20 Days Sober: Starting to feel confidence in my recovery

You never change. You always promise to stop drinking. I can’t believe your promises anymore.

That’s what a friend told me last month. I had just ruined her valentine’s day, said some really terrible things, then woke up the next day full of apologies. That much I remember, the rest is a total blackout. She had good reasons to doubt me, as much as I didn’t want to admit it.

She was right.

Like everyone who battles addiction I am really good at “starting over.”  Then a few hours later I’m back into my old patterns. It’s easy to quit drinking at least once a day, everyone needs to sleep. It’s just the next morning I’m ready to pick up where I left off.

At 20 days of sobriety I’m starting to believe in myself again – to believe this recovery journey is possible. Alcohol had stolen my ability to self determine. One day at a time I’m feeling in control again. Yesterday I was turning down beer zero temptation. The withdrawal symptoms are winding down. My confidence is growing as I check off each 24 hours.

This is really happening. Change is possible.

I’m like the prisoner who has cleared the fence and made it into the woods. I’m looking back to see if anyone noticed my escape. Today the coast is clear.

I’m moving forward, freedom is here.

Update at 40 Day Sobriety

It’s been another 20 days sober and my confidence has never been stronger. I’ve gone through some bad days, but only once was close to alcohol relapse. I’ve started working the AA twelve step program and still depend on the easy way to quit drinking almost every day.

If you are new to recovery, please keep moving forward. The rewards get better with every new milestone. Alcohol will make nothing better – it only brings more trouble.

Today is the day for your escape.