Recently I joined a few Facebook groups that discuss alcoholism and sobriety as I look for different ways to connect with young alcoholics that are currently struggling. I must fully admit, I wasn’t prepared for the endless reminders that these two groups would so repeatedly provide.
One of the first posts that came up on my News Feed read something like “I need help and can’t stop”. Another spoke to how brutally hard making it through 48 hours was. There was a constant stream of posts from people crying out for help as they fight for every minute in their first few days of sobriety.
Now for someone like me that has been sober for 8.5 years, the struggle of making it through a day sober is effortless. I’m so comfortable (yet vigilant) in my recovery that I don’t give alcohol much of a thought in terms of my own use. I go to work, come home, eat, play guitar, go to the gym, meet a friend at a lounge, whatever it is, and never consider drinking. Even when I’m out in social venues I’m hardly phased by it. I travel and enjoy it more than I ever thought possible. I am eternally grateful to be at this stage where I can fully enjoy life and face its challenges with a clear mind, uncluttered from the chaos alcohol brings about.
However, as soon as I started reading these comments from people currently struggling, I was transported back to my own early days of sobriety. Back to the times when making it through one single day without a drink seemed like an impossible feat. I remember thinking then how it felt as though I was looking down a tunnel with no end in sight. In support groups I’d hear people saying they had fifteen, five, two years of sobriety. Six months, two months. And here was me at 18 hours. How would I ever make it to these astronomical numbers?
Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not taking away from anyone that is at ten hours, days, weeks or months of sobriety. Those early achievements and milestones are so important. I do empathize however with people in the early stages of sobriety that still question whether or not it’s worth it. The thought of drinking is such a “now” feeling and the thought of maintained sobriety seems like a “tomorrow” thought.
And I think that mentality is why so many people – myself included – struggle getting out of the gate. It’s easy to think two days into sobriety that you don’t have much to lose by relapsing; you can easily get those two days back next week. And to me that’s why it is so important to surround yourself with others who have sustained success. They can relate and can offer advice and insight on how to navigate those challenging early days.
As much of a reminder as it was reading about people’s struggles, I am so inspired by those people sharing their challenges online. And just as inspiring is seeing the great online support responding to those people in need. The positive comments, emotional reinforcement and people sharing their own recovery stories are such a pillar for those in need. It let’s others know that they aren’t alone in their struggles, which I know was important for me in my early stages of recovery.
Personally, I find it so humbling to read the reality of recovery first hand by those experiencing it. It’s a healthy reminder of just where I could be if I ever jeopardized my own sobriety. Thanks to the courage of others for sharing their story, I can always keep in mind where I once was and how I never want to be there again. To those people I offer my sincere thanks and I commend you for speaking out about your struggles. You are not alone friends.
I plan to join more online groups to hear how others are coping with sobriety. Let yourself live!
