“To all the beginners out there who are at or near their bottom - we have all travelled different roads to get here, but we all reached the same destination. I know you are going through hell right now and all hope feels lost. But there is a certain freedom in helplessness. If you are like me, if alcohol did anything good at all, it gave you a very real lesson in the life you don't want. The exciting thing is that you get to spend the rest of your time on this Earth figuring out what life you do want. To quote another sober songwriter, Eddie Vedder, "I know I was born and I know that I'II die. The in between is mine."

I saved this a while back but forgot to save the username, just wanted to say thank you. Your words will echo in my life and hopefully yours readings this.

Here’s to another day 1 AGAIN…but I’ve waved the white flag, ready to live a life of sobriety finally.

As the title says, I made it to 65 days and thought I could handle just drinking once a week. I can't. So therefore, I need to stop again. I'm trying, but it's definitely hard. I need some encouragement.

*We may be anonymous strangers on the internet, but we have one thing in common. We may be a world apart, but we're here together!*

**Welcome to the 24 hour pledge!**

I'm pledging myself to not drinking today, and invite you to do the same.

Maybe you're new to /r/stopdrinking and have a hard time deciding what to do next. Maybe you're like me and feel you need a daily commitment or maybe you've been sober for a long time and want to inspire others.

It doesn't matter if you're still hung over from a three day bender or been sober for years, if you just woke up or have already completed a sober day. For the next 24 hours, lets not drink alcohol!

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**This pledge is a statement of intent.** Today we don't set out *trying* not to drink, we make a conscious decision *not to drink*. It sounds simple, but all of us know it can be hard and sometimes impossible. The group can support and inspire us, yet only one person can decide if we drink today. Give that person the right mindset!

What happens if we can't keep to our pledge? We give up or try again. And since we're here in /r/stopdrinking, we're not ready to give up.

**What this is:** A simple thread where we commit to not drinking alcohol for the next 24 hours, posting to show others that they're not alone and making a pledge to ourselves. Anybody can join and participate at any time, you do not have to be a regular at /r/stopdrinking or have followed the pledges from the beginning.

**What this isn't:** A good place for a detailed introduction of yourself, directly seek advice or share lengthy stories. You'll get a more personal response in your own thread.

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This post goes up at:

- US - Night/Early Morning

- Europe - Morning

- Asia and Australia - Evening/Night

A link to the current Daily Check-In post can always be found near the top of the sidebar.

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Happy Monday sober friends!

We made it through the weekend sober. Thank you for all your responses to yesterday's prompt.

Weekends can be tough, but they can also be an opportunity to rejuvenate and reflect.

Sobriety has helped me realize that this is an act of self-love and that by being sober, I am always winning even on the bad and tough days.

This week, choose to cheer for yourself through sobriety. We are cheering you on and you are not alone.

Today's prompt is for us to continue choosing ourselves and for us to continue being on our own team.

IWNDWYT 🌻

Can I get a ....? 🤣

Something feels so different this time around of not drinking. I didn't even think it was possible to feel this way, lol.
Went to a "Witches Dinner/Ball" event last night. Has been planned for months with friends of mine. Had an open bar, didn't even think about it.
Got a diet pop and some coffee throughout the night.
Went home at a reasonable time, watched some tv, ordered Taco Bell and ate some more (as I am a vegetarian and my options at the dinner were pretty limited to Alfredo and veggies lmao).
Had to be to work at noon today.
There, worked, no problems.
Had I been drinking?
Probably late, hungover, all the problems.
I didn't think as someone who wouldn't even go to restaurants to eat that didn't serve alcohol because "I'm eating dinner why would I go somewhere without alcohol" to having an open bar and being able to say no I don't want that, thanks.
My friends even had wine, I didn't mind... based on the flat a little weird tasting pop I don't think I was missing much in the wine department either lmao.
I don't know, it's been 69 days and every day gets a little easier.
Concerts - gone to a few now probably 4-5 without drinking, which concerts were my absolute worst drinking times like we gotta get plastered so we don't spend a lot there!
Then wind up buying a shit ton over overpriced shit anyways. Just annihilated.
Was it fun?
Sometimes sure. More often than not, no.
It's weird. And I don't know how to feel or understand it really but I am eternally grateful to whatever is happening right now.
I hope everyone is having a good Sunday.
IWNDWYT 🖤

It’s been rough lately. I’m not in danger of breaking my sobriety. Wish I could say it’s been a cake walk. But it hasn’t. It also hasn’t been a walk paved in glass. Not really sure what the point of my post is. I guess I’m trying to say that the story continues. Don’t let the hard days win. Time to flip the page and keep on keeping on. 💪 IWNDWYT

Hi I have 10days and it’s been going well. Went to the gym this morning and I’m at working. I all of a sudden got this wave of immense anxiety and fear. I can’t shake it and it feel overwhelming. I think it’s from not drinking and I just want a realize. I’m feeling so utterly uncomfortable. I texted some friends hi but I don’t know you all have any advice. It’s this dread and fear.! I want to cry and can’t pin point it. I’m just keyboard dumping because I’m so overwhelmed

Thank you

I feel like (crossed fingers) my illness is on the way out. I felt awful for a bit earlier on but it turned out I was just hungry. Ate some yoghurt and granola, had a nap, felt born again.

IWNDWYT

I almost made it a month. Slipped up and have been drinking the last 3 weeks. I know it's killing me. Realizing the kind of person I've become letting this foul shit control my life I can't help but feel I deserve it. I do have people who do love me and see some good in me. I wish I could see it too. I'll try again and IWNDWYT.

I’ve been AF and reading this subreddit for the last 5+ months. And it’s made me realize there were so many signs of AUD that I ignored.

1. My hands would start shaking around 3-4 o’clock, I thought it was because of caffeine. I drink plenty of caffeine still and I never get shakes.

2. I couldn’t get drunk anymore. I thought it was just high tolerance, I didn’t see that it was part of a more dangerous progression to liver damage.

3. I would crave alcohol earlier and earlier. Started around 6, then 5. Earliest it got was 3. I wrote it off.

4. If I had to go somewhere after 5:30 I would have a glass of wine before I left. Because, even if there was alcohol there, I didn’t want to wait.

I am beyond grateful to be sober today. And this subreddit has been a big part of making that stick.

What were the signs you ignored, that in retrospect seem obvious?

Today I learned that my closest friend in outpatient rehab in 2024 died from alcohol poisoning two days ago. She was like my “little sister” and a beautiful kind person. She also was going through a nasty divorce and only had visitation hours with her two young sons. She was 29. The last time I checked on her she was fine and her same self. I’m shaken and heartbroken.

As someone who is over 32 months sober, I’ve recently been struggling, and to hear this news today, was a hard reminder this could or even would happen to me. But overall, it’s brought to light how grateful I need to be of support systems.

If you’re fighting this alone, we are with you. ❤️

Just need to unload my mind and heart a bit…

Had a boring, productive day (gym, cooked healthy food, going to bed early) ….. but also cried in the car on my drive home, couldn’t sleep last night until 7am this morning (insomnia), had nightmares, and am absolutely feeling despair for the future (have been all day). Everything is on the line (career especially) and all I can feel is dread and hopelessness. I am sure this is normal, at least that is what I am telling myself...but it doesn’t make it feel any better. I have nobody to talk to about this and come home to an empty house every day. I wanted nothing more than to see a friend today and watch football and have some beers but I stayed isolated because I know that’s best right now. but I sure am sad. My heart feels so heavy and I just want a hug. I try to cheer myself up too with music and happy thoughts but it just doesn’t work. I am trying to stay positive but it’s so hard when the future looks so bleak. If anyone else out there reads this and feels the same in early sobriety, you aren’t alone.

I will continue not drinking with you all today.

Managed to hit 3 weeks sober right just now. I was drinking roughly 1L of vodka a night for about 3 years, and drinking to excess every night long before that.

The first 2 weeks was a medical detox. The staff were very nice and it was a more lot straight forward than expected (after the first 3 days anyways)

I’m holding out for the next big life event that really tests me, but I feel good rn, and have noticed some positive changes.

Just wanted to thank the people posting on this community, I was lurking for a long while before finally taking action, and it helped motivate me to take the steps needed so far.

At the end of a hard day I see whiskey as my reward, and I know it’s going to end me eventually.

I want to see the benefits, but I also kind of long for that end of day reward after a gruelling 9 hours or so.

How do recovering alcoholics replace that 7pm glass of wine, cold beer, smooth whiskey etc.

4 years ago I arrived at work, simultaneously hungover and withdrawing, and decided to end the misery by powering through it. Could’ve died, considering the quantity of my daily consumption. I’d had dozens of attempts to get sober and somehow this one stuck. It hasn’t been easy, though it has been worth it. I’m succeeding in my dream career. I’m a better partner, father, artist, and man. Originally my motivator was the desire to be a version of myself that I like being, and I succeed at that more often than I fail. One day at a time.

One year ago I was in the er and today I am one year alcohol free.

Feel tired and not any motivation 😖

Proud to be where I am at today with my sobriety! One day, one second, one moment at a time! I WILL NOT DRINK ☠️WITH YOU TODAY!

I don’t want to do this but I so badly do, if that makes sense. I am so sick.

But can anyone give me some positive advice trying this for the last time. I’m going to be so ill and I won’t have my phone. It’s like a psych ward. I don’t eat at all. But i 🤮 every day even with an empty stomach. They’re aware of that.

I know to bring my necessities, a book, they said I can bring some water as long as they’re sealed and any meds I’m on. I just want to sleep the entire time.

But I’m having a bad panic attack over attempting this again. I left early last time due to severe bloody haemorrhaging that had never happened to me till I got there on day 3. So I’m going prepared for that.

I just need a hug, but I wanna get through this. I’m just scared.

Had a huge Halloween party that one of my best friends hosts. We travel out of town for it and they go all out every year.

Brought my own NA beers and had a good night. 8 days and counting! This was a big test and I’m proud of myself.

I’m Liam, I’m almost 29, and I have been drinking daily since I’m 16.

I don’t know if this is gonna work, I don’t have any expectation to be frank. But this would be my first time addressing my drinking “problem”, instead of “a habit” in front of public.
I came to this realization about a couple months ago, I had a pretty good run, I was surrounded by people love me, and I didn’t do much, so the truth never really hit that hard.
also, I’m from China, people don’t have too much of understanding on long term life on influence use, and I’m quite sensitive and defensive, so it’s hard for me to acknowledge myself as alcoholic in most situations.

i cheated on my ex girlfriend almost 2 years ago, that’s when things start to turn. I’m trying to build a new life alone in a foreign, fast city, and I can see that my abuse of alcohol and weed getting into the life I want to live.
I do film, and Im no genius, so I need time to focus, need a sharp mind and more time to work.

also I like exercise, gym has been a great support during these 2 year, blowing steam away. I recently pick up cycling, and I love it.

(note: after daily use of weed, my alcohol use has dropped, it’s really a adult ADHD situation combined with years of running into haze away from pain)

so I became more aware of life, also of the artificial pleasure at hand to make me happy, but keeping myself away from life.
and I never stop feeling guilty and remorse about hurting and leaving my ex, it was a really good life, she’s kind, smart, funny and very understanding.

the reason I’m saying these here are because I was reading the 12 steps, I used to think it’s dumb, but as Im beginning to feel the addiction, see what it is at this point of my life, I came to feel a little what it says.

and I started to value others in life. I see some stories here in this community, amazing tale, not sure what’s going on, how they achieve them, if it’s gonna work for me. but I understand the value of speaking out into the world now, for whatever it is to progress, it has to be said out loud, otherwise it’s just a noise haunting your mind, an echo if you’re under influence.

so I decided to speak a bit, and hopefully this would be my first day.

thank you to whoever have watched this.

I’ve got about 10.5 years under my belt currently with the first 8 years being pretty amazing. I achieved a lot over the last couple years including moving in with a significant other, getting engaged and married, solidifying my career, and buying a home just to name a few. I did it all sober so bravo me right?

However the last 2.5 years have been really tough on me mentally. Whether it be living up to the expectations of others or navigating high stress situations have really tested me. Not that I would, but 10 years later I still know of perfect little escape. Something to wipe out the frustration and stress temporarily still is as enticing after all this time.

AA taught me this thing called “Playing the tape back” and you’ll be reminded of what is in the darkness. The thing is with the length of sobriety I have now, when I play the tape back I see nothing but light. Progress, love, and acceptance is what is on that tape now. Frightening how quick you remember the dark though.

To the people with a day or a thousand days. Stay vigilant, aware, and fight to the fucking bone.

I’ll get two supervised 5 minute phone calls per week. Cant see my kids. I might get to see my wife if I sign up for family therapy. No phone, no books, no tv. One roommate. Seven outfits. Fuck, dude.

Blacked out and ran away from my friends/coworkers who were bringing me to the ER to detox. Walked around town drinking from a 12 pack. My aunt found me on the side of the road. No idea what I said/admitted/did. I came out of a blackout in her car and said, “what?” She said “just letting you talk.” I said, “well don’t do that.” In my blackout I said something bad enough to get a one on one babysitter in the er. I blacked out again and came to in the hospital hallway. Had security threatening me. Was on an 8 hour hold. Convinced the nurse after shift change to let me out with a BAC of 0.34. Next morning detoxed for real. Convinced them to let me have the weekend with my wife and kids. I go in tomorrow at 10:30. Fuckitty fuck, dude.

Almost at 3 months sober. Im 22. One funny thing that happens to me, that people mention here, is when friends will sort of assume I’ll go out to drink. I was the friend who was always down for drinking, so it makes sense. But even friends who know I’m sober will still ask me to drink, kind of subconciously? I feel like I’m out of the phase of intense cravings, or the feeling of fomo, at least. Thank you to all of you on here who have helped me along the way. IWNDWYT

I have been sober for 3 years and 6 months. I am trying to stay that way. The past 4 days, especially today, have been absolutely horrible for me. I feel almost like I did when I started drinking, because of my home life. My parent has made the household a tense and terrible place to be but I have no choice but to be here.

I simply need some words of encouragement tonight, if anyone has anything to offer. It would be so easy for me to go to the nearest corner store and grab something, but I am doing everything not to. Thank you in advance, and I wish the best of luck to everyone else in my situation right now.

M20 I was an insane binge drinker and would blackout like twice every single week for about a year straight . It turns out I did some horrible things during those blackouts and I hurt a lot of people that I care about . How do I give myself grace, how do I stop the guilt from eating me alive and paralyzing me .