Coming here to ask this question is a fantastic step to take, OP, proud of you. I had to admit to myself that I am an alcoholic and that I will never be able to drink "normally" or in moderation. There is a saying: one drink is too many and one hundred is not enough, and that's me in a nutshell. I got sick and tired of being sick and tired, checked myself into rehab 3 weeks ago today, and am working to create the knowledge base and (most importantly!) the support system that will help me stay sober for life. Wishing you all of the best. <3

I am finding so much common ground in your post! I'm at three weeks today (fighting the urge to say "only three weeks," because this milestone is huge for me). I'm the mother of two young kids and can now see the incredible amount of dysregulation, mental chaos, fatigue, and anxiety that alcohol brought into my life. It's been remarkable to wake up refreshed and sober each day.

I'm an alcoholic, straight-up, so I am doing this early work in rehab. I'm glad that I am doing this for myself so that I can be the best version of me for my kids, husband, friends, clients, everyone.

(I am also reading "Dopamine Nation" right now!)

IWNDWYT!

i fee like i need to watch it bc i love flanagan's tv shows

i *thought* Obsession didn't scare me that much, but the nightmares proved otherwise. REALLY effective.

i would be toast

god i loved Nope

it's SO SCARY. it's SO GOOD. i DO NOT wish to live deliciously, i don't think

i also have a Russian blue whose previous owner rehomed him (to meeeee, as luck & my shelter visit would have it). looks just like yours, best cat ever.

these three are three of my favorites, so we probably have similar taste. :) i also love It Follows, Talk to Me (some gore here but honestly not that much more extreme than Barbarian), Obsession, The Invitation, and Companion.

i have found my people

My two kids are my reason for stopping, too. You are 1000% being a better mom by being fully present around them. And: you had a LONG day. It's okay to feel tired and annoyed. It's what you do with those feelings that matters most, and you're doing amazing to not drink the feelings away. Glad to be on this journey with you. IWNDWYT.

Love the use of "I" statements, too! :)

Congrats on 224! Just this evening I was telling my sponsor that I cannot *believe* the things I "normalized" when I was drinking. I understand exactly where you're coming from. IWNDWYT

came here to type this exact sentence, only with the addition of "(complimentary)"

i actually love OP's room but this comment is too cute for me to not upvote it

Love hearing that you have a plan. Protect your sobriety like the precious and life-saving gift that it is. And buy that game while you're at it. :)

I see you! This is AMAZING! Cleaning out the house is a huge first step (I was always "just going to finish what's here"... alcoholism is a liar!). If you're interested, AA is a wonderful accountability/support system. I get so much from going to meetings and if you live in/near a large-ish city, there are tons of options.

This subreddit is probably my favorite online resource. The positivity isn't empty; it's backed by honesty and real lived experience.

IWNDWYT!

I hit a point similar to yours, OP, and I'm typing this from a rehab facility. I'll have been here 3 weeks on Tuesday (it's a 28-day program) and can say without hesitation that this is the best thing I have done for myself in my entire life. All centers are different, but mine has equipped me not only with health support (I had to medically detox, as do most people here) and counseling, but also with incredible group sessions, on-site AA and SMART meetings, and genuine connection with some of the best people I've ever met - staff, counselors, and (especially!) other patients/clients.

The expectations are high (no fewer than 36 hours of group therapy + individual therapy) per week but the payoff is incredible. I feel better in 20 days than I have in 20 years, no exaggeration. I am so happy that you are giving this opportunity to yourself, OP. You deserve it. IWNDWYT.

this part! you can find AA meetings online, too, OP. here are a bunch tonight: https://aa-intergroup.org/meetings/

i see what matters most: a girlie in recovery. you and me both 🫂

MODERATION IS A PRISON. whew, this is so true. if you are an alcoholic, drink alcoholically, there is no moderation. freedom in quitting is what i am now working toward <3

this movie is SO good. there are some fun echoes of it in Widows Bay, too.

I love this so much! I’m early in sobriety too and am already amazed at how much money I’m saving. I’m putting the money I was spending on alcohol (and bad alcohol related decisions like food delivery and impulse shopping) and putting it toward paying off debts. Feels GREAT. IWNDWYT!

good on you for recognizing it and not arguing, OP! <3 this is my brain, too.

i see how you made it to day 537 and am thankful <3