Anniversary

One of the few personal milestones I mark on this site is the anniversary of my sobriety.

In ways it is much like a birthday. If so, I am seventeen years old today. Happy birthday to me?!

I am lucky that there is rarely any temptation, even around others when they are drinking with me in the room. I would say that I am only tempted a handful of times throughout the year, if that many. And, when those moments occur, I find plenty of reasons not to indulge. When I made the decision to go sober, I was pretty close to bottom. The elevator didn’t go down much further.

I can’t say I recommend following my path to sobriety, if you or someone you know is looking to dry out. My path could have killed me (cold turkey without supervision or a support network). My body rebelled, heartily and I was physically ill for the better part of six or more weeks while my body adjusted to a new reality. Pangs of illness for another six months as the cravings kicked in. I didn’t use AA or other support networks. I went solo.

It was pretty stupid all around.

Anyway. I post to remind myself of how far I’ve come since those days, not to get all preachy on folks. You do you. As they say it, I won’t “yuck your yum” if you drink, nor do I judge people on that metric.

I hope all of you are doing well on this Wednesday.


25 responses to “Anniversary”

  1. lyndhurstlaura Avatar

    Congratulations, Michael, and may it long continue. I wouldn’t beat yourself up about how you got sober though; we all find the path that suits us best, and I’d probably go the same route if it was me, stupid or not. I’ve never got on with support organisations; no Weight Watchers for me, when I want to lose weight, I do it the solo way. Ditto with exercise, no gym, I have the machines at home and do it there. A while back I had to cut down on some meds that I can’t do without, so went cold turkey for a month before getting back on them in the most minimal way possible. The withdrawal effects were pretty unpleasant, but worth the trouble. I’m sure the way you got sober was the way that you felt best, and here you are seventeen years later. All the best to you, my friend. Time for a celebratory coffee. 🙂

    1. michael raven Avatar

      I WAS pretty stupid though.

      Cold turkey is NOT the right way to go sober when you are putting away 15 pints of ale (sometimes more) and half a bottle of Jameson a day. I’m lucky I didn’t kill my fool self in choosing sobriety.

      I’m less beating myself up than warning folks that going sober without medical intervention at those levels is a good way to get the DTs and likely end up in a hospital.

      Thanks for the comments and well-wishing 💙

      1. lyndhurstlaura Avatar

        Good of you to put out the warning, and however you did it it’s good that you’re still here to do so. 🙂

  2. chrisnelson61 Avatar

    Congrats, Michael, if that’s the most suitable word. An endless struggle, I am aware, but good to know you are on top.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Less of a struggle than the first half decade. But it is still good to remind myself that it was a bad place when it was happening and probably better to have left behind.

      Thanks!

  3. steveforthedeaf Avatar

    I do drink. But I’ve lost friends who I wish hadn’t. And as daft as your home remedy may have been I am so pleased you’re still here to tell us all about it.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      I mostly miss the pub culture with the live Irish music. I’m not sure I miss much beyond that when I get to thinking about it.

      Now smokes… eesh. Keep those devil sticks away from me. I could easily get back into that habit if I was exposed to it too much. Thankfully, there is little opportunity with the local laws preventing smoking even in pubs. And everyone is quitting in my age group anyway.

  4. Bob Avatar

    Congratulations! That’s huge to overcome.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thanks Bob. I try not to harp on it too much. No one wants an alcoholic witnessing to a crowd. It’s kind of annoying, LOL.

  5. The Creative Chic Avatar

    What a huge accomplishment! Happy for you!

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thanks, Jennifer! 💕

  6. Sharon's Writers Tidbits Avatar

    Congratulations, Michael! Overcoming any addiction will only make you stronger!! 🤗👏

    1. michael raven Avatar

      And supports personal character development!

      Thanks, Sharon. 💙

  7. shredbobted Avatar

    Great job, Michael. Be true to yourself.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thanks. I can only continue to try. 🙂

  8. Stacey C. Johnson Avatar
    Stacey C. Johnson

    Cheering for you at this milestone, Michael.

    1. michael raven Avatar

      Thank you Stacey 💙

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