r/AlcoholFree

Good Evening(ish),

My name is Chris.

I was an alcoholic between the years of 2017 and 2024. Without getting all "Holier Than Thou", yes ultimately turning to God and having Faith is what eventually lead me to sobriety, but that isn't why I am here today.

A lot of other things contributed to that. The support and patience from my family and friends. Surprisingly one of the biggest contributors was falling in love with Tabletop Roleplaying Games like Dungeons and Dragons. I would create characters that had specific attributes related to my addiction and depression. Having those characters overcome those issues, actually helped me a lot.

That being said, October 19th will be my two year anniversary. I want to dedicate my life to help people who are suffering like I was suffering. Other than going back to school, another thing I wanted to do was start a ministry at my Church to help people.

I am hoping anyone here with the time, might be able to jump in here and share what has been working for you. Doesn't matter if you are recovered, on the journey to sobriety or in any stage in-between.

Anything that you all think might help others find salvation, please share, so I can utilize it in my ministry.

Thank you all so much for your time and help. All the best!

I stopped drinking alcohol six months ago after 40ish years of regular drinking and it feels amazing.

I never considered myself an alcoholic but rarely went a day without a drink. I was absolutely fed up with the consequences of regular consumption.

I was regularly sick in the morning and have suffered anxiety for many years.

Six months ago I had a serious operation (not alcohol) and spent ten days in hospital hence not being able to drink. When I came home all seemed different. I didn't feel like a drink and didn't just buy some out of habit which was the norm for me. I started to feel better and better every week and I liked it. I always thought that I was in control but obviously I was not. Now however, I was in control.

I have a good friend who stopped drinking about five years ago who told me he could help but 'you have to want to stop. Not for anyone else at first but solely for yourself. He also told me that alchol was my enemy whereas it used to be my medication.

My theory is that if alcohol is the enemy then DENIAL is it's biggest ally. How many years have I been saying "it's not the drink", "I've only had a couple", I'm in control ". The list goes on.

What I am trying to say is that until you kick DENIAL'S arse and take charge, admitting to yourself that alcohol is your boss you will never become the boss of it.

It has taken me many years to realise this and do something about it but I am now overjoyed that I have. I feel fantastic, no anxiety or negative feelings just optimism for the future.

I hope this makes some sense and might help somebody because believe me it is so worth it.

Since I’m sober, I’m wondering what others do to make the most of their summer… do you go to parties still? I restrict going into certain environments out of both aversion and protection. But this leads to alot of alone time for myself and removal of the socialization (and fun?) aspect.

I know there’s more to the puzzle than my newly formed sober mindset is thinking

Please discuss