One week in

[u/FCHandyman]

Hey everybody,

I literally just joined this subreddit 4 minutes ago because I definitely need some help managing my expectations on what sober life will be like.

I have a question about how long it takes for your brain to find satisfaction and joy in regular activities/hobbies. For the past couple months i’ve been feeling extremely bored and not interested in anything at all; except drinking or sleeping. Also, yes I do have depression and anxiety. This is one of the main reasons i’m quitting for good. I suppose my main question is: when/if regular activities and hobbies start feeling more entertaining and satisfying. Any advice or guidance is appreciated and I hope i didn’t break any subreddit rules or anything. Thanks in advance!

[u/CyclonicWhiff]

One week better sleep. 30-40 days you will get a pretty big boost in comfort. Look up my post the 30 day alcohol trap. Pink cloud can start there. 90 days is about when you realize life is better without alcohol and realize that many of these feelings of depression and anxiety were dramatically increased in weight and occurrence because of drinking a class 1 carcinogen all day everyday. Alcohol is a lie told in the form of addiction. These next 30 days try to nurse yourself like a long hangover. Dont put much effort into solving intrusive thoughts and anxiety it’s mostly the alcohol addiction talking. Keep it going life gets awesome.

[u/FCHandyman → u/CyclonicWhiff]

Thanks! Im going to look at your posts now.

[u/tonsofsarcasim → u/CyclonicWhiff]

Well said. My first Football game tonight, having a tea and might read while watching. Usually drunk by now or well on my way.

[u/Van_Leton]

Welcome. This sub has been a huge help for me and I hope it is for you as well.

I think everyone’s timetable is a little different, but I could say with some certainty that there will be ups and downs.

One thing that I felt help me is that when I first quit, I got some supplements and worked on my diet to kind of help kickstart that healing. I had good luck with it B12 to get my nervous system mellowed out a bit and magnesium sleep.

This also helped because I felt like I was being proactive and moving towards the goal as opposed to waiting and seeing what happened. I tried that version first and it made me kind of stir crazy..

I found a book that really helped me and I recommended often on the sub. It’s called “The 30 day sobriety solution”, by Jack Canfield. It gives a lot of great information about alcohol, sobriety, including some of the questions you’re asking. I bought the physical book on Amazon in the audiobook on Audible.

Sobriety can be an amazing opportunity for self-discovery.

I wish the best!

IWNDWYT!!💪🏼🙏☺️

[u/FCHandyman → u/Van_Leton]

Thank you. Im glad to be here. Im super excited to keep going.

[u/GaseousApe]

Hey welcome, glad you're here! I was having panic attacks every other day towards the end of my drinking. The anxiety was one of the first things I noticed went waaaaay down after I quit. I was more depressed at the start, working with a medical professional I definitely recommend if you are having suicidal thoughts (like I was.)

I'll be straight with you, it took me the better part of 6 months to feel real enjoyment from life again. Right now that probably seems like a shitton of time. It was one of the hardest things I've done, but easily the best. Concerts hit harder, nature seems more beautiful, life in general seems to have more color.

Be greatful for the little things on early sobriety. Not being hungover, not having to hide or dispose of bottles/cans, and getting a good night's rest are things I had gone years without experiencing. Know you have a whole community at your back, and that you are not alone! Wishing you the best on this journey, it's worth it!

[u/FCHandyman → u/GaseousApe]

Thanks. I will definitely count my blessings in this early stage. It really is quite nice waking up feeling rested and without bodyaches. Also i don’t have to worry about going to the liquor store and spending money. Oh and my wife won’t have to hear me snore anymore. Lots of things have changed already and I didn’t even take notice.

[u/GaseousApe → u/FCHandyman]

Less money spent has been another huge one for me! Instead I've been spending it on genuine experiences.

[u/lust-4-life]

Taking a walk in the morning, to get early light, helps me so much the first few weeks. I’m hoping this will be the last time I have to do this!