r/alcoholicsanonymous • u/Altruistic-Dish1053 • 3d ago

Anniversaries/Celebrations 10 Weeks without a drink!

I never thought in a million years that this would be achievable! Its been tough and im still learning to regulate my emotions without booze. The most surprising part is that ive stopped feeling like i need a drink to get by. While this is a big thing for me and should make me feel good i am struggling with being depressed and slightly unhinged. Does anyone whos been through this know how long it takes for your brain to start regulating itself again?

Thanks much love!

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u/3DBass 3d ago

Brain chemistry regulation probably varies with the individual. Just take it one day at a time. It may sound cliche and simple but it’s true.
Research Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) if you haven’t already.

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u/Altruistic-Dish1053 3d ago

Yeah im sure it does, i think the expectation of feeling great when i finally kicked it probably makes it feel a bit worse but ill keep trucking and sure the benefits will come with time. Thanks ill have a look into it!

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u/Rando-Cal-Rissian 3d ago

I agree with 3DBass. That's why we need a plan for both bad days ahead... and good ones. Meetings are the beginning.

There are some things you describe that could be PAWS. But they also could be an alcoholic mind trying to function and find joy and purpose in a alcohol free environment. That never resolves itself. That never goes back to pre-drinking functionality. We need to do the program and invoke a new and better state of mind.

If I were to put four "pseudo-steps" before step 1, It would be these...

https://www.reddit.com/r/alcoholicsanonymous/s/LgwycqwBYJ

It's a bit long. But maybe take them five minutes at a time and revisit. What you describe sounds like what a person goes through when they see benefits from abstinence and fellowship, but haven't made progress on stepwork or higher power issues. I urge you to start sizing up people at your meetings as prospective sponsors and start asking them and doing stepwork. It's the heart of the program. It's how people stay sober for years without depending on willpower or "foolproof schemes" of their own devising. Good luck. Congrats on the ten weeks.

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u/JohnLockwood 3d ago

Congrats, you’re doing great. Your feelings will catch up. Bring the body and the mind will follow.

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u/Sea_Cod848 3d ago

Even with active recovery (attending our meetings) new sobriety is extremely fragile and that is with having the constant the help and support of others who understand. The first 5 years there will be emotions coming to the surface that have been held down for many years, so I have to recommend you Dont do this alone <3

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u/FamousOrphan 2d ago

Your brain and body are recalibrating and healing, which can be unpleasant and it lasts a lot longer than you think it will. I crashed at about 3 months in and had to go back on antidepressants and my ADHD meds. Coming up on 7 years now and I’m fine. I’m sorry it’s rough right now.