My name's Tim and I'm single 34 and live in Melbourne Australia. Inspired by the Great Philosopher Homer I am attempting to go a month without drinking. Prior to this I would drink wine every day and also indulge in the occasional beer or six. I definately had a drinking problem. When i would go out and drive I would make sure i got right to the legal limit rather than just being content to have soft drink. And when I wasn't driving I'd write myself off, or at least try to.
It started to play in my mind because I felt I couldn't control myself.
My original threat was to do AA if i couldn't go a month without alcohol and like Homer the idea of never having another drink completely freaked me out.
Well today is day 15, and I must say its been a very empowering and liberating experience. After a few days in I decided to quit tobacco and marijuana as well.
I have to say I though alcohol would be the hardest but I got lucky. Very Lucky. Late on day 1 of my abstinence my girlfriend called to say she'd had enough and wanted out. We had been going out for 3 months but I'd grown very attached to her.
Usually after a breakup, I would drown myself in alcohol and dope under the false belief that it helped to ease the pain. However this time I thought if i didn't make it through 1 day without alcohol then i wouldn't be able to face myself in the morning.
When i woke up the next day I felt sad about being single, but excited about the fact I hadnt drowned my sorrows. That became a bit of a lesson for me. If i didn't need a drink after getting dumped then when did I really NEED a drink. The answer obviously is never. You never actually need a drink, and it doesn't help ease the pain. Some pain you need to feel anyway as it helps you to grow and become a stronger person.
In the past 15 days i've been to countless pubs, music shows, beer gardens etc and whilst at times the highs haven't quite felt as high(i love the experience of drinking quality wine with great food and wonderful friends), waking up with a clear head every day has felt fantastic. I felt i've lost a little but gained a lot, most importantly I have for the first time I can remember developed a real sense of self worth.
They say the road of excess leads to the path of virtue. I kept asking myself 'but where's the bloody turn off'. Well it was right in front of me. I just had to believe in myself enough to follow it.
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