RE 135: Key Tips For Early Sobriety

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Paul reads posts from members of Café RE answering the question: “What are some things that helped you in early sobriety?

There are some emerging common themes from these responses. Change, you don’t have to change much, you just have to change everything. Accountability is the key, you can’t do this alone. Alcoholism is a thinking disease. You can’t think your way out of it. Knowledge is not power unless you use it.

Marybeth, with 8 months since her last drink, shares her story

SHOW NOTES

[8:40] Paul Introduces Marybeth. I’m 51; I live in southern New Hampshire. I am married with 4 children, 2 of which have special needs so that takes up some time. I like to visit with friends and family, downhill ski, and exercise.

[13:39] Paul- Tell us about your drinking habits, how much did you drink prior to November 26th, 2016?

Marybeth- I was a big red wine drinker. I did a sugar cleanse, and then I ended up sipping Tequila neat. Then I switched back to wine. I knew I would never be a morning drinker, or drink before 5:00. I typically had 2 glasses of wine a night for years.

[17:45] Paul- Was there a bottom moment, or were you sick and tired of being sick and tired?

Marybeth- I attribute my sobriety to an accident. I broke my ankle while I was walking and texting. It was difficult to be on crutches, and drink at the same time. I came upon the 30-day sober solution while I was in my cast.

[21:48] Paul- How important do you think accountability has been these past 8 months?

Marybeth- It’s been really great. I couldn’t handle my alcohol, and was passing out early. Now I can stay up late and have fun. I was asleep and numbing my self with alcohol. I was snared by it socially, and numbed by it unintentionally. I wasn’t seeking to numb anything.

[29:05] Paul- What does your sobriety portfolio consist of? Walk us through a typical day of sobriety.

Marybeth- I wake up everyday and meditate for 30 minutes. I use the headspace app. It is like exercising a muscle. I connect with friends, and do things, which interest me.

[30:16] Rapid Fire Round

What was your worst memory from drinking? I was separated from my husband, and got into a car. I put the car in drive instead of reverse and ran over the curb.
Did you ever have an “oh-shit” moment? When I broke my ankle. I had a bloody Mary on board when that happened.
What’s your plan moving forward? I am going to continue with meditation, my wellness, helping others, and reading books. Possibly attending an AA meeting.
What’s your favorite resource in recovery? The Recovery Elevator Podcast. I love listening in the car on the way to work.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received (on sobriety)? My dad was a recovering alcoholic. He would always say don’t sweat the small stuff.
What parting piece of guidance can you give listeners who are in recovery or thinking about quitting drinking? Just do it. You can always go back to drinking if sobriety doesn’t work for you.
You might an alcoholic if you are at a weight watcher meeting and all you are concerned about is if you have enough points left for wine at the end of the day.