nolasalt

"Boy, isn't this the truth. Most of my "friends" have stopped reaching out to me to do things since I don't drink anymore.

I'm 8 weeks without alcohol now. It was time. I drank nearly every day, but it could range from a single beer to almost a fifth of bourbon.

Here's what I've noticed:

- I'm not tired any more. I'm awake and alert all day long and don't have this feeling of being sleepy or tired during the day.

- I've lost weight. Not only am I losing weight since I'm not drinking those empty calories, but I'm also making better food choices.

- My skin is clearer. My face isn't as puffy. My girlfriend keeps commenting that I look healthier.

- No more hangovers. Even though I thought I wasn't hungover, I was a little hungover. It feels good to not have something holding me back.

Looking back, alcohol definitely played a part in the way my marriage ended. It wasn't everything, but it certainly made things worse/harder. And I was about to lose the best relationship I've ever had due to alcohol. My kids (both grown, no pics) are happy about it and wish I had quit sooner. So do I.

Do I miss alcohol? Yes and no. I don't miss the effects, but I do miss the taste of a good Old Fashioned or hoppy double IPA. I miss that more than I do the buzz. But I know that I can't go back. Ever. Could I have a drink and be OK? Yes. But I never know when that drink will turn into 10 drinks, and I can't ever go back to being that person. So that means I will always need to be at 0 drinks."



This! January 15 will be 4 years sober. I'm 54 and in the best shape physically, mentally, and spiritually of my life. I can't change my past, but I definitely changed my future.