spookysprout
199580
4270
531
About 4 years ago before I turned 21
In great shape, I biked. A lot.
This is right after I started tending bar and began to drink pretty much every night.
I used to draw all the time, but since I started drinking I've felt creatively stunted.
Taken this summer in Philadelphia for the dnc. Road tripped with my sister, I've gained about 60 lbs in the last 2-3 years since drinking heavily.
2 years ago on Halloween, I don't remember anything about this night. I've unfortunately become a black out drinker.
Visiting home, in Colorado. Was only sober during the day.
Recent trip to Louisiana, was pretty much drunk the entire time. I have tried to stop drinking multiple times before but this feels real, my anxiety and depression become unbearable once I blackout and it's terrifying. My goal for 2017 is to work on my sobriety and focus on being healthy again.
Cat tax. Just wanted to chronicle my journey.
SmallTownBigAdventure
Recognizing the problem is good, you gotta clean house. My last drink was Christmas day ... 1994. You can do it.
stuffandthing
I go through this quite a bit. It help to have a routine and stick to it
Rareearthmetal
Same exact thing for me. I was an actor and i would bike a lot now i just black out every night. 4 days sober. Good luck op!
TheAllFatherOdin
Good luck on your journey. It wont be easy but dont be afraid to ask for help. I was too proud to ask for help & it almost killed me
TheAllFatherOdin
I finally got help and ive been 7 years sober and i feel great. Its the most wonderful thing ever.
BigChunkyBubbles
I don't know how to stop. Good luck, OP.
hypotenoose
I was there. Ask for help.
Movingchild
I say to you what helps me from time to time with anxiety and depression. "These mountains you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb
northwestroots
Thank you.
MidnightBlue7
Good luck, try working out, it helps some people and has also made me happier.
KharnApproves
In the same boat as you. Shit is hard. Keep it up friend.
zombiesphere
You inspire me. I'm 3 weeks sober .no drinks no drugs.thank you
Jeffsg1
I'll been quite a year on the 28th
cat tax feel free to hit me up
Crowbarmaster
I run a bar to and its totally becoming a bit of a problem for me. I just cant think of a good reason to stop.
hypotenoose
My big reasons were the memory loss, crippling anxiety and depression. 128 days sober and I feel great.
Crowbarmaster
I think i have been like this for so long i can't remember what its like to not have crippling depression. Boo me!
DonnyShutTheFu6kUp
Going down the same myself. Im dealing with the weight also. It's starting to effect my relationships. They don't see it but tired daily
DonnyShutTheFu6kUp
Reach out if you want to keep each other posted as we go through the same together
NotThatOneTheOtherOne
Whenever people argue for legalization of marijuana by saying it is "no more harmful than alcohol" I get a tiny cramp in my forehead.
THEfreshestbrew
It depends on usage. If you smoke constantly then yes, it's gonna fuck you up. But a hit or 2 a day can be beneficial
thor0486
pretty sure marijuana can help reduce bad drinking habits. once you're an addict you get insomnia without alcohol, you know what fixes that?
ILikeCuteGifsAndICannotLie
Or you let people make their own choices. Just because some people can't handle it shouldn't mean it needs to be illegal. I smoke daily and
ILikeCuteGifsAndICannotLie
am very successful. Individual experience with vary.
InternationalPhoneticAlphabet
so what you're saying is "make alcohol illegal"? iirc it was universally agreed on that that one was a really bad idea.
NotThatOneTheOtherOne
No, what was agreed upon was that it was too difficult to enforce, much like the current "war on drugs", but it was a *great* idea.
slurmlover
It's because locking people up for an individual social problem is counterproductive.
PedroKlintos
Why marijuana ruins lives as well. One of my old friend can't even remember basic math anymore
NotThatOneTheOtherOne
That's what I mean: people think of alcohol as harmless, and it's not; and then they equate marijuana *and* alcohol with entertainment.
PedroKlintos
Ahh interpreted it as marijuana is just perfect alkohol is the worst. Sorry I agree with you :)
OdeToBouncer
You'll know you're ready to quit when you're willing to go listen and talk to people who already have. I wish you the best.
lddiaz
Wise words. Never heard that before. Awesome.
littlemorte
Maybe it helps to hang out with friends that don't drink? Goo luck @op, you can do it
muntalunt
I'm 26 and recently accepted I can never drink again. Hope it works out for you
Contundo
That's tough. You used to drink a lot?
muntalunt
Not frequently but when I started there was no stopping for a few days. Risky behaviours as well
starnostar
Been working at a liquor store for 7 years. It's amazing how quickly partying on the weekends can turn into a lifelong battle with addiction
ceramicks
Created an account just to reply to you. Fellow nightly blackout drinker here. Sober for over six years now. Message me if you need to talk.
Arsikere
6 years sober here. putting it off is just extending it until you put it off again.
hypotenoose
Do you go to meetings?
ellavator
I gained a lot of weight when I was drinking every day. Once I stopped drinking all the weight fell off without even exercising. The hardest
ellavator
part about being sober is getting used to doing things sober and realizing you can have fun without drinking. I used to have cravings and
ellavator
missed drinking but thinking about drinking as a bad break up you can mourn the loss of it and move on. Find someone who doesn't drink
ellavator
who you can depend on for those days you have cravings. My fiance has helped me so much with my sobriety and I've been sober 208 days now.
iLuvPorn
Im alcoholic too, this is officially my 3 year being drunk all day or most of it. I going to put all my afford to star a good year wishuluck
reiseri
holy shit are you me ? im also about 3 years now drunk almost everyday and the mornings are the WORST. alcohol is a fucking curse
iLuvPorn
The worst part is when i get really wasted i woke up at night and do things that i don't remember, the last time i kicked my uncle's door
iLuvPorn
Just to says "I'm sleepy" and then fall in their bed, at last i was using my underwear
catsfive
Hellooooo—CONGRATS. I'm on Day 12 and it SUUUUUCKS. BUT. Me no stopping. YOU GO.
hypotenoose
I literally became agoraphobic after I quit drink until about the 90 day mark. Now I'm feeling pretty good and can work again. Keep it up!
IntergalacticCheeseSandwich
Stop drinking, but don't lose that body. DAYUM gurrl!
Goofychems
^ Relevant username
lGneousMlracIe
That body was pre drinking. Did you read the post?
APerfidiousDane
Did you just assume which body? Triiiiiigggeerrreeedddd.
Silverfox1974
Yeah she looks much sexier now.
IntergalacticCheeseSandwich
I was talking about the last one, excluding the cats. You know, where it said "Recent trip". Did YOU read the post?
SalsaCat
I like both, prefer the last
lGneousMlracIe
Oh, you meant /that/ body. I suppose we all have different tastes.
ZaphodBbx
If step #1 is recognizing that you have a problem, I think you've made it at least that far. Be strong OP.
Arsikere
that's only one of many, though. as a recovering alcoholic, i've met many that use that as an excuse- but you're correct, ultimately :)
DoctorFromTheDarkestAlley
Step 3: Profit
NateNuss
I'm going thru the same exact thing. I've been trying to stop drinking for the last 6 months. We'll get there I promise!!! Stay strong!!
DirkBoogagoo
That's quitter talk. Go big. Or go home.
northwestroots
Grow up.
DirkBoogagoo
Grow a pair.
Barnboy2
Step #1 is admitting that I have a problem, us alcoholics recognize the problem way before we acknowledge it.
babyt00th
I wish you luck where my step mom has failed many times... good job @OP
MarkWhoGivesaFukFrom93Tv
+1 for username. So long, and thanks for all the fish.
BananaForBreakfast
spookysprout
Thank you everyone I wasn't really expecting this kind of support. It's amazing how much reaching out makes it less scary.
KarlaAnne
Stay strong & find your balance. You're so young; life can be so much better! We love you, keep us posted.
hometowncold
Okay I want to preface this with being super sorry if it's insensitive, but I must know, what's the glowy drink?
spookysprout
It's called a resurrection. Super good.
hometowncold
Haha thanks. Didn't want to be a dick about it. So why does it glow? Extra poisonous booze? Lol.
spookysprout
No the cup just has a light in it lol
hometowncold
I am... not a smart man... lmao. I had my mind wrapped around that shit for days.
pelusita35
You look really good physically!! You're beautiful! Quit for you, but know others will be grateful you did/ mom of an alcoholic here
Morpheous
From 2009-2012 i lived in Japan, i drank away so many memories that i can't even remember what it was like. That made me quit.
iLoveItWhenMyFingersSmellLikePussy
I gained 100+ pounds cos of booze. I really need to quit before I develop serious health issues. Message me if you feel like talking.
Contundo
So much for stalking quietly in the shadows like a happy ghost
spookysprout
I know
NotABadLookingNarcissist
I'm currently battling a drug addiction myself. I beat nicotine, I can beat this. You can beat it too. Stay strong girl.
NotABadLookingNarcissist
Also you look great in every pic, even/especially the last one ;)
WhiskeyBottle
Exercise helps with depression. A lot. Even though I know that's the last thing you feel like doing when you're depressed.
Zahnradfee
I personally always hated sports or at least found it too exhausting, so it never worked for me. But gardening works great. Can recommend.
carmmm
Try yoga, its great for the body and mind. Stay strong OP!
MrSniffles
If you peeps live in Las Vegas I'll go bike/hike with you!
Flyndaran
I despise exercise and only started heavily due to diabetes. But it's had a massive effect on my anxiety.
Mr107
I need to start exercising again.
MarvaNipp
This is so true. Exercising literally changes the chemistry in your brain. It is the best prescription out there.
AreThoseMyPants
Was gonna say; it's not the exercise, but the endorphins and the improved quality of sleep. Those can be tackled in other ways as well.
MarvaNipp
I'm not 100% sure what you mean. Are you saying you can get the same exact benefits from other methods? Because I'm quite sure you can't!
AreThoseMyPants
Plenty of ways to improve sleep, plenty of ways to boost one's endorphin levels. Exercise is great as it improves both.
tflorio19500
I'm a recovering alcoholic. Sober 7 years. I used to be depressed as well until I realized alcohol is a depressant and brought the pain. 1/2
tflorio19500
You can do this. There's lots of others out there waiting a willing to help you through to sobriety.
TheGrumpest
I'm not a doctor but i think it especially hits hard if you used to exercize a lot and then stop.
WhiskeyBottle
I have noticed this from personal experience.
TrixieH0bbitses
Always listen to WhiskeyBottle.
RabbiRothschildren
Is this considered irony?
slurmlover
Pro tip, quit now instead of New Year's Day. It's easier when it's not a resolution. Reach out if you'd like; I've been there.
GreenAce92
he's got plenty of slurm, sorry don't know your gender, Futurama reference perhaps
NotTheRealNPH
Yeah good luck quitting drinking 10 days before the biggest drinking holiday of the year.
TrumpRapesChildren
Quit now and use New Year as a goal. Clean til then means you can start the new year already making strides towards a new you!
SadToSay
I think Thanksgiving actually has more drinking. It has more drunk driving.
GetOffMyLawnYa
New Years Eve is Amateur hour. Alkies like me drink every fucking day.
slurmlover
I mean maybe. It's just gonna be back around soon anyways. Plus randomly quitting without some huge planned "final day" is way smarter.
slurmlover
This is just my opinion. People should do whatever works for them. May need to try several things before it clicks.
gtawGeezus
I realize it's but a few days away, but don't wait until 2017 like it's a resolution. Start now. Stay strong.
Flyndaran
It's like the most common day to start diets is... tomorrow.
gerontophilia
There will only be another reason to put it off after new years eve. I know this because I always find one.
AmArschdieRaeuber
Quitting alcohol cold turkey is very dangerous and can be deadly. You have to stay in hospital for a few days if you want to stop using
thereneedstobeimguranonymous
Bratzig is right. My sister-in-law died from alcohol withdrawal. We all thought it was alcohol poisoning until it came up in the autopsy 1/2
thereneedstobeimguranonymous
autopsy/tox screen, turned out she'd secretly attempted stay sober. She hadn't had a drink in at least 48 hours, apparently.
gtawGeezus
I detoxed off booze and painkillers on my couch. I don't recommend it unless have someone there with you with 911 on speed dial. Depends 1/2
gtawGeezus
2/2 on how much you actually consume.
TypoInEveryComment
Maybe waiting for 2017 can be good in this case. She can just lower the mass of alcohol. Think about it and mentally prepare for it. (MyExp)
thundercactus
The best time to stop is right now. Preparing to rip off a bandaid never makes it any better. Sometimes makes it worse =)
commanderlooney101
You both have good points, depends on how much is currently being drank.
Fishworshipper
Ripping off a bandaid probably wont kill you though.
imheretofuckspiders
Being ready yourself mentally is the only real way to quit. You cant do it if you dont decide yourself that its time, no one can force it.
WhereDeyAtDoe
Well if you rely on such tactics do not wonder if it doesn't work out. Pretty weak approach, like smokers that want to prepare for quitting
TypoInEveryComment
I quit smoking like that. BITCH! :p
OtherPeoplesNamesGetMePoints
With alcohol you need to slow down a portion at a time. Otherwise the detox could kill you. Of course, this depends on your starting point.
ThySausagePrince
Cold turkey works a fuck ton better for smoking than it does alcohol. I didn't feel like I was dying after a few days without nicotine.
CherryEmpress
Worked for me. Decided months in advance to quit at the end of the year, and I did. Helped to have that time to get used to the idea.
WhereDeyAtDoe
Then you are an exception, normally this just fuels the "one more excuse", and those people who do that never stop
TypoInEveryComment
No it's more like the slowly decreasing the amount and faxing like a test period before you have your date where you have to be consistent
CherryEmpress
Different things can work for different people.