Quick question

[madonmehndi]

Hi, I am on day 8 today and read something recently about counting sober days not being a good idea as it is irrelevant how long you have been sober as long as you still are - just wondered how everyone feels about that? Is it a good idea or not?

[starty]

For me it really helps. It gives me small goals to aim for and a sense of achievement looking back. Each person is different though. Like all things it depends what works for you

[JackieClaire]

Hi, I am on day 8 today and read something recently about counting sober days not being a good idea as it is irrelevant how long you have been sober as long as you still are - just wondered how everyone feels about that? Is it a good idea or not?

If I'm honest I just love numbers. I have favourite numbers, numbers I don't like...........in fact not quite OCD but they fascinate me and I haven't got a Maths qualification to my name but I'm very good at sums

Someone asked me a while back how long I'd been AF.............the Sober Sunday thread's been here since before me. Anyway I found this calculator Date Duration Calculator: Days between two dates and as I'll never forget the day I stopped drinking typed the numbers in..............I still remember being gob smacked..........I had 74 days..........why that sticks in my mind I'll never know.

Its bit like a baby..........first we count them in days, then weeks, months and years............my son is now 28 but I doubt I'd ever tell anyone he's 336 months old.

That was a right old bit of waffling..........but it helped me. It helped a lot.

Have fun with the calculator.........see how many seconds or minutes you've got. Watch you're numbers growing...........its a bit like a savings account.

Oh and :goodjob: on those 8 days.

[Justme Again]

I like the counting too. It helps with recovery milestones and gives you an idea of what to expect.

First week withdrawals,
Pink cloud phase,
8 weeks - fatty liver recovered,
3 months - no al traces in hair anymore,
6-9 month blues,
18 months normal brain function returns,
5 years rarely relapse...

There are more, but these are the important ones to me.

[abcowboy]

I personally don't count days, I have an app on my phone that tracks my days but I very seldom look at it. I think it's an individual preference, and like anything else in recovery, if it works for you, then do it...

[Byrdlady]

Im a counter, also. In my former job, I used to say "You cant manage what you cant measure". I think it applies here, too. Gives me a sense of accomplishment. Byrdie

[Guitarista]

I'm on day 93, but i've never been one for counting.

[madonmehndi]

I like the counting too. It helps with recovery milestones and gives you an idea of what to expect.

First week withdrawals,
Pink cloud phase,
8 weeks - fatty liver recovered,
3 months - no al traces in hair anymore,
6-9 month blues,
18 months normal brain function returns,
5 years rarely relapse...

There are more, but these are the important ones to me.

No traces in your hair? Yikes i never knew it would be in my hair???

[satz123]

In the beginning I didn't count - didn't see the point. If I'm sober I'm sober - counting was like there was an end.
As time went on I became so proud when I counted - and usually shocked when I saw the date I started move further & further away.

But I still think it'll be crazy to be still counting say in 20 years time ...... I hope to be cured by then :haha:

[satz123]

No traces in your hair? Yikes i never knew it would be in my hair???

Dunno - would like to know too

[JackieClaire]

Dunno - would like to know too

How long have you got...........this is about the only thing I can find on line that isn't an advert..........

AbuseCheck™ FAEE EtG Hair Alcohol Abuse Testing (HAT)

Edit: Sorry there is a phone number but the facts are there.

[NoraC]

I never stuck with counting before last year. I started being faithful about roll call. It really helped me. A couple of months ago I got out of the habit of posting in roll call each morning. But, I'm back to doing that just because it reminds me of what I could lose. Plus the fact that it makes me feel happy.

This is another link - not as thorough as JC's though EtG Hair Alcohol Testing

[mario]

For me, I find counting my sobriety days as another positive tool to help me move forward, I am sometimes reminded of & never forget my drunken/embarrassing times, So I reward myself with counting my free sobriety days in apostive way, it works for me.

[Justme Again]

Hi there!

Yes, if you stand a chance to loose you job... you research everything!
In case you have to be tested at work.

Al in urine and blood leaves quickly, but the real test is 3cm of hair close to your scalp. Al gets deposited in your hair and the amount of al tells how heavily you abuse it.

Al affects every cell in the body!!

[Nursie]

I personally don't count days, I have an app on my phone that tracks my days but I very seldom look at it. I think it's an individual preference, and like anything else in recovery, if it works for you, then do it...

Which app do you use cowboy?
I used to have a fantastic app but it is not around anymore.
I am using a different app now but it's not as cool lol

I like to count days in the beginning but I also just keep track of the date and then I know how long it's been.
Hope you are doing well!