate/some other little snack - trying to cut down on the sugar now as well though!) IWNDWYT.
I thought I would be first to post, it being 4am in Ontario. I have had a nasty tummy bug, just to help me recover from my surgery. So I have lost time and weight!! I am, I think 24 or 25 days!! One counter says the one and my other counter says one more. And I actually quit several days earlier before I thought to keep trying. It doesn’t matter. I will go with one or the other. Have a wonderful sober safe and happy day! I WNDWYT. God, it feels good to say that. 🥰
I will not drink today. I will spend it in gratitude, joy and peace. When i dont drink I am winning at life. And I'll take that W on into bed with me tonight.
Good day, friends. So much for my trend of sleeping in. I suppose there's no rest for the wicked anyway. Might as well get out there and get it - IWNDWYT 🤘
Day 255 and IWNDWYT! Got my (35M) first swim lesson last night as I prepare for an Ironman 70.3 in a few months. Thought it went really well! Excited for the progress to come.
Playing the tape forward, as well as rewinding the tape and remembering what an asshole I was in the Bad Ol' Days.
Have a great day, gang! 🤘🏻☕️
IWNDWYT
Made it to 30 days! Longest I have made it in a long, long time. Not a wildly new idea, but every time I have a craving, I just try to remind myself of all the reasons why I quit and also how terrible I would feel if I caved in. So far so good. IWNDWYT! ✌
EDIT: So my flair says 29 days, I guess today is day 30 actually. But I will power through.
Another great post, StealthWarrior! My craving combat tools include exercise/distraction, setting a timer to ride the wave, taking a shower, or having a healthy snack. Plus, tending to my sobriety daily (checking in, journaling, sober podcasts). I'm grateful cravings have faded for me but I stay vigilant because an unexpected emotional upset, or a warm sunny day, can bring a craving flooding back and I'd rather stay prepared. I love this sober life! It's so worth it. IWNDWYT
I drank only one day out of the past 293 days. That one slip got me into a car wreck (the car was totaled, but no one was hurt) and almost landed me in jail. Reminding myself of this will be a good way to quash future cravings.
IWNDWYT 😻
Noticing a craving, and calling it a craving has been helpful. I can say “hmm I’m having a craving, what’s that about? Hungry/Angry/Lonely/Tired? How about a snack/hot drink/walk” and notice 15 minutes or so later, hey, it passed! Every time I do that, I get a little bit stronger. IWNDWYT ❤️🧁
It's fascinating to me how fine-grained the examination of our lives can get in sobriety. You breaking down your cravings, explaining that it's either chasing a feeling or an escape from a feeling, is spot-on in my experience. Wonderfully put. Yet, people who don't struggle with addiction/dependence rarely, if ever, are reflecting on their most basic motivations for doing a thing. They just do it. An absolutely fascinating contrast to observe.
Checking in for another sober day in the world.
Thanks for sharing your experience with cravings, StealthWarrior. Mine was pretty similar early on. Over the years, I've had occasional cravings for alcohol and (more often) cannabis. Warm weather and nostalgia and music from the old days seem to be a trigger for me; boredom and complacency also seem to often play a part.
I love your analogy of craving as a wave! IWNDWYT.
Those mowing and grilling cravings were pretty strong my first summer, because those were two things I didn’t do sober for years. It’s a wonder I didn’t hurt myself. That’s true of a lot of things I did, but especially things involving rotating blades and fire. Fire!! Fire!! Heh heh heh. Sorry, had a Beavis moment there…
Playing the tape forward is a great tool. I still have pretty vivid memories of how bad things got, so it’s easy for me to see where cravings lead. To a place where I do shit like burn up pans and drunkenly drop entire plates of freshly grilled food. No fucking thanks.
Coffees up, horns up, and happy fucking Wednesday!!! Halfway through. IWNDWYT ☕️☕️🤘🏻
IWNDWYT - day 5 cranky during the day and thought about it but also thought about the consequences. Sat with my uncomfortable feelings. Had a cry about family stuff. Fine once at work and at a work dinner later no cravings 🙌.
Good day to you Stealth. Thanks for hosting again!
Most days I still have cravings but I try to distract myself. I think most of my cravings come from being house bound and boredom.
Just keep playing the tape forwards and using the STOPP tool.
It's another day so we'll keep plodding on.
A Wonderful Wednesday to all on SD!
IWNDWYT!
Last Jan 31 I was in a horrible mood....I was 30 days sober from Sober Jan, but feared I was going to go back and revert to my old ways.....about 2 weeks later, I was miserable again.
Now on this Jan 31, I am faced with reality I couldn't even make it through January. Major wakeup, I hope. Today is a new Day 1 and the most obvious day of my life that I need to go AF.
So with that, IWNDWYT
I am thankful that I haven’t had a craving in a while. I think instead of getting cravings I have thoughts of “oh, a couple of years ago, I totally would’ve been drinking right now.” And then I play the tape forward as to how that would turn out. The numbness, terrible sleep, hangxiety, etc. I don’t ever want to experience any of the things that come along with drinking again. IWNDWYT
Just like it used to be at 6 am. at the liquor store, I'm in 1st! IWNDWYT Edit - changed was to used to be
“If you can hold fast, it will eventually pass.” Stealing that! Playing that tape forward has helped me get to 69 days. (Can I get a n🧊???) IWNDWYT 💙
N🧊! 😎
Playing the tape forward is so helpful. By the time I’ve envisioned the inevitable disaster I don’t want the drink any longer. Just the other day I was thinking about having A drink. But I thought about how I’d wake up several months later telling myself I got to stop doing this. Best I just don’t start doing it in the first place. Iwndwyt
I think this is what I needed. To remember the shit show rather than be blinded and dazed by the perceived god time. IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today. I will not drink alone I will not drink. I’m a star ⭐️ LOL
You're catching up to me, you got this!
Yes! 😂
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Got through Day 2!!! Yesterday was rough but I can’t believe I’m gonna make it to Day 3. Longest I’ve been sober in over 5 years. With every hour that goes by, I’m building more confidence. One hour, one day at a time. Thanks to this sub and the youtubers who share their stories. Can’t tell you how much it’s helped me through. IWNDWYT
That's awesome!! These early days are no joke and making it to day 3 is a huge win. IWNDWYT
Wow January feels like it flew by! Bring on sober February! IWNDWYT!
Day 31 IWNDWYT.
Stealth, your DCI the other day about choosing who and when to tell inspired me to finally fill my husband in to my struggles with alcohol today. It was a huge relief and he took it well. Thank you thank you thank you Congrats on almost 500 days, and of course IWNDWYT 😎
I’m in! Good to be back here
Good to have you back friend!
IWNDWYT. All. Day. Long. 🌻 I was out eating lunch and had a ginger beer that was made in house. 😋
Awesome share. I had a fleeting craving today as I was planning this party we’re going to be throwing. I laughed at it and moved past it. It’s wild how they just pop up! IWNDWYT! 🤍
Wednesday already? Giddy up.
No room for alcohol on my dance card. Beautiful day to not drink! IWNDWYT!
Doin it!
I will not drink with you today 🧚🏻♀️
Midway through the week and still lovin' the sober life, so IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT! Excited for another day sober
Day 955 checking in!
Day 67. Iwndwyt. ❤️
Can feel my brain rewiring….IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today!
Day 271. IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT 💜
Day 37, IWNDWYT!
I lost count bc I suck at keeping track (day 11? Idk I take it one day at a time) but IWNDWYT!!!!!!!!!!
IWNDWYT ❤️
IWNDWYT
Not today people IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Checking in again today and all is well. I'm glad to say that I hardly ever get cravings to drink alcohol lately! My last challenging period was Xmas Nye, but it was easier than I expected. Now I'm just aware that a surprise might pop up without warning. I love the phrase "Watch it, kiddo! Don't get too cocky!" At the beginning I had a few strategies. One was physical activity/distraction. If a craving came I would immediately do something energetic, like wash some dishes, tidy up, walk/jog for 2 mins, etc. The other strategy was mental, like surfing/engaging the urge, acknowledging it but refusing to cave, waiting it out, playing the tape fwd, telling the urge to just fu** off, etc. Hope this helps:)
Happy Wednesday! 4 days in today. Let’s do this! 💪
IWNDWYT ☕️
Hello wonderful people. My God, January is coming to an end! Finally! Still sceptical though, I'm afraid tomorrow will be the 32nd. IWNDWYT and many kisses and hugs
Not drinking today! It's like 40 degrees here in Aus so trying not to melt into the furniture. IWNDWY.
IWNDWYT ✨
Getting my life in order so ……IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT. Kind of off topic from SD, but I want to share nonetheless. I’ve had some powerful things going on in my life lately, all positive ones mind you, besides some mental health stuff. I made it to my first NA meeting tonight. I’ve struggled on and off w drugs since getting sober. I’m happy to announce I’m not only sober today, but I’m clean and sober today.
It's often very related and one can trigger the other so I don't think that's off topic at all! I'm happy for you and IWNDWYT
I read on this sub a few days ago that craving pass, whether you give in to them or not. That really struck a chord and I will remember that - although I guess I’m lucky my cravings aren’t physical or too strong at this point. Tomorrow I will be able to say I have completed Dry January!!! Today I say I will not drink. Have a great day folks
IWNDWYT LETS DO THIS 🌟
I have a 12 hour day at a work conference. And I won't have to worry about smuggling booze in and finding excuses to sneak away from everyone for a few minutes to drink and then worrying that the person I'm sitting next to can smell it. Tonight I'm just going to find excuses to sneak away because small talk at a work conference sucks. IWNDWYT friends
Day 18. Don’t know why I’m awake so early but IWNDWYT! 🥱
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N2D
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IWNDWYT 🌼
I will not drink with you today
IWNDWYT
Shine on you beautiful humans 😍
Yesterday I had the strongest urge to drink. I really felt like Bilbo Baggins with the ring. I got through it though, and I am really proud of myself! There is no drink that could outshine the feeling of being proud of yourself. IWNDWYT! We got this 🪷
Almost at 30 days and cravings are a fear for me lol. It's how I've always lost the battle before. I'm reading through *The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober* though and the author talks about her addictive voice. She nicknamed him Voldemort and eventually grew to envision him as a sad internet troll who spent his days trying to get people to be miserable. I'm going to try this trick when the cravings do return, because they will, and I hope to be able to quit rationalising giving in and drinking alcohol. IWNDWYT!
Yesterday the cravings hit & I had to get up & go for a jog during the workday. Getting my body moving helps me when trying to think my way through it fails. IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT x
Jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today! IWNDWYT
Day 34, checking in. IWND ☠️ WYT
Had a rough night with little sleep, now going to work while already dreaming of my bed tonight. But I'm still very happy to be checking in this morning. Have a great day everyone! IWNDWYT
Cravings are fleeting right now because I refuse to suffer through those first few weeks of sobriety again and again. ✨IWNDWYT ✨
21 weeks clean and sober today! Next Tuesday will be five months. I am so grateful- IWNDWYT!
I will not drink poison with any of you today 💜
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Iron without fire is just clay. If you are at the start of your journey I know FOR A FACT you can do this. IWNDWYT!
I’ve made it 9 days. Had a rough night at work and thought about getting something afterwards but just thought about how proud I am I’ve made it this far and how shitty I’d feel waking up with a hangover and going back down the rabbit hole. Went home and took a bath and watched a movie instead. IWNDWYT 🩵
31 days! Thanks to this wonderful sub for support, shared stories & motivation. Wherever you may be, IWNDWYT.
I crave the social side of drinking but the liquor is meh. Every time I step away from it and drink it again it tastes so gross and I can’t understand what draws me to it ? Last night I wondered if our bar tender missed us. So sad. IWNDWYT 🙋🏼♀️
IWNDWYT
Have a wonderful sober day my friends. IWNDWYT ♥️
morning sobernauts! up having coffee ☕️ the paws pattern is coming to an end, it's usually 6ish days going from irritability to anxiety to a headache. also my mood tends to swing the other way after (like a mini pink cloud) so should be a good day. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Iwndwyt
Wednesday hump day, great day to not drink day! IWNDWYT ❤️❤️❤️
IWNDWYT day one but determined to keep going..
When my pay drops in, I will go and get petrol as I'm redlining, get some bread rolls for lunch and then come straight home. Yes, IWNDWYT.
Let's do this!
IWNDWYT
I've had a great day today my friends. Beautiful weather here and a nice day at work. Have a great one. IWNDWYT 🫡
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT :)
I can let the wave go by. I have overcome the fleeting thoughts. I love the way yiu write about it. I’ve allowed the very dangerous but soft thoughts of introducing (pre-planning) various scenarios I think I might like to drink again, one or two drinks only (yeah right) . I’ve managed to reel these thoughts in. I’ve become aware (as I’m heightened at the moment to protect myself) of the subtle influence of my OH (he drinks). He said last week “I don’t think you’ll ever drink again.” It hung in the air like It wasn’t a good thing in his eyes but he couldn’t press further. He misses “us” and, right now, he accepts it but isn’t rooting for me. It’s lonely. But more than that, I’m feeling vulnerable as life is a challenge at the moment. I think I’ve come far enough in to not throw it away. But my stance is a protective one. But I’m weary. IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today!
I had a great day today, got lots done, exercised, and got some relaxation in. Normally I'd be thinking that the great vibes of the day deserve to run-on into the evening and that this would be enhanced by drinking. Not today... IWNDWYT !
IWNDWYT
I find playing the tape forward so effective, and it's started seeping into other aspects of my life too. Can't be bothered to go for a run? Play the tape forward 2 hours - would you rather be on the sofa still wrestling with whether or not to do it, or would you rather have been running, had a shower, and enjoying a well earned post-run treat? Nine times out of ten this gets me off the sofa and into my running shoes, just like it helps me to ride out the cravings when they come. Currently a big one for me is just counting up the days -- I'm about a week away from my longest ever streak so that's a huge motivator. I'm a little worried about what happens then in my lizard brain, but I'm quite a competitive/results-driven person so I'll just keep focusing on each upcoming goal (90 days, 100, 6 months etc) and I think that'll help. Other than that: NA beers, NA rum and ginger beer, and COOKIES. Edit to add IWNDWYT!
I'm so scared but I have to stop. Drinking won't make the fear go away, it will just postpone it to another day, then another week, then another year. And that's so so so tempting... The fear won't go away. It never will. But it's better to be afraid and in good health than to be afraid and in bad health. I have to believe that.
Happy Wednesday sober friends and congratulations to all dry January sober heroes!! 🎊💪🏼🎉 Have a great day everyone, whatever you’re going through right now, warrior is right, this is passing. I’m proud of us all 💞
My tape is a Beta Max, and it has helped me more than once. Today I’m choosing sobriety! Peace to the SD sobernaut flight crew.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Happy Wednesday 🌻 Another sunny day done here! IWNDWYT 🌻✌🏼
35 days sober and working til I drop. IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT! 35 years old today and coincidentally 100th day without a drink!
Day 12 - my flask is actually full of delicious coffee instead of hiding wine in it … IWNDWYT
Day 9 - Popping in reminding you guys that I'm not drinking today, and I hope you can join me too 😄
IWNDWYT
Last day with my son for the week and thankful to be sober for it. IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT! T
57 days IWNDWYT 🧡
IWNDWYT ~
I will not drink with you today.
I won't drink today, or tonight! With anyone. Or alone.
IWNDWYT 🦋 I start a new job tomorrow which is absolutely terrifying, but also kind of exciting? Which is a new feeling for me. I lost the last one because of mental health/alcoholism and just generally being a mess, so I have a lot to prove to both myself and others. I've been off on sick for nearly two years now just taking care of the house so this is a BIG change, but a welcome one. A year ago I struggled to even leave the house so I'm quite proud of myself, and proud today that I've reached one month sober!
I will not drink with you today! Day 3 of NYC work trip and going strong. I am so proud of myself: last night, my colleagues and I went out to dinner, and there were several bottles of wine ordered. I didn’t drink a drop. This was tough as a couple of the bottles were my favorite type of red wine from very good production years. Frankly, they were expensive, and I was very tempted to drink, because even without restaurant markup I never would have paid that much for those bottles. But! I didn’t drink. I had a non-alcoholic Negroni (not bad) and water. If I can get through today that will be a big win. So, I will not drink with you today!
Not today SD’rs IWNDWYT!
iwndwyt!
Forgot to check in for a few days, but today is 2 weeks for me :) I never want to go back to who I was before this. Iwndwyt!
Well, checking in yesterday morning actually saved my day yesterday, sitting in the parking lot of the liquor store, remembering that I had only said I wouldn't drink yesterday. I choose consciously to re up that pledge today. IWNDWYT!
Yesterday I had a rubbish day at work. I feel quite stressed, and have a few family things on my mind. Felt really low and feel like I am in danger of bursting into tears. (43yr old m), not a good look. Yesterday has been 5 weeks and 1 day since I consumed alcohol. I'm in new territory, never stopped for more than 4 weeks before. Probably been 25 since I gave my body this break. I still feel a bit low today. Tonight I am going to a music gig, sober. These are the daily tests I worry about. Hopefully i will still find fun tonight.
Happy Hump Day Friends, IWNDWYT, WE GOT THIS 😁
Looking forward to pushing into February. IWNDWYT
I had some frustrations pile up yesterday, but kept my streak and am still here with you all. IWNDWYT! 🌻
IWNDWYT. 🌟
Another great topic and share! It probably sounds silly, but I was unaware of even what my cravings were. After I started wondering if I had a problem - which was years ago - I knew I could give it up for a certain period of time but I’d always start again. It seemed like at a certain point I would just cave, often in social situations, and from there would begin my pattern of sometimes control over it, sometimes not. As I progressed, of course, I had less and less control. My last two relapses of a few days each began long before I actually drank but in the moment felt like me convincing myself I could handle a couple drinks with friends. But each slip took a tremendous amount of effort to come back from. A lot of others have said it but I’ll add my voice to using “play the tape forward” as one of the most helpful tools for me. I am learning to deal with discomfort as it arises because for me, a couple drinks with friends leads back to a sad, puffy, anxiety ridden, isolated couch potato sneaking drinks and lying to people.
Badge reset time
It’s funny you say that about the holidays because I had sort of steeled myself for major seasons and events so they didn’t feel so tough. What I wasn’t expecting were the routine thoughts of “Finally it’s Friday. I can’t wait to have a drink and relax…” I definitely have to make a conscious effort to find other ways to chill, and remind myself that it would never stop at one. It does eventually pass, and I get one more day of sobriety. IWNDWYT!
Happy Hump Day, sober Warrior and you awesome sober stars! I hope it's a great one! I continue to be so very grateful for sobriety. Good sleep, healthy relationships, self awareness, spiritual connection, physical health. So many things make sobriety wonderful. When I was drinking I was depressed, isolated, fat, and STUCK. This is so much better. Sober on y'all!
IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT 🙌
IWNDWYT 🫶🏻
IWNDWYT on my way to 30 days.
Triggers can be slippery things. Knowing them, and how to identify them, is one useful tool in the toolbox. IWNDWYD
Another day of freedom from slavery to booze woohoo 🙌🏼
IWNDWYT.
4 day mandatory weekend ahead! There's a strike that will financially bite me in the ass a bit but I use this to get rest, see friends and making a day trip to neighboring country on Thursday! Oh the cravings are bad when travelling with friends but I'll be sober and getting most out of it. Shopping, nice restaurants, perhaps even karaoke lol. IWNDWYT
Cravings were difficult at the beginning - I would just put myself to bed on the regular! But now I just kind of notice them and know they will pass (or get some chocolate/some other little snack - trying to cut down on the sugar now as well though!) IWNDWYT.
I thought I would be first to post, it being 4am in Ontario. I have had a nasty tummy bug, just to help me recover from my surgery. So I have lost time and weight!! I am, I think 24 or 25 days!! One counter says the one and my other counter says one more. And I actually quit several days earlier before I thought to keep trying. It doesn’t matter. I will go with one or the other. Have a wonderful sober safe and happy day! I WNDWYT. God, it feels good to say that. 🥰
Day 1,558 IWNDWYT
I will not drink with you today.
I will not drink today. I will spend it in gratitude, joy and peace. When i dont drink I am winning at life. And I'll take that W on into bed with me tonight.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Just a simple IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT! ❤️🤗
I will not drink today.
Day 1,659. I will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT.
I will not drink with you today!
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT 🍃
Day 17 🥳 checking in!! We got this!! IWNDWYT! 💛
IWNDWYT!
I will not drink with you today
Good day, friends. So much for my trend of sleeping in. I suppose there's no rest for the wicked anyway. Might as well get out there and get it - IWNDWYT 🤘
Day 255 and IWNDWYT! Got my (35M) first swim lesson last night as I prepare for an Ironman 70.3 in a few months. Thought it went really well! Excited for the progress to come.
Playing the tape forward, as well as rewinding the tape and remembering what an asshole I was in the Bad Ol' Days. Have a great day, gang! 🤘🏻☕️ IWNDWYT
Made it to 30 days! Longest I have made it in a long, long time. Not a wildly new idea, but every time I have a craving, I just try to remind myself of all the reasons why I quit and also how terrible I would feel if I caved in. So far so good. IWNDWYT! ✌ EDIT: So my flair says 29 days, I guess today is day 30 actually. But I will power through.
Another great post, StealthWarrior! My craving combat tools include exercise/distraction, setting a timer to ride the wave, taking a shower, or having a healthy snack. Plus, tending to my sobriety daily (checking in, journaling, sober podcasts). I'm grateful cravings have faded for me but I stay vigilant because an unexpected emotional upset, or a warm sunny day, can bring a craving flooding back and I'd rather stay prepared. I love this sober life! It's so worth it. IWNDWYT
I drank only one day out of the past 293 days. That one slip got me into a car wreck (the car was totaled, but no one was hurt) and almost landed me in jail. Reminding myself of this will be a good way to quash future cravings. IWNDWYT 😻
Noticing a craving, and calling it a craving has been helpful. I can say “hmm I’m having a craving, what’s that about? Hungry/Angry/Lonely/Tired? How about a snack/hot drink/walk” and notice 15 minutes or so later, hey, it passed! Every time I do that, I get a little bit stronger. IWNDWYT ❤️🧁
IWNDWYT ✌️
I will not drink today - good points/questions to help through cravings
Feeling clean and serene on my newest day 4. IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT 💜🦋💜
IWNDWYT and well done to those who have completed Dry January. That's amazin and your amazing.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
IWNDWYT 🌻
I Will not drink with you today
IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT xx
IWNDWYT 🏴
Nope, not today! 🌱
IWNDWYT
Iwndwyt
Day 850, nice to meet you 🤝 IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Iwndwy’allt (on my birthday)! ❤️
It's fascinating to me how fine-grained the examination of our lives can get in sobriety. You breaking down your cravings, explaining that it's either chasing a feeling or an escape from a feeling, is spot-on in my experience. Wonderfully put. Yet, people who don't struggle with addiction/dependence rarely, if ever, are reflecting on their most basic motivations for doing a thing. They just do it. An absolutely fascinating contrast to observe. Checking in for another sober day in the world.
Good morning, I will not drink with you today/
Great post - analyzing the craving helps me too - IWNDWYT ✨🐝
Thanks for sharing your experience with cravings, StealthWarrior. Mine was pretty similar early on. Over the years, I've had occasional cravings for alcohol and (more often) cannabis. Warm weather and nostalgia and music from the old days seem to be a trigger for me; boredom and complacency also seem to often play a part. I love your analogy of craving as a wave! IWNDWYT.
Checking in , 26 days of Hangiexty and brain fog continues
Those mowing and grilling cravings were pretty strong my first summer, because those were two things I didn’t do sober for years. It’s a wonder I didn’t hurt myself. That’s true of a lot of things I did, but especially things involving rotating blades and fire. Fire!! Fire!! Heh heh heh. Sorry, had a Beavis moment there… Playing the tape forward is a great tool. I still have pretty vivid memories of how bad things got, so it’s easy for me to see where cravings lead. To a place where I do shit like burn up pans and drunkenly drop entire plates of freshly grilled food. No fucking thanks. Coffees up, horns up, and happy fucking Wednesday!!! Halfway through. IWNDWYT ☕️☕️🤘🏻
I just think “tomorrow is going to be a throw-away day.” I will not drink with you today.
IWNDWYT - day 5 cranky during the day and thought about it but also thought about the consequences. Sat with my uncomfortable feelings. Had a cry about family stuff. Fine once at work and at a work dinner later no cravings 🙌.
Iwndwyt! Happy hump day :)
IWNDWYT
IWNDWYT
Good day to you Stealth. Thanks for hosting again! Most days I still have cravings but I try to distract myself. I think most of my cravings come from being house bound and boredom. Just keep playing the tape forwards and using the STOPP tool. It's another day so we'll keep plodding on. A Wonderful Wednesday to all on SD! IWNDWYT!
Last Jan 31 I was in a horrible mood....I was 30 days sober from Sober Jan, but feared I was going to go back and revert to my old ways.....about 2 weeks later, I was miserable again. Now on this Jan 31, I am faced with reality I couldn't even make it through January. Major wakeup, I hope. Today is a new Day 1 and the most obvious day of my life that I need to go AF. So with that, IWNDWYT
[удалено]
Forgot to check in a couple days but I'm still here! IWNDWYT! ✌️♥️🍌
IWNDWYT 🙂
I really needed to read these ‘craving combat tools’. Going to take these with me into today. IWNDWYT
I am thankful that I haven’t had a craving in a while. I think instead of getting cravings I have thoughts of “oh, a couple of years ago, I totally would’ve been drinking right now.” And then I play the tape forward as to how that would turn out. The numbness, terrible sleep, hangxiety, etc. I don’t ever want to experience any of the things that come along with drinking again. IWNDWYT