My No (Or Low) Alcohol November guide is up and has sooooo much new content... a No (or Low) Alcohol November planning sheet, my favorite ways to reset, Sunday Happies’ Friendsgiving favorites/mood board, the new mocktail recipes I’ll be trying this month, November activities in San Diego (as well as which establishments will have holiday pop-ups), an NA holiday gift guide, a handful of awesome discount codes for some of the most delish NA beverages and more🤎🍂📓 Fill your email in at this link and I'll send you a free copy :) https://www.sundayhappies.com/november-guide

So I’ve been a high functioning alcoholic for almost 7 years and I’ve had my ups and downs and there are times where I really struggled to handle day-to-day operations. I’ve been hospitalized for maybe five times with either withdrawal symptoms or full fledge going into seizures. At two separate times I’ve had to stay in the hospital for 5+ days due to my addiction. I suffer from PTSD as well as an anxiety disorder, which includes panic attacks. But not your normal panic attacks most panic attacks only last about 10-15 minutes. Mine generally lasts for about four hours with medication intervention. When I tell doctors about this most doctors, don’t believe me. Essentially I’ve been prescribed antihistamines to deal with this, but at the time I freak out and I’m just looking for a safe place and the need to get out of wherever I’m at. The only thing that calms me down is alcohol and weed at this point. I’m still currently enlisted in the military and I don’t know what steps I need to take! Every day is a struggle. Every day I wake up telling myself that I won’t drink but buy the end of my day my anxiety levels are crazy to the point where I can ‘t actually think and function. So I my brain tells me that’s the fix. Alcohol and weed numbs it all. The problem is the military does not accept marajuana which helps the most, so I can’t do it. I’m super conflicted because I know smoking weed, which really helps me, but I can’t because I’m still in the military and I hesitate to use because I can completely destroy my career. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I’m really struggling.

I’ve gone through multiple counseling, AA and therapy. Feel like I’m the rock in between a hard place.

I just don’t know what to do anymore

Hi everyone, I’m new to this subreddit and looking for advice and maybe people with similar experiences? I (21F) have been sober for 3 months now. I realised that I had a problem with drinking and after a week long binge with my best friend decided I needed help. My best friend and I always confide in each other and I told her that I’m struggling with alcohol. She was very cold and dismissive and gave a response along the lines of ‘what do you want me to do about it?’ In the years of our friendship a lot of our socialising has revolved around partying and I feel pressure to drink from her on nights out (I don’t think that’s intentional on her part, but more of wanting to keep the night going). We used to hang out every other week (we both work/study) without fail and talk everyday but since I’ve been sober she hasn’t seen me at all and all her proposed plans start with ‘when will you be drinking again?’ I’m pretty heartbroken as I love her and it makes me feel like she doesn’t like my company when I’m sober. Maybe she isn’t the right friend to have around if she only likes me when I’m wasted, but we have years of memories together that I don’t want to throw away. Was wondering if anyone had advice on how to talk to her about this or if anyone has had friendships breakdown because of their sobriety? Thank you!

So I’ve finally reached 10 days sober & im struggling with that loss of instant gratification & finding it again.

I’ve tried self care, crocheting, crafts, the gym, making gifts for people but I’m not getting anything.

So, I have a few questions:

• How do I celebrate sober? Or how do you celebrate?
• Will I find that feel-good factor again?
• How do you get that feel-good factor?
• Any other hints or tips

Thanks in advance 😊

I’ve been sober for almost a year, from alcohol & cocaine. Which I know is a huge deal, and I’m so so so proud of myself.

That being said I’m struggling. Like really struggling. Who am I now? I’m not the fun, party girl anymore. I’m not outgoing anymore.

I feel like I’m now having anxious codependent tendencies with my partner. Whenever he goes out I’m spiralling at home alone thinking about all the negative things that could happen.

Hey guys - I'm relatively new to all this. I'm still coming to terms with being an addict. I realize I am but a part in me just thinks about "Fuck it all" all the time. It's the classic alcohol for me.

I casually drank every evening. Just to relax, because i like the taste, it's not that much. You know how it is. But it was actually a lot. I'm abt 4 weeks sober now and it sucks so bad sometimes. Just getting some groceries at the supermarket - rows and rows of alc smiling at me. At the register next to the sweets that are meant to be a last little temptation for kids - rows of vodka, whiskey, rum for the alcoholics. In every social gathering I get these crazy confused looks when I say, I don't drink anymore. Or worse - the regretful pity looks. And man, the times when you are the only sober one in a group are just so fucking annoying. Once when people lose their inhibitions and get loud and in your face thinking they know how you feel or even complain that you are so quiet now..

And every fucking ad tells me "Hey fucker - how about you drink our shit? This is the best shit you ever drank. See here - all the people in this ad having a blast and the best time because they drink!"

And honestly since I'm sober I'm fucking miserable. I struggle with depression and alcohol was the only thing in my life to sprinkle a little serotonin in my life. And now I'm just depressed without anything that makes me feel good.

Sorry, it became quite a rant. Sometimes i feel like alcohol is such a bad addiction because alcohol is so normalized in our culture. You just can't escape it. I guess a lot of people feel the same.

I'm scheduled to go to rehab but it will take a couple weeks to two-three month before I'm admitted. If I relapse I have to go to detox and my liver is already pretty fucked up. The only reason I try to keep on is actually GTA6, Elder Scrolls6, Fable4 and KCD2 coming out in the next years and I wanna be there and play them. And there is pizza and I wanna eat more of it. Sounds so stupid but thats actually the things I tell myself when I'm struggling. How are your experiences? How do you handle the struggle? Every opinion helps a little

Hi all, I'm a month down now. I've had streaks of a similar and maybe little longer length in the past. I think the difference this time round is I'm enjoying it and thriving so much more, I do also think it can take a few attempts to crack it. I think the past month has been the best and most productive month maybe ever - I have done everything and more that I set out to do.

I believe the other thing that's kept me going is making YouTube videos on my journey which is holding me accountable. I uploaded my latest episode yesterday, recapping the weekend, it's just here if anyone is interested in it - https://youtu.be/O_XY9cnRhBI?si=EWCjxOjKTPwZIvCe

Hello, im 25 now, i have addicted to weed and to MDMA. I am not addicted to alcholo in a sense of I don't drink everyday, every week or even every month sometimes. However, when I do drink I drink a lot.

On Friday I drunk from 5pm to 5am. Today is sunday, I am feeling so much anxiety.

This is not new, for the past year everytime I drink I spend the day after, or two days after, or the whole week feeling anxiety.

This used to happen to me when I was on doing mdma or smoking weed. Tell me what you want to say and love you all

So I've been sober for over a year, but have been through kratom and kava. Types of Gabba, chamomile. Relax drinks, even lied about back pain to get some painkillers. And I've been on gabapentin but a lot of overdose of that stuff just makes you sleepy and tired the next couple of days. I'm starting to wonder if I should stop chasing any type of substance buzzin itself. Like anything CBD/THC, kratom, you name it. I'm thinking about just relying on a little caffeine. Maybe matcha tea and coffee. Is this possible? Is this what some of you others do? Give it all up. I just want to know if there's others out there that have given everything up.

New to this journey. 4 days sober. Last two days entirely spent alone. I am shocked I made it through without deciding to drink. I checked into an IOP. I’m nervous but I’m so ready. Any thoughts? Suggestions? Advice?

I just hit three months sober off fentanyl and crack ! It feels so good :)

Hi! I know this is a long post but I just wanna vent and cry .. I have a 1 year old.

I was experiencing this itchy skin, nose feet everything, l during 2022.. found out after an ultrasound technician (not related to pregnancy) told me that I had fat around my liver. I mentioned it to the doctor and he said your levels are fine they shouldn't have said that to you. Keep in mind this was at Tampa General, one of the top 10 hospitals in America. Although, I was there for a separate and unrelated issue.

Fast forward, I was sober from Dec 27 2022 - January 2024 due to quitting for personal reasons and then apparently my body wanted to be pregnant as soon as it had no alcohol!! Best time of my life (no sarcasm here).

It started back slow.. after the baby got a little bigger ... and now full blown drinking. Two bottles of wine is the minimum for me. Typically I drink slowly throughout the day, albeit I do get over intoxicated to the point where my finance, who doesn't drink, notices about twice a week...my goal for the next 2 days is to hit cold turkey. I do have one bottle of wine left incase I feel strange but the shakes or etc have never been a thing for me.

BACK TO THE ISSUE:

Now, when I go more than like 15 hours with no alcohol my nose and face itch again like crazy... not the feet or anything yet but ... I've just recently (tonight) learned that's connected to the liver (which is why that ultra sound tech said that to me previously.. she actually asked me if I had a poor diet bc looking at me you wouldn't think I had a drinking problem).

I have a baby and I don't get intoxicated it's more of a casual thing slowly though the day/night but I think I'm definitely an alcoholic after learning the itching is from that.

Can someone tell me something to help. I can't go to rehab and I do have access to money bc we have it and I'm also a SAHM. My baby is advanced and well taken care of but I'm worried I won't be a good mom for long if I don't quit.

Can I stop cold turkey or what should I do?

Edit - I've drank a lot since I was about 19 and I'm 32 now .. have a cushioned but dark childhood so I think that caused me to have this ongoing issue with alcohol

Second edit- I said 2 bottles was the minimum because I found out a month or 2 ago that my fiancée was texting local hookers and that's a whole other story but the drinking has gone up...

Hi all, I quit drinking 60 days ago and, when I did, I created this guide to Sober October for people who are starting the journey and looking for things to read/watch/listen to/etc: https://www.sundayhappies.com/sober-october-guide

I am also a runner and training for a couple 2025 ultramarathons... definitely one of the reasons I HAD to finally quit drinking. It is nearly impossible to motivate myself and run when I am hungover/drinking/anxious/everything between. My IG is sunday_happies (https://www.instagram.com/sunday_happies/) and I'll be posting a lot about my sober training there, if anyone else is a runner/training/quitting drinking for fitness (among many other reasons)

Man im 19 days without the booze, and kinda feeling like being social today. No serious issue with booze, I just hate how it makes me gain weight and affects sleep and energy in the following days. I’d normally get loose on alc with friends, not drunk but sometimes close prob once every 2-3 weeks.

Idk im just bored today man. Like what is truly fun when you’re sober? Shit annoys me. I get annoyed.

So I haven’t been completely sober but I’ve gone a week without getting drunk… I guess that’s progress?

Can you stop drinking by gradually reducing your intake each day until it becomes every few days, and eventually quit?

Life's curveballs can hit harder than a playground dodgeball game. But fear not, dear reader! When you weave spirituality into your daily routine, you're arming yourself with a shield made of resilience and coping skills. Suddenly, those curveballs feel more like gentle tosses, and you're doing the limbo underneath them like a pro. Spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, or mindfulness help tap into your inner Zen master, ready to face whatever life throws your way. ❤️‍🩹

Been sober off hard drugs for 4 years, never took uppers often enough to become addicted so quitting was just a matter of not taking them anymore. I’m a very introverted person but I don’t want to be. I’m also very flat emotionally, due to being on SSRI’s. I miss that feeling when I would be on molly or coke, music sounded great, I was talking to everyone and making friends, genuinely felt on top of the world. Of course I know this wouldn’t have lasted forever, and I’m glad I got sober when I did. But it feels like now I’m living my life on autopilot. Every now and then if I’m drinking and out I’ll get that similar feeling where I’m confident and can talk to people but it’s few and far between and plus I don’t go out and drink often. It sucks because I think I’m just naturally introverted even tho I want to be an extrovert. I want to be good at striking up conversation but I’m just not. Anyways that was my rant thanks for listening.

I used to drink to fall asleep as I have a lot of trouble with that and when I started smoking cannabis it was like a godsend for sleep as I felt so much better but i eventually became dependent on that to and the weed didnt really work and I felt bad most of the time. I’ve been off weed for over a month now and I am back to drinking just to fall asleep and I can’t find anything else that turns me off that alcohol but I know how bad it is for me and I just don’t know what to do. Thanks for reading my post.

Hello, everyone! I'm Nicole, and I’m so grateful to share this space with you. Recently, I made the bold and transformative decision to eliminate alcohol, meat, and processed foods from my life. It’s been a rollercoaster of challenges, enlightening moments, painful realizations, and ultimately, a journey of evolution. It feels like a blessing to break free from old habits that no longer serve me, and I warmly invite you to join me in embracing a holistic lifestyle.

As I embarked on this path, it became crystal clear why many individuals opt for detox programs and sober living. Our bodies crave time to detox, heal, and adjust to the incredible gifts that accompany a sober existence. This process isn't just beneficial—it's vital. Yet, navigating this transformation while working in a bar, surrounded by constant triggers and temptations, often felt impossible.

Being in an environment that challenges your resolve can make focusing on healing seem like an uphill battle. I've learned that self-care transcends merely physical health; it encompasses mental and emotional well-being as well. I’ve made it my priority to shower myself with the love and care necessary to truly recover and flourish.

A significant realization has emerged: in order to show up for others effectively, I must first be my best self. This insight fuels my commitment to change. I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support I’ve received during this transformative time. Their encouragement strengthens my resolve and reminds me that prioritizing my own well-being isn’t just a self-love act—it's a crucial step toward being present for others when they need me.

Together, let’s celebrate the benefits of wellness and holistic living. Join me on this beautiful journey, where we’ll not just break free from harmful habits, but also cultivate joy, health, and connection in our lives. Here’s to us and to a brighter, healthier future! 🌿✨

I honestly don't know where to begin. I just want yall to know that I been struggling for a while. I come from two parents that one died over a drug overdose and the other still deals with addiction till this day. I got stuck with my grandparents and autism at the same time.

Over the last five years, I smoked 2 packs a day of cigs, cocaine and did some poppers in that time span and I'm ready to give up. al have a gf that I wanna keep and I noticed that I keep giving myself some problems so l wanna fix that before it becomes too late or irreversible🙏

Im 24 now i been sober for the last 1 year and 3 months. Since august of 2023 it was easy at first but now as times go on i see more people drinking and around me, its giving me the urge to drink im stronger then that, but is their ever going be a day when i drink again? How do i start back or is it just better i stay sober for the rest of my life

Hi all.

I live in North Vancouver and I am looking for an alternative to alcoholics anonymous groups.

I’m hoping to find a male group focused on recovery that uses social interactions and outdoor activities.

For a long time I’ve been hoping I might find a group of like-minded men wanting to stay sober by Socializing in outdoor spaces. For example, hiking cycling, kayaking, canoeing, weightlifting, etc..

Any insight would be greatly appreciated and thank you