Hey Chelsea. Since I stopped relying on alcohol and other things to take the edge off I think I've replaced that with sugar. Do you feel like you managed to maintain your sobriety without a replacement? Or did your very wholesome hobbies work in that way?
Sugar was definitely a replacement for a good while. I ate a lot of cake in the first year, whereas when I drank I didn't really 'get' cake. I used to eat two custard slices a day fairly often, cos I just needed something. I just thought I'll deal with it later, one thing at a time, you know? And that was true for me, pretty much.
"...most of us will find something. Trauma or abandonment issues or depression.
After all, we turn to drink for a reason."
It took me 14 years sober to finally acknowledge, and deal with, that which got me drinking the way I did in the first place. I always suspected there was a trauma. By staying in sobriety even when I thought my butt would fall off, I found there was treasure hidden behind the trauma. I hid it from myself for years with drinking, drugging, sexing, eating, working, anything to hide it from myself. Sobriety allowed me--nay, eventually required me--to look right at it and then through it, to discover the wonderful truth about myself that had been hidden and forbidden.
I've never been happier in my life and I feel better than ever before. It's been worth every minute it took to get here.
Yes, I am with you, and I'm glad you have found a way of life that works better for you. Gratitude was really useful for me too. I am out of the habit now, but when I occasionally make a list I'm reminded how effective the practice is.
You’re article is so true “One Day at a time “🌈A few things that have helped me on my journey (1169 days).Gratitude,Spiritual Awareness,Meditation,making Amends,State of mind ,sharing with others,Giving back.As Paul Weller sang “What you give is what you get”🕉
Chelsey, just had to comment here to let you know that a couple of years ago, I read one of your articles and because of you, I discovered Moderation Management. Thank you for mentioning this wonderful alternative for people like me who didn't realize there was a community that focuses on harm reduction and progress rather than perfection. I think you changed my life.
Hey Chelsea. Since I stopped relying on alcohol and other things to take the edge off I think I've replaced that with sugar. Do you feel like you managed to maintain your sobriety without a replacement? Or did your very wholesome hobbies work in that way?
Sugar was definitely a replacement for a good while. I ate a lot of cake in the first year, whereas when I drank I didn't really 'get' cake. I used to eat two custard slices a day fairly often, cos I just needed something. I just thought I'll deal with it later, one thing at a time, you know? And that was true for me, pretty much.
One thing at a time, I reckon!
Yeah, I think we can be too hard on ourselves at times for using replacements... at NA everyone smoked and ate many biscuits!
"...most of us will find something. Trauma or abandonment issues or depression.
After all, we turn to drink for a reason."
It took me 14 years sober to finally acknowledge, and deal with, that which got me drinking the way I did in the first place. I always suspected there was a trauma. By staying in sobriety even when I thought my butt would fall off, I found there was treasure hidden behind the trauma. I hid it from myself for years with drinking, drugging, sexing, eating, working, anything to hide it from myself. Sobriety allowed me--nay, eventually required me--to look right at it and then through it, to discover the wonderful truth about myself that had been hidden and forbidden.
I've never been happier in my life and I feel better than ever before. It's been worth every minute it took to get here.
This makes me so proud of you and everything you continue to achieve! Bloody hell it’s great knowing you x
Yes, I am with you, and I'm glad you have found a way of life that works better for you. Gratitude was really useful for me too. I am out of the habit now, but when I occasionally make a list I'm reminded how effective the practice is.
You’re article is so true “One Day at a time “🌈A few things that have helped me on my journey (1169 days).Gratitude,Spiritual Awareness,Meditation,making Amends,State of mind ,sharing with others,Giving back.As Paul Weller sang “What you give is what you get”🕉
Chelsey, just had to comment here to let you know that a couple of years ago, I read one of your articles and because of you, I discovered Moderation Management. Thank you for mentioning this wonderful alternative for people like me who didn't realize there was a community that focuses on harm reduction and progress rather than perfection. I think you changed my life.
Wow, thanks for telling me that Kathryn! It is very meaningful to hear, and is the main reason I wrote these posts!
Thanks Mara! 🥰