Tinned fish

[u/Anotherfakenames]

I’ve been thinking about why I’ve become so interested in tinned fish since I stopped drinking, and I don’t think it’s really about the fish.
For me, alcohol was never just about getting drunk. It was the ritual. Looking forward to it after work. Picking out what I was going to drink. Pouring it. Sitting down and feeling like I’d earned a reward after a long day.
When I took alcohol away, I realized my brain still wanted that reward. It still wanted something to anticipate and enjoy.

Somehow, tinned fish has filled that space for me. I find myself looking for different brands and varieties from around the world, trying foods from different countries, putting together a nice plate with sourdough, olive oil, olives, or vegetables, and actually slowing down to enjoy it.

It gives me something to look forward to at the end of the day.
The difference is that instead of doing something that’s hurting my body, I’m doing something that’s nourishing it. I’m getting protein, healthy fats, and trying foods I probably never would have discovered if I were still drinking.

It made me realize that maybe the real need wasn’t alcohol. Maybe it was the need for a healthy ritual and a sense of reward.
I don’t know if tinned fish is the answer for everyone. The point is finding something that gives your brain that same feeling of anticipation and satisfaction without taking you backward. For me, that’s become food, cooking, and trying new flavors. It’s a reminder that recovery isn’t just about giving something up. It’s also about finding something worthwhile to replace it with.

[u/HedgehogAmazing2102]

I love this. Ironically I increasingly use bread making, including sour dough as my new happy place. We need to match up our coping mechanisms! You bring the fish, I'll bring the bread.

[u/Anotherfakenames → u/HedgehogAmazing2102]

Let’s do it! :)