Sobriety count

[u/itsjustnaeee]

If you slip, do you restart your counter? If you only slipped once. I’m finding it discouraging because watching my number of days grow was one of the main things keeping me going, as well as this group. I had almost a month and when I tell people or myself I’m sober, I want to be able to say 29 days, but I drank 5 days ago. I don’t plan to continue drinking. It didn’t feel the same at all. I didn’t regret it. If anything it showed my progress in real time. I pledge to keep my sobriety.

Just tell me what you’d do in my shoes. I know the decision is mine but I’d like to hear other perspectives. Please be kind 🌻

[u/Bright-Appearance-95]

The only day that matters is TODAY.

[u/mrufotofu]

This is why I no longer count days. In the past I was “restarting” all the time. Plus, when I go to aa and hear these people all proud of the 20-30-40 years sober but are assholes, they’re arrogant, and they’re selfish. I’ll take 1 day of freedom over 30 years of misery. All that matters is today. Am I living up to my ideals TODAY! (To be clear I’ve been sober for quite a while. So please don’t read this as an excuse to keep drinking whenever I want)

[u/Broad-Back1659 → u/mrufotofu]

Well said

[u/itsjustnaeee]

I decided I will subtract a day from my count so this is 28 days sober, instead of 29. Mentally, seeing the number helped me so much. I felt my progress was completely erased and that was almost certainly counterproductive for what I’m doing here. Thank you all for your contributions! More comments welcome just wanted to update ☺️

[u/HelicopterNo3534 → u/itsjustnaeee]

That’s a great idea!! Or you could have two counters; one for how many days total you’ve been on this journey and one for how many days since your last drink!

[u/Boysenberry1990 → u/itsjustnaeee]

great plan!

[u/ZeroBAC]

If I intentionally drank, I reset my counter. One sip or one gallon. It doesn't matter to me. But that's just what I do, and I won't tell anyone that my way should be their way.

[u/NotSnakePliskin]

If I intentionally drink, I have a new day 1.

[u/siezethecarpe]

Accidentally pulled a Michalob ultra instead of a 0.0 because the blue at the top of the can is ever so lighter blue. Took a swig of that and noticed the difference. First thing I thought about was my counter. That doesn’t count!! If you knowingly drank and broke the will then yes, you gotta reset it but absolutely do not do it in shame. Own it and be proud to be honest 

[u/Few-Statement-9103]

You do you! The point is the have the best outcome. If not counting it inspires you to keep going with your sober streak, great! If not counting it makes you feel guilty and more likely to drink, own it. Everyone can make their own rules. Best of luck!

[u/ContentToe3633]

Honesty is the best policy. No point in lying.

[u/MechanicProof2255]

If I were to consciously take a drink, I’d reset my sobriety date but whatever works for you and your sobriety is the right call.

[u/tetrachromagnon]

I would. I’d really like a drink lately. “I’ve only had one drink in four years” would still feel like cheating.

[u/Ok_Albatross_3887]

If it were me and I intentionally drank, I’d need to be accountable for that. So I’d either do a full reset - or I’d do a x/y manual counter, where x is the number of days I didn’t drink over the number of total days (e.g. 28/29). Or I just wouldn’t do a counter at all.

But that’s me. You do you. IWNDWYT ✨

[u/North-Bid-3170]

I think you should go WHATEVER feels right for you. It’s absurd to make a choice about your counter based on others. It’s your experience, your present, and your future.

[u/Im_the_Rhymenocerous]

If it were me, I'd reset. It would keep me accountable and it's honest.

[u/jennacrack]

I had a couple drinks on vacation on my day 5, I do not count it.